Monthly Archives: March 2008

Judith Leiber Marquis

Metallics never seem to go out of style, and when it comes to accenting an evening gown with a handbag some glistening silver mixed with a little Austrian crystal sparkle is never a bad idea.

The crisp silver combined with a sunburst flower petal design on the Marquis by Judith Leiber make it a great bag for all seasons (it could pass as an ice and snowflake pattern in the winter) but of course it’s really an essential for spring.

It has a push down snap closure, lined interior, chain handle with a 9.5″ drop, plus it comes boxed up all pretty with a keepsake bag. 5″ x 4″ x 1.5″, $1295.
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ZX1 Lamborghini PDA by ASUS

Taking a page out of its Lamborghini-branded notebooks, computer hardware giant ASUS once again draws upon the appeal of co-branding with the ZX1 Lamborghini PDA, one in its latest lineup of luxury touch-screen PDA phones.

Combining classic Lamborghini design principles along with a high-grade stainless steel and carbon fiber finish, the first noticeable trait of the phone no doubt lies in its looks.

Beyond its appearance lies a host of cutting edge features that include 3G access, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a customizable graphic user interface as well as a Windows Mobile operating system; making it, at least on paper, a worthy alternative to Apple’s iPhone.

Although its release date is yet to be announced, the phone is expected to retail for approximately US$1,000.

New Georgio Armani Tennis Racquet from Babolat

Babolat, one of the leading manufacturers of tennis products, announces the launch of the new EA7 Emporio Armani tennis racquet, marking the first time that Babolat has entered the world of sport fashion.

Babolat developed the exclusive new EA7 tennis racquet for Emporio Armani 7, the sports technology brand of Giorgio Armani. Branded the Emporio Armani by Babolat, the EA7 racquet is the perfect marriage of key technologies from Babolat, French specialist in tennis technologies and exceptional design from Emporio Armani, world famous Italian fashion designer.

These industry leaders have combined their know-how into this prestigious tennis racquet resulting in the perfect balance of fashion and performance. This is the first time Babolat has entered this luxury market.

The EA7 Emporio Armani tennis racquet by Babolat is now available exclusively at Emporio Armani shops.

The World’s Billionaires

Bill Gates is now only the third richest man with a net worth of $58 billion. Mexican telecom mogul, Carlos Slim Helú, trumps Gates by $2 billion.

Had Microsoft not made an unsolicited bid for Yahoo!, Gates would have kept the number one spot, which is now filled by Warren Buffet.

Naturally, the list had no shortage of Andrei’s, Sergei’s or Dimitri’s. However, it only places three Russian billionaires in the top 20.

Oleg Deripaska, Roman Abramovich, and Alexei Mordashov all share the title of “self-made” and each have made their fortune in aluminum.
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Concord C1 High Jewellery

This C1 Chronograph comes in a 44mm white gold case made of 53 elements, standing 16mm tall and set with 184 diamonds. A protective ring in white gold, fixed laterally by 7 self-blocking screws is enhanced by eight decorative elements straddling the bezel.

These bastions protect a 3mm thick sapphire crystal, which literally emerges from the case and displays a ruthenium dial set with 259 diamonds and its distinctive Concord seconds disk.

Movement is an automatic ETA Valgranges caliber with a 48-hour power reserve and certification as a chronometer by COSC.
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$100,000 Silver TAG Shower

If money is no object for you then this $100,000 Silver TAG shower is meant for rich souls like you who can go to any extent for an invigorating shower experience. The opulent showerhead comes with 18 high-tech showerheads for complete nirvana.

The computer controlled showerheads are custom designed to quickly and accurately change the water temperature for different areas of your body. The standard shower is designed with six zones: overhead, shoulders, upper torso, lower torso, upper legs, and lower legs. Each zone has independent controls for temperature and pressure for the most beneficial hydrotherapy effects. The shower’s touch screen enables you to choose from several sequences designed by spa specialists for a completely unique experience.

Schimmel’s K 208 Pegasus Oval Art Grand Piano

Designed by eccentric German designer and aerodynamics expert, Professor Luigi Colani, the K 208 Pegasus manages to “free the grand piano of its traditional form” and still produce superior quality sound when played. Professor Colani, who commutes between Tokyo, Los Angeles, Berlin and Paris, is at war with all corners and edges. So he paired up with renowned German piano maker, Schimmel Pianos, to create the futuristic K 208 Pegasus in his favorite shape, the oval.

On the piano well-thought-out details maximize comfort, like an extendable, integrated piano stool and an electrically-driven lift mechanism that silently raises or lowers the top.
So how much does the Schimmel K 208 Pegasus cost? While we were unable to obtain exact pricing, we do know that Miami’s Delano Hotel recently dropped $200k on a Lucite piano from the same Schimmel Art Collection for its Lenny Kravitz-designed lounge, the Florida Room. The Florida Room’s Schimmel is a replica of the piano Kravitz keeps in his own house.

Matthew Norman Mechanical Clock Revelation

The art of contemporary living is summed up in this luxurious clock from Matthew Norman with its mechanical movement housed in a case of precious wood.

Movement is an 8 day power reserve caliber with 18 jewels, beating at 18,000 bph, with sprung balance escapement on incablocs, a jewelled pallet with ruby pallet-stones, skeletonized gilded brass plates, steel arbors and pinions, and gilded wheels.

Require a winding key. The case, done in Macassar ebony, is inlaid with pear wood, the glass is mineral. It measures 195mm X 195mm x 90mm.
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The Plaza Hotel Reopens In Style

After almost three years of extensive renovations at a staggering cost of US$400 million, New York’s most famous hotel finally reopens its doors.

The Plaza, which is now a National Historic landmark, first opened in 1907.

With 282 rooms and 182 private residences, each furnished in Louis XV French decor style, the six-star Plaza Hotel at the crossroads between Fifth Avenue and Central Park continues to re-define luxury since its doors open to receive guests a century ago.

A wireless touch-screen panel in each room connects you to the hotel’s concierge services while also serving as a remote for the room’s ambience.

The hotel’s iconic Palm Court, Oak Room and Bar, and the famous Grand Ballroom – scene of author Truman Capote’s masked extravaganza, the Black & White Ball in 1966 – have also been painstakingly restored to their former glories.

Sechser Dining Table for serves all with ease

Deviating from the usual pattern of a large table, the Sechser Dining Table makes more sense for all the reasons possible. Being fair to each one sitting on the table, this novel dining table provides each person with his or her personal space. This style makes easier for diners to fend for themselves.

Each large circular space is complemented with a small circular space to keep glasses, side plates, etc. while the X-large table in the center rotates for further convenience. Polished chrome accents add detail to the clear lacquered wood veneer.

Made of MDF wood veneer (beech steamed) and featuring 0.5″ thick tempered glass, this Sechser Dining Table sells for $15,000.

Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes

Harking back to a collaboration first initiated in the 1920s, Bugatti has teamed up with haute couture house Hermes and designer Gabriele Pezzini, to accessorize the Veyron.

Showcased for the first time at the 2008 Geneva Autoshow, the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes is named after Hermes’ historical headquarters on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore in Paris.

The “Fbg” references the house’s “faubourg” address.

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Decorative Tiles from Salvini

The ‘Rock Star’ tiles pictured are fashioned from split face marble in white, red or yellow, together with fabulous jewel leaf inserts. The glittering inserts create an effect ideal for specialised illumination with lighting systems to catch the sparkle of the inserts – as well as the shadows in the rough marble tiles.

Whether you prefer a touch of gold, silver, bronze or a dark version, Marmo Jewel tiles add classy, cutting edge style. Perfect for interior or exterior use, the interplay of marble tiles and jewel leaf inserts is a real visual orchestration. If free-spirited fashion ignites your senses, try the Marmo Jewel decorative tiles from Salvini.

The Top 10 Most Expensive Toys

Barbie

Diamond Barbie co-designed by De Beers? It comes with a gown sporting 160 diamonds as well white gold miniature jewelry to give the world’s most expensive Barbie doll the world’s most expensive look.

The one-off 40th anniversary Barbie created in 1999 comes with a full figured price tag of $85,000. 1959 Barbie No. 1 in mint condition runs about $8,000

Matchbox Car

Maybe you would like one of the original Matchbox Cars? Well, in that case, it’s a boxy sea-green sedan, the 1966 Opel Diplomat.

A rare few are being offered for sale, but at $9,000, they’re beyond most people’s budgets. If only you’d bought one years ago when they first hit the market. The price back then: 48 cents.

Toy Gun

Would you like the American 6mm Mini-gun for AirSoft? Sorry. However, if you were lucky enough to get one while in production, congratulations.

Nothing came close to the power of these things in a Gatling-type air-gun. Like a school of piranhas, the steel 6mm BB’s could chew little bits of inch-thick reinforced glass until there was nothing left.

And with the 3000 round magazine, this mini-gun blows the Japanese guns right off the playing field. Used, in good condition, with accessories, these M134 guns have sold “Used” for over $9000.

Toy Sewing Machine

Perhaps one of your children is into darning? Well, this particularly unusual toy sewing machine adorned with a clown was auctioned at the ISMACS auction in London, England.

The bidding went quickly to 6,000 pounds and then was down to two strong bidders, neither wanting to give up on the chance of having this toy sewing machine.

The last two bidders were an English industrial sewing machine dealer and a German millionaire.

Teddy Bear

Your children love stuffed bears much like so many around the world, so why not ‘splurge’ and get them one of these:

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Teddy Bear a German company created a limited edition of 125 bears of which the mouth is made of solid gold and the eyes of sapphires and diamonds.

The cost: £43,000.00 making it the world’s most expensive available Teddy Bear. The highest price ever paid for a single one of these Teddy Bears was $193,000.

Toy Soldier

So you have a few boys who just love to wage war with their military action figure. Here we have the the most expensive toy soldier in the world.

It was the creation of Don Levine and was the 1963 G.I. Joe prototype. Levine sold the prototype to Baltimore businessman Stephen A. Geppi on August 7, 2003 during an auction performed by Heritage Comics Auctions of Dallas, Texas.

The prototype was purchased for $200,000. When Levine created his toy soldier, he created it on his ping-pong table. The soldier measured 11 ½ inches tall and had 21 movable parts. Not only did this G.I. Joe have movable parts but he also wore a hand stitched Sergeants uniform.

Ride-On Toy

If you have a kid between the ages of 7 and 15 and want to give them a gift that will make them the instant envy of the neighborhood, then you must check out The Off-Roader. However, if you do not have a limitless bank account, you may have to get a loan just to purchase it.

The cost of this Junior Off Roader is $40,000.

This beauty comes complete with: all weather fiberglass body with a protective frame, dual hydraulic disk brakes, rack and pinion steering, manual emergency brake, full front and rear suspension, front and rear suspension, three speed transmission, radio and CD player with speakers on the side doors.

Oh, and it is also it is also very comfortable with adjustable, upholstered leather seats. They can ride in style at a blistering 30 mph.


PEZ Dispenser

How many times have you gotten one of the thousands of PEZ Dispenser varieties in your stocking on Christmas? Well, if you love them as many collectors do, then the 1982 World’s Fair Astronaut B PEZ Dispenser is for you.

It was on the auction block on eBay and is one of the only two known to have been created. One has a white helmet and green stem. It is believed to have been a prototype to The World’s Fair board.

The PEZ dispenser was never put into production and was received from former PEZ employees as stated by the auction. The winning bid for the world’s most expensive PEZ Dispenser: $32,205.

Hand-Held Video Game

Now that the most popular video game system, the Nintendo Wii, is next to impossible to locate, why not find one for you child in the hand-held variety.

The world’s most expensive Gameboy is made of 18 K gold and the display screen is surrounded by diamonds.

Available through Swiss Supply and created by Aspreys Of London, this little toy will set you back a playful $25,000.

They will, however, toss in a case, the cables, and a few games for you. Thank goodness, that makes it all worth while.

Star Wars Movie Prop

Forget figures this holiday, your little Star Wars fan wants collectible movie memorabilia! So, in that case, get him this: The Darth Vader fighting helmet from The Empire Strikes Back.

It’s only a mere $115,000, and was used extensively throughout the climactic fight sequences in the film.

It was specially created to allow Bob Anderson, the Olympic fencing champion who took over the role of Darth Vader for the fight sequences, clearer vision. Great, now your child can see so much better while battling the Jed.

VIA stew miller – Please check out his blog :)

$85,000 Diamond Barbie By De Beers

Diamond Barbie De Beers

This is the world’s most expensive Barbie doll, designed by De Beers, is dressed in an evening gown decorated with 160 diamonds and she has complimentary white gold miniature jewelry and accessories.

This Barbie was produced to mark the 40th anniversary in 1999 comes and was retailed at $85,000. Whilst if you think it is a too expensive deal to be done then you can eye 1959 Barbie No. 1 carrying a price tag of $8,000, according to Stew Writer.

Darby Scott jeweled bag for $110,000

There’s no need for accessories with this bag from designer Darby Scott. The green tourmaline and diamond minaudière clutch is set in 18-carat yellow gold and while the price fluctuates depending on the price of gold, it’s safe to say it’s around $110,000 at Bergdorf Goodman or her new online boutique.

And for the nights the bag stays at home, there’s an entire collection of 34-carat rings that were inspired by the bag’s design.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Mobile phones have become more than just mobile communication – it is increasingly becoming a mobile lifestyle – and consumers are demanding it in increasingly smaller packages.

Sony Ericsson answers this call with the promise of mobile lifestyle at your fingertips through the stylish package of the Xperia X1 powered by Windows mobile.

Yet to announce its price, the Xperia X1 will be available in the never-fashionably-outdated black, and is expected to be released in the second half of 2008.

Limited Edition Swarovski Pandas

If you are a collector of Swarovski figurines, make sure that you add the Limited edition Pandas to your collection. Swarovski is offering the crystal series featuring endangered wildlife to spread the awareness among people and the first collection features pandas deigned by Heinz Tabertshofer.

The mother and cub panda set consists of two figurines in faceted crystal, created in clear and black diamond crystal with jet crystal eyes.
The mother panda holds a bamboo stalk while the cub seems to be playful. Swarovski will make a contribution to the company’s environmental projects with every purchase of a piece from the Swarovski Crystal Society Endangered Wildlife Trilogy.
Buy these limited edition crystal pandas for 380 Euros and do the world a favor.

"Golden Age" Apple MacBook Air

“Golden Age” is the name of this new, er, product, the world’s first Apple MacBook Air to be fully crystallised with 12,000 “dazzling” Swarovski elements.

The reason it looks so darn shiny is that the crystals are specially coated with 24k gold from underneath so that the transparent crystals can reflect the true gold colour.

Inspired by a traditional Japanese pattern, each “Golden Age” takes a week to create as each crystal is apparently painstakingly applied one at a time on to the hand-painted surface.

With a limited edition of only 20 pieces worldwide this is described as “undoubtedly the ultimate luxury treat for the person who thought they had everything”. Aside from taste or sense, clearly.

The “Golden Age” is getting a CeBIT debut, but will be shown also at Selfridges, Oxford Street, where the department store will sell one of the 20 “Golden Age” notebooks as of 18th March.