Luxe Links

domesticblog is warning about the "behind-the-scenes" of serving the wealthy...


Factio Magazine - What we crave in fashion, jewelry and vacations!


bloomacious - A kitchen by Armani? Lamps by Diesel? You bet!

LUXIST - Castillo del Lago, Madonna's former home in the Hollywood Hills is for sale for $14.95 million.


Kristopher Dukes is wanting, wearing, hating nude Omelle shoes.


Runway To Retail Check out some of the coolest art+fashion events coming up during Art Chicago, May 1-4, 2009


LUXURY LAUNCHES A zen-touch-up for a netbook from the land of rising sun.

Kiki de Montparnasse Silk bow bloomers

Flirtatious, feminine and delicate silk bloomers from Kiki de Montparnasse .Ideal choice for special occasions.

Christofle Tea Candle

The delightful smell of civilization: This tea-scented candle, encased in incandescent purple glass, reminds us of the mood-altering spell that a superior candle can cast. Tea-scented candle in purple glass bearing the Christofle coat of arms. 3 1/2" H.

Norum 1958 crystal cotton acetate sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith

Described by the V&A as the inventors of fashion eyewear, Oliver Goldsmith is the sunglasses brand that defined the 60s. Sellers, Caine, Loren, Hepburn, The Ipcress File, Breakfast at Tiffany’s might not have been so memorable without them. Now under the control of Clare Goldsmith (the great granddaughter of the eponymous founder), the iconic British pioneer has created this special edition Norum, with hand-carved yew tree temples by Brian McGinn, from the 1958 OG archives exclusively for 20ltd.com. Limited to only 20 editions.

Balmain at Harvey Nichols

Balmain, is now available at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge.Founded in 1945 by Pierre Balmain, this eponymous Parisian fashion house was the most sought after dresser in Hollywood during the golden years of the 40s and 50s, for stars such as Ava Gardner and Brigitte Bardot. Now with Creative Director, Christophe Decarnin at the helm Balmain is once more the toast of Hollywood and beyond and the current collection has been seen gracing red carpet A-listers such as Beyoncé, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Connelly and Reese Witherspoon. Decarnin has added a distinctively modern vibe to the label, fusing old film star glamour with a hard rock 'n' roll edge and a thoroughly futuristic direction. For Spring he has not disappointed his legions of fans, with an exhilarating collection focusing on the season's key trends for the oversized pergola shoulder and 80s Dynasty-esque glitz. Frogged and braided Sergeant Pepper military jackets were shown with faded, ripped jeans and studded, bejewelled bondage sandals while couture like lace tops were teemed with high-waisted, pyramid studded pencil skirts. This collection was a magpie's untimate fantasy of sequins, diamanté and studs but any tackiness was avoided by Decarnin's impeccable design execution, making Balmain one of the season's most sought after collections.

The Ultimate Collection: BARBIE

BARBIE - in the series of THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION.

Assembled using the traditional anglaise technique and color-tipped by hand on art-quality paper, each page of this limited edition series bears the unique imprint of the artisan. The Assouline Ultimate Collection heralds a return to luxury, care, and mystique of a fine, hand-bound book.

Barbie Limited Edition
by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Big-eyed, blonde, and beautiful, Barbie took over the world in 1959 with little more than a white-and-black striped bathing suit and a pair of high heels. Today, Mattel sells three Barbies a second, and children in more than one hundred and fifty countries know her name. Now, on her fiftieth anniversary as cultural icon, Assouline presents the ultimate collector’s volume on the world’s most popular doll. Encapsulating her history, chronicling her fashion, and imagining her life as a woman of mystery, glamour, and fun, Barbie presents this totemic figure as never seen before—in vivid dioramas of Barbie at work and play and in portraits of vintage dolls and accessories. A muse for children and adults, designers and artists, writers and cultural critics, Barbie remains a powerfully evocative and enigmatic reflection of our dreams, our hopes, and ourselves.

2010 Land Rover Range Rover

Land Rover's most complete luxury all-terrain vehicle just got better: the new 2010 Range Rover

All-new efficient and powerful LR-V8 engines
5.0-liter V8 supercharged
510 bhp and 461 lb/ft torque
5.0-liter V8 naturally aspirated
375 bhp and 375 lb/ft torque
Subtle exterior design changes enhance the classic Range Rover design with contemporary details
Upgraded interior, featuring physical instrument cluster replaced by 12" Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen with 'virtual' dials and information displays
State-of-the-art Adaptive Dynamics technology to further improve the Range Rover's peerless ride quality
New brakes for all engine derivatives
Updated Terrain Response™ and Dynamic Stability Control System for all-terrain performance
Active safety aids including Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Brake Assist, available Blind Spot Monitoring and Surround Camera system

Styrofoam Turntable DIY Kit

Styrofoam Turntable DIY Kit. The basic idea behind this project was to design and engineer a low-cost do-it-yourself Turntable kit made out of high density styrofoam (Think styrofoam MDF!).

Maurizio Galante Valentina C Armchair

Maurizio Galante Valentina C Armchair with steel rod structure painted in glossy white (W), red (R) or black (N), padded polyurethane seat, cover in technical fabric and hand-made flower decoration designed by Maurizio Galante in the same colour of the structure.

Tom Dixon, Front Design and 5.5 Designers 'DesignBox ' For Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot have revealed new design collaborations with Tom Dixon, Front Design and 5.5 Designers as part of Milan Furniture Fair. All the collaborations are based on Veuve's new eco-friendly packaging which has been produced exclusively for them.


This year during Milan Furniture Fair, Veuve Clicquot is revealing DesignBox - its own exclusive eco-friendly gift box - and showcasing three interpretations of DesignBox by Tom Dixon, Front Design and 5.5 Designers. These collaborations are being presented as part of an installation called "Out of The Box" at Superstudio+.

1) Couch by Front design (frontdesign.se)



2) Lamp by Tom Dixon (tomdixon.net)




3) Cellar by 5.5 Designers (cinqcinqdesigners.com)




These are the latest in a string of collaborations between Veuve Clicquot and some of the best names in the world of design including Andree Putman, Porsche Design Studio, Pablo Reinoso, Christophe Pillet, Karim Rashid, Fredrikson Stallard and Jason Bruges.

The design and production of DesignBox includes a number of innovations that also reinforce Veuve Clicquot's commitment to sustainability. The box is mono-material - made of just paper - which avoids difficulties associated with recycling and certain fabrication processes that are often polluting. No plastic lamination (protective plastic film) is used in the box - with inks, glues and solvents representing less than 5% of the total weight of the product. The paper used comes from forests under management of the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), a non-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of our forests. Micro-grooving reduces the usage of paper in packaging . The DesignBox will be launched commercially in June 2009

Luxe Links

An old airplane cabin has a new life as a one-of-a-kind hotel room - LUXIST


Runway To Retail checks out the luxury store floor by floor Runway To Retail


Kristopher Dukes is wanting, wearing, hating L’Artisan Parfumeur. Kristopher Dukes


Your heart may break just a little seeing this remarkable spot. bloomacious


domesticblog is shopping for "bargains" in Greenwich real estate... domestic blog


Learn how to buy all of your favorite designers (think Hermes, YSL, Louis Vuitton) without breaking the bank! facto magazine

craft - premium denim brand in london

craft or cantrememberafxxxingthing is a luxury denim brand in london. The chic label was founded by Michael Kopplstätter and Gideon Day, who worked at design at Helmut Lang and Paul Smith respectively.

Fashion Rocks Campaign
Credit Photography Ami Troost Styling Alastair McKimm

samsāra eco-friendly designer bags

Matt & Nat have started samsāra (sam-sara.org), a new range of vegan & eco-friendly designer bags, that not only is produced with the environment and animal welfare in mind, but One Dollar from each bag is donated to charity - helping to affect change globally. Samsāra is a play on Sam & Sara, samsāra means rebirth in Sanskrit. The collection reflects Matt & Nat's signature aesthetic: pebbled textures with architectural detailing and bold styling in colors such as black, tomato, chocolate brown and plum. The patent collection makes a bolder statement with its polished finish and satin gold hardware. The collection is more affordable than Matt & Nat collection and includes a range of bags, wallets, clutches and belts. Prices range from $40-$140 USD. Samsāra is available in canada now and will be available in the USA mid-July.

Savoir Faire - a unique luxury gift site

Savoir-Faire.com, a visionary luxury gift site founded by HH Princess Kasia Al Thani. Launched in November 2008, Savoir Faire counts top fashion editor and celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe as a contributor. Zoe picks her favourite gifts in “Rachel’s Favourites. ” Savoir-Faire.com was developed out of necessity and convenience. Unable to find the perfect birthday present for her husband online, Kasia was inspired to create the ultimate in luxury gift sites that would bring together high-end multiple brands, designers, and craftsmen from around the world to one convenient location. The site offers people the ability to find exactly what they are looking for in one website along with superior service. You can build your own gift box or select one of their pre- arranged gift boxes for different occasions, with premium gift wrapping and packaging services. A guaranteed 24 hour express delivery to most of Europe, and same day delivery in Central London.

Each product is handpicked for its uniqueness, design, quality and exquisite presentation to please all of our clients and customers with the added reassurance that the recipient will treasure their perfect gift.

Green Teckell by Adriano Design for B.lab Italia

The Original Teckell Collection is Adriano Design’s reinterpretation of the table top sport of “foosball”. From their collaboration with B.lab Italia and through an ongoing environmentally conscience research, Green Teckell is born; a truly original lifestyle and luxury design.

This limited edition inserts itself as the first of a new generation of B.lab’s best seller Teckell Collection. Teckell is now becoming Green for its innovated design and use of materials; aluminum, crystal, and now wood. The elegant use of natural wood such as walnut for the constructing of the legs, handles, players and points bar distinguishes this version from the previous collection. Green Teckell as well as the entire Teckell family is crafted by local Italian artisans combining their years of experience with the most sophisticated technologies.

Wood is a material that doesn’t age, it matures, like the game foosball; a classic entertainment for all social classes and age groups. Green’s simple but pure design is created to have zero impact on the environment with the use of completely recyclable natural materials; aluminum, glass and wood.

Visitor from Bulgaria

We operated this thursday and friday and we received the visit of Dr. Iliya Kalchev, from Sofía, Bulgaria. The first greenlight laser user in his country.

He visited to get familiarised with the technique and we could show him four operations with the greenlight laser and a stone fragmentation with the Holmium laser.



We also enjoyed dinner together in Casa Patas with flamenco dancing... very nice. It is always a pleasure to receive visitors.

Made in New York - for The Mercer

André Balazs' Mercer Hotel in NYC, known for its A-list clientele, has commissioned Jean Yu to create an exclusive custom robe for its guests. From her small boutique in Soho, Jean Yu has been dressing the likes of Sofia Coppola, Hillary Swank and Gwen Stefani with her silky lingerie and dress collections. Her made to measure and limited-edition pieces have appeared on multiple covers of Vogue and made her a CFDA finalist. Jean Yu has created a simple and elegant smoky lavender robe inspired by the classic smoking jacket and reflecting her architectural approach to design. The robe is made of double-faced silk charmeuse, made in New York City and costs $395. A limited number are also available online along with other items from Mercer Hotel such as their cashmere throw in Mercer's signature lavender color.

Luxe Links

Factio Magazine talks to Isaac Mizrahi about the new look of Liz, how he's really a slob and so over India (to his boyfriend's dismay!). Factio Magazine

Who says brides just have to wear pearls? Check out these colorful gemstone creations from Anne Bowen. LUXIST

The iconic designer back peddles from his remarks about Michelle Obama. bloomacious


Visual artist, Florence Deygas, has a brilliant new collaboration with luxury champagne house Veuve Clicquot MOMIST


Kruger has landed herself a 20 page spread in Italian Vogue shot by photographer Mark Seliger. Check at out at Runway to Retail! runwaytoretail


Kristopher Dukes is wanting, wearing, hating Casadei mules. Kristopher Dukes


domesticblog is intrigued by the behind the scenes financing of extreme wealth. domesticblog

Vincent - .Hannah Martin London

Luxury jewelery line Hannah Martin London have announced their brand new collection called Vincent.

Vincent is inspired by Hannah Martin's latest muse - the shadowy patriarch of the Russian mob, ruling London with an elegant iron fist. Inspired by Russian modernism, Tsarist symbolism and all things gentleman gangster ...

Martin creates limited edition, hand crafted pieces of jewellery for men - that girls will steal. Its androgynous, sexy, elegant and with a generous dash of rock n' roll.

Check out www.HannahMartinLondon.com.

Veuve Clicquot collaborates with Florence Deygas

Visual artist, Florence Deygas, has a brilliant new collaboration with luxury champagne house Veuve Clicquot.

The current collaboration with Veuve Clicquot includes several illustrations using paintbrush techniques over more classic line drawing. These illustrations use Veuve Clicquot's classic red signature across it's iconic yellow with scenes that vary from seasons to special occasions

Born in 1965 in France, Florence Deygas studied film animation at Gobelins University in Paris. Her work mixes illustration, drawing, photo and animation and started working with Olivier Kuntzel in 1990

She has also collaborated with brands such as Fendi, Yves Sain Laurent, Nokia, Vogue and Lacoste. Her work can be found on addadog. and kuntzeldeyga

ITAIPU by Philippe Bestneider

ITAIPU by Philippe Bestneider 2009



Book shelves characterized by a measured sequence of volumes. full and empty spaces.
Every separating element fits as a stopper for books or also an elevation to exalt some particular objects. The names comes from the South American dam “Itaipu”, famous for its rigorous architecture.

Guerlain Rouge G Lipsticks

Guerlain's new revolutionary lipstick called Rouge G de Guerlain. The new lipstick aim to be lightweight, long-lasting with tons of color.

Guerlain describe the line as an “aspirational lipstick line.” Rouge G de Guerlain will launch with 25 shades, and each one will retail for $45 in the U.S. or 38 euros in France.

The packaging is described as…

Each generally had a hidden hinge, which is an element in Rogue G packaging. The new product’s wholly metal case that lies on its side also makes a gentle clicking sound when the tube is removed, causing the case to flip open and reveal two mirrors. A high-tech magnet holds the holder’s two parts together.

OTTO cabinet

OTTO cabinet by Studio Suppanen 2009

Cabinet with lacquered panels with a “bubble” shape silk-screening printing on three sides. The printing is available into different colors, that are repeated in the inside. Available also into on wheels version.

GRONDA

GRONDA by Design Luciano Bertoncini 1971

It certainly doesn’t look its age. Gronda, the mirror-hook hanger designed in the early seventies by Luciano Bertoncini, is still trendy and able to give the bathroom or waiting room a minimal look with a touch of irony.
At first sight Gronda, revived by Pallucco, seems a simple full-height mirror, but you only need to press it along the thin wavy line to discover that it in fact incorporates a concealed hook hanger. The mechanism consists of the upper part that retracts and the lower part that becomes a hook for hanging clothes or whatever...
Gronda is available in two versions: mirror and hook hanger or simply hook hanger. It is extremely adaptable to styles and needs, whether residential or contract furnishings. It consists of separate modules, which may be put together in succession as required: each one is wall mounted by means of a special support. The frame is in steel with a white RAL 9003 epoxy powder paint finish and the glass is 5 cm thick.

BRANDO Table

The BRANDO table by Stephan Veit 2009

Square or rectangular, the new Emmebi Brando table is always a big dimension item, realizedd into lacquered wood and designed by Staphan Veit.
Its main feature is the peculiar shape of the legs, that thanks to their bended plane at 45°, gives the table structure an unusual lightness appearance.

Jaeger-LeCoultre official Watch Partner of Aston Martin Racing

Bound together for several years in a similar spirit of innovation and an ongoing quest for perfection, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin recently extended their relationship, Jaeger-LeCoultre becoming the official Watch Partner of Aston Martin Racing within a three year technical partnership. This association between two worlds with shared values reinforced the strong ties between fine watchmaking and fine mechanical engineering. Jaeger-LeCoultre is proud to announce that Aston Martin Racing has won the Catalunya 1000 kilometres race, held on April 5th, in Barcelona (Spain). The 007 car, driven by Jan Charouz (CZ), Tomas Enge (CZ) and Stefan Mücke (DE) finished first after a flawless debut run. Car 009, crewed by Harold Primat (CH), Miguel Ramos (PT) and Darren Turner (GB), ran in the top three until the final 40 minutes of the race, when a spin put the crew out of contention.

In June 2009, Aston Martin will once again be taking part in the most legendary of all endurance races at the Le Mans 24 Hours with the firm intention of winning the legendary blue and orange Gulf trophy in this 50th anniversary year of the previous historical exploit. Jaeger-LeCoultre, which has been partnering the prestigious British automobile manufacturer since 2004, will present a new AMVOX Racing model to mark this auspicious occasion.

A2B electric bike launches in London

The cutting-edge A2B electric bike range, produced by Ultra Motor, one of the world’s leading developers of Light Electric Vehicles is set for launch in the UK. Fresh from its successful launch in the US last year, the A2B, with its cool contemporary design and innovative engineering, is sure to be big news. With Gordon Brown announcing new measures to promote electric transport, and country-wide initiatives pushing cycling, electric bikes are hot!

Auction & Trade Luxury Goods

BillionaireXchange.com is the destination website for people that want to acquire or exchange luxury goods with others all around the world. According to Quintin Thompson, Executive Partner with BXE International "Instead of hunting on an auction website around bean-bag toys and novelty candy dispensers, BillionaireXchange cuts to the chase and make it easy for people with billion dollar tastes to find what they really want."

Our goal is to create the world’s largest online auction and exchange site specifically for high-end items. In doing so we hope to help restore the value of the luxury items for sale and or exchange as well as the brands. By creating this marketplace we provide a venue for luxury consumers to have a single place on the web to browse for their latest toy. As well as provide a reputable option for those experiencing a downturn and need to unload, exchange, or downgrade their toys. All this at the same time while protecting the brand value of the manufacturers of these fine luxury items.

Topman White T project

Topman have announced their next designer collaboration for the Topman White T project. Launching on May 28th, the fourth in a series of projects inviting designers to create their ideal version of a staple wardrobe piece focuses on the white tee. Henry Holland, Phillip Lim, Richard Chai, Junn J, JW Anderson, Christopher Shannon and the Topman Design team have contributed

PULSE Luxury Heart Rate Watch - Lanzillo Design Studio

Italian Industrial Designer Antonio Lanzillo presented the “Heart Rate Luxury Watch” at “Basel World 09″.


PULSE Luxury Heart Rate Watch

* It is a luxury cardio frequency watch.
* It is a mechanic watch which shows also the heart rates with a digital system of detection.
* Heart rate BPM
* Hybrid visualization
* Dual time zone /alarm
* Chronograph
* USP PC / Transfer Data
* Transmitter strap/belt

Now … Antonio Lanzillo is looking for a manufacturer that wants to develop and produce it.

Tom Ford

This book is a complete catalogue of Tom Ford's design work for both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent from 1994 to 2004. It chronicles not only Ford's clothing and accessories
designs for both houses, but also explores Ford's grand vision for the complete design of a brand, including architecture, store design, and advertising. Tom Ford features more than 200 photographs by Richard Avedon, Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Helmut Newton, Herb Ritts, Terry Richardson, Craig McDean, Todd Eberle, and numerous other photographers including many previously unpublished images. Published to coincide with his departure from Gucci, this book has been created with Ford's full cooperation and every page reflects his exceptional taste. It is Ford's testament to a career of singular moments reinventing the boundaries of style and sensuality in clothing.

Aesop

Aesop has a new store, in Armadale, designed by Paphitis in conjunction with Melbourne architect Ryan Russell. The architect says ‘We made use of light, colour and texture instead of focusing on size. The design allows Aesop products to be displayed both inside and outside the store,connecting us to the street.’

Aesop Armadale
1057 High Street
Armadale Vic 3143
+613 9822 4959

Chanel J12 Intense Black

Chanel has announced the J12 Intense Black , a new addition to their J12 sports watch collection. The watch is made with baguette cut black ceramic pieces set into the eighteen karat white gold case. The Chanel J12 Intense Black is limited to only five pieces and will be available exclusively from Chanel’s jewelry stores.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium leather satchel

Black leather satchel with strap detailing. Proenza Schouler bag has a handle and detachable knotted shoulder strap, fold over flap with lock and strap fastening, compartments at front, zipped compartment at back, inside zipped compartment, press stud at top to fasten and has signature lining. 100% poncho leather.

Pepsi Natural

PepsiCo is launching three new beverages, all sweetened with natural sugar instead of corn syrup.

Pepsi Natural, a premium cola made with sugar, natural caramel and kola nut extract, will be sold in glass bottles in the premium or natural food aisles of stores in 10 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle.

Lenny Kravtiz Home For Sale

Lenny Kravtiz has put his Biscayne Point Circle home up for sale.
PRICE: $2,850,000
SIZE: 5,717 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half bathrooms
DESCRIPTION: Amazing estate home, point lot in guard gated Biscayne Point. Ultra modern luxury on a large 12,000 sq. ft. lot w/ unparalleled wide open bay views, with over 1,100 sq. ft. of tiled dock, and 100 feet of waterfront. Everything done to perfection, custom marble baths, polished concrete floors, custom wall of glass totally opens the large living area to incredible water views. Backyard is resort like w/ pool & spa, amazing dock area.

Bobbi Brown Platinum collection

Bobbi Brown has unveiled its new Platinum collection. The look features strong eyes, smoked up in cool shadows, offset by cheeks and lips which glisten with touches of sheer, shimmering platinum. The overall effect is “equal parts fresh, edgy and beautiful”, according to the company.

Key items include a new, limited-edition Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick. This comprises five colour bars – soft pink, platinum, bright pink, golden coral and rose – that blend together to light up the face.

These shades work as highlight colours for cheeks, or can be used anywhere to add shimmer. The special platinum bar is said to be an ideal new shade for eyes.

The custom-made compact sports a metallic silver finish and faux-leather detailing.

New shades of Bobbi Brown’s Long Wear Cream Shadow (Steel, Platinum, Ash and Heather), teamed with new shades of Lip Gloss and Shimmer Lip Gloss also feature.

The collection is completed by the limited-edition Shimmering Body Oil. Infused with pink and platinum pearls, this is said to give skin a radiant glow, while moisturising and conditioning with a blend of essential oils.

Its lightweight formula is absorbed quickly into the skin, leaving it soft to the touch. The oil is lightly fragranced with Bobbi’s Party, a new fragrance which will debut in second-half 2009.

Limited Edition Enric Rovira Easter Eggs

This year, to celebrate Easter, Spanish artisan chocolatier Enric Rovira has created a limited edition range of luxurious eggs for Harvey Nichols. The exclusive range features three designs: the Fibrós, Brillant and Quadrat. Only 200 eggs will be made, one of which will contain a special Golden Ticket.

The Golden Ticket will entitle the lucky winner to be flown over to Barcelona to visit the Enric Rovira workshop, followed by a meal at a top restaurant and an overnight stay in the heart of the city.

The Fibrós and Brillant eggs are hand made with an enticing mixture of the finest dark and white chocolate on a dark chocolate base, and the Quadrat is a white chocolate egg decorated with dark chocolate powder.

With only 200 eggs available to purchase, all exclusively available at Harvey Nichols nationwide, this is the ultimate treat for chocolate enthusiasts. Enric Rovira is a speciality chocolatier, based in the beautiful city of Barcelona, from where he takes a lot of his inspiration. His chocolates are works of art that defy conventional chocolate flavours and presentation.

The three chocolate egg designs, Fibrós, Brillant and Quadrat, will be available exclusively at Harvey Nichols Foodmarkets nationwide, priced at £29.95.

Gucci Romantic Diamond Ring

From the Gucci Romantic collection. Logo engraved on inner band. 18-karat solid white gold. Pavé diamond insets, 0.02 total carat weight. Made in Italy.

Black Widow

Herme Ciscar and Mónica García designed the Black Widow for Lampister. The lampshade is made out of Black paper clips and Black Swarowski chrystals.

Scarlett Johansson Moët & Chandon

Actress Scarlett Johansson stars in the new Moët & Chandon ad campaign.

Ultra Motor A2B Bike

The A2B by Ultra Motor offers the fun of a bike with the power of an electric motor, all wrapped up in a quiet riding, stylish design.

It’s perfect for those who want an economic transportation solution that is good for the environment and good for the soul.

Designed for urban commuting and short trips, the A2B provides a comfortable, smooth ride with its full suspension and oversized seat. It’s a powerful ride that is easy to handle and you get decide what you want to do – pedal, power, or both. The A2B offers unassisted power on demand for up to 20 miles* at a cruising speed of 20mph.

Tamara de Lempicka at Sotheby’s New York

On May 5 and 6, 2009, fashion designer Wolfgang Joop will offer ten paintings by Tamara de Lempicka at Sotheby’s New York. . Four paintings will be included in the evening sale of Impressionist and Modern Art on May 5th and six will be offered the following day

Emmanuel Di-Donna, Vice Chairman, Impressionist and Modern Art Worldwide and Head of Sotheby’s Evening Sales, New York, commented, “This group of paintings, all from Lempicka’s prime period, embodies the spirit of the Art Deco era and its sense of style and modernity. These iconic images range from intimate and sensual to bold and monumental. As an artist, Lempicka drew on the avant-garde art and design around her, Cubism in particular, to derive a distinct aesthetic all her own.”


“Tamara’s appeal to me is comparable to that of a blue diamond,” said Wolfgang Joop. “From the first moment I saw her paintings, I was captivated by the unique way in which she presented women, and I have been fortunate to enjoy a long and intimate history with her. In turn, she inspired my work with a distinctive style that embodies the image of a modern woman.”

Dior Christal Mystérieuse Watch

Dior has announced the Dior Christal timepiece. Created in the Parisian studios of Dior Avenue Montaigne. The Dior Christal Mysterieuse is named for the Quinting manufacture movement that has three rotating plates. One for the hours, minutes, and day. The Dior Christal uses an geometric art deco themed design

Narciso Rodriguez Essence

Narciso Rodriguez Essence, £50 for 50ml

The new signature fragrance from Narciso Rodriguez is a delightful combination of rose petals, powder notes of iris, and hints of amber - resulting in a scent just perfect for spring.
The elegant mirror-effect glass bottle reflects purity, yet with a subtle sensuality, to celebrate the modern woman and embrace her complexity and femininity.

Narciso Rodriguez Essence is available from 30 March at Harvey Nichols London

Blitz by Belmacz

Belmacz Blitz is a creamy gold eyeshadow that doubles as a brow and cheekbone highlighter. Each pot contains two leaves of pure 24-carat gold and the cream glides on to give a smooth, sheer finish. Layer it on to create a dramatic solid gold effect. As with all Belmacz products, the beauty of Blitz is how well it blends, giving you a flattering, golden shimmer without looking artificially glittery.