Luxury

Lexus to transform its showrooms into lounge and gallery spaces

admin — Sat, 18 May 2013 09:00:08 +0000

Lexus to transform its showrooms into lounge and gallery spaces
by Luxury.Net

INTERSECT BY LEXUS will be a unique space in select global cities where people can experience Lexus without getting behind a steering wheel. Neither a dealership, nor a traditional retail space, guests will be able to engage with Lexus through design, art, fashion, culture, movies, music and technology. The architectural space will be developed by Masamichi Katayama, the world-renowned interior designer and founder of the interior design firm Wonder wall. The first INTERSECT BY LEXUS will open in Aoyama, Tokyo, in the summer of 2013, followed by locations in New York City and Dubai.

For this year’s Lexus Authorized Dealer Meeting, they had a surprise in store: the new IS 300 h prototypes visited Madrid and was exposed in Lexus headquarters to the delight of all attendees. To cover this surprise, in advance they designed the decor of the showroom on the ground floor, hiding the surprise from outside, highlighting its qualities from within.

Younger customers also are skeptical of traditional advertising, he says, so Lexus is emphasizing “lifestyle marketing” that attempts to put its products in front of the right people. To market its upcoming IS-F performance sedan, for example, it held a promotional event for potential customers at Laguna Seca raceway in Monterrey, CA.

Lexus is having an exciting time this year as it continues its ongoing pursuit to push the boundaries of technology, craftsmanship and design. To announce its plans, the car company hosted a huge event in New York City – “Designs Matter”, at which it introduced its original indirect marketing concept; INTERSECT by Lexus that is not a car dealership but instead a lounge and gallery space, which will open shortly in selected cities around the world.

Hermès collaborates with architect Toyo Ito for Hermès Pavilion at Baselworld 2013

admin — Sat, 18 May 2013 08:58:07 +0000

Hermès collaborates with architect Toyo Ito for Hermès Pavilion at Baselworld 2013
by Luxury.Net

Hermès has described their BaselWorld stand as a shared, environmentally aware approach, with an emphasis on the value of expertise. The iconic French fashion house is presenting its new watchmaking creations at the pavilion. Hermès at Baselworld 2013, a stand designed by Toyo Ito, the world famous architect and 2013 Pritzker prize laureate. Interview with Toyo Ito, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Artistic Director of Hermès and Luc Perramond, CEO of La Montre Hermès.

The 2013 edition of Baselworld is all about refreshing and renewing. The main halls and their illustrious exhibitors including Rolex , TAG Heuer, Omega, Swatch, Hermès, Zenith, Hublot, Bulgari and practically the rest of the horological universe have been fully redesigned and boast new booths by famous architects from all over the world.

A perfect example is the new La Montre Hermès booth, which retains its prominent position at the top of the escalator taking the visitor from the ground floor of Hall 1.0 to Hall 1.1. The booth was designed by famed architect Toyo Ito to project lightness, peace, stability, and ethereality at the same time—which should come as no surprise since Ito designed it in the same vein as his collaboration with RDAI for Hermès’ Paris Rive Gauche boutique, which opened in 2011. The former public pool was redesigned to suggest contemporary museum space using slatted wood structures with a delicate, airy feel to them.

The ephemeral two-story structure boasts 1,040 m2 on two levels, making it twice the size of the previous booth. It comprises 624 wooden interlocking slats of various curvature, forming a shell to a second structure crafted in wood, glass and metal. Between the two layers, 167 plants provide fresh air and a green corridor that adds to the welcoming feel.

Breitling launches Emergency II that will save your life and make you stylish too

admin — Sat, 18 May 2013 08:56:01 +0000

Breitling launches Emergency II that will save your life and make you stylish too
by Luxury.Net

Breitling has reaffirmed its pioneering role in the field of technical watches and instruments for professionals by creating the very first wristwatch with a built-in personal locator beacon (PLB). The Emergency II is a high-tech gem equipped with a dual frequency transmitter compliant with the specifications of the Cospas-Sarsat international satellite alert system and serving both to issue alerts and to guide search and rescue missions.
In 1995, Breitling Emergency watch (Emergency) introduced the first built-in miniature emergency distress signal transmitter fixed at 121.5 MHz international aviation distress SOS frequency in a plane crash when a bootable rescue workers to determine the pilot or passengers distress position. Breitling Emergency watch for long-term wear in the wrist after the best aviation professionals and the world’s top aerobatic team year-round wear and testing, proved its worth in numerous search and rescue exercise in the eyes of the world’s pilots safe and reliable synonymous with Airborne standard supplemented by global sales of up to 40,000. The outstanding instrument used to locate and rescue personnel at Risk has saved many lives, caused a strong reaction and praise.
Some people can’t live without their cell phones, some without their wallets, and then there are others who need to have a watch strapped at all times. And for users like that, Breitling has brought of the very first wristwatch with a built-in personal locator beacon (PLB). Dubbed as the Emergency II, this high-tech watch comes fit with a dual frequency transmitter which is compliant with Cospas-Sarsat international satellite alert system specifications. Since it works both to alerts people and also offers guide search and rescue missions in land, sea and air, its perfect for those into camping, flying, extreme sports or hiking. The watch packs in a rechargeable battery, a miniaturized dual frequency transmitter and an integrated antenna system which are specific to the model for now.

Bissol for iPhone 5 is the world’s first mobile timepiece

admin — Sat, 18 May 2013 08:53:06 +0000

Bissol for iPhone 5 is the world’s first mobile timepiece
by Luxury.Net

The Bissol is a great product for people who desire a little more elegance and upscale functionality in their iPhone accessories. Release details, like pricing and availability, are on the way. Check out the Bissol website here for more. And look at the gallery above for a few photos of the Bissol in action.

The curvature is made to match that of the iPhone 5, so it looks pretty much like a longer iPhone, and not so much like you have a case or accessory on it. It is a new concept in horology that revolutionizes the idea of what a timepiece can be. By balancing traditional watchmaking with modern technology Bissol has created an innovative mechanical timepiece that advances the way we look at time.

The device flaunts a Calibre 788 movement (comprising 5 jewels) that is housed in an anodized aluminum case, which is protected by a sapphire crystal. It also boasts a gold-plated, Swiss-made quartz moon phase for extra practicality. A beautiful and useful attachment, the Bissol for iPhone 5 is deemed the world’s first mobile timepiece, and it is surely worth purchasing.

It’s a perfect combination of Tradition and Modernity. The case is constructed from anodized aluminum with painted sapphire crystal, while the movement of time uses Quartz moon phase, with 5 jewels. From a distance, it can almost look like its part of the handset. That’s something folks who want a less-obtrusive accessory will appreciate.

Roberto Cavalli opens Cavalli Café in Kuwait

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:54:30 +0000

Roberto Cavalli opens Cavalli Café in Kuwait
by Luxury.Net

For those who doesn’t know Roberto Cavalli, he’s Italian fashion designer from Florence and he opened the Cavalli Club, Restaurant and Lounge in Dubai. The Cavalli Caffè is the newest go-to location for those who enjoy a stylish and fashionable setting, acquired musical tastes and appreciate an experience defined by pleasure, relaxation and entertainment.

Located in the most elegant and sophisticated cities worldwide, the Cavalli Caffè treasures the designer’s passion for sensuality and elegance, his everlasting quest for beauty and his renowned combinations of fine materials and iconic prints.

Great attention to detail was dedicated to the creation and fulfillment of the Cavalli Caffè, decorated with unique elements created personally by Roberto Cavalli and inspired by the interior design present in his homes, his boutiques and his Cavalli Clubs where the textiles and elements of décor are carefully selected in order to convey the exclusivity and prestige of the Cavalli style.

The Cavalli Caffè will offer a selection of Italian cuisine from mornings to evenings and aims to attract “the most important clients of the elite Lebanese society,” according to a statement from the designer. A dinner with starters and drinks will cost about $50 per person, writes the Daily Star.

The café also houses a shop selling a range of imported Italian products, including chocolate, wine and grappa.
The Roberto Cavalli Group already operates a Cavalli Club in Dubai and plans to continue its expansion in the Middle East with upcoming openings of Cavalli Caffè in Kuwait City and Doha.

Punk-inspired capsule collection for MET Museum, New York

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:50:16 +0000

Punk-inspired capsule collection for MET Museum, New York
by Luxury.Net

The American online fashion site has worked with designers including Moschino, Givenchy and Thom Browne to create a punk-inspired capsule collection for the Metropolitan Museum’s “Punk: Chaos to Couture.” Moda Operandi have released the perfect Punk collection to celebrate The Met’s ‘Punk: Chaos to Couture’ exhibition, featuring limited edition pieces by the likes of Givenchy, Balmain and Dolce & Gabbana.

The enduring appeal of Punk’s Avant garde ideology is that it inspires designers across the spectrum of design sensibility,” says Lauren Santo Domingo, co-founder of Moda Operandi. “Each designer has created pieces for this capsule collection that expresses their unique vision of punk’s rebellious spirit. The range, which brings established and vanguard designers together, includes pieces by Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Moschino, Prabal Gurung, Rodarte, Thom Browne, Vivienne Westwood, Preen, Eddie Borgo, House of Waris and Ek Thongpraset.

At The Event:
A Vivienne Westwood–clad Lauren Santo Domingo welcomed guests—among them, Kate Bosworth, Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, Karolina Kurkova, and Eddie Borgo—at the opulent tables, laden with mirrored place cards and all manner of flora, including English garden roses and pink peonies, courtesy of Bronson van Wyck. Everyone dressed up for the occasion—there were plenty of strangely ladylike dog collars to be seen—and the chatter revolved around not only the creative capsule, but another fashion high point of the season: the red carpet at the Met gala. Prabal Gurung flipped through pictures on his phone to show off the gorgeous, unexpected gown he made for Elettra Wiedemann while the women present all revealed who was making their own dresses.

Orbita Carolo watch winder is based on a carousel design

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:46:36 +0000

Orbita Carolo watch winder is based on a carousel design
by Luxury.Net

Orbita, which specializes in luxury watch winders for both automatic and manual wristwatches, will introduce its new Carolo Watchwinder in spring 2013. Based on a unique carousel design, the Carolo Watchwinder holds six watches in the starter base unit and will retail for $4,995.00. The North Carolina-based company plans to start shipping the winders this spring.

The CAROLO™ Watch winder for six watches is based on a unique carousel design. The hexagonal case is mounted on a ball-bearing swivel which allows the case to be rotated by hand. It is the perfect winder for use where space is limited. Needing only sixteen inches of depth, it is ideal for use in safes, shallow cabinets, shelving, etc.
Housed within the hexagon case are six long-life Orbita Lithium batteries. Each drive head has its own power and programming switches. The CAROLO™ Watch winder case is fabricated with carbon fiber panels. Add-on CAROLO™ watch winders can be stacked one above the other on the base unit , building up to 4 levels for a total of 24 individually powered winders.

The top cover and all the vertical faces are made with carbon fiber panels, while its other surfaces are covered in a high-gloss black piano finish. The Carolo Watchwinder can also be expanded by stacking add-on units above the base unit, building up to four levels for a total of 24 individually powered winding stations.

Louis Vuitton Dave Sunglasses

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:42:20 +0000

Louis Vuitton Dave Sunglasses
by Luxury.Net

Having first appeared on the runway a few months back, many thought these shades were merely a prop to complement the seaside collection. Now purchasable, the sporty sunglasses feature oval blue mirrored lenses and a metal brow that transitions to a mesh cord that allows said frame to rest around its wearers neck.

The Dave is available in both fluorescent orange and yellow models. Not for the meek, the Dave is indeed a head turner. Drawing inspiration from water sports, the glasses feature blue mirrored lenses and a metal mesh cord to ensure they stay in your possession as you party hard on your neighbor’s yacht. The Dave is available online and at select Louis Vuitton shops.

The Louis Vuitton 4Motion sunglasses for sport enthusiasts created quiet the stir. This Spring/Summer Louis Vuitton gives you reason enough to dive deep into the depths of the ocean, go snorkeling, or even boat racing! Sounds interesting isn’t it? Dave also features a metal frame, matte finish, and shiny Damier details on its nose pads. The Louis Vuitton Signature on the hinges is what completes the make. Louis Vuitton has priced this collection at $665.

There is somethign really fashionable about these sun glasses. They give a super urban look and creates its own class.

With the weather changing one surely wants to make his style statement.

From the Age of Glamor to be exhibited in London

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:35:55 +0000

From the Age of Glamor to be exhibited in London
by Luxury.Net

The new summer exhibition at London’s Goldsmiths’ Hall is all set to shine a light on the luxurious bejewelled make-up boxes that quickly became covetable accessories with the advent of beauty products. This extraordinary exhibition showcases a unique, private collection of finely wrought, jewelled and enamelled boxes dating from the 1920s through to the 1970s. See pieces by leading jewellery houses such as Cartier, Boucheron,Van Cleef & Arpels, and Chaumet.

The decoration on these works of art could range from sleek and functional to ornate and highly imaginative often involving the combined talents of various artists and craftsmen including goldsmiths, enamellers, stone-setters and engravers. They were remarkable feats of superior craftsmanship and often took months of intricate, painstaking work to create.

The materials used also provided the designer with infinite possibilities. A varied colour palette came in the form of precious stones encompassing every colour of the rainbow. These in turn could be used in conjunction with jades, mother of pearl, enamels, lacquer, tortoise-shell, and other materials which helped to contribute texture and additional decorative interest.

The exhibition promises to attract a diverse audience since these beautiful bejeweled make-up cases are of interest to jewellery lovers and followers of fashion alike. Admission is free; head to London’s Goldsmith’s Hall between 31 May and 20 July 2013 for a fascinating insight into the unique “necessaries de beauty” that epitomized the age of glamour. A book, ‘Ultra-Vanities’ by Meredith Etherington-Smith, is also being published to coincide with the opening of the exhibition at the end of May.

Ferragamo launches bespoke service for footwear

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:33:10 +0000

Ferragamo launches bespoke service for footwear
by Luxury.Net

Luxury Italian house Salvatore Ferragamo is launching on May 1st L’Icona, an online project in collaboration with photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank, offering ladies the opportunity to customize their own pair of Varas shoes. The virtual endeavor features Swanson Frank-lensed portraits of twenty-one stylish women Alexandra Richards, Chiara Clemente, and Marina Larroudé – wearing customized Varas or Varinas, this year marking 35 years since the launch of the iconic design by Ferragamo.

Ferragamo’s classic Vara and Varina shoes have been a mainstay of Ferragamo’s collections for 35 years now, and to celebrate the longevity, and classic style of this shoes, Ferragamo have created a special website, and brand new service, which allows Women to order customized versions of the Vara shoe.

The website, icona.ferragamo.com, showcases an ambitious new campaign for the project, launched today, each day for the next 21 days has a new photo-shoot, done by the award winning former Vogue photographer Clairborne Swanson-Frank, featuring a different woman, starting with the poster girl from the video, Olivia Palermo, and a different pair of customized shoes.

You can never have too many shoes in your closet. And if it’s stylish, well made, and well as classy as Ferragamo’s Vara, then you just can’t subdue the impulse to pick up one. The iconic box-toed shoe decorated with a golden plaque and a grosgrain bow turns a gracious 35. Celebrating the major milestone, the design house has brought out a website called L’Icona, an Endeavour which brings with it collaboration with photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank. Just Enjoy