terça-feira, 30 de novembro de 2010

Crystal Renn by Tom Ford for Vogue Paris

Versace Home Christmas 2010 Collection

versace christmas 2010 tableware ornaments collection 5 Versace Home Christmas 2010 Collection www.upscaleswagger.com

The Luxist Top Ten Handbags of 2010

Valentino Crystal-Embellished Feather Clutch
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.

Cartier Tourbillon & Crocodile Watch


As a high-end marquee watch for women, Cartier will unveil this Troubillon & Crocodile timepiece at the SIHH watch show in January. I didn't know that Cartier had a thing for reptiles, I thought it was just big cats. Times change I guess. Not a ton of details on the watch yet. I don't know how large the case is, or what material it is in. Though I am guessing a case size of at least 40mm in width, and done in 18k white gold.

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

perfect pink diamond
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

Chanel


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.”

New Nicholas Kirkwood Collection



Alstermo Bruk Atlas cases

alstermo bruk

State Visit to Oman

Tim Rueger by Alfredo Albanesi

timrueger tendencias Snap! | Tim Rueger by Alfredo Albanesi

Jean Schlumberger Jewelry

Jessica Stam for Vogue Russia

sábado, 27 de novembro de 2010

Jean Schlumberger Jewelry


Jean Schlumberger

Bon Weekend


"You've got to have style. It helps you get out bed in the morning."
- Diana Vreeland

Nº5


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.

New Limited Edition Judith Leiber Luxurious Clutches

Pagoda judith leiber1 This time a Pagoda shaped bag from Judith Leiber


The Parisian Guide to Chic: Style Secrets from Ines de la Fressange

3inesdelachicbook324adfSS500

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

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta

The Scent of ANNA DELLO RUSSO

quarta-feira, 24 de novembro de 2010

State Visit to Abu Dhabi – Sheikh Zayed Mosque: HM The Queen

Kate Moss Models Luxe Lingerie for Valisere

Earlier this month we reported that Kate Moss plans to partner with Topshop boss Sir Philip Green on a new line of luxurious lingerie. Meanwhile the eternally gorgeous supermodel is strutting her stuff for luxe French lingerie label Valisere in a sexy new ad campaign. Photographed by Gui Paganini, the shots feature Moss in various states of alluring undress in looks ranging from sophisticated to playful. Valisere, founded in 1913 in the mountains of France, prides itself on exquisite craftsmanship with an emphasis on the finest lace and was an early innovator in the luxury lingerie market. The ads could be an indication that Moss' own lingerie line will be produced in collaboration with Valisere, which is looking to recapture some of its former glory.

Avedon's Dovima Goes To Dior

richard avedon dovima
That massive image of model Dovima posing with an elephant that sold at the Richard Avedon auction at Christie's Paris last weekend found a fitting home. Avedon's 1955 photo "Dovima With Elephants" was bought by the Christian Dior fashion house. Dovima is wearing a Dior evening gown in the fashionable photo. The seven-foot tall print was made for the tour of Avedon's 1978 Metropolitan Museum of Art fashion retrospective. After the tour it stood near the entrance to Avedon's New York studio for 25 years. Since 2005, it has been installed inside the entrance to the offices of The Richard Avedon Foundation. The print sold for 841,000 euros, approximately $1.1 million, in the sale which made a total of $7.5 million.

terça-feira, 23 de novembro de 2010

Wines To Pair With Thanksgiving Dinner

Pairing wines with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is a controversial affair. Seriously.

That is because there is a wide range of opinions about what pairs best with turkey, a bird that supplies two distinct meat experiences--white breast meat, and dark meat with fattier taste and texture. And then there are the side-dishes--potatoes, turnips, cranberries, stuffing, pearl onions, sweet potatoes, etc. It's a complicated melange of flavors, textures, starches, proteins and vegetables.

Scout the Internet for suggestions, and you will literally find everything from Cabernet Sauvignon to white sparkling wines. There is more agreement in Congress than on what wine, or wines, to serve on Turkey Day.

Individual experts, though, don't have such a wide band of recommendations. Consider what wine writer Thomas Pellechia says about the varietals to consider for turkey and the sides: "Zinfandel is the best red to go with turkey, because its bramble-berry characters stand well against turkey. I don't recommend Pinto Noir, as many do, because the nature of that variety, without a dark blended grape, is delicate and gets run over by turkey."

Among the whites, Pellechia recommends Riesling and Gewurztraminer--Gewurztraminer because its spiciness offsets the turkey's boldness, and Riesling because its acidity and fruit are a terrific foil to turkey's intensity.

Pellechia writes a wine blog, Vinofictions, and wrote " The Complete Idiot's Guide To Starting and Running a Winery, and "Wine, The 8,000 Year-Old Story of the Wine Trade. "I don't like Chardonnay for a traditional turkey dinner because it's generally either too flabby or too oaky...Pinot Grigio is usually too light, but its French counterpart from Alsace, Pinot Gris, is often as bold as Gewurztraminer and will work," says Pellechia.

Beaujolais Nouveau is also a good choice for a red wine, and a bargain. A light, fruity red wine, from the Gamay grape, that goes quite well with turkey and all of the fixings, this wine is released from France on the third Thursday of November, just in time to highlight your Thanksgiving feast!

Knowing the differences of opinion, it is a good idea to perhaps stock a few different wines to allow guests to choose, rather than picking one wine that you expect everyone to be happy with. Of course, if your Thanksgiving is going to be an intimate affair of three to five people, then maybe one or two wines are in order. A table of more than ten, and I'd be tempted to have at least three from which to choose, mixing reds and white

The Fashion Statement: Lanvin for eBay, I mean H&M

Kaa


JC

Privete Supper in Lisbonne




Four Seasons: A New York Icon

Make-Up Extreme au Defile Lanvin Pour H&M

Make-up extrêmes au défilé Lanvin pour H&M

Blue Monday

While researching another story, I came across this beautiful apartment in Paris designed by Chahan Minassian. It was also published in the September 2010 issue of French Architectural Digest. From what I could glean from the article without pulling out the French/English dictionary, the pied-a-terre was designed for a couple who's primary residence is in Beverly Hills, CA. There is an Italian fantasy theme full of mercury mirrors and pale blues, grays, and greens. There is something about this apartment that reminds me of a more ornate version of a David Collins design. Chahan Minassian is not only an interior designer but also a gallery owner and antiques dealer in Paris at 7 rue de Lille. Wish I had known this when I was in Paris but I look forward to visiting him on my next trip.

The dining room, salon, and petit salon are connected by an enfilade so the colors must flow from room to room.

Although it's not credited, that looks like a Kelly Wearstler designed rug from The Rug Company.

I love the contrast of the abstract painting and the antique furniture.

Another view of the petit salon from the designers portfolio. The painting might have been brought in specially for the magazine photo shoot.

I love the mercury mirror tiles on the walls of the dining room. I can imagine that the room must glow when lit by candles for dinner.

I think this might be the dressing room.

While the apartment is decorated in pale colors, it is full of subtle patterns and textures such as the fabric on the bed rails.

Mercury mirrors were also used in