Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The Classicist: The Louis Vuitton Cuphttp://www.luxist.com/2008/12/02/the-classicist-the-louis-vuitton-cup/http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/02/the-classicist-the-louis-vuitton-cup/http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/02/the-classicist-the-louis-vuitton-cup/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The America's Cup, which is 45 years older than the modern Olympics, is of course the world's most famous sailing race. However the Louis Vuitton Cup, sponsored by the famed French luxury goods house for the past 25 years, is actually considered by many to be the more exciting regatta. While only two yachts compete in the America's Cup, several take part in the LV Cup which has been a rite of passage for yachtsmen looking to challenge the defending champion of the America's Cup since 1983.

A beautiful new book celebrates this great era in world-class sailing: The Louis Vuitton Cup: 25 Years of Yacht Racing in Pursuit of the America's Cup. Louis Vuitton's ties to the world of yachting go back much further of course. In addition to many traveling trunks and items designed for use on ocean voyages, from 1933 to 1938 Gaston-Louis Vuitton developed a unique model boat division, and in 1935 for example one could acquire from LV a scale model of Cornelius Vanderbilt's famous steam yacht the North Star (see the gallery).

The book, by yacht designer, professor of naval architecture at the University of Nantes, and marine author and artist Francois Chevalier, pays homage to the exceptional navigators and avid photographers who helped forge the reputation of the Louis Vuitton Cup, and offers an impassioned account of the competition's inception and vision, accompanied by gorgeous photographs both modern and vintage. The book also offers an in-depth look at seven landmark races in the regatta's history.

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The Louis Vuitton Cup also shows how the America's Cup itself paralleled Vuitton's expansion from a company that began by making travel trunks to its current stature as an internationally renowned luxury brand. The book traces the trajectory of the Louis Vuitton Cup, recounting stories of the individual races and victories, from the first in Newport, Rhode Island in 1983 (won by the Australia II which went on to win the America's Cup, puting an end to 132 years if American dominance) to the last in Valencia, Spain in 2007, won by the Emirates Team New Zealand. It presents profiles of its greatest winners and pays tribute to the world's most talented yachtsmen and the photographers who, passionate about the sea, helped forge the regatta's reputation.

The Classicist: The Louis Vuitton Cup originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Americas CupAmericasCupLouis VuittonLouis Vuitton CupLouisVuittonLouisVuittonCupSailingYachtJared Paul SternTue, 02 Dec 2008 09:01:00 ESTWin A Copy Of Around The World In 80 Sipshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/12/01/win-a-copy-of-around-the-world-in-80-sips/http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/01/win-a-copy-of-around-the-world-in-80-sips/http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/01/win-a-copy-of-around-the-world-in-80-sips/#commentsFiled under: ,

The holidays are bottle bringing season. It's always good to have a gift worthy bottle of wine on hand for an impromptu present or for taking a long for a party. If you are looking for little guidance on something outside the basics, Alyssa Rapp from Bottlenotes.com, an online wine community and wine retailer can help. Her wine primer Around the World in 80 Sips travels through different categories and wine regions including Australia, Lebanon, Israel, China, South Africa, Chile and more.

Bottlenotes.com can also help with gifting wine. The site offers a brief questionnaire that can assess a palate and then customize wine recommendations for you or for your recipient. They have a variety of wines, wine gifts, wine clubs and packages.Bottlenotes is offerin g 20% off on all wine and stemware purchased on Cyber Monday.

We are giving away one copy of Around the World in 80 Sips. To enter, leave a comment telling us your go-to wine for bringing to a party.
Some other important details:

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before Friday, December 5 2008 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive the Around the World in 80 Sips, valued at $14.95
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

See complete contest rules here.

Win A Copy Of Around The World In 80 Sips originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Deidre WoollardMon, 01 Dec 2008 10:02:00 ESTUnforgettable Steve McQueenhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/27/unforgettable-steve-mcqueen/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/27/unforgettable-steve-mcqueen/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/27/unforgettable-steve-mcqueen/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This past summer we wrote about all the various books, auctions and so forth paying tribute to the King of Cool. The one we've long been waiting for has finally arrived, and it's without a doubt the best we've ever seen: Unforgettable Steve McQueen, edited by Henri Suzeau from Verlhac Editions in conjunction with Tag Heuer. This is the perfect gift for the enthusiast of classic men's style or really any connoisseur of cool.

It's a stunningly well-curated collection of McQueen photos, encompassing some iconic images but also plenty of rare and little-known pictures of the man Uma Thurman calls "Extremely sexy, extremely wild and extremely talented" in the introduction. Steve McQueen's rugged sportiness, authentic masculinity and innate good taste have inspired countless fashion designers, not to mention scores of other actors who followed in his wake.

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Unforgettable Steve McQueen originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Steve McQueenSteveMcqueenTag HeuerTagHeuerUma ThurmanUmaThurmanUnforgettable Steve McQueenUnforgettableSteveMcqueenJared Paul SternThu, 27 Nov 2008 11:02:00 ESTThe Classicist: Stanford White, Architecthttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/24/the-classicist-stanford-white-architect/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/24/the-classicist-stanford-white-architect/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/24/the-classicist-stanford-white-architect/#commentsFiled under: ,


Last summer when we wrote about Land Rover's 60th anniversary we visited the incredible Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, N.Y, designed by Stanford White as part of a country retreat for John Jacob Astor IV in 1902. The Astor Courts features prominently in a beautiful new book from Rizzoli, Stanford White, Architect. White, the visionary head of famed firm McKim, Mead & White, was arguably the most celebrated American architect of his day and a "defining figure of the so-called Gilded Age." In addition to the Astor Courts (originally the Ferncliff Casino), the book features many of White's buildings, including Beacon Rock in Newport, Rhode Island (above).

The book, by White's great-grandson Samuel G. White and Elizabeth White with photography by Jonathan Wallen, comprehensively explores White's "sumptuously rich oeuvre," from his own residences on Long Island and in Gramercy Park, to the "extraordinary and opulent" houses such as the incredible Rosecliff in Newport (see the gallery) and Villard Houses and Payne Whitney mansion in New York City. It also includes the lavish private clubs he designed such as the Century Association, the old Madison Sqaure Garden and Tiffany & Co., churches, monuments and more.

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Rosecliff, commissioned by Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs in 1899, is without a doubt the most extravagant house in the book. Designed to evoke Louis XIV's Grand Trianon at Versailles, it cost $2.5 million by the time it was completed in 1902 - about $60 million in today's dollars. The mansion, which is now a museum, was used to film scenes from 1974's The Great Gastby starring Robert Redford. Oelrichs hosted many fabulous parties at Rosecliff, including a fairy tale dinner and party featuring famed magician Harry Houdini as the evening's entertainment. In 1904 she staged the famous "Bal Blanc" to celebrate the Astor Cup Races, in which everything in the house was white and silver.

The classical Astor Courts is pictured on the book's cover. A less opulent but equally beautiful echo of the Grand Trianon, the five-bedroom structure features an indoor tennis court and swimming pool, and cost $1 million to build, or about $22 million in today's dollars. The building was a complete wreck in 2002 when a former TV producer purchased it for $3.2 million and set about an intense restoration. Five years and more than a million dollars later, it has been restored to White's original grandeur.

The Classicist: Stanford White, Architect originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ArchitectureAstorAstor CourtsAstorCourtsMansionNewportRhinebeckRosecliffStanford WhiteStanfordWhiteJared Paul SternMon, 24 Nov 2008 09:02:00 ESTGreat Houses of Philadelphiahttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/23/great-houses-of-philadelphia/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/23/great-houses-of-philadelphia/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/23/great-houses-of-philadelphia/#commentsFiled under: ,

The latest book from Acanthus Press, publishers of lavish tomes on classical architecture, is titled Great Houses of Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill and the Wissahickon Valley, 1880 - 1930. The book (right), from their superlative Suburban Domestic Architecture series, covers the marvelous landscape that "became the setting for glorious estates that celebrated the connection between the natural and the built environment."

From the mid-19th through the mid-20th century, "three generations of prominent regional and national architects designed houses [there] that have endured as magnificent examples of their own time, and remain eminently livable homes to this day." The book examines 40 properties in detail with over 300 archival and contemporary photographs, drawings, and floor plans.

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Great Houses of Philadelphia originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Acanthus PressAcanthusPressArchitectureMansionPhiladelphiaJared Paul SternSun, 23 Nov 2008 11:02:00 ESTRussian Billionaire Publishes Book of Wife's Nudeshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/22/russian-billionaire-publishes-book-of-wifes-nudes/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/22/russian-billionaire-publishes-book-of-wifes-nudes/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/22/russian-billionaire-publishes-book-of-wifes-nudes/#commentsFiled under:

Russian oligarch Sergei Rodionov married a notorious Moscow femme fatale named Olga and then commissioned famed French photographer Bettina Rheims to do a big bucks X-rated photo shoot. He liked it so much he talked Rheims into two more photo shoots, and the results have just been published in book form, to a decidedly mixed reaction from Moscow society.

Russian billionaires are not shy about displaying their wealth, and surely The Book of Olga (right), which is so incendiary we can only show you the cover here, is just another such exhibition of prized assets. Of course, as a limited edition of 1,000 signed and numbered copies for $500 each, it also stands to make some money. If it succeeds, perhaps other Riussian oligarchs will follow suit and such books could become the hot new status symbol.

Russian Billionaire Publishes Book of Wife's Nudes originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bettina RheimsBettinaRheimsBook of OlgaBookOfOlgaMoscowPhotographyrussian billionairesRussianBillionairesSergei RodionovSergeiRodionovJared Paul SternSat, 22 Nov 2008 09:02:00 ESTLuxury for Himhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/luxury-for-him/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/luxury-for-him/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/luxury-for-him/#commentsFiled under:

Luxury for Him from Loft Publications (right) is a real tour de force of extravagance. The pages are filled with Lurssen yachts, Gulfstream jets, Augusta helicopters, Rolls-Royces, palace hotels like the Burj Al Arab and lots more, all lavishly and lovingly photographed.

"Luxury can manifest itself in different ways and objects of desire differ from person to person," the publishers note. "Although the parameters of what is considered to be luxurious vary greatly, luxury items are always of excellent quality and are exclusive limited editions which tend to be the most technologically advanced within their category."

The categories include Luxury Sailing, Luxury Driving, Luxury Flying, Luxury Destinations and Luxury Moments. "Elegance and distinction have various interpretations, but in all cases, the degree of excellence and quality in the materials and objects is what distinguishes genuine luxury from opulence that is lacking in content."

Luxury for Him originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>JetLuxury for HimLuxuryForHimRolls-RoyceYachtJared Paul SternThu, 20 Nov 2008 10:02:00 ESTThe History of Jaguar Motorcarshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/the-history-of-jaguar-motorcars/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/the-history-of-jaguar-motorcars/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/the-history-of-jaguar-motorcars/#commentsFiled under: ,


The famed British motorcar marque Jaguar began life as a different species altogether; in 1922 a company called Swallow began manufacturing motorcycle sidecars, building its first automobiles under the name SS in 1927; in 1945 the name was changed to Jaguar, and the rest was automotive history.

Jaguar: The Complete Story, a new book by Heiner Stertkamp, is a lavish visual history of the world-famous car maker, from its "ascension to fame with the postwar XK series cars," followed by the introduction of the iconic E-Type in 1961, the XJ series, and most recently the high-tech XF.

The book includes racing vehicles and prototypes as well as production models, all presented in sumptuous, large format photographs. With Jaguar beginning another chapter under new owner Tata Motors, this is a fitting time to review the rich history of one of the world's most enduring symbols of speed, style and beauty.

The History of Jaguar Motorcars originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>JaguarSportscarJared Paul SternThu, 20 Nov 2008 09:02:00 ESTLuxury Toys: Top of the Worldhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/luxury-toys-top-of-the-world/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/luxury-toys-top-of-the-world/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/luxury-toys-top-of-the-world/#commentsFiled under:


The latest ultra-luxe title from top-drawer German publisher teNeues aims to encompass the world's most exclusive, expensive and elusive objects in various categories. Luxury Toys: Top of the World is of course a lavish and lavishly-photographed coffee table book giving a deserving treatment to it subject. In it the world's "most treasured and decadent belongings" are on display, from megayachts to opulent mansions and custom-made timepieces to exotic supercars, all "truly indulgent prized-possessions that will dazzle even the most discriminating billionaire." The book is divided into the following chapters: Art, Personal Luxuries (including watches and cell phones), Modern Cars, Vintage Cars, Motor Yachts, Sailing Yachts, Ultimate Homes and Luxury Air Travel. Shown on the cover above is the $150 million, 289-ft. Maltese Falcon, the world's largest privately-owned sailing yacht.

Luxury Toys: Top of the World originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>teNeuesYachtJared Paul SternMon, 17 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST170 Years of Tiffany Stylehttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/170-years-of-tiffany-style/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/170-years-of-tiffany-style/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/170-years-of-tiffany-style/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a beautiful new book called Tiffany Style: 170 Years of Design, the famed jeweler's design director John Loring has gathered for the first time in one volume the most renowned and memorable pieces ever produced by the company. In this "best of Tiffany" collection, "readers will find a spectacular array of objects, from Louis Comfort Tiffany's famous lamps and vases to opulent silver tea sets to Andy Warhol's whimsical Christmas illustrations to Elsa Peretti's signature heart pendant," the jacket copy notes. Loring draws on Tiffany's unparalleled archives for sketches, design material, photographs spanning the last 170 years, and more.

170 Years of Tiffany Style originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Andy WarholAndyWarholElsa PerettiElsaPerettiJohn LoringJohnLoringTiffanyJared Paul SternSat, 15 Nov 2008 10:01:00 ESTMichelangelo Book Features Marble Coverhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/michelangelo-book-features-marble-cover/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/michelangelo-book-features-marble-cover/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/michelangelo-book-features-marble-cover/#commentsFiled under:


I've covered many expensive books over the years but there aren't too many like "Michelangelo: La Dotta Mano" the new book by Italian publisher FMR. The book measures 18 by 28 inches and weighs a backbreaking 61 pounds. Why so heavy? The cover is a marble carving of a replica of the Madonna della Scala encased in a velvet binding. Inside there are reproductions of drawings by Michelangelo, photographs by Italian photographer Aurelio Amendola and writings on Michelangelo spanning centuries of scholarship. The book commemorates the 500th anniversary of the start of Michelangelo's work on the Sistine chapel. You can see the book at the New York Public Library's Bill Blass Public Catalog Room from Dec. 2-8. Or, if you have the money and sturdy shelves you can pick up one of your own from the limited edition of 99 for $130,000.

[via LA Times Jacket Copy]

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Michelangelo Book Features Marble Cover originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bookmarblemichelangeloDeidre WoollardThu, 13 Nov 2008 11:01:00 ESTWin A Copy Of The Home Bookhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/10/win-a-copy-of-the-home-book/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/10/win-a-copy-of-the-home-book/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/10/win-a-copy-of-the-home-book/#commentsFiled under:


Everyone seems to be spending more time at home lately (a deflated stock market and plunging real estate don't help). So why not make the home you've got more beautiful. The folks behind House Beautiful have just come out with The Home Book, a weighty tome dedicated to all facets of interior design. It is 464 pages and has more than 500 photos as well as tips that include theme, color, furnishings, wall and floor covering and just about every aspect of decoration. The focus is on defining your personal style and expanding it into the home in a way that creates a harmonious environment. It can also keep you from making some of the design mistakes that hurt a home when it is time to sell.

We are giving away one copy of this essential guide to all things home. To enter please leave a comment below. This week's comment starter is one prompted by my curiosity, I'm wondering, has the housing slump caused you to put off any decorating plans or are you spending more time and money sprucing up your abode since you may be there a while.

Some other important details:

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before Friday, November 14, 2008 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive the The Home Book valued at $39.95.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

See complete contest rules here.

Win A Copy Of The Home Book originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>booksdecordesignDeidre WoollardMon, 10 Nov 2008 10:02:00 ESTJohnnie Walker Blue Label Diary 'By Appointment Only'http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/04/johnnie-walker-blue-label-diary-by-appointment-only/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/04/johnnie-walker-blue-label-diary-by-appointment-only/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/04/johnnie-walker-blue-label-diary-by-appointment-only/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some special books come with online access codes bringing additional insight into the topic, a beautiful handmade bookmark or an original signature of the author but the 'By Appointment Only' diary from Johnnie Walker Blue Label is more than just a place to log your writings -- it is a doorway to exclusive events and services. Included in this expensive holiday package are tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix 2009 and Johnnie Walker Golf Championships, a bespoke blending experience with a Johnnie Walker Master Blender creating your very own whisky, and access to a premiere concierge service offering more Johnnie Walker experiences at your fingertips.

The leather bound diary, of which there are only three, is priced at an impressive £95,000 and comes from luxury stationer Aspinal of London. There are an additional twenty diaries available for £2,000 with access to the services and events above as well -- the difference in price I am sure accounts for less luxurious accommodations or some other discrepancy in experience but nonetheless would make a spectacular gift.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Diary 'By Appointment Only' originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>johnnie walkerjohnnie walker blue labeljohnnie walker blue label diaryjohnnie walker diaryJohnnieWalkerJohnnieWalkerBlueLabelJohnnieWalkerBlueLabelDiaryJohnnieWalkerDiaryLaura MalesichTue, 04 Nov 2008 12:02:00 ESTGiant Nose Promotes New Whisky Bookhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/giant-nose-promotes-new-whisky-book/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/giant-nose-promotes-new-whisky-book/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/giant-nose-promotes-new-whisky-book/#commentsFiled under: ,

They say that when blending whisky it's all about the sniffer. Small wonder then that a new book by master whiskey blender Richard Patterson and Gavin D Smith features Patterson on the cover with his nose headed glassward and goes by the title "Goodness Nose." Cute, right? What's even cuter, although perhaps veering into the strange is that a six-foot high nose, based on Patterson's more modest proboscis has been spotted around Edinburgh as part the promotion for the book. The Edinburgh News reports that the nose has been spotted in the city's Multrees Walk, the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens. I'm hoping pictures surface soon, this I've got to see.

Giant Nose Promotes New Whisky Book originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>edinburghrichard pattersonscotchwhiskyDeidre WoollardThu, 30 Oct 2008 16:02:00 ESTEarth, A Big Book For A Big Subjecthttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/27/earth-a-big-book-for-a-big-subject/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/27/earth-a-big-book-for-a-big-subject/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/27/earth-a-big-book-for-a-big-subject/#commentsFiled under:

Earth is a big subject and Australian publisher Millennium House has created a book big enough to cover it. Their new book "Earth" is the the biggest atlas ever to be published and is nearly 2 feet tall and over 65 pounds. The 576-page books is the sum total of eight months work by 100 photographers, cartographers, geographers and oceanographers and it has 154 maps and over 800 photographs. The print run will be just 3,000 copies, 2,000 of the standard blue version at right and 1000 "Gold Earth" editions with gold leather, gold gilding and gold plated corners. The regular version will cost over $3,000. The book had its world debut in Sydney on October 9, hit the Frankfurt Book Fair and is on its way to the Sharjah World Book Fair in Dubai n October 29.

Earth, A Big Book For A Big Subject originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>atlasbooksearthDeidre WoollardMon, 27 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST100 Years of <i>Vanity Fair</i> Portraitshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/100-years-of-i-vanity-fair-i-portraits/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/100-years-of-i-vanity-fair-i-portraits/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/100-years-of-i-vanity-fair-i-portraits/#commentsFiled under:

Graydon Carter and the editors of Vanity Fair have just published a book of photographs spanning 100 years of the magazine: Vanity Fair: The Portraits, A Century of Iconic Images (Abrams, $65). At 348 pages, the book contains over 100 color and 200 black-and-white photos of personalities ranging from Picasso, Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn to Julia Roberts, Giorgio Armani and Brad Pitt, by the world's most famous photographers. An accompanying exhibition will open at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Oct. 26 and will run through the 1st of March.

100 Years of Vanity Fair Portraits originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CelebritiesGiorgio ArmaniGiorgioArmaniGraydon CarterGraydonCarterLos Angeles County Museum of ArtLosAngelesCountyMuseumOfArtMagazinesPhotographyVanity FairVanityFairJared Paul SternMon, 13 Oct 2008 11:03:00 ESTThe Classicist: LVMH's Distinctive Vintageshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH is best known for its marquee property Louis Vuitton, but the company has also amassed the world's most amazing collection of top-class wine and spirits brands under its Moët Hennessy group. The incomparable portfolio is celebrated in a suitably lavish new book called Distinctive Vintages ($200, right) just out from Flammarion.

Moët Hennessy owns too many luxury brands to list, but to name a few: Hennessy Cognac; Moët & Chandon, luxe Dom Pérignon, Krug and Veuve Clicquot champagnes; Belvedere and Chopin vodkas; Glenmorangie and deliciously smoky Ardbeg single malt Scotch whiskies; and the famed Chateau d'Yquem wine, synonymous with the finest money can buy.

The book focuses on the collection of fine French wines and spirits, personified in three regions that are "as noble as they are prestigious": Cognac, the ancestral birthplace of Hennessy; Champagne, home Dom Pérignon and its confreres; and Bordeaux, graced by the magical Château d'Yquem. It offers both a practical guide to the three regions as well as an explanation of the different vintages and results produced by the famed houses.

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Continue reading The Classicist: LVMH's Distinctive Vintages

The Classicist: LVMH's Distinctive Vintages originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>champagnecognacDom PerignonDomPerignonFrancehennessyLouis VuittonLouisVuittonLVMHMoetMoet ChandonMoetChandonveuve clicquotVeuveClicquotYquemJared Paul SternMon, 13 Oct 2008 09:01:00 ESTCartier's 20th Century Masterpieceshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/26/cartiers-20th-century-masterpieces/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/26/cartiers-20th-century-masterpieces/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/26/cartiers-20th-century-masterpieces/#commentsFiled under: ,


Some of world-famous Parisian jeweler Cartier's most beautiful creations are portrayed in a sumptuous new book due out in a couple of weeks. Cartier: Innovation Through the 20th Century (Flammarion, $65), features 165 rare gems reproduced at their actual size, "selected to highlight the milestones of 20th century design." Each amazing piece "serves as a benchmark in the world of high-end jewelry," much of it made for Europe's nobility and bon ton.

Drawing on Cartier's vast archives, many of the pictures are being published here for the first time. Cartier "consistently set new aesthetic, ornamental, technical and stylistic trends" in jewelry design, the book notes, and it continues to do so today. Even their famous red leather boxes have become something of a status symbol in and of themselves. The cover image above shows a platinum, diamond and ruby bracelet made in 1926.

Cartier's 20th Century Masterpieces originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CartierDiamondsJewelsParisJared Paul SternFri, 26 Sep 2008 14:02:00 ESTThe House of Valentino's 50 Fashionable Yearshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-house-of-valentinos-50-fashionable-years/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-house-of-valentinos-50-fashionable-years/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-house-of-valentinos-50-fashionable-years/#commentsFiled under: ,

The remarkable 50-year career of Valentino, founder of the first couture house to be recognized by the French government outside of Paris, is given the coffee table treatment in a lavish new book, Valentino: Themes and Variations (Rizzoli, $75).

The tome on Rome-based Valentino Garavani is published in association with a prestigious exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, curated by the author, Pamela Golbin. The book focuses on the designer's haute couture creations, culminating in his brilliant Paris presentation last January.

"I have always considered my work as the one of a writer," Valentino notes in the foreword. "Over the years I wrote only one story, the one of my style, where each collection represents a single chapter, with all its emotions, ideas and motifs. The looks may change with every chapter, but the main characters are the same, as are the people and things that inspire me."

The House of Valentino's 50 Fashionable Years originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Haute coutureHauteCoutureItalian fashionItalianFashionParisRomeValentinoJared Paul SternWed, 24 Sep 2008 09:02:00 ESTAn Intimate Look at the Legendary Coco Chanelhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/17/an-intimate-look-at-the-legendary-coco-chanel/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/17/an-intimate-look-at-the-legendary-coco-chanel/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/17/an-intimate-look-at-the-legendary-coco-chanel/#commentsFiled under:


In 1962, photographer Douglas Kirkland was sent to Paris on assignment for Look magazine to photograph the legendary couturier Coco Chanel. Kirkland, 27, ended up living with the elegant 79-year-old Chanel for three whole weeks, photographing her in public and private. The complete collection of never-before-seen photographs is being published this week in book form - Coco Chanel: Three Weeks / 1962 - by Glitterati to coincide with the 125th anniversary of Chanel's birth.

Included as well are Kirkland's reminiscences. He recalls for instance that as Chanel prepared for the show, omnipresent cigarette dangling from her lips, she snapped, "Fashion has become a joke. The designers have forgotten that there are women inside the dresses." In addition to the regular edition which costs $50, Glitterati will publish a deluxe limited edition of 100 in a slipcase with a signed and numbered Kirkland print for $500.

An Intimate Look at the Legendary Coco Chanel originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ChanelCoco ChanelCocoChanelDouglas KirklandDouglasKirklandFashion photographyFashionPhotographyFrench fashionFrenchFashionParisJared Paul SternWed, 17 Sep 2008 11:02:00 EST