Monthly Archives: May 2013

Burj Al Arab ipad

Dubai hotel to provide guests with gold iPad

Burj Al Arab gold ipad

Guests staying at the iconic, sail-shaped luxury hotel the Burj Al Arab in Dubai are being given 24-carat gold-plated iPads which will serve as their personal virtual concierge for the duration of their stay.

It’s the latest in lavish and — and some might say over-the-top —  hotel perks being launched out of luxury chains looking to raise the bar and seduce the richest and glitziest hotel guests to walk through their lobby doors.

Every in-house guest is being equipped with the loan of a gold-plated iPad which they can use to access guest services, restaurant and spa menus, private dining, butler and housekeeping services.

The gold edition is the second installment in Burj Al Arab’s virtual concierge service. Last October, the hotel premiered 24-carat pink gold iPads in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The gold iPad, created by The Gold & Co. London and embossed with the hotel logo, will also be available for purchase at the Burj Al Arab’s boutique shop for a cool 37,490 AED or €7,930.

Other gold-plated products available include the iPad mini, iPhone 5 and the Blackberry Q10.

Rome Cavalieri hotel

Luxury hotel Rome Cavalieri celebrates 50th anniversary

Rome Cavalieri hotel

This iconic Cavalieri hotel in the Eternal City is celebrating its golden jubilee in a number of different ways.

One of which is the chance to discover this top address for only €50 a night…a deal which goes to the 50th person to book a room any given week.

Starting now and running into August, those who happen to be lucky enough to make a reservation at just the right time will pay just €50 for the night’s stay — even for a Deluxe Room or the Penthouse Suite with its rooftop terrace.

A photo exhibit on the history of the hotel will also be held to fête the big year. Another exhibit shows stills of movie scenes that were shot right there at the hotel on Monte Mario hill.

Also to mark the occasion, the award-winning hotel spa has come up with a special “wellness” package.

The Rome Cavalieri, which opened in 1963, is owned by the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts group. It is one of the most luxurious hotels in Rome, boasting an impressive art collection and a plentiful wine cellar with 53,000 bottles.

Rome’s only three-star restaurant is also right inside the hotel. Dinner at La Pergola costs between €125 and €183. For information and reservations: Romecavalieri.com

patek philippe 5004T

Patek Philippe Ref 5004T for Only Watch 2013

patek philippe 5004T

For the Only Watch 2013 charity auction, Patek Philippe has produced a one-of-a-kind version of the discontinued ref. 5004 in titanium called the 5004T.

The Patek Philippe Ref 5004 is a split-seconds chronograph + perpetual calendar; it was produced for about six years, until being replaced by the Patek Ref 5204 in 2011.

Not only is it the fourth Patek in titanium, ever to be made, it is also a ref. 5004 that is not in the current collection anymore, so it might be considered a last chance for collectors to buy this desirable timepiece.

Aside from the chrono and perpetual calendar displays, the dial on the watch is quite interesting — made of solid gold, it is engraved to look like carbon-fiber. Similarly is the strap, actually made of calf skin, it is embossd to resemble carbon fiber.

The watch is powered by the Patek Caliber CHR 27-70 Q which is based on the Lemania 2310 caliber.

The biennial.“Only Watch” charity watch auction, to be held in Monaco on September 28, will donate all its .proceeds to research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Alexander Mcqueen store

Alexander McQueen unveils new website

Alexander Mcqueen store

A new website unveiled this week by Alexander McQueen features expanded e-commerce and “a more cohesive vision.”

Alexander McQueen and the diffusion label McQ will expand shipping to nearly 100 countries. This means the London-based fashion label will now reach Australia, new countries in Asia, the UAE, Russia, South, Central and North America as well as additional markets in Europe. Until now delivery was available in 30 countries.

The new version is also exciting for non-English speakers who can now browse the site in French, German, Italian and Japanese. And there are more goodies for fans of the brand, including a new ‘Experience’ section of the website which offers archive runway shots and videos, lookbook images and advertising campaigns.

Last month fellow luxury house Victoria Beckham relaunched its site with more e-commerce options and a dedicated brand space with shareable social content.

Game of Thrones watch Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin creates Game of Thrones watch

Game of Thrones watch Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin is teaming up with HBO Global Licensing to create a signature men’s timepiece specifically for the critically-acclaimed drama Game of Thrones.

The Emmy winning series from HBO follows several powerful families who are struggling for the Iron Throne and control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

This watch will draw inspiration from the Night’s Watch and will be available just before the show’s third season finale in June.

The Night’s Watch, a military order dressed only in black, is dedicated to holding The Wall, an ice fortress that protects the Seven Kingdoms from the dangers of the North.

The sporty Night’s Watch marine diver, is monochromatic in rich black with elements of red, which is said to represent the serious feel of the sacred order.

Its 45.8 mm diameter case is made from stainless steel, coated with matte black rubber and finished with an exposed, sapphire glass case back engraved with the Game of Thrones logo.

The watch is inscribed on the strap with the phrases “The Night’s Watch” and “I am the Sword in the Darkness”.

Only 25 pieces of this watch will be created with a selling price of US$10,500.

Via watchpro

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept Car

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept Car

British car maker Aston Martin celebrates its 100th anniversary with the Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept sports car.

It pays homage to AM’s 1959 Le Mans and Nurburgring-winning DBR1, perhaps the automaker’s greatest sport triumph on the track, as well as hinting at future design direction.

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept Car

The body and interior are crafted entirely from carbon fibre, designed and constructed in less than six months at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon.

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept Car

The car borrows the open-top “speedster” body style from the DBR1. But it dispenses with the windshield and adds huge cutouts in the so-called “swan wing” doors, which open at an upward angle and are a hallmark of modern Aston Martins.

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept Car

The Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept car uses a version of the company’s potent 6-liter V12 engine and a six-speed automated manual transmission.

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept Car

The new car is claimed to have a limited top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) while being capable of reaching 62 mph (100 km/h) in just over 4.0 seconds.

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept Car

Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s CEO, drove the CC100 in a surprise debut at the Nurburgring, making a parade lap around the German track before the start of an annual 24-hour endurance race that kicked off yesterday.

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept Car

Chopard store Cannes

Chopard Jewelry Stolen At Cannes

Chopard store Cannes

On Friday afternoon, news broke that official Cannes sponsor Chopard had been rocked by a robbery — $1,4 million worth of Chopard jewels were stolen from a hotel.

The robbery took place on friday in the hotel room of an American woman employee of Swiss bijoutier Chopard as she was out for the evening, police said. A strongbox containing jewels was ripped out of the wardrobe and carried off, they said.

Chopard said the jewels weren’t part of the collection to be worn by actresses at the festival, and that the value of the stolen pieces was “far lower than those in the figures circulating in the media.”

The heist occurred before 5:00 am (0300 GMT) at the Novotel hotel, which is located about 15 minutes from the festival venue, police said.

Chopard is one of the official sponsors of the festival, and one of its stores, complete with its own red carpet, lies on the palm-fringed beachfront, just opposite the venue.

The jeweller redesigned the Palme d’Or trophy and each year lends out jewellery to stars for their walk up the red-carpeted steps at the Palais des Festivals.

The photo-calls are hugely valuable to makers of gowns and jewellery, providing media exposure around the world.

An official linked to the festival said the top award, the Golden Palm, was safe.

The Palme d’Or features 118 grammes (four ounces) of yellow gold, with a value of more than 20,000 euros ($26,000), set in a base of rock crystal.

The Palme dOr by Chopard

Jiro On sushi

Japan gets another three-Michelin-star restaurant

Jiro On sushi

Michelin inspectors have awarded Hiroshima the city’s first three-star restaurant in the inaugural issue for the region, which now expands the brand’s coverage of Japan’s culinary landscape from three guides to four.

Nakashima restaurant, which serves traditional Japanese dishes using seasonal ingredients, puts the overall tally of triple Michelin-star restaurants in Japan at 37.

The inaugural Hiroshima guide expands Michelin’s coverage of Japan’s food scene, which covers Tokyo, Yokohama, Shonan; Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara; and Hokkaido.

The latest guide out of Japan also recognized regional Hiroshima cooking styles and specialties for the first time, including anago (saltwater eel), okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes), and dishes made with oysters, says Michelin.

In addition to inducting Nakashima into the exclusive three-star club, inspectors awarded five restaurants with two stars and 24 restaurants with their first star.

The 2013 Hiroshima guide also lists 49 Bib Gourmand restaurants, defined as being excellent value for money. Bib Gourmand eateries offer a complete menu for no more than 3,500 Yen (€27).

Foods represented in the Hiroshima guide include Japanese curry, ramen, udon, yakiniku (grilled meats), yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese foods), while cuisines range from Thai, Italian, French and Spanish fare.

Michelin guide Hiroshima 2013

L Oreal Paris Nail Bar Cannes

L’Oréal Paris to set up Eye & Nail Bar at Cannes

L Oreal Paris Nail Bar Cannes

L’Oréal Paris, the official makeup artists for the Cannes Film Festival, will be setting up an Eye & Nail Bar for festivalgoers inside the Hôtel Martinez during the event .

The L’Oréal Eye & Nail Bar is a must at this year’s Cannes Festival. Women can opt for an artistic manicure — the latest trend — and titivate their peepers as though they were the guests of honor at this year’s event.

L’Oréal Paris’s latest innovations will be showcased here, especially the Ongles-à-Porter, inspired by backstage nailwear at fashion shows and designed by leading manicurist Tom Bachik.

You can choose from among 50-odd shades of the Color Riche Le Vernis line as well as 2D and 3D stickers from the new Color Riche Le Nail Art line.

The windows to the soul will also be limelighted here with “butterfly eyes,” another make-up trend this summer. Feel free to test various false lashes and eyeliners from the brand’s Mascara Faux Cils Papillon and Super Liner Silkissime lines for the kind of eyes that ought to be in pictures.

This “beauty capsule” in the lobby of the Hotel Martinez will be open to the public from May 15-26.

Hotel Martinez Cannes

Cannes Film Festival: Hotel rates skyrocket by 500%

Hotel Martinez Cannes

During the annual film fest (running May 15-26) hotels in Cannes hike up their usual rates by 178 percent on average, according to French tourist site Allovoyages.fr.

This year guests will have to shell out on average between €200 and €250 a night for a room in central Cannes.

And some hotels have no qualms about bumping up the bill to dizzying heights. One of the most impressive rate hikes is at the Hotel Cézanne.

The off-season rate for a night at this 4-star location with spa is €154. During the festival, an overnight stay skyrockets to €1,014, in other words a 558 percent markup.

The Villa Tosca, less than a five-minute walk from the Croisette, pumps its prices up by similar proportions during the annual event. On average, festival-goers will have to fork out €470 to sleep there, i.e., 535 percent more than its usual rates.

For festival-goers looking to keep overnight expenses down, bear in mind that hotel rates in Cannes are lower on the last weekend of the festival than at the start.

Or simply spend the night in one of the neighboring towns, like Juan-les-Pins, where a room in a 3-star hotel averages only €100 during the festival.

Tim Cook CEO of Apple

Coffee with Apple chief: $610,000

Apple CEO Tim Cook

An anonymous bidder paid $610,000 in a charity auction for coffee date with Apple chief Tim Cook, the organizers said Wednesday.

The Tim Cook auction tied the record for highest winning bid at charity auction site Charitybuzz, according to a statement from the group and its partner, The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights.

The bid tied a record set by a 2013 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster auctioned in March 2013 for $610,000, the statement said.

“We’re truly amazed by the results of Tim Cook’s remarkable donation,” said Coppy Holzman, Charitybuzz chief executive and founder.

“Sincere thanks goes out to Charitybuzz’s community of socially conscious bidders here in the US and overseas… we are thrilled to have amassed more than $1 million this spring for the RFK Center’s powerful work.”

The coffee chat with Cook was limited to two guests, who would be subject to security screening and be responsible for their own travel and accommodations.

Flawless clarity diamond

Harry Winston buys $26.7mn diamond at auction

Flawless clarity diamond

Prestigious jeweller Harry Winston, which was acquired earlier this year by Swatch Group, bought a new colourless, flawless 101.73-carat diamond for a record $26.7 million at an auction in Geneva on Wednesday, auction house Christie’s said.

As the first ever buyer of the new diamond, Harry Winston had the priviledge of naming it and had decided to call it “Harry Legacy.”

This is the diamond dealer’s first major purchase since it was snapped up by the world’s leading watchmaker for $1.0 billion in March.

The American Institute of Gemology has handed the Harry Legacy the top colourless grade “D” and the best clarity grade, “flawless”, which is characterised by its “absolute symmetry”, according to Christies.

The diamond, sold at the auction by a diamond merchant, was 236 carats in the rough when it was extracted from the Jwaneng mine in Botswana, before it was meticulously sculpted for 21 months, Christie’s said.

Wednesday’s sale marked the highest price ever paid for a flawless colourless diamond at auction, although Christie’s had hoped the new diamond — the largest of its kind to ever go under the hammer — would rake in $30 million.

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, which is in the same D-colour category but weighs in at only 33.19 carats, was meanwhile sold for $8.8 million on auction in New York in December 2011.

D color diamond

Freja Beha for Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent Paris Pre-Fall 2013 Campaign

Freja Beha for Saint Laurent

After Edie Campbell and Julia Nobis, it’s Danish model Freja Beha’s turn to pose for Saint Laurent’s next ad campaign, once again designed and shot by Hedi Slimane.

Hedi Slimane had his heart set on the Danish top model for Saint Laurent’s latest campaign. The striking young Scandinavian is now posing for black-and-white photos shot by the French fashion house’s artistic director.

For the purposes of this shoot, Freja Beha is wearing leather pants with a polka-dotted shirt, along with a more mannishly-cut suit that fits her androgynous figure to a T. The picture calls to mind a previous campaign featuring Saskia de Brauw, likewise shot by Hedi Slimane, dressed as a boy to present Saint Laurent’s menswear line.

The top model also displays a series of accessories, including leather goods, from the brand’s pre-fall 2013 collection.

In the backdrop to these photographs you’ll spot Saint Laurent’s new boutique in Paris, which just opened on 53 avenue Montaigne (8th arrondissement) on May 9.

Saint Laurent PreFall 2013 Campaign

penthouse Residences W Hollywood

W Hollywood penthouse on market for $45 million

penthouse Residences W Hollywood

The 15th-floor penthouse at the Residences at W Hollywood in Los Angeles is on the market for $45 million.

The 25,000 sq. ft. penthouse has four bedrooms, eight bathrooms and 340-degree views of the Hollywood Hills, downtown Los Angeles, Century City and the ocean.

It includes a ballroom that can fit 250 people, a wine room and wine vault, a screening room with LCD projection, a solarium, a gallery and a pub-style tap room.

The nearly 4,000-square-foot master suite has a fireplace, entry foyer and oversize walk-in closet and dressing room designed to look like a Ralph Lauren store, says Richard Robertson III, the apartment’s architect.

The unit also includes a fitness center with an attached beauty parlor, a library, 17 valet parking spaces and a reception area with separate women’s and men’s powder rooms.

Mr. Robertson says he designed the space, which is still raw, to emulate the golden era of Hollywood with a streamlined Art Deco look.

The owner can work with Mr. Robertson and interior designer Sue Firestone to customize the penthouse or bring in his or her own designer.

Sixty percent of the 143 units in the W Hollywood residences, which range in price from $800,000 to $3 million, are sold as of early May.

Via WSJ – PropgoLuxury

penthouse W Hollywood

Lamborghini Aventador Turns Bologna Airport Taxi

Lamborghini Aventador Turns Bologna Airport Taxi

Lamborghini Aventador Turns Bologna Airport Taxi

Earlier this month a Lamborghini Aventador wearing the white and green Dubai Police uniform turned up at a Dubai shopping mall, for permanent police duty.

Now, a white and red Lamborghini Aventador has taken up the job of a runway taxi at Aeroporto di Bologna, which is 30 minutes away from Lamborghini’s headquarters.

The specially trained airport staff is guiding arriving flights in the supercar which has been equipped with a light bar.

It’s wearing a white & red theme with the necessary decals, including a “follow me” sticker as well as others to celebrate Lamborghini’s anniversary.

The solution is not permanent, though, and the car will be returned on 19 May.

Harrods Celebrates 180 Years of Jaeger-LeCoultre

Harrods Jaeger LeCoultre

To celebrate the 180th anniversary of Jaeger-LeCoultre, Harrods is hosting a series of masterclasses with the watchmakers from the Swiss manufacture.

The celebration of the watchmaker will enable fans of the brand to step into the shoes of a watchmaker and understand the manufacturing and working of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s watches.

Jaeger LeCoultre Masterclasses

The manufacture will have experts on hand to demonstrate Jaeger-LeCoultre’s horological know-how, demonstrating the incredible work that goes into everything from the pinions and to the dial.

Three different techniques mastered by Jaeger-LeCoultre will be featured; engraving (May 13-19, enameling (May 20-25) and gem setting (May 26-31).

Jaeger LeCoultre Harrods masterclass

Alongside the live workshops, Jaeger-LeCoultre is also showcasing a recreation of founder Antoine LeCoultre’s original studio from 1833, plus several of its iconic watches and clocks for the May duration promotion.

Antoine LeCoultre workshop

Find a wall dedicated to the 1242 calibres in its Manufacture arm archive and an exhibition of nine Atmos clocks, a key piece from the brand’s heritage collection.

Harrods Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos Clocks

There’s a hidden ‘high complication room’ for inquisitive visitors who can discover the eight leading pieces of the Hybris Mechanica, creations of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre and the latest tribute to Antoine LeCoultre Jubilee watch styles.

Jaeger LeCoultre Hibris Mechanica collection

Watch connoisseurs are invited to contact Jaeger-LeCoultre at Harrods on +44(0) 207 730 1234 to reserve a place in the Master classes. Participation is complementary but a donation to the Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts  is requested.

Antoine LeCoultre original workshop

Nikki Beach

Cannes Film Festival: Pop-up venues

Nikki Beach

Several temporary eateries and ad hoc hangouts will be popping up along the Croisette during the annual Cannes Festival (May 15-26). Here’s a quick list of where to go to see (stars!) and be seen:

Nikki Beach

Keeping up an annual tradition that’s been going strong for over 10 years now, Nikki Beach will be back on the sands of the Grand Hôtel by day and taking over the roof of Cannes’ JW Marriott by night.

Location: 45 & 50 La Croisette – Cannes

nikkibeachcannes.com

3.14 Beach: Villa Schweppes

From May 15-26, festivalgoers can enjoy the solarium, the jacuzzi-equipped R&R corner and various organized events. From 5 PM Villa Schweppes will be holding concerts and DJ sessions. Official movie screenings are also on the agenda. The venue will be open to the hoi polloi daily from 10 AM-5 PM.

Location: Hôtel 3.14 – 5 rue Einesy – Cannes

Villaschweppes.com

VIP Room

Jean-Roch’s VIP Room will be gracing the Croisette for the 13th year running, at the JW Marriott Cannes. Only about 2,000 handpicked guests will be admitted each evening.

Location: JW Marriott Cannes – 50 La Croisette – Cannes

Cannes.viproom.fr

Gotha Club

The general public is welcome by day at the Gotha Club on Palm Beach again this year. At night, the club will admit only about 3,000 carefully selected guests.

Location: Palm Beach – Pointe Croisette – Place Franklin Roosevelt – Cannes

Gotha-club.com

Magnum private beach

Some privileged invitees, movie stars, journalists, and showbiz celebs get to bask in the sunshine on Magnum private beach and make their ice cream dreams come true: that is, they get to mix their own fantasy desserts at the bar. At nightfall, live and canned music will perk up the venue.

Location: Boulevard de la Croisette – Cannes

Grey Goose Bar

In the gardens of the Grand Hôtel in Cannes, the French vodka brand will be setting up a bar where festivalgoers can sip cocktails from May 15-24. VIPs only will enjoy a special musical ambiance emceed by Mattias Mimoun with a lineup of international artists and DJs, whose identities are still a secret….

Location: Grand Hôtel Cannes gardens, 45 Boulevard de la Croisette – Cannes

www.grand-hotel-cannes.com

Château du Cercle

This year once again the Château du Cercle will be welcoming members, partners and garden-variety festivalgoers alike. A great many stars of the silver screen will be meeting up at this short-lived venue. Last year the “Moonrise Kingdom” soirée was held here.

Location: Le Château du Suquet – 35 rue Louis Périssol – Cannes

www.leclubducercle.fr

pearl earrings

Lollobrigida’s jewels sell for nearly $5 million

pearl earrings

A pair of pearl earrings belonging to actress Gina Lollobrigida sold for an auction record of $2.39 million at Sotheby’s Geneva Tuesday as the veteran Italian star auctioned off some dazzling jewellery.

The lot, the highlight of the auction, went under the hammer for more than twice the pre-sale estimate, and in doing so broke the previous record for pearl earrings set by a pair from the jewel box of fellow screen siren Elizabeth Taylor in 2011.

Lollobrigida, a popular movie star in the 1950s and ’60s, was selling off a collection created by Italian jewellers Bulgari, with some of the auction proceeds going to help stem cell research.

Lollobrigida, 85, said she was “very happy that the jewels would help a good cause.

“Selling my jewels to help raise awareness of stem cell therapy, which can cure so many illnesses, seems to me a wonderful use to which to put them,” she said.

Sotheby’s said the entire collection sold for a total of just under $5 million.

Gina Lollobrigida

John Lennon’s Ferrari for sale

1965 Ferrari 330GT John Lennon

On July 12, Bonhams will auction off John Lennon‘s very first car, a Ferrari 330GT Coupé, during the Festival of Speed in Goodwood, England.

The sports car is expected to fetch between £180,000 and £220,000 (US$275,000-338,000). Lennon bought this sky-blue right-hand-drive Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Coupé for £6,500 back in 1965.

The late Beatle kept it and drove it all over the place for three years. Repainted and revamped several times since then, the car was eventually restored to its original specs by its current owner, and will go under the hammer in all its original glory.

Ferrari 330GT blue

Leather Craftsperson

Hermès brings ‘Festival des Métiers’ to London

Leather Craftsperson

French luxury brand Hermès is bringing a team of its artisans to London for a workshop to show off their skills and display the label’s handcrafted specialities.

Ever wondered about the handiwork that goes into creating one of the Hermès brand’s Birkin bags? The bags, which were named after British singer Jane Birkin, can vary in cost between $9,000 and $150,000 depending on the materials used.

Hermes Festival des Metiers London

Running from May 21 to 27, this year’s ‘Festival des Métiers’ will show off the skills used to create the luxury label’s silk scarves, watches, fine jewelry and the aforementioned bags.

Visitors to the free exhibition will be able to chat with the craftspeople and interact with the processes in order to better understand the unique blend of savoir faire and creative nous that goes into the goods. The Saatchi Gallery is located on King’s Road in Chelsea, London.

Hermes FestivalDesMetiers

Hermès isn’t the only major label opening up a sneak peek at their secrets this summer. The LVMH luxury group, home to Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and Fendi (among others), is once again running its Journées Particulières events.

Hermes Festival des Métiers