Joao Chaves

Perlee Small Beaded Cross-Body Bag,

2011-03-23T20:04:00.003Z

Lanvin Amalia Trousse Quilted Leather Clutch

2011-03-21T18:06:00.002Z

Vintage Laduree Posters

2011-03-19T19:32:00.002Z

Jerome C. Rousseau Spring 2011 Collection

2011-03-19T19:25:00.002Z

Chocolatier Michel Cluizel Debuts Latest Creations in New York

2011-03-18T19:04:00.002Z

Roberto Capucci Exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

2011-03-18T18:59:00.001Z

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is currently featuring more than 80 sculptural fashion creations by Italian designer Roberto Capucci in an exhibit called "Art Into Fashion." Capucci is known for his wild and interesting use of silhouettes and structural design elements to create fashion that's as much art as it is clothing. The exhibit marks the first survey of Capucci's works in the United States and also includes various sketches and drawings from past years.

Roberto Capucci was born in Rome in 1929 and sold his first design at age 18 to the wife of film director Roberto Rossellini. The "Art Into Fashion" exhibit runs through June 5, 2011.

Yuri Pleskun by Max Farago for Bergdorf Goodman

2011-03-16T00:19:00.003Z

Diamond 44 by Lamborghini Yacht Designer Mauro Lecchi for Sale

2011-03-16T00:13:00.001Z

My colleague Noah Joseph recently reported on the Lamborghini yacht concept from Italy's Mauro Lecchi and exotic auto tuner Fenice Milano. Now the design duo have listed another luxe creation, theDiamond 44 superyacht, for sale via global online luxury marketplace JamesList for about $1.4 million.

The Fashion Statement: The Rise of Flatforms

2011-03-15T23:36:00.002Z

After a long run, the precarious platform shoes we've seen for much of the last decade are giving a new, flatter platform. Or, as I'm calling them-flatforms.

If fashion soothsayers have names like Marc Jacobs, Fendi and Derek Lam, platforms here to stay-in fact, we can expect to see them through fall 2011 (Issey Miyake, above)-but gone are the high arches and their impossible heights. In their place are gentle graduated slopes full of the promise of easy promenades that don't give up much of the stature of their predecessors. That's not to say, these flatter versions are without danger. A fall show in New York featured flatform combat boots that made at least two female models and one male model fall flat on their faces.

By and large, though, this spring designers are delivering walkable wedges with no shortage of style. Marc Jacobs' platforms bring us back to the '70s with their rainbow colors adorning the arches of the shoe. Fendi confounds modern architectural rules with platforms that seem to come in three separate sections-a heel in emerald green, a mid-shoe in brown and a toe in natural wood with a bright blue strap. Derek Lam is probably the most traditional-basic Maryjanes in camel opened-toe or off-white closed toe upon natural-grained wood.

Luxury Truffle Purveyor To Open Boston Shop

2011-03-15T23:32:00.001Z

Boston's luxury shopping destination, Newbury Street will have a new treat come March 24. Sabatino North America, the largest importer and manufacturer of gourmet truffle products in the U.S. is opening their first flagship retail store, Sabatino&Co. Roma in Boston on Newbury Street on March 24th right around the time that the Italian company celebrates its centennial. The store will introduce a wide range of products including gourmet foods and condiments, cookbooks and home accessories to add a little luxe to your life.

Flexjet Partners with Abercrombie & Kent

2011-03-08T18:28:00.002Z

Luxury travel enthusiasts will be pleased to hear about a new partnership between adventure travel company Abercrombie & Kent and jet share leader Flexjet. Flexjet customers will now have complimentary access to Abercrombie & Kent's travel experts to plan dream vacations, and Abercrombie & Kent's travelers will receive generous benefits when purchasing Flexjet options. Marco Polo Club members, Abercrombie & Kent's most frequent travelers, will receive benefits on Flexjet fractional purchases or jet cards, while Flexjet fractional customers will be treated to a three-year Marco Polo Club membership and customized itineraries to coincide with the use of their private jet.

"We continue to seek and pioneer new ways of exploring the globe and admire this same ambition in Flexjet," said Geoffrey Kent, Founder and Executive Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent. "We're pleased to be forging this relationship with a top aviation solutions provider that is also known for setting industry standards and look forward to introducing its customers to some of our favorite hidden corners of the world." Born as a safari outfitter in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent's unparalleled travel services now extend around the globe to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, bringing unexpected comforts and amenities to remote destinations.

Gallery: Flexjet x Abercrombie & Kent

Charlotte Olympia Lais Pumps

2011-03-06T13:46:00.001Z

With unpredictable weather, who knows when Spring will make its arrival. But whenever it comes, you'll be prepared with Charlotte Olympia's Lais ($780) candy colored heels. These almond toed satin heels uniquely combine vibrant colors that the average person would shy away from. Who would of guessed that turquoise, gold and red could complement each other so well? But they do. And it's this wild color palette that makes Olympia's vibrantly hued heels such show stoppers. The Lais Pumps feature piping along the trim, small cutouts on either side and a 1 1/4" platform.

Viktor&Rolf Fall 2011 Paris Show

2011-03-06T13:43:00.002Z

Viktor Horsting & Rolf Snoeren

Black Patent and Red Suede Boot

Images from Vogue Italia/GoRunway.com/Gianni Pucci

Lucky Charrms

2011-03-05T12:02:00.004Z

Manish Arora Fall 2011 Paris Show

2011-03-05T11:44:00.002Z

Fall Prêt-à-Porter, Paris:RIck Owens

2011-03-05T11:38:00.004Z

Rare Purple-Pink Diamond Up For Sale At Christie's

2011-03-05T11:33:00.001Z

Sales for pink diamonds have been rising and rising over the past few years. The larger rare stones aren't just beautiful to look at, they are considered money in the bank for investors. The market gets another test next month when Christie's brings a 10.09 Fancy Vivid purplish-pink diamond up for sale as part of its Magnificent Jewels sale in New York April 12. JCK Online reports that the diamond is estimated at $12 million to $15 million. The record for pink diamonds belongs to a 24.78 carat stone which sold for $46 million at Sotheby's last year.

Rare 1920s Louis Vuitton Shoe Trunk for Sale at $68,500

2011-03-05T11:30:00.002Z

A rare and highly sought-after piece of vintage Louis Vuitton luggage, the renowned "Malle Chaussures" shoe trunk (above) from the 1920s, is being offered for sale by London's Pullman Gallery for $68,500. The trunk "embodies the glamour and sophistication of a more elegant era, when such items were de rigeur for wealthy travelers." Featuring the iconic LV monogram on its canvas-upholstered frame, the trunk is fully outfitted for most meticulous fashion plate. It contains compartments for 30 pairs of shoes in individual shoe boxes with ancillary drawers and trays for a shoe-cleaning kit. Each of the padded drawers features a leather pull tab and nameplate. The trunk easily rivals the examples to be found in Vuitton's own archives, and is nearly identical to one featured in the amazing Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks book we wrote about in January.

Gareth Pugh

2011-03-03T18:57:00.003Z

A Look Inside The World's Richest Man's New Museum

2011-03-02T18:34:00.003Z

Last fall we saw video renderings of the plans for the new Soumaya museum planned by Mexico's richest man Carlos Slim. The new branch of the museum named for his late wife is the the second one that he has created. The six-story museum was designed by his son-in-law Fernando Romero. The modern and shiny aluminum structure is composed of over 16,000 tiles. The building has five stories of exhibition space totaling 183,000 square feet with six halls. The AP shot some photos as the museum prepared for its inauguration on March 1 by Mexico's President Felipe Calderon.

Jil Sander - Fall Winter 2011/2012 Full Fashion Show (Exclusive)

2011-03-01T18:32:00.002Z

Anne Hathaway's Oscar Night Outfits

2011-02-28T20:23:00.004Z

Anne Hathaway proved she's quite the quick change artist. She began Oscar night by walking the red carpet in a vintage red Valentino but by the time she hit the stage she was already in another outfit, a cream Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown accented by Tiffany jewelry. And that was just the beginning. Entertainment Weekly chronicled Hathaway's many gorgeous outfits.

Emilio Pucci Womenswear Fall Winter 2011 2012 Full Fashion Show

2011-02-27T18:49:00.002Z

Albino-fall-2011-milan-show/

2011-02-27T18:29:00.002Z

Big Bling: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels

2011-02-26T21:18:00.001Z

John Richmond Fall 2011 Milan Show

2011-02-25T20:26:00.002Z

The New Yorker Art Deco Keyboard

2011-02-25T20:14:00.001Z

A keyboard's just a keyboard, right? Some may have extra features or a more ergonomic design, but what if you're looking for a little bit of extra style? This could be your answer, but only if you've got $2,800 to spend on a computer peripheral.

Inspired by the Chrysler Building in Manhattan, the New Yorker Art Deco keyboard is a modern celebration of classic New York style. It's made of aluminum and polished brass, with keys that look like they'd be at home in a classic skyscraper's elevator. It could be that perfect touch for a richly decorated office where the usual array of sleek or just plain boxy keyboards would look out of place.

East 80th Street, Estate of the Day

2011-02-24T21:25:00.002Z

The words "indoor waterfall" immediately brought my attention to this townhouse at 170th East 80 Street in Manhattan. After all, those aren't words you hear too often in New York real estate. This 19 century townhouse has been reinvented over the last three years into a modern mansion by Kate Shin, president of WEmi:t LLC. "We have spared no expense to renovate this classic townhouse into a modern home with impeccable design sensibility and unsurpassed amenities," stated Shin. "Over the past three years, we have poured our heart and soul into this project.

The one-of-a-kind 20-foot wide and 22-foot high indoor cascading waterfall, pond and sculpture garden add a calming note to the home which also has an art gallery on the first floor that can be put to private or commercial use (the walls are reinforced and pre-lit to handle art installations). An indulgent 2,300-square-foot private spa lounge pampers with a jacuzzi, spa, sauna, massage room and a 1,000-bottle wine cellar.

The 13,000-square-foot home designed by Toshiko Mori Architects spans five levels. The parlor entertaining level has a grand living room, kitchen, pantry and dining room with a wall of Bendheim glass overlooking the waterfall and reflecting pool below. The third floor master suite includes a powder room, full bath, Dornbracht steam shower, Kohler "tea for two" bathtub, a large library or office in front and a serene bedroom space in the rear. Off the master suite is a grand terrace with planted grass, wood decking, and a skylight looking down onto the waterfall. Floors four, five, and six offer four bedrooms and the roof garden is a planted, green space. This incredible property is listed for $35 million through exclusive broker Paula Del Nunzio of Brown Harris Stevens. All images shown here are renderings.

Gallery: East 80th Street

Reed Krakoff Python Pumps

2011-02-23T19:59:00.002Z

The Classicist: Is the Royal Warrant Losing Its Lustre?

2011-02-21T21:30:00.003Z

A recent decision by two venerable British brands to drop the Royal Warrants from their packaging has occasioned some hand-wringing in the UK over whether the much-coveted distinction has lost its lustre. The Classicist calls it a tempest in a Royal Doulton teacup; read on to find out why. Only three royals are entitled to grant warrants – the Queen of England, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales – to firms who supply their royal requisites for at least five years, though most warrant holders have ties to Britain's royal family dating back several decades or more.

Holders of the Royal Warrant include many of our favorite luxury brands – Asprey, Aston Martin,Bentley, Barbour, Burberry, Fortnum & Mason, Gieves & Hawkes, Holland & Holland, Hunter Boots,Jaguar, John Lobb, Johnnie Walker, Land Rover, Laphroaig, Lock & Co., Swaine Adeney Brigg,Smythson, Tanqueray and Turnbull & Asser – along with a host of lesser names, such as After Eight mints and Jacob's Cream Crackers. It is the latter two that have now decided to do without their warrants – though no insult is intended to the royal family, as it was when former Harrods ownerMohamed al Fayed burned his last year. That coupled with the results of a new survey showing that only 13% of respondents thought that warrants make any difference have called their usefulness into question, the London Guardian reports.

However, "It's hard to say that interest in royal warrants is conclusively on the wane," Vicky Bullen, chief executive of Coley Porter Bell, tells the paper, "because there is no existing data with which to make a comparison. However, consumers' apparent indifference to the royal warrants has surprised us. We can only surmise there could be a number of factors at play." Said factors, Bullen says, include "that we live in a less deferential society in which the royal family enjoys less prestige and political support." That of course is not exactly new. [cont'd]

Gallery: Holders of the Royal Warrant

Verdura Brings Legendary Jewelry Online

2011-02-20T18:37:00.002Z

Duke Fulco di Verdura (1898–1978) a Sicilian Duke, began his career with the one and only Coco Chanel. She hired him as a textile designer and he went on to become the head designer for her private and boutique jewelry collection. This collaboration led to the establishment of Verdura as one of the most glamorous and exciting jewelry brands of the early 20th century, dazzling European royals and Hollywood stars alike.

Today, his legacy continues into the new era as the Verdura brand launches a new website that looks both toward the future and back toward the past. The website tells the story of the brand's origin in magazine-style pieces rich with images from Fulco's past that make a vintage-loving heart ache for the glamour that was the 1920s in Paris.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011 N.Y Show

2011-02-20T15:24:00.002Z

Louis Vuitton Sofas by Jason Phillips

2011-02-20T14:46:00.002Z

Hermès Presents Jean-Michel Frank

2011-02-20T14:42:00.003Z

Simple lines and exotic veneers epitomize the furniture of French legendary designer Jean Michel-Frank. His original pieces are hard to come by so it's good news that Hermès has joined with the Frank family to reissue some of his iconic furniture. The clean-lined cubic pieces with leather and wood veneers will be in the New York Hermès store at 691 Madison Avenue and other stores nationwide in April. At first glance, some of the pieces will seem familiar as Frank's understated approach to chairs, sofas, and tables has been widely copied, but in fact, rarely equaled. Frank had a devoted following, admirers of his pale palette and near minimalist approach. He designed apartments for such luminaries as the Rockefellers in New York and Cole Porter in Paris. In spite of his success, he was a tragic figure who lost two brothers in World War I, his father and then his mother at an early age. He left Paris for Argentina when Word War II broke out and horribly depressed committed suicide in Manhattan in 1941 at the age of 46. Frank's banking family included Otto Frank and his famous diarist daughter Anne.

Le Royal Monceau by Philippe Starck

2011-02-19T15:17:00.003Z

Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte Fall 2011 N.Y Show

2011-02-19T12:32:00.002Z

The Blonds

2011-02-18T21:07:00.004Z

The Blonds

2011-02-18T20:56:00.002Z

VNFOLD MAGAZINE ISSUE IV »DRAGGED FIELD« SHOT BY KRISTIINA WILSON / STYLED BY LAURI EISENBERG

2011-02-18T14:17:00.002Z

Andy Warhol Self-portrait Sells For $17 Million As London Art Boom Continues

2011-02-17T20:46:00.004Z

An important rediscovered Andy Warhol self-portrait crowned a big art week in London, selling for £10.8 million pounds ($17.4 million) at Christie's. The piece which dates from 1967 is a red square six-foot acrylic and silkscreen piece showing Warhol staring thoughtfully at the viewer, two fingers covering his mouth. Christies had estimated the work to sell for £3 to £5 million as part of its 64-lot auction of contemporary works. Legendary art dealer Larry Gagosian snapped it up, bidding in the room and wresting it away from another client on the telephone.

Badgley Mischka Fall 2011: NY Fashion Week

2011-02-16T18:07:00.001Z

The Badgley Mischka Fall 2011 Collection fashion show during NY Fashion Week was inspired by old Hollywood glamour, according to its designers, Mark Badgley and James Mischka.

Beautiful gowns were presented with a dramatic backdrop. On a large screen behind the runway, was a fog-filled urban scene that set the mood, as models dressed in gowns made of crepe de chine, chiffon, taffeta and tulle made their way down the runway.

There were magnificient gowns, including one made of crepe de chine in magenta (seen above) that one might expect to see on the Academy Awards' red carpet. A gold/argent lame and chiffon gown was striking as was a black crushed velvet gown (both from the Couture Collection). There were several pieces presented from the lower price point Mark+James line, including a black matte jersey and tulle dress, black stretch tuexedo twill skirt and pants, and a silver/black gauze lame trench coat, among others.

Gallery: Badgley Mischka Fall 2011 Collection at NY Fashion Week

Queen Juliana's Precious Possessions Up For Auction

2011-02-15T22:48:00.001Z

The estate of a queen goes up for auction next month. On March 14-17, Sotheby's Amsterdam will offer 1540 lots from the property from the Estate of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands with all proceeds going to charity. The total amount will be divided into two parts. One part will be donated to The Red Cross because of Queen Juliana's involvement in its work. The other section will be divided into four equal parts chosen by her heirs: The Princess Beatrix Fund chosen by Queen Beatrix, the Natuurcollege chosen by Princess Irene, the Red Cross chosen by Princess Margriet and the Princess Christina Concours was chosen by Princess Christina.

Preen

2011-02-15T13:28:00.003Z

Christian Siriano

2011-02-14T21:46:00.003Z

Fresh Face | Rafal S. by Krzysztof Wyżyński

2011-02-14T20:46:00.002Z

Alexander Wang Fall 2011 N.Y Show

2011-02-14T14:29:00.001Z

Rodarte for Opening Ceremony Spring / Summer 2011 Lookbook

2011-02-14T14:25:00.002Z

Rare Objects Missing From the Egyptian Museum

2011-02-14T14:17:00.001Z

Now that the dust has settled a little in Cairo, a full inventory of the Egyptian Museum has been done to assess the damage. The AP reports that according to the Ministry of Antiquities 18 items were taken by looters. On January 28, during the turmoil and chaos around Tahrir Square, thieves climbed a fire escape to the museum's roof and lowered themselves on ropes from a glass-paneled ceiling to the museum's top floor. Around 70 objects were damaged but it wasn't known until an announcement on Sunday night that anything had gone missing. Among the casualties were two gilded wooden statues of King Tut.

Grammys Red Carpet Wackiest Looks

2011-02-14T14:13:00.001Z

Lady Gaga wasn't the only head turner on the Grammys red carpet on Sunday night. The Grammys are always a showcase of fashion's wilder side. Shown above is rapper Nicki Minaj in head-to-toe leopard and a bi-colored beehive. And she wasn't the only star rocking animal prints. Into the jungle we go.

Derek Lam at NY Fashion Week: Fall 2011 Collection

2011-02-13T19:02:00.002Z

Derek Lam's Fall 2011 Collection which was presented at NY Fashion Week this morning was nothing short of glamorous.

"In this collection, I have used new combinations to make clothes that look fresh, fluid, weightless, yet also appropriate for the Fall/Winter season," says Lam. "Some of the new combinations are logical: sleeves and backs of heavier weight clothing are made of slippery cloths. The usual layering of clothes are lightened, the arm slips easily under coats; the bulk is eliminated where you don't want it."

There were tunics in flannel, doubleface jersey and military gabardine that were combined with liquid twills and laundered poplins on bottom. Dresses were sewn with jersey bodices attached to wool felt skirts and vice versa so they look sleek and also tailored. Evening dresses had leather bodices, with laundered satin or poplin full skirts, for a kind of raw and casual glamour.

"I think that Derek Lam is one of the great American designers who has given American Fashion Week something very unique and sophisticated," Andre Leon Talley, Contributing Editor to Vogue, told Luxist backstage after the show. "The clothes are modern and they give modernity a new definition. They are clothes for women who work, who are grown up and who are refined. The sense of luxury of fabric is extraordinary. The glace leva jean skirt is one of my favorites. A varsity stripe on a trouser with a red leather car coat is wonderful and is the way women want to dress. I think he is exceptional. I am always more and more impressed each season with his work and I think this is one of his most outstanding moments in his career."

VNFOLD MAGAZINE ISSUE IV »GLID GLOW GLARE« EDITORIAL SHOT BY DANIELA MÜLLER-BRUNKE FEAT. SILVIU TOLU

2011-02-13T13:43:00.004Z

MONCLER GAMME BLEU AUTUMN/WINTER 2011/12 MEN’S

2011-02-13T00:19:00.002Z

Glam Up Your Wardrobe with Unique Luxury Handbags by Nooni

2011-02-12T22:24:00.002Z

Tired of your basic black or brown handbag? Then Nooni's luxury handbags will inject some creativity and uniqueness to your attire. Founder and designer Vicki Vlachakis incorporates her background in automotive design as inspiration for her handbag line. The result? Dramatic lines, sculptural shapes, bold color combinations and daring accents that instantly grabs your attention.

The Chicane Hobo ($4510) exudes all of these qualities. Styled in ultra soft lambskin with a range of hues from army green to pastel mint green, a natural and light green woven leather detail beautifully crisscrosses the bag's body adding depth and interest. In keeping with the woven look, Chicane's double handle is also woven with unraveled strands of leather falling against its sides, adding unique appeal. A zipper and woven fold over flap secures your contents while the interior is lined in creamy suede with a zippered pocket and two open pockets.

Lanvin Patent Leather Wedges

2011-02-12T22:16:00.002Z

Perhaps it's the excitement and Oscar buzz over Black Swan, but Lanvin's Patent Wedges ($1280)completely reminds me of the movie. I can just imagine Natalie Portman's character wearing these to show her femme fatale side. They are seductively gorgeous and have an air of powerfulness with shimmering patent leather, a nude colored silk ribbon ankle tie which beautifully breaks up all the black, and 1 1/2" platform that instantly forces you to take notice. A subtle detail that speaks volumes is the angled detail on Lanvin's 5 1/2" wooden wedge heels. Wear with wide leg pants for a conservative look or with a body hugging dress to show off your femme fatale side.

Malcolm McLaren - Deep In Vogue (extended version)

2011-02-12T01:18:00.002Z

Fashion Week 2011: Jason Wu's Fall/Winter 2011 Collection (Exclusive with Video)

2011-02-12T01:05:00.002Z

A highlight of Fashion Week was the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection created by Fashion Designer Jason Wu before a packed house during New York's Fashion Week this afternoon. Anna Wintour, the British-born Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, was seated in the front row along with Hamish Bowles, the European Editor at Large for Vogue (see photo gallery below). Jason Wu was the designer of the white ballgown worn by Michelle Obama to the inauguration festivities.

"I aim to make clothes that look great on women and make them feel beautiful," Wu told Luxist. "They are timeless. These are wardrobe pieces. These are pieces that can be kept for a lifetime. And that is always the way I have done it. I have never been the trendy person. I really want to make clothes that are truly desirable for women."

For his Fall/Winter 2011 Collection, Wu told Luxist he was inspired by the beautiful photos taken by Robert Polidori in his book, "Parcours Museologique Revister", which documented the detailed restoration process of Versailles over a period of 25 years. The theme of contrast runs through the photos and the collection.

Wu explained to Luxist (see video below) that the juxtaposition between the rough undersurface revealed during renovation and the opulence of the decor inspired a mixture of luxuriously embellished fabrics with his signature American sportswear elements. The collection included sharp tailored pants, ascot shirts and charcoal flannel coats. Accents included colorful embroidered Swarovski elements, burned out features and lace detailing. The color palette was restrained with lots of black, white and nude throughput the collection highlighted by shots of bold colors including cerise pink, chartreuse, ultra violet and antique gold.

"This season the color choices was really about working with a restrained color palette," Wu toldLuxist. "It is an austere mood that is brightened up by these embroideries and the embellishments and details that were so delightful to me and such a joy to work on."

Gallery: Jason Wu's Fall/Winter 2011 Collection at New York's Fashion Week

Luca Luca Fall Winter 2011 at Fashion Week (with Video)

2011-02-12T01:02:00.002Z

Raul Melgoza, the Creative Director at Luca Luca whose Fall/Winter 2011 Collection debuted at New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center featured designs that were inspired by the adventures to be discovered in the deep woods-the beauty, the color, the fantasy. A bevy of supermodels sat in the front row of the show, from Carol Alt and Petra Nemcova to Irina Pantaeva (see photo gallery below). New York socialites were also in attendance including Tinsley Mortimer and Valesca Guerrand-Hermes.

Carol Alt talked to Luxist about her devotion to the fashion house. "When I was out of the fashion industry because I was doing movies for 10 years and I really wasn't around they immediately invited me back to the front row, "says Carol Alt. "They were really mensches. When someone is good to me, I am loyal for the rest of my life. You really have to slap me in the face for me not to come back here."

Melgoza's told Luxist his inspiration for the Fall 2011 collection is the story of a woman who is a running through the woods as she discovers the beauty, the color and the sanity that exists in the woods. The collection was presented at Fashion Week on Thursday, February 10 at Lincoln Center in New York. (See video for a backstage interview with Melgoza).

"As she starts her journey, she is in very tailored, equestrian-inspired silhouettes," he told Luxist. "She is wearing a lot of laces and transparent and sheer fabric as if she is shedding her very layered looks as she ends her journey."

Gallery: Luca Luca Fall/Winter 2011 Collection at Fashion Week

Did Abramovich Just Bag a Bacon for $37 Million at Sotheby's?

2011-02-11T16:59:00.001Z

Last month when we wrote about an important Francis Bacon triptych being auctioned off atSotheby's, we predicted it would blast past its $14 million high estimate. And indeed on ThursdayThree Studies for a Portrait of Lucian Freud (above) sold for a whopping $37 million, or more than two and a half times the top quote, at the auction house's Looking Closely sale of 20th century artworks inLondon. In our original post we also put forward Bacon-loving oligarch Roman Abramovich as the likely buyer, since he's in the midst of decorating his new $230 million mega-mansion in London; while Thursday's purchaser was anonymous, we bet the Freud triptych will be hanging on Abramovich's wall before long. The Thursday sale, from works said to have belonged to the low-profile Geneva collector George Kostalitz who died last year, also saw a new auction record for any surrealist work of art –Salvador Dali's Portrait de Paul Eluard, which sold for $21.6 million.

Sweet Temptations: Valentine's Day At City Center, Las Vegas

2011-02-11T14:58:00.002Z

Brian Davenport & Chris Galya by Greg Vaughan for Gilbert & Lewis Fall 2011

2011-02-11T01:32:00.003Z

The Four Seasons Florence

2011-02-10T18:15:00.002Z

JONTE' - YA RUDE! THE FREE UNDERGROUND VIDEO/MIXTAPE 2011

2011-02-10T12:01:00.002Z

Eden Peony Satin Clutch Christian Louboutin

2011-02-09T23:58:00.002Z

Boa Hairdressers Salon by Claudia Meier

2011-02-09T23:32:00.002Z

Concept villas for golf and spa resort, Dubrovnik, by Zaha Hadid Architects

2011-02-09T20:59:00.002Z

Tehama Grasshopper, Estate of the Day

2011-02-09T20:29:00.003Z

Intriguing architecture doesn't always equate to a quick sale. Fougeron Architecture's Tehama Grasshopper in San Francisco's SoMa area turned heads when it debuted in 2007. It made the cover of Metropolitan Home magazine and was a 2007 American Institute of Architects (AIA) tour home and later received a national AIA Institute Honor Award. The striking 5,000-square-foot loft residence turned a warehouse into a modern confection of concrete, steel, glass, wood and marble. The home has a lightfilled courtyard that connects the building to the new penthouse above and to the sky. The interior courtyard and skylights fill the home with light. It was listed at $4.128 million but can now be had for $3.995 million. Socket Site reports that the unit below, the former Fougeron office is also for sale for $1.5 million.

Gallery: Tehama Grasshopper

Vionnete

2011-02-09T18:34:00.001Z

Asia's Best Design Hotels

2011-02-09T17:34:00.002Z

Modern architecture-loving travelers will love the destinations featured by our friends over atDepartures. The magazine took a look at Asia's coolest design hotels, which are some of the most impressive properties in Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. These properties are "sleek super towers and seemingly impossible, imagination-defying structures" according to the luxury magazine that is published by American Express publishing.

Today's Asian luxury hotels are influencing Western hotels, while once it was the opposite, Edwin Heathcote, architectural critic for the Financial Times.

The most significant new hotels each have something that is memorable, according to Departures. In some, it's the restaurant that's the most memorable; in others, it's a soaring sky bar or a penthouse suite. In others it is the structures themselves that are redefining skylines.

Hong Kong
According to Departures, Hong Kong has also opened itself up to a host of contemporary international architects who have put their stamp on the city, from Foster + Partners to Cesar Pelli to I. M. Pei. Recently, at the 117-room Upper House (from $425), local Andre Fu-known for doing the home of actress Michelle Yeoh-has created an ideal, almost spiritual, balance of uncluttered spaces. "The design is not Asian in a literal manner," Fu told Departures, "but it reflects a subtle Asian sensitivity." He has achieved this with pools of water, bamboo enclosures, natural timber, shoji glass, limestone and lacquered paper panels. Additional design highlights include the Sky Bridge on the 49th floor, which crosses a 130-foot-high atrium; the hotel's Bedonia stone façade (see photo above) by one of Britain's hottest architect-designers, Thomas Heatherwick; and freestanding bathtubs with panoramic harbor or island views.

The King's Speech and the History of the Tommy Glass

2011-02-09T12:00:00.003Z

The movie The King's Speech is up for 12 Academy Awards and has contributed to renewed interest in the early 20th century and the life of King George VI. The glasses shown above are an example of how designs from that period still resonate today. The Tommy Glass is one of Saint-Louis Crystal's most iconic pieces. Created in 1928 in honor of the British "Tommy" soldiers, Saint Louis Crystal named its new emblematic collection, "Tommy." The collection debuted at a 1938 dinner honoring King George VI of The Kings Speech. The luncheon was held in the hall of mirrors at The Palace of Versailles and eleven glasses were set in front of each of the two hundred guests (as shown in the photo at right). Queen Elizabeth was in attendance with her father. The Tommy glasses are still being made in the same careful handcrafted way and are now available in a palette of eight colors showcasing Saint Louis' various crystal cuts including diamond, pearl, olive, and star.

Saint-Louis's history started before the invention of crystal (the addition of lead to glass). It was founded in 1586 Lorraine, France and is one of Europe's oldest cristalleries. At the beginning of the 19th century, Saint-Louis became very popular with French society, and won many awards. Most recently, in 1995, the company was purchased by Hermes, in the effort to keep this French craftsmanship alive and still flourishing in France. Since the beginning almost nothing has changed in the production process. After 10 years of apprenticeship, which is usually generational, passed from father to son, to grandson, the new craftsman can begin working with the masters. Each piece is mouth blown and later cut by hand and no two pieces are exactly the same. A variety of Saint-Louis Crystal's jewel-like wares are available at Michael C. Fina. The colorful glasses shown above are $470 each.

B Brian Atwood Pre-Fall’11

2011-02-09T00:07:00.002Z

The Duchess of Windsor in Florida 1955

2011-02-09T00:03:00.002Z

Louis Vuitton Launches First iPhone App

2011-02-07T16:13:00.004Z

Famed French luxury goods house Louis Vuitton has just launched Amble, designed to be the ultimate iPhone app for chic travelers. The Amble application, Vuitton's first, interacts with a dedicated Amble website, enabling travellers to prepare their luxe journey on their computer or iPad. According to the company, Amble is "an invitation to explore the world at a leisurely pace [and] make serendipitous discoveries", which you can then record on your iPhone in photo, video, audio or note format in the "My Amble" section of the application. The app draws on the treasure trove of information provided by the acclaimed Louis Vuitton City Guides.

Addresses are provided free with Amble for various cities covered by the guides, while the full Louis Vuitton City Guide content can be purchased from iTunes for selected cities. In addition, at any time users can click on the "Around Me" icon, an ergonomic interface using the GPS iPhone facilities, in order to discover places of interest near to their position. The app also offers users the opportunity to share their favourite "spots" along their journeys with their friends via email, Facebook or Twitter, as well as to submit them to Louis Vuitton, where they may be published on the website. Amble can now be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store.

Lanvin Mini Pop Leather Shoulder Bag

2011-02-07T12:15:00.003Z

Yesterday's bag was girly in an understated way but today's is anything but. This Lanvin Mini Pop Leather Shoulder Bag is anything but subtle with it's bright pink hue, oversized grosgrain bow embellishment, and chunky gold chain-and-ribbon shoulder strap. It's a basic fold-over design done in rich rose-colored leather with stitching detail and an oversized turn-lock closure. Other features include a large designer-stamped hanging tag, a black twill lining, and a smaller than you'd expect size of just 6"x6"x2". A great bag but be wary of what you wear it with -- keep things simple or you'll risk evoking a little 80s Madonna. $1,150