The art market is one niche which did suffered its share of downfall in the recession but was still considered a safer place to invest one’s savings than the turbulent stock market. Now is the time to rejoice for all those art lovers, who had their…

Filed under: Timepieces

Fans of Louis Moinet timepieces will instantly recognize this special timepiece as being a very sporty version of the Twintech Chronograph watch. The Twintech is based on original Louis Moinet drawings from 1848, long before the advent of carbon fiber. You can read about the original Twintech Chronograph model here, and see here how the style has been refined a bit to accommodate for this revised style. This new watch is not so much an update rather than an alternative design.

Rather than a pretty retro design, this new Twintech model is all about the world of racing sports, something that Louis Moinet has been sponsoring here in the US. Aside from the carbon fiber face, the watch has a new font for the Arabic numerals as well as the racing red trim. The large watch has one of the most easy on the eyes rectangular watch cases on the market, and the red spots on the watch really make themselves seen. Many watches of this boldness can be difficult to read, as the dial can over-take the hands. I am glad to say that lume covered hands on this Twintech Chronograph watch hold their own and do not suffer from being drowned out in the mix. Overall a very nice looking steel sports watch that is unique, yet comfortable, compared to many others in the crowd.

A Louis Moinet representative let me check out this watch at Lussori, I can’t speak to availability, but I have a feeling that at least a limited number of these watches should be available soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Louis Moinet Twintech Chronograph Carbon Fiber Watch Spotted originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texel sheep
If you’re like me, you’ve been pondering the most expensive sheep ever since the UK’s highest priced sheep, Tophill Joe, died some months ago. Well, wonder no further—the world’s most expensive sheep has been sold.
Purchased by a British farmer at an agricultural auction, this record-setting bit of livestock is called Deveronvale Perfection. Like Tophill […]

Filed under: Estates

I’ve written about this property before but new pictures and a lower price make it worth a second look especially because I think it is due for another price cut. The Italian Renaissance mansion in Upper Brookville, New York was built for investor Henry Sanderson in 1915. It’s a classic American example of the exuberance of wealth. The 40-room villa on 24 acres was used by the Roman Catholic Church as the St. Francis Retreat House.The estate is owned by Sylvia Kumar, wife of imprisoned former Computer Associates chief Sanjay Kumar. Sanjay Kumar was ordered by a federal judge to pay back $798 million to shareholders after he pleaded guilty to securities fraud. The home was bought by Sylvia Kumar from St. Francis Monastery for $6.75 million in 2001.

The home has a domed rotunda, a loggia, a winding staircase, a library, two dining rooms, seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The home has stone columns and arches, wrought iron doors and delicate Renaissance style paintings. There is a possibility that the land could be subdivided into five acre plots and the property does have a renovated three-bedroom cottage and a walled carriage house with heated garage, five indoor stables, six bedrooms, workshop and two bathrooms. It was listed at $17 million, it was chopped to $14.5 million last December but given that the home itself likely requires significant updating, I am guessing that it may take another deep price cut to sell this home.

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

Continue reading La Selva Revisited, Estate of the Day

La Selva Revisited, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Focusing continuously on the success stories of the social networking sites this year, you might have missed the other side that says social media is for narcissists. While it came as a surprise to Gen Y that they are in reality Generation Me, but it…

Filed under: Auctions, Art

The Art Price Global Index suggests that the art market started to turn at the middle of the year, but it’s going to take the autumn art season to confirm whether this is a false positive or the start of a new trend. Maybe the slight improvements in economic conditions are leading to more art market confidence (and spending), or perhaps they’re just sick to death of being in a slump.

Art prices increased by 4.97 percent at the end of the second quarter, according to the Art Price Global Index. This comes after the index fell a total of 30 percent from the start of 2008. The collective will of art collectors, dealers and auctioneers probably won’t be enough to change the art world, but it could happen at the same time. The Art Market Confidence Index gained 20 points during the second quarter, supporting the notion that we’re all ready for this to be over.

It was still a tough quarter for Post-War and Contemporary artwork, which saw prices drop nine percent and four percent, respectively. But, the rest of the art market has fared better, thanks in large part to the increase in the number of affordable works brought under the gavel. So far this year, 79 percent of pieces sold for less than €5,000, up from 73 percent in 2008. Paintings and multiples declined, as well, by 31 percent and 41 percent, respectively, since 2008. With 4 percent and 5 percent price drops in the second quarter of 2009, their prices have returned to 2004 levels.

But, the summer’s pretty quiet for the art market. We won’t be able to confirm a recovery until the fall auction season begins. Then, we’ll know if wallets are ready to be opened and stay that way for a while.

Art Market Turning? Autumn to Confirm or Deny originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Journeys

Palm Beach has taken its hits over the past year in the wake of Bernie Madoff but now the elite Florida enclave has a new place to welcome guests. The Palm Beach Post reports on the opening of The Omphoy Oean Resort which is a narly $100 million resort on the location of a former Hilton hotel. The resort is designed to combine a peaceful retreat with a bit of South Beach style- an infinity pool and flatscreen televisions contrast with ebony pillars in the lobby and a lounge area with a row of gongs. The restaurant is run by chef Michelle Bernstein who has been denoted as one of the best chefs in the South by the James Beard Foundation. The spa is run by Exhale and offers massages, facials, yoga and more. This hotel is the first major oeceanfront one to open in Palm Beach in a while and the idea is to create a resort that is a newer and more hip option than the venerable grand dames of Palm Beach: The Breakers, The Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton. The Omphoy has just 134 rooms and offers more of a boutique hotel experience. The resort has an opening deal that starts at $149 a night (rooms will run in the $400 to $700 range in the winter).

The Omphoy Resort Opens In Palm Beach originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces

I was quite excited about the Armin (by Armin Strom) Elements watch collection when it was first announced (seemingly a while ago). “Armin” seems to be a more sporty side line to the standard Armin strom collection of watches that is very elegant and traditional in focus. One thing that both lines share is the appreciation for dial skeletonization. You can see the modern style of partial skeletonization on the Elements watch here. The collection comes in a few colors. Each one representing a different Element. The pictured version is “Earth.” Though I was initially excited about the line, now I am impressed and really want to get my hands on one of these beauties. One of the major strengths that the Elements watch is its ability to function as a comfortable everyday watch, save for one that looks different than most other everyday watches.

This watch has a titanium case, and here it has been coated in PVD black. The movement is manually wound with a 46 hour power reserve. The regulator display style has a different dial for the hours, minutes, and seconds, while there is also a retrograde date display. I believe that the pusher at 10 o’clock is to change the date. Each Armin Elements watch is part of a limited edition of just 100 pieces. This image indicates that the watch should now be ready for prime time. Price for the pictured version will retail at $18,850.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Armin Regulator Elements Earth Watch Finally Spotted originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back in Olde Tymes, when men were men and razors were less than clean, aftershave was important for its antiseptic qualities. Nowadays, though, we use it primarily for its aromatic properties.
The world’s most expensive aftershave is Amouage Die Pour Homme. The 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette—a term referring to the concentration of fragrance and not […]

Filed under: Apparel, Men’s Style, The Classicist

Classic British outerwear company Barbour has come out with a brilliant collection for fall building on the brand’s heritage while updating traditional designs and adding subtle new takes on sporting classics. Inspired by the best of British varsity wear and Barbour’s own rich lineage - the firm, founded in 1894, holds Royal Warrants from HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and HRH The Prince of Wales - there are new additions to each of Barbour’s collections: Heritage, Contemporary, Classic, and Sporting.

Fall ushers in a bold, visually appealing and tactile re-interpretation of Barbour’s authentic style. This season sees an expansion in new styles in the company’s outerwear, knitwear and shirts ranges, as well as a brand new, full trouser collection with formal, casual and jeans options for both men and women. One standout is the Union Jack International motorcycle jacket (above left) with a super cool British flag lining. Key items feature Union Jack patches and Barbour badges as well, such as the Durelli International jacket with an integral waistcoat. Other trends in the autumn/winter ‘09 collection include: (continued after the jump)

Continue reading The Classicist: True Brit - Barbour’s Best for Fall

The Classicist: True Brit - Barbour’s Best for Fall originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wine

Back in April of this year we saw one major champagne producer advocate lower production rates to compact the drop in sales. Now with harvest fast approaching, the battle is heating up over a reduction in yield. The London Times says that they may be ordered to leave up to half of the grapes on the vine in order to prevent flooding the market with champagne there is no market for. Last year the harvest level was 14,000 kg for every hectare farmed, this year Champagne houses are advocating 7,500 kg a hectare. Growers realize they have to harvest less but are pushing for 10,000 kg a hectare. The champagne houses are finding that they already have over a billion bottles in stock in their wine caves, far more than they usually keep on hand. Champagne grapes harvested will turn into wine which is ready for sale in 2011. The problem is that no body seems to know just how fast the economy will rebound and if, when it does, it will take champagne consumption with it. Champagne drinking is associated with a certain type of extravagance and it may be that even if the economy recovers quickly people may still not be ready to raise their glasses with the French bubbly.

Grape growers are coming off years when they received high prices for their grapes and champagne production was kept high to keep up with increasing demand. They are angry and according to an article in the Economist some say that the big champagne houses knew a crisis was coming, a charge the champagne houses deny. Merchants and vineyards are meeting Wednesday to set the maximum yield. If they can’t reach a figure together then the regional prefect, who represents the French Government, makes the decision.

Growers And Champagne Houses Set To Battle Over Yield Limits originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A travel plan may seem like a pretty hectic affair: booking an air ticket, where to stay, worried about hotel quality, will it suit the lifestyle that you are adapted to, show up on time for that fantastic view…soak in the information presented and…

Filed under: Handbags

I love the color on this Woodstock Hobo by Be & D more than I’ve loved a handbag color in a long time — it’s so soothing! And it has an interesting ‘cozy but chilled’ vibe going on. Not crazy about the stiff-looking handle but I can see how it works with the overall shape and style of the bag. It’s simple textured leather with a large exterior fold-over flap pocket, pretty silver studs on a decorative leather strap, and a beige suede lining. Magnetic snap closure, interior pockets x 3, $995.

Be & D Woodstock Hobo, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Business class travel is reaching new heights of luxury, which further emphasizes the importance of carrying high-end luggage for the discerning traveler. Enter Berluti, known for its trademark leather goods including shoes, belts, wallets and…

Filed under: Timepieces

Linde Werdelin aims to please and knows that you really need to handle their watches to appreciate them. That is a bit hard if you aren’t near one of the few spots around the world where you can get their watches. Since conception they have offered a “trial run” of their line, and have just now revamped the watch trial program to include new watches. The new offer is better and easier than ever. Linde Werdelin presents the “Test Set,” a combo pack of a watch plus Linde Werdelin’s “The Rock” Land Instrument. It is a computer device that attaches on top of their watches that provides you with many sensors and useful features for extreme Earth surface exploration.

After filling out a short form, Linde Werdelin will send you a watch that you choose (depending on availability) and you can test it out for five days. If you don’t like it, you can return it with no obligation to purchase. Available watches in the Test Set include the all titanium SpidoLite, Oktopus, The One (various styles), Two-Timer, and 3-Timer (various styles) watches. They will come with an aluminum The Rock as well. Very cool watches that I am a fan of. For more information go to Linde Werdelin.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Linde Werdelin Watches Present The “Test Set” For The Biformeter Curious originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates

I first heard about former football player and sometimes actor Brian Bosworth’s efforts to sell his Malibu home back in 2007 when he was listed as his own real estate agent. Back then this home was listed at $11.9 million and didn’t sell. The home was off the market for a while and then popped up again up for sale for $8.995 million. Bosworth must be a motivated seller because the home has had another price cut, now down to $6.9 million. The listing pictures don’t reveal much but the home is on an approximately 1.7 acre compound with around 10,500 square feet of interior space. It has expansive views of the coastline. The large kitchen, one of the few rooms shown in the pictures, has both a large island and a breakfast nook. Outside there is a pool, pool house and a separate guest house.

Continue reading Brian Bosworth in Malibu, Estate of the Day

Brian Bosworth in Malibu, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Journeys, Wings

How can you make a corporate jet share program even better? After all, you’re already traveling in the most comfortable manner imaginable. Bombardier Skyjet’s new jet card members can use the program to go on the “Ultimate Escape” this summer. The new partnership between Skyjet and destinations will put cardholders in a top-tier destination for five nights of bliss.

Ultimate Escapes offers private luxury residences around the world. So, if you pick up a new prepaid Skyjet card - for on-demand private jet charters - you’ll have your choice of destination homes. There are more than 150 destinations available around the world, making the choices pretty tough … within this collection, there are more than 100 multi-million dollar homes.

“Whether it’s a desire to relax on a pristine beach, golf on some of the world’s finest courses or explore a new city, the Skyjet Card is the ticket to a perfect summer getaway,” said Fred Reid, President, Bombardier Skyjet. “By partnering with Ultimate Escapes, the definitive leader in the destination club industry, new card members will feel right at home no matter how far their travels take them.”

So, if you need to find a place to go when you get your new Skyjet card, the problem is already solved. Use your complimentary Ultimate Escapes stay to take your card for a ride. It just fits together nicely.

Skyjet and Ultimate Escapes Make Perfect Combo originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Journeys

The Guam Visitors Bureau is doing a big push to court the Chinese to visit the small island which is a U.S. territory. Century Travel has organized a series of special charter flights between Guam and Beijing to take place in October 2009. Air China is the carrier for the three charters and 450 passengers are anticipated per flight. Guam wants to encourage visitors from emerging travel markets.

The tourism push also continues toward Taiwan with the hiring of Leroy Yang, a well-known actor and former model, who has created a guidebook of his travels in Guam. In his guidebook Welcome to Guam, Yang takes his readers through a tour of the island. The interesting thing is that Taiwan promotes Guam as “a unique American destination.”

Guam’s economy relies on tourism which has suffered in recent months. A recent report said that the Pacific island welcomed 60,100 visitors in June, down from 94,882 during the same month last year. There is hope that the tourism industry will fare better as the year goes on. The island offers tranquil beaches, diving and abundant wildlife.

Guam’s Push To Attract More Tourists originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces

Louis Vuitton applies it feminine touch to the otherwise manly Tambour Diver watch. The new Tambour Diver Lady is a charming line of watches that come in 35mm steel or pink gold cases (the latter having some diamond decoration). You can get the Louis Vuitton Tambour Diver Lady watch with a Swiss quartz or automatic mechanical movement. The dial is available with the classic Louis Vuitton floral pattern or pink mother or pearl.

Look for the Tambour Diver Lady on a textured rubber strap in pink or white. The watch uses the same shape and has the internal rotating diver’s bezel just like the handsome, larger men’s version. The timepiece is a fully functional diver being water resistant to 300 meters, and having a thick sapphire crystal. With its good looks, durability, and desirable name brand, this Louis Vuitton Tambour Diver Lady watch line could be the most notable women’s diving watch to come along in a long while. You won’t find the watches that easily as you’ll have to look at special Louis Vuitton boutiques only. Price will likely be around 3,000 euros.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Louis Vuitton Ladies Tambour Diver Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Jewelry

Montana’s Yugo sapphires are a little known American treasure. The cornflower blue stones are only found in remote portions of Montana and are prized for their deep color. Jewelry pieces made using these stones will be auctioned off to benefit Montana’s Special Olympics program in an upcoming event. The pieces include a bolo tie worn by Montana’s Governor Brian Schweitzer as well as a variety of rings, earrings and pendants. An online auction has already begun and the highest online bid will be the opening bid on items at a live auction as part of the Montana Sports Legends Dinner and Auction on October 3.

The auction item shown above includes a trillion cut Yogo sapphire that is over one carat along with matching earrings featuring sapphires and diamonds set in yellow and white gold. The lot has a total value of $24,000. Online bidding ends September 30.

Montana Sapphires To Be Auctioned Off For Special Olympics originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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