terça-feira, 30 de novembro de 2010
The Luxist Top Ten Handbags of 2010
2010 may have been a tough year in a lot of ways, but it was a terrific year for handbags. From divinely sparkling clutches to totes in unheard-of textures, designers were inventive, creative and finally took some risks again -- a sure sign of an improving economy. We're celebrating the return to flamboyance and daring style with a list of our top ten favorites from this year's outstanding LuxistHandbag of the Day collection.
1. Valentino Crystal-Embellished Feather Clutch
Let's begin with the ethereal, exquisite bag above, the Valentino Crystal-Embellished Feather Clutch. These little birdies outdid even the Judith Lieber Enchanted Stardust Clutch with their whimsical glamour, and the feathers are so elegantly and daintily assembled, the clutch eclipsed the ballerina charm of the Valentino Tulle Rosette Bag. We love the coloring; it's as if each perfect feather has been gingerly dipped in the blackest of ink. The pale pink satin structure and lining complete the dream-come-true wonder of this masterful handbag which commanded $4,170.00.
1. Valentino Crystal-Embellished Feather Clutch
Let's begin with the ethereal, exquisite bag above, the Valentino Crystal-Embellished Feather Clutch. These little birdies outdid even the Judith Lieber Enchanted Stardust Clutch with their whimsical glamour, and the feathers are so elegantly and daintily assembled, the clutch eclipsed the ballerina charm of the Valentino Tulle Rosette Bag. We love the coloring; it's as if each perfect feather has been gingerly dipped in the blackest of ink. The pale pink satin structure and lining complete the dream-come-true wonder of this masterful handbag which commanded $4,170.00.
Cartier Tourbillon & Crocodile Watch
The case is decorated with a number of diamonds, and the fantastically rendered 3D crocodile on the dial is also in gold and diamonds. What a stunning jewelry creation. It sits on a black dial accompanied with a few lotus flowers. Inside the watch is a partially exposed in-house made Cartier calibre 9458 MC manually wound movement with a flying tourbillon. The movement is placed to the side of the dial for an asymmetrical position. The Tourbillon & Crocodile won't be part of a limited edition per se, but will likely be made only to order after a few pieces are made by Cartier. More info on this next year.
A Royal Residence
Since some of the Duchess of Windsor's jewels are up for auction again tomorrow at Sotheby's, I thought it might be fun to take a look at one of The Windsor homes. Continuing our French theme, we will first look at 24, boulevard Souchet. It was a large four story house located in the Sixteenth Arrondissement where they made their home after the abdication. These photos were all taken in 1939 and I found the description of the home in The Duchess of Windsor: The Uncommon Life of Wallis Simpson.
They leased the home that included a small garden until 1949. They then rented a house at 85, rue de la Faisanderie in Paris from 1949-1953.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
The entrance hall with black and white Carrara marble floor and caryatids wearing crowns of candles. "A Louis XVI clock, whose face was set within the center of a gilded sunburst, hung above an antique gilt console on which stood red and gold visitor's books."
A sketch of the banquette room by Alexandre Serebriakoff.
The Duchess of Windsor consulted Stephane Boudin of Maison Jansen and often hunted for antiques with him.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in the banquette room.
"The banquette room reflected a whimsical side of Wallis's character. The walls were formal, painted white with elegant boiserie, but the carpet was green and white lattice pattern, and the furniture was clearly different: Against one wall stood a large green velvet banquette covered with white and green pillow. A sofa and matching chairs, also covered in green velvet, stood facing the antique mantelpiece, dominated by an Italian Renaissance clock."
A detail of a desk in the banquette room.
The Chinese lacquered desk in the banquette room.
The white and gold salon.
The walls of the dining room were "painted cream, with the delicate boiserie picked out in gilt, and pierced by arched windows draped with crimson curtains tied back and hung with enormous gold tasseled cords at two levels. Each window was fitted with matching mirrored shutters on the inside that could be pulled closed to magnify the candlelight on formal occasions - an effect heightened by the immense mirrors that cloaked the doors, stood above the fireplace, and filled the alcove against one wall in which stood the carved and gilded rococo sideboard."
The Duchess of Windsor at her desk in the upstairs sitting room.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in the second floor sitting room.
"A large sitting room, decorated with overstuffed modern sofas and chairs covered in bright English chintzes, a Chippendale table, and a crescent-shaped desk used by the Duchess separated the Windsors' rooms. It was used for informal, private entertaining; on occasions when the Duke and Duchess were alone in the evening, the dined here at the small table."
Unfortunately, I didn't find photos of their bedrooms but there is a cute photos of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor with their terriers. You can tell this was early on since they don't have their famous pugs yet.
Photos by William Vandivert
Perfect Pink Diamond Sets Hong Kong Record
It's not a world-record setter like the $46-million pink diamond sold at Sotheby's recently but a stone called "the perfect pink" sold for over $23 million to an anonymous buyer at Christie's Hong Kong over the weekend. The 14.23 ct. rectangular-cut fancy intense pink diamond is the most expensive jewel ever sold in Asia. The sale was a record-setter overall, bringing in $78.9 million, highest ever for a jewelry auction in Asia and the largest ever at Christie's worldwide. The pink diamond is flanked by a pair of rectangular D-flawlessdiamonds weighing 1.73 and 1.67 carats and mounted in 18k rose and white gold. The center stone is graded fancy intense pink, natural colour, VVS2 clarity, with excellent symmetry. It is a type IIa diamond, diamonds which are chemically very pure and are famed for their clean, jaw-dropping sparkle.
segunda-feira, 29 de novembro de 2010
Belle de Jour Metallic Tweed Clutch, Handbag of the Day
Tweed is almost always a casual fabric but not when it's like this, not when it's woven with black metallic and gold fibers, then it's a beautiful and glamorous evening look that's unique and eye-catching without being bold. It's just lovely, understated style perfect for any season. This Belle de Jour Metallic Tweed Clutch by Yves Saint Laurent is made in a simple foldover clutch shape with a large designer logo monogrammed on the front as the only exterior adornment. The interior is lined in conservative black leather and satin and has one pouch pocket. $525
domingo, 28 de novembro de 2010
The Christmas Tree - $500 000 00
Jeweler Steve Quick has created the world’s most expensive Christmas tree. On display at Steve Quick Jewelers in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, the tree is made out of five solid pounds of 18k yellow gold and decorated with 250 carats of round brilliant and briolette diamonds. The platinum star on top, set with a 4.52 carat diamond, is detachable so the owner can wear it as a pendant. Creating the tree was a lengthy process: just the wax carving, which created the needle detail, took weeks. The casting process required specialized equipment, which was purchased and specially modified for this project. The tree is made of reclaimed gold so even though it appears very yellow, it is actually quite “green”! Suppliers Manak Jewels, United Gem Limited, Clark Jewelers, Chicago Gem Appraisers also contributed to the tree. This “outrageous, over the top labor of love” benefits a good cause: it will be auctioned off on eBay beginning on December 17 with 100 percent of the profits going to benefit the American Cancer Society. The tree is valued at $500,000. If that’s a bit over your holiday budget, Quick has also designed miniature versions of the Tree in sterling silver for $20, gold-plated for $25, and 14k gold for $195. All of the profits from the Mini-Trees will also be donated to the American Cancer Society.“Our tree was created to bring hope and help to people battling cancer,” Quick says. “To us, helping others is priceless.”
sábado, 27 de novembro de 2010
John Galliano's Under The Sea Christmas Tree
Fashion designer John Galliano has revealed his Christmas tree for Claridge's. This is the second year the Dior designer has created a tree for the London hotel. This year's design was inspired by the ocean. The "Under the Sea" Christmas tree is a seascape fantasia with silver leaves, pink coral, sea horses, fish, anemones, starfish and jelly fish. The Telegraph reports that the tree was unveiled at a dinner that was hosted by model Stella Tennant and CEO of Christian Dior, Sidney Toledano, to mark the opening of Dior's new London boutique in New Bond Street, W1.
sexta-feira, 26 de novembro de 2010
Lord's Castle, Estate of the Day
The first president of the Erie Railroad, Eleazar Lord, had today's home, a stone castle built for him in Piermont, New York. The Victorian mansion in Piermont was originally called "The Cedars" but is known to locals as "the castle."
It was built circa 1892 and designed by legendary architecture firm McKim, Mead & White, The 15,000 square foot main home is on over 18 acres with a separate cottage, two-story barn with classic cupola and in-ground pool. The beautiful older home has ornate moldings, coffered ceilings, and a grand staircase. The listing pictures are a bit dark but show leaded glass windows, columns, original fireplace mantels. The lower level includes a billiards room, a huge old style walk-in safe, walk-in ice box room, a prep kitchen with dumb waiter and second large kitchen with original wood stove. This home is listed at $9.5 million.
It was built circa 1892 and designed by legendary architecture firm McKim, Mead & White, The 15,000 square foot main home is on over 18 acres with a separate cottage, two-story barn with classic cupola and in-ground pool. The beautiful older home has ornate moldings, coffered ceilings, and a grand staircase. The listing pictures are a bit dark but show leaded glass windows, columns, original fireplace mantels. The lower level includes a billiards room, a huge old style walk-in safe, walk-in ice box room, a prep kitchen with dumb waiter and second large kitchen with original wood stove. This home is listed at $9.5 million.
quinta-feira, 25 de novembro de 2010
Attitude of Gratitude
The best part of Thanksgiving is that it has traditionally been a non-commercial holiday. Well, until stores decided to open this year but I digress. Thanksgiving is a day when you don't have to do anything but spend time eating and watching the parade and football with those we care about. It is always nice to take a moment though to think about all that you have to be thankful for this year. I am always thankful for my fabulous friends and family and wonderful readers. I've received so many wonderful emails lately and it is always nice to know that all the hard work that goes into the blog is appreciated by others.
The last chapter of the book Write It Down, Make It Happen is entitled Giving Thanks. "When you remember to say thanks, when you live your life in a spirit of gratefulness, life will present you with even more things for which to be grateful." Just a little something to think about on this day of Thanksgiving.
Photo from Martha Stewart
