Filed under: Auctions

The New Year may mean new beginnings for many of us but the iconic auction house, Christie’s, could have a new owner! Francois Pinault is rumored to be considering selling his auction house which he bought in May 1998 for $1.2 billion. While all auctions across Bonhams, Sotheby’s and Christie’s haven’t experienced a great year, Christie’s has already cut a couple of departments, shrunk others, let a few employees go and plan more reorganization for the company in January. The worldwide financial crisis has certainly dampened the demand for art and certainly it is expected that many luxury-based companies will be experiencing unpleasant shifts in their businesses. Hopefully, the New Year will ring in a better economy and with that healthier auctions…at least for Christie’s sake.

Christie’s To Be Sold? originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces

A year ago Davidoff launched their first ‘real’ line of watches. The popular accessory and tobacciana maker entered the world of luxury watch making with the “Very Zino” timepiece line. Almost a year later, the line is followed up with rose gold versions sharing the boldness of the steel versions, but with a bit more maturity and class.

Oval watches like the Very Zino are becoming en vogue, which I appreciate. I find that the horizontally oblong shape is more flattering on one’s wrist than the traditionally popular tonneau shape which is vertically oblong. Sharing from the Bell & Ross Geneva and Vintage line of watches, the small seconds dial and date window overlap with in symmetrically centered orientation. The dial enjoys a fair amount of texturing, and skeleton cut hands are sharp looking (and probably feeling). I particularly like the crafted lugs and how the Italian made (black or brown) French calf leather strap is cut to shape the case and lugs smoothly. Inside the Davidoff Very Zino watches are automatic mechanical movements, likely ETA 2895-2 movements as are used in the existing Very Zino watches. The 18k rose gold cases are 44m wide in size. The new Very Zino watches are noticeably more refined in design than those presented last year and are a welcome addition to Davidoff’s growing watch collection.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Davidoff Very Zino Rose Gold Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s unbelievable that we are at a point where physical disability due to aging factors or some other reasons has succumbed to technology. Beer dispensers, golf putters, range hoods… the list seems endless where you can see an LCD screen being…

Filed under: Journeys

Barack Obama may not be able to move into the White House but at least he has a view of his new home. President-elect Barack Obama and his family will be moving to Washington D.C. this weekend and will be staying at the Hay-Adams hotel through January 15. After that they will move to Blair House, the traditional pre-inaugural home. Sasha and Malia Obama start school on Monday at Sidwell Friends School in Washington D.C. The Hay Adams penthouse presidential suite usually goes for between $2,500 and $5,000 per night according to CBS News. It only has one bedroom so it is likely the Obamas have rented more than one suite for the next two weeks. It does feature a living room overlooking the White House, Lafayette Park and St. John’s Church and includes a large dining table as well as a gas-lit corner fireplace. The master bedroom features a spectacular view of the White House.

Barack Obama’s Hotel Has A White House View originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates

Today’s home is a huge newer home on over five acres in Atlanta, Georgia. The gated estate includes a pool, spa, tennis court, pond & gazebo. The listing says it shows like a model home and it reminds me a bit of one of those “street of dreams” decorator homes with details like the mural in the kitchen and a mix of some rooms that seem very decorated and others that seem more spare. The home has a home theater area, rec room, six bedrooms and an office tucked into the turret-like facade. It is listed at $5 million.

Experience more lush living in luxury homes and mansions or see the stars living large with celebrity homes galleries at AOL Real Estate.
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Continue reading Northside Drive, Estate of the Day

Northside Drive, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Bring on the glitter and lights — it’s New Years! It may be our economy is in the toilet but that’s no reason not to get out there with a little sparkle and glam to ring in 2009! Take a hint from Pauric Sweeney with the Ryder Python Bag in gleaming, golden python draped over your shoulder with a plaited handle strap with tasteful tassles swinging as you arrive at your destination. It zips across the top so you don’t have to worry about any items walking away and it fits under your arm easily. Originally $1,595 it is now on sale at Net-A-Porter for $797.50! Happy New Year to you! (13″ x 7″ x 8″ with 8″ strap drop)

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Pauric Sweeney Ryder Python Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bringing new meaning to the enjoyment of art, renowned adult-only firm Jimmyjane is offering a diamond-studded vibrator. The special-edition “little steel tonight” is more silent, waterproof and more durable. Costing £1,000, the blinged sex toy is…

Filed under: Apparel

Tracey Ross, which has held a prominent place in the L.A. retail scene for the past 18 years, has just announced it will close on New Year’s Eve in a terse statement to WWD: “Of course it’s the economy.”

Known for its high-end collection of designers like Peter Som, Stella McCartney and Thakoon, the shop catered to celebs including Kate Hudson and many of LA’s well-known tastemakers.

Owner Tracey Ross lamented that it has become “impossible to compete” when mega-retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue are marking down merchandise to 80% off retail.

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L.A. Fashion Fixture Tracey Ross Closes, Citing Economy originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates

The beautiful Lisburne Grange is on 16 acres in Garrison, New York. Railroad magnate Samuel Sloan built this splendid three-story mansion in 1862 with views of the Hudson River and historic West Point. The property includes a terraced garden, three-story carriage house, reflecting pool, wrought iron tea house and a formal pool inspired by the dragon fountain at the Villa d’Este outside Rome. The 13,000 sq.ft main house has nine bedrooms with fireplaces, high ceilings and large windows. A ballroom with chestnut floors opens to a balustraded terrace on three sides and the formal dining room has a coffered ceiling and French doors leading to the garden. Even more delicious, a hall with an original mural leads to a wood paneled library with a secret study. This elegant home is listed at $6.85 million.

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Continue reading Lisburne Grange, Estate of the Day

Lisburne Grange, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Journeys

At the beginning of this year, we saw the announcement of J Hotels, the first hotel from rapper Jay-Z to be located in New York City. Now as the year ends we learn that the J Hotel is not to be. The NY Times reveals that developer Charles Blaichman, who was behind Soho House, cannot secure financing for the hotel. Blaichman is now trying to rent the former Time Warner Cable warehouse after failing to raise $370 million for three luxury hotels. Hotel Chatter predicts that the J Hotel will rise again but I’m wondering if celebrity hotel projects might be doomed for the time being.

Jay-Z’s Hotel Plans Fall Flat originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wine

A glass of wine every day is supposed to reduce heart disease but it may also be hurting your liver. The World Cancer Research Fund in Britain says that a pint of beer or large glass of wine every day increases the risk of liver and bowel cancer by 20%. It’s alarming news in Britain where as the Telegraph reports, the NHS released figures showing that middle class people over the age of 45 are the most frequent drinkers in Britain, consuming alcohol on five or more nights a week. This follows a report from the National Audit Office earlier this year which said that 10 million people in the country were drinking to “hazardous” levels. It is believed that the alcohol damages a person’s DNA, making them susceptible to the risk of cancer and even a relatively small amount can make a big difference. There is also evidence that drinking alcohol also increased the risk of breast cancer and cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. The World Cancer Research Fund hasn’t advised avoiding alcohol but it did say that the limit per day should be two drinks for a man and one for a woman (one drink is the equivalent of half a pint of beer, less than an ounce of vodka or a little more than four ounces of wine). I’m beginning to pine for the days when a glass of wine was considered to be a healthy indulgence and articles were filled with talk of wine’s polyphenols and antioxidants.

Large Glasses Of Wine Carry Cancer Risk originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Journeys

It’s hard to find a more dramatic view in Dubai than the one at Neos, the highest lounge in Dubai city. Neos is part of The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, the flagship property of The Address Hotels + Resorts. It has panoramic 360 degree views across the city with floor-to-ceiling windows. The club features black granite infused with reflective quartz for a twinkling starlight effect. Crystal chandeliers enhance the starburst effect and a fiber optic light curtain surrounds the high gloss black lacquer elevator. The decor includes 20-foot tall towers made of mirror polished stainless steel cladding . The menu includes French oysters and Boston lobster and a world caviar selection.

Another Great Place To Check Out The View In Dubai originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Journeys

Almost all sectors of the luxury market have been adversely affected by the global financial crisis, but castle rentals in Scotland seem to be immune. Harriet Filewood, managing partner of Scotts Castle Holidays, which represents more than 100 castles and country houses across Scotland, tells the London Guardian that business has never been better. “We thought all the talk about a recession would impact on demand for luxury properties this year,” Filewood says, “but so far we have seen a 36% increase in sales. All our castles are fully booked for this New Year’s Eve and we are even taking bookings for December 2009. Our average spend for a castle that sleeps around 10 people is £2,500 [about $3,600] a week and as far as we can see the demand for those is increasing.”

Sue Bourne, manager of CKD Galbraith’s Cottages and Castles rental agency, which has more than 500 Scottish properties on its books, concurs. “This year is just as strong, if not stronger, than any other year,” she tells the paper. “We have not seen any decrease in demand and we have not had to discount any properties. This New Year’s Eve, out of 50 castles, we only have one at the standard £3,000 to £4,000 a week [about $4,400 - $5,800] left, but we’re still getting inquiries and may still let it. Compared with last year we are renting more properties. Some people are even booking now for 2010.” Perhaps its simply a matter of solidity; what could be more comforting than a castle in these troubled times?

Scottish Castles: Recession Proof? originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I know you guys are all set with your POAs for New Year’s Eve, but whatever the plan, champagne’s going to be a sure companion. And if you’re at truce with champagne, you’ll need a cooler to go with it. Therefore, to assist you through your…

The leading manufacturer of de luxe mobile phones Vertu has announced the launch of the new collection named Signature on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the company.

Winter is on and fire is the most soothing word that makes us feel cozy and comfortable on chilly nights. Breaking the barrier, a German design firm, Schulte Design, introduces the “FIREBO-X” that adds the notion of portability to fireplaces. The…

Filed under: Apparel, Men’s Style

Vittorio J is an NYC fine tie designer who has created an exclusive, limited collection for the Michael Andrews Bespoke store on the Lower East Side.

The Bespoke collection is made entirely by hand in New York - rare indeed! - with 100% English printed silk which reportedly comes from the same high-end fabric houses used by Kiton and E. Marinella. The prices range from $195 to $2,000.

We find the designs playful and eye-catching without being over-the-top, perfect for the gentleman with a whimsical streak. The set of ties at right features tiny skulls and crossbones - a subtle rebellion.

If you like any of the ties in this gallery, you’d best call custom clothier Michael Andrews Bespoke today; no more than fifteen of each tie has been created.
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Vittorio J Ties for Bespoke originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces

When high-end German watch maker A. Lange & Sohne releases a new watch, I often do a double take. Their beautiful designs remain so consistent, it simply isn’t obvious what is new in each release. The most recent addition to the A. Lange & Sohne collection is the Richard Lange Pour le Merite. A provocative sounding watch bearing the name of the almost century old “Pour le Merite” (for Merit) award - that is still occasionally awarded in Germany and parts of Europe.

The Richard Lange Pour le Merite has a special complex feature in the movement called a fusee chain (constructed like a very small bicycle chain). The chain connects to the mainspring barrel and assists in providing a balanced, consistent level of power release from the mainspring (that delivers a uneven power release by default). Power release consistency is compensated due to the fact that the fusee chain is wound around a cone shaped cylinder that unravels or winds at an different rate. The fusee chain also assists with safe winding of the main spring. These complications are reserved for only the most complex watches in the world, and it is a testament to the engineering prowess of A. Lange & Sohne that it is able to produce such movements. As such, the fusee chain (constructed of 636 parts) is included in the in-house developed and manufactured L044.1 manually-wound, hand built and decorated movement.

The watch itself is 40.5mm wide and available in either 18k rose gold or platinum with a pristine white enamel face and painted dial. The hands are blued steel, and the design is traditional A. Lange & Sohne that places an emphasis on legibility. The Richard Lange Pour le Merite is a meticulously designed and constructed luxury watch that succeeds in epitomizing the spirit of high-end German watch making with its subtle handsome looks and intriguing mechanics.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

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A. Lange & Sohne Richard Lange Pour le Merite Watch With Fusee Chain originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

The new Gabriel turntable will likely cause as stir at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month. The turntable is made by Italian company Angelis Labor and has been manufactured in an Italian Ferrari parts manufacturing factory in Modena, Italy. it is a a magnetic suspension record player constructed by overlapping bronze over aluminum and is composed of three parts - the table and base for one to four arms; the 13-inch arm; and the cartridge. It costs between $27,000 and $64,000.

[via Wired]

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The $64,000 Turntable originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No wonder that we have a child in us, all you need is just tickle it. The new arcade coffee table from the house of renowned manufacturer Surface Tension does the job nicely, as the table brings a blend of internet connectivity and video gaming to the…