Luxist

Ed Hardy Smart Car

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-29T18:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Wheels

If like me, you are on the waiting list for a Smart Car you might want to check out this custom design. The Limited Edition Ed Hardy Smart Cars were recently unveiled at the "When I Move You Move" lifestyle trade show in Las Vegas.

The cars come only in white or black and are custom-built upgrades to a standard Smart Car that are autographed and numbered by designer, Christian Audigier. Each car has a seven layer Ed Hardy tattoo inspired satin paint scheme, leather seats with tattoo embroidered suede inserts, integrated Bluetooth and navigation systems, twelve piece interior accents finished in piano black gloss and a specialized Ed Hardy Kenwood 6.1" touch screen AM/FM/CD/DVD player. Exterior upgrades include Ed Hardy edition badging, satin black multi-spoke wheels with the Ed Hardy "Tiger" center hub cap and a chrome dual tip exhaust system providing a 6hp and 14ft lbs. torque performance increase, designed by Doug Thorley Headers. Sounds nice if a bit garish but the Limited Edition Ed Hardy Smart Car upgrade package retails for $22,765 + tax and does not include the price of the car. In fact, the Smart Car itself is cheaper than the upgrade package.

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Alexander McQueen's Take on Western, Handbag of the Day

Lisa Palladino — 2008-08-29T17:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Handbags

I've mentioned Zappos Luxe Life before. Now and then I browse the store to see what's new in the Couture section, and recently I found a bag that I really like for fall. Usually Alexander McQueen is too way out for me, but I think this Western-inspired patent bag is great for the days when you break out the jeans and boots but want a nice bag to polish the look. The burgundy and gold bag is made of of patent leather. It's 14" wide across the bottom, 9.5" wide across the top, 5.5" deep and 10" high, enough room for wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology. The handle drop is 5". Other features: a front exterior slip pocket, platform bottom, top zip closure and a luxurious interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets. Comes with a protective dust bag. $2,569; free shipping and returns from Zappos.

Gallery: Alexander McQueen's Take on Western

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Gijs Bakker's 'Bracelet with 90 Degree Angle'

Rigel Celeste — 2008-08-29T16:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Jewelry

It looks more like an art sculpture than jewelry (especially in this photo) but the "Bracelet with 90 degree angle" by Gijs Bakker is definitely meant to be worn. Originally made of aluminum as part of his 1969 collection, the unique angled design has been re-released in the extremely limited edition of just five, and will now be made of titanium.

Titanium? It must be heavy to wear then (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) and of course it's pretty much indestructible! Plus when you don't have it on it you can store it on your nightstand sitting up like this and it can double as home decor. £2000

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The $2,500 Cognac Shot, or $80,000 for the Whole Bottle

Lisa Palladino — 2008-08-29T15:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Spirits

A nice one-bedroom apartment in NYC rents for about $2,500/month. And for that same price you can get a shot -- yes, just a taste -- of Louis XIII Black Pearl Magnum cognac, a limited edition, natch, kept in a glass case and then offered exclusively at NYC's Rose Club at the Plaza hotel. The spirit, produced by Remy Martin, cannot be sampled anywhere else in the State of New York. The bottle, designed by Baccarat and hand-blown from black crystal, has not yet been uncorked since it was introduced in June. A recent Rose Club patron asked if he could buy the entire bottle, one of only 358 in the world. Rose Club manager Anthony Evangelista turned him down, and the man left without even tasting it. There are about 32 pours in the 1.75 liter bottle, meaning that the decanter contains $80,000 worth of cognac.

[Via New York Daily News]

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Fiat Goes Beachy With The Fiat Fiorino Portofino

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-29T14:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Wheels

A car with nautical ropes instead of doors? You are staring at the 2008 Fiat Fiorino Portofino. Fiat Professional asked customizer Vernagallo-Holiday and SALT to create a show car that looked like the Italian luxury beach buggies of the 1950s and 1960s. They took one of Fiat's FIorino vans and created this. The car has wood laminate flooring and the interior was created using natural fibers treated with a special waterproofing. They say it can seat five (five beach bunnies perhaps) and the rear seat folds down for your nautical gear. It's not known if the Fiat Fiorino Portofino will be produced as a regular car for the masses but it will be making the show rounds. Autoblog has a couple hi-res shots of this unique creature.

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Flour Mill Loft Penthouse, Estate of the Day

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-29T13:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Estates

In honor of the Democratic National Convention I thought it might be fun to check out a little Denver real estate. Today's penthouse loft is a full floor unit in the Flour Mill lofts which has views of Coors field. This has to be one of the most interesting loft conversions I've ever seen. The space features a circular kitchen with a drop ceiling, oversized brass hood and a pizza oven. The loft has over 5,300 square feet of space. The architect echoed the circular shape and dimensions of the Flour Mill's storage silos to create a series of circular spaces, Angled walls feature floor lighting and the home features exposed ceilings and brick. The loft is wired with a Denon THX surround sound system and a Lutron lighting system. The north side of the loft is currently used as office space and has three round silo rooms that could be repurposed as a mother-in-law apartment, nanny suite or guest quarters. This side also features a 300 sq. ft. balcony. The south side of the 6th Floor penthouse is given over to the owner's private quarters. It is listed at $3.25 million. Check out more pictures at the loft's property website.

Experience more lush living in luxury homes and mansions or see the stars living large with celebrity homes galleries at AOL Real Estate.

Gallery: Denver Loft

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Pininfarina Wine

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-29T12:06:00 00:00

Filed under: Wine

Pininfarina, the Italian design house, that has designed for Ferrari, Maserati and Rolls-Royce now has a wine label. Pininfarina wine debuted at the Concorso Italiano earlier this month in Monterey, CA. The inaugural release of 2005 Vino Rosso was tasted by throngs of spectators and a three liter bottle was auctioned off for $3,000 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The 2005 Pininfarina Napa Valley Vino Rosso is a Napa Valley red that is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon,29% Cabernet Franc, 6% Sangiovese and 5% Petit Verdot. The wine has black currant and raspberry aromas with a balance of fruit and ripe, fat tannins. It can be drunk now but the winemaker's notes say that it will start to show its prime between 2010 and 2012, with the ultimate peak for this wine being probably between 2017 and 2021. While the label doesn't use the classic Pininfarina red color there is sleek carbon fiber like detail surrounding the label. There were 1,125 cases produced and bottles sell online for $95 each.

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Hirst's Diamond Skull Goes On Display

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-29T11:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Art

Last year, artist Damien Hirst exhibited his diamond skull piece "For the Love of God" while he was shopping for a buyer. Hirst eventually bought the piece along with a group of investors for its $100 million asking price. Now the piece is on the road again. The Netherlands' national museum will exhibit the diamond and platinum skull for six weeks starting November 1. The piece is decorated with 8,601 diamonds and allegedly takes its name from Hirst's mother's exclamation when she heard what her son was up to.

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One World Running, Charity of the Day

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-29T10:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Charity of the Day

This morning I decided the running shoes I've had for almost a year need to be replaced -- time to buy a new pair! I love the bounce of a brand new pair of shoes...unspoiled and ready for everything I plan to put them through. I wanted to find a place to donate my less bouncy pairs to the benefit of others and came across One World Running, a non-profit organization based in Boulder, Colorado. Collecting and donating thousands of new and 'nearly new' shoes to needy individuals across the U.S. and the world this ambitious organization is supported by Scout troops, individuals on a mission, shoe companies and even local store drives. With an international scope they have provided shoes to children and adults alike, athletes and humanitarians too from Belize to Africa. Whether you donate your sneaks or funds you will ensure that others can stride in comfort and continue along their own journeys whatever terrain it takes them over. (The photos in the gallery below really showcase their efforts).

Gallery: One World Running

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St. Regis Sponsors Major New Polo Trophy

Jared Paul Stern — 2008-08-29T09:03:00 00:00

Filed under: Events, Sports

One of the world's most famous luxury hotel brands is getting into the polo game in a big way this summer with the first annual St. Regis International Cup. England and Italy will compete for the prestigious trophy in the inaugural match, taking place this Sunday (the 31st) at the historic Cowdray Park Polo Club in West Sussex, surrounded by the ruins of Cowdray Castle.

Of course, St. Regis isn't about to slack off when it comes to hospitality either. They've partnered with Asprey, Veuve Clicquot and Audi to create the ultimate VIP tent at Cowdray, where a crack regiment of St. Regis butlers brought in from the hotels will cater to the toffs' every need. Even the general public will be able to avail themselves of a bar serving the signature St. Regis Bloody Mary. Damned democratic of them, no?

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The $150,000 Hermès Crocodile Peacoat

Jared Paul Stern — 2008-08-29T08:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

This is without a doubt the most extravagant men's item we've come across for fall (or any other season, for that matter): a $150,000 peacoat from Hermès made entirely of crocodile skin. The ultra-luxe interpretation of a menswear classic, which originated with European navies some 250 years ago, was produced by Hermès men's designer Véronique Nichanian for the famed fashion house's Fall / Winter 2008-09 collection. The Hermès flagship store on Manhattan's Upper East Side just received two of them, in navy blue; other colors may be special ordered for delivery in 3-4 months.

[via Kempt]

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France's Oyster Industry In Trouble

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-28T19:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Dining

There's big trouble in France for the oyster market. Bloomberg reports that close to 80% of France's annual 130,000-ton oyster harvest have been killed off this summer due to a herpes-like virus. The virus affected the 12- to 18-month-old oysters that would be edible in 2010. Those due to be harvested this year and next year weren't harmed. Oyster growers are trying to replenish the stocks but the oyster business which generates $1.5 billion is sales is in serious jeopardy in two years.

Researchers at the French Research Institute for the Exploitation of the Sea found larger than usual quantities of the Ostreid Herpes, or OsHV-1, virus as well as bacteria called Vibrio Splendidus. They believe that the bacteria might have made the oysters more vulnerable and that climate change may also have been a factor. Winter temperatures in 2007 and 2008 were 2 percent above average. So far the oyster crisis has only occurred in France.

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Naomi Campbell's Beau Buys Her $18.5 Million Apt. in Brazil

Lisa Palladino — 2008-08-28T18:03:00 00:00

Filed under: Estates, Celebrity Shopping

The New York Post reports that Naomi Campbell and her Russian billionaire boyfriend, Vladimir Doronin, the "Donald Trump of Russia," recently were in her favorite country, Brazil, where he dropped $18.5 million on a penthouse apartment for her in Jardins, the Upper East Side of Sao Paolo. This came after Campbell told him how much she loved the country and "wanted to settle down there." Glamurama.com says the apartment was a "gift" to the supermodel and the couple will use it as their home in Brazil.

And more news: Campbell, who's trying to improve her angry, assistant-attacking image, also is focusing on being photographed at charitable events and launching a clothing line through 284, the new label from Daslu. "It's for strong women. I hope everybody will like it," she told a local Brazilian paper.

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Burberry Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Rigel Celeste — 2008-08-28T17:03:00 00:00

Filed under: Handbags

Flashy and catering to both the current metallics and military trends, this Burberry bag is sure to brighten up any outfit -- almost literally. The shiny silver acts as both a neutral in terms of coordinating with other colors but it also gives off its own glitz vibe and can be very useful for adding a shot of boldness to your ensemble.

Full of folds, straps, and ruching, this bag also features a twill lining and a large central zip-pocket on the inside separating two large compartments. Plenty of room for everything! $2,995

Gallery: Burberry Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag

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Baumraum, Luxury Living in the Treetops

Rigel Celeste — 2008-08-28T16:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Garden, Green

I never had a tree house as a kid and although I can't say I ever really felt deprived I wouldn't mind using that fact as an excuse to indulge myself in adulthood! These tree houses by Baumraum out of Germany are absolutely gorgeous, not to mention much larger and more luxurious than what the average 10 year old gets. They build custom tree houses all over the world, although mostly in Europe, and the designs vary from houses built up just a few feet off the ground to designs like this one way up in the tree tops (wonderful to look at but is it really secure balancing up there like that???).

Via Wists

Gallery: Baumraum Treehouses

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Luxury Institute Survey: Best Premium Liquor Brands

Lisa Palladino — 2008-08-28T15:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Spirits

A summer survey, conducted by the Luxury Institute, asked 1,771 wealthy Americans with an average income of $351,000 and average net worth of $4.3 million to rate wine and liquor brands based on quality, uniqueness and exclusivity. Check out the CNBC slideshow to see which brands came out on top. The institute offers a variety of articles on luxury-related topics. Here is a list of its 2008 articles, but you can read back to 2005.

[Via CNBC]

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Political Vines: Red States vs. Blue States

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-28T14:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Wine

When most people think of American wines they name California, Oregon and Washington but amazingly wine making is something every state has in common. With all the political hubbub happening currently it seems timely that someone would pin the red and blue states against each other in a more delicious contest. Sure the Blue's come in heavy with the three states mentioned above but the Red-leaning states have Arizona's Caduceus and Virginia's Barboursville to tout. Among the Blue states there is the lesser known Finger Lake region of New York highlighting Heron Hill's Reisling and Illinois' hybrid varietals.

Personally, I'm interested in trying Hawaii's Pineapple Wine -- that has to be perfect for dessert or sipping on a hot day -- which I didn't know existed until today! I'll take a hammock on the beach with a glass of wine any day and leave the politicking to the experts.

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Camelback Contemporary, Estate of the Day

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-28T13:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Estates

Today's estate would be a lot to live up to, the cool factor is pretty high. Out of the sleek modern homes perched on Camelback Mountain with views of Phoenix, Arizona, this is one of the best. The three-bedroom home features glass walls which open out onto terraces and a cantilevered pool and submerged Jacuzzi which seem to float above the city lights. The property also includes a 100 foot mountainside waterfall. The mountain comes inside the home in the 16-person home theater which has a rock wall. The home also features a separate catering kitchen, wet bar, full gym with a rockclimbing wall and a two-bedroom guest house. The garage has clear doors to showcase your exotic cars and the property also includes a putting green. A virtual tour with more pictures is here. This home is listed at $9.4 million.

For more prime properties and lush locations, see Luxury Homes and Mansions.

Gallery: Camelback Contemporary

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Versace Home Furniture Line

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-28T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

Simple, modern lines make this furniture line sleek, elegant and one of Donatella's best creations. The timeless combination of black and white will compliment almost any room and allow for a color palette to come through in accessories, art, floor coverings or paint. The lounge chair is my personal favorite with a whimsical line that makes me want to crawl in and curl up with a good book. Unfortunately I couldn't find any price information but I would doubt you would see this line in a discount store -- plan on spending a bundle to makeover your abode in this sensational look.

Gallery: Versace For Your Home

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IRS Revises Charity Tax Rules

Tracy Chait — 2008-08-28T11:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Charity

In a highly-anticipated overhaul, the IRS has successfully revised its rules for charities filing taxes. Form 990 will now require charities to disclose employee salaries greater than $150,000 and will also ask organizations to report "key employees" who control a 10% or greater portion of the charity's activities. The changes will arguably make many charities more transparent and therefore easier to research on behalf of potential donors.

Guidestar.org, the non-profit data kings, will use this new information to provide more comprehensive analysis of the non-profits in its database, all in the attempt to encourage charitable giving by providing individual donors (and their estate planners) with the facts they need.

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