Filed under: Wine

Looking for a less costly alternative to Champagne? Prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine, is a great option. It is light, usually sweet and fruity but not as complicated as Champagne. Prosecco is the main ingredient in several popular cocktails, including the Bellini, in which it is mixed with peach juice.

It typically retails for $10 to $20 a bottle. Production of prosecco has increased thirty-fold over the past four decades and there are plans for greater distribution particularly to emerging wine markets like China.

Prosecco is produced using the Charmat method, in which a second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Prosecco does not ferment in the bottle, unlike some varieties of champagne. Hence, it should not be stored for long periods of time, and should be consumed within two years after it is produced. Nearly two-thirds of all proseccos come from Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, the Veneto region which is near Venice.

Prosecco can be found in three forms: brut, extra dry, and dry. Brut typically comes from high-quality prosecco grapes. Brut prosecco contains less residual sugar; no more than 15 grams per litre. Extra Dry prosecco is actually less dry than Brut. It contains 12 to 20 grams per litre of residual sugar. Dry process contains the most residual sugar, typically 20 to 35 grams per litre.

While prosecco is widely believed to be a less expensive alternative, not all proseccos are created equal. Bottles that are labeled with “DOC” (Denominazione Origine Controllata) or “DOCG” (Denominazione Origine Controllata Garantita) is a guarantee of quality, meaning that the grape used and the wine making process originated in a specific region.

Other alternatives to Champagne include Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, that comes in different degrees of sweetness, similar to prosecco. It can be distinguished by its cork, which is emblazoned with a four-pointed star. Like prosecco, cava is sold ready for consumption and does not improve after being stored.

Sparkling wines from the United States, also referred to as “New World Sparklers” include those made with both the méthode champenoise (second fermentation takes place in the bottle) and the Charmat method (second fermentation takes place in a large tank). Sparking wines not always a less costly alternative to Champagne, however, and some are pricey.

Bubbly Alternatives to Champagne originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel

The new winter 2010 ski wear line from Parajumpers is out and again demonstrates how well Italian design can interpret a very basic American item and make it chic.

People often remark when they travel to Italy, that while the Italian woman standing next to them may be wearing an almost identical outfit, she looks chic, and they look, well, just not. When American culture is looked at through an Italian lens the result tends to be a perfect confluence of good old-fashioned practicality and hip European design.

The Parajumpers ski wear line is no exception. The new 2010 line is clearly influenced by American military wear. In fact, according to the web-site, the name Parajumpers is inspired by the 210th Rescue Squadron stationed in Anchorage Alaska. Apparently this elite group is trained for the toughest missions around the globe and use their intense training to save lives. The ski wear line is the brain child of Massimo Rossetti, an Italian sportswear designer, who has spent years crossing the United States to gain inspiration for his fashion lines and introducing iconic American brands such as Woolrich to the Italian marketplace. He has also worked with some of the biggest names in fashion such as Valentino, Ferre, Coveri, Canali, Benetton, and many more.

The brand has attracted a following of stars from both the the world of sport and the silver screen. Actors Jennifer Garner, John Hamm and Mario Lopez have been spotted wearing the jackets as well as star skiers Janne Ahonen from Finland and Anja Paerson from Sweden. It seems that this further illustrates the point that this line of ski wear is both fashionable and appropriate for those who plan to use it for more than just strolling around a ski town during a film festival.

The 2010 jackets can be found on-line at ski.com at prices ranging from $525 to $899 depending on the model and at retailers world-wide.

Parajumpers Ski Wear: American Inspiration, Italian Style originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While it remains a fact that most of wine bottles are consumed within days of their purchase, there’s more than a room for thermal stabilizers to ensure that our favorite wine remains at its best quality. The Wice was developed to ensure the same…

Filed under: Jewelry, Books, Wealth

Newly published to accompany a major exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Maharaja: The Splendour of India’s Royal Courts examines the rich world of the famed Indian princes from the early 18th century to 1947, when they formally ceded their territories to the modern states of India and Pakistan. Everything from incredible jewels to custom made Rolls-Royce motorcars, paintings, textiles, metalwork, and furniture is examined in the lavishly-illustrated book, showcasing the rich and varied objects that reflect different aspects of royal life. The aim is to “give readers an understanding of royal status and identity, court culture, and patronage.” Particular maharajas are highlighted alongside essays by international scholars exploring “Indian concepts of kingship, the public aspects of princely life, architecture of the princely court, palace life and recreation, and the important role of the princes as patrons of traditional arts.”

The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While there’s an original 2003 Ferrari Enzo up for the sale on eBay for $998,000, nobody can stop the Greek designer Dimitris Papanagnou from selling the Enzo replica dubbed the 2010 Ferrari Enzo Spyder prototype. Equipped with an Audi-sourced…

The New Year is upon us, so we are feeling a little nostalgic and wanted to thank you all (our readers and fellow bloggers) for being on our side throughout. We take this opportunity to thank you all for showing us your love and support in your own…

Filed under: Auctions, Art

Two of the biggest names in the art boom - which ended unceremoniously over the summer of 2008 - have seen their works fall by half this year. Pieces by Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons, the hottest works under the gavel through the beginning of 2008, could take as much as 10 years for prices to recover.

With the art market in turmoil this year, the contemporary segment suffered, and art collectors steered clear of some of the riskier artists on the market, which included Koons and Hirst. Instead, they turned to Art Deco furniture and pieces from the Old Masters and China, which appeared prominently among the top 10 auction performers this year.

Hirst and Koons still outperformed the contemporary art sector, which fell 75percent overall, thanks in large part to the auction houses’ abandoning of guaranteed minimum prices.

According to Artprice, the art auction market surged by a factor of 10 from 2003 to 2008, with its price index for works by Hirst up 996 percent for the 10-year period ending in September 2008, with his “Beautiful Inside My Head Forever” event.

So, now may be the time to snatch up Hirst and Koons. It may take a decade for these artists to see their prices recover, but they did pretty well over the past 10 years.

Hirst and Koons Plunged, Collectors Regrouping originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates

Today’s home is another grand Pennsylvania manor. This home in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania was built in the 1930s in the Norman style. It sits on nearly five acres. The home has been restored and updated but includes many older details some that date from before the home was built like the wood paneling in the great room which was taken from a 1650 hunting lodge of King James II. The home’s features include a formal dining room, game room, ’speakeasy’ bar, bowling alley, country kitchen and eight bedrooms. The master suite has a fireplace and a sitting room with another fireplace. There are also his and hers offices and a conference room. The property includes a four car garage, a three-bedroom cottage and a pool. It is listed for $4.75 million.

Continue reading Crefeld Street, Estate of the Day

Crefeld Street, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make a splash with this new innovative design by Wild Terrain Designs that looks more like a bucket. The Tub-E electronic bathtub is a futuristic bucket design with comfortable seating and various adjustment options to give your luxury bath an all-new..

Filed under: Estates, Journeys

Score one for 2009 and anglophiles everywhere: An English baroque jewel was saved this year thanks to public support raised by the National Trust of Britain and it’s American arm, The Royal Oak Foundation. The year-and-a-half-long campaign raised nearly $5 million to save Seaton Delaval Hall in Newcastle.

The 1731 landmark was designed by famed architect Sir John Vanbrugh (who designed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard), and is said to be one of Britain’s most important Baroque country houses. In spring 2010 it will open to the public for tours and events, bringing the north-eastern part of England a much needed tourist attraction.

National Trust Saves Britain’s Seaton Delaval Hall originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Men’s Style, Celebrity Design

Singer Lisa Loeb made it kind of cool to wear chunky glasses, and they became her signature look. Now she’s joined with Classique Eyewear to offer an eponymous eyewear collection, to be available in Spring 2010. The Lisa Loeb Collection features “frames for every face, and a look for any occasion: the office, school, your best friend’s wedding, or the after party. Designs to accentuate a life fully lived.” Styles will be offered in black and tortoise shell as well as bold colors, and there will be signature accents such as temple designs, etchings, and rhinestones. Each of the frames bears the title of one of Loeb’s songs, and the colors in the line are inspired by her love of food and the culinary arts. The line is aimed toward women, but some smaller frames will fit young girls and some unisex styles will appeal to fashionable men.

Lisa Loeb’s Classique Eyewear Collection originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Ring in the New Year with a Burberry. There’s a hint of the expected brand check pattern but this Painted Hearts Tote is mostly about shades of red, white, and hearts. Canvas body with tonal leather trim and a padded hanging heart charm with chain detail round out the style features, while a zip top, top handle with ring attachments, and gunmetal hardware cover the rest. It’s especially tiny (which I didn’t immediately guess based on ‘tote’ in its name) measuring only 5″ x 7 1/2″ x 2″. $295

Burberry Painted Hearts Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel

The latest luxury fashion line to hit trouble is Burani. The Wall Street Journal reports that the Italian brand is trying to reorganize and has put a holding company that controls a minority stake of Mariella Burani Fashion Group under liquidation. The founder, Walter Burani, says the company will not file for bankruptcy protection and is not facing liquidation.

The brand, which sells high-end women’s fashion failed to reach an agreement with banks over a nearly 500 million euro debt earlier this month. This move has led to talk that Burani may be unable to pay off its debts. High-end fashion has taken a lot of hits over 2009 and Burani has been struggling for a while. Back in August Mariella Burani Fashion Group reported a group net loss of 142.1 million euros ($204 million) versus a net income of 4 million euros last year, including significant asset writedowns and accruals. Revenues fell to 246.1 million euros compared to 325.4 million euros last year.

Bloomberg reports that Walter Burani is in talks with Gulf Finance & Investment over setting up a a potential 50 million euro escrow account in order to prove to creditors that it has enough money for a planned capital increase as part of the debt reorganization

Fashion Brand Burani Facing Trouble originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces

This news is a huge deal for the watch industry. About two years ago the Swatch Group announced that its watch movement making division ETA would stop selling watch movements to watch makers who are outside of the Swatch Group brands in 2010. ETA is the largest and most popular watch movement maker in all of Switzerland - supplying movements to most Swiss watch brands and anyone else who utilizes Swiss movements. ETA makes a wide range of movements from high end mechanical movements to quartz movements.

Swatch Group brands include companies such as Swatch, Hamilton, Tissot, and Omega. These brands receive their movements from sister company ETA, while ETA also currently sells movements to outside brands. According to Chairman Nicolas Hayek of the watch group, that is all about to change. He is reaffirming Swatch Group’s position that ETA will cease providing movements to competitors. The wisdom of the decision is arguable, but it looks like it is going to happen.

ETA has been under investigation by Swiss government authorities on whether this move is illegal and anti-monopolistic. Probes have been launched in the past as well to identify whether or not ETA was engaging in unfair pricing and related charges. The current probe is likely interested in whether such practices of shutting out Swiss watch brands that are important to the Swiss economy is a legal move by the Swatch Group.

A real question emerges of where watch brands will now go to get Swiss watch movements, or any movements for that matter. The move could spell death for legions of brands who are reliant on ETA to offer “Swiss Made” watches. In fact, it will likely spell death for many brands. At the same time it is a golden opportunity for competitors to come in and provide watch movements. While the creation of the tiny parts for movements is highly sophisticated, ETA does have Swiss competitors. Companies such as Sellita and Ronda may quickly step in ETA’s shoes to fill the gap.

Most of ETA’s high volume movements are not covered under intellectual property rights any longer. Such patent rights only have limited times of protection until their covered technologies can be produced by anyone with the skill. As such, ETA movements such at the 2824-2 have been “copied” by brands such as Sellita (with their SW200 movement) for a while. Plus, some brands might turn to the Japanese who have been making quality movements for years. While Japanese movements don’t have the same special power to excite consumers that “Swiss Made” movements do, we may see watch companies turning to them out of sheer need.

Sometime in 2010 ETA will cease or begin to stop selling watch movements to outside Swatch Group brands and the market will have to adjust. We will wait until that time to see what the resulting watch industry reaction is.

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

Swatch Group Vows That ETA Will Stop Selling Watch Movements To Competitors originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces

Swiss watch maker Nina Ricci presents an interesting timepiece for Valentine’s Day 2010. This sporty yet attractive watch is a departure from the legions of formal jewelry wear often delivered for the “romantic” occasion. Combining the requisite “red” color of love for the occasion with stylized doves on the dial of the thin rectangular steel case (17mm x 37mm in size), and you have a timepiece that both fits the mood of the day yet offers something different. The strap is rubber and has three polished steel plates on both ends of the strap (which is closed via a butterfly clasp). Such plates create a more substantial feel to the watch, but preserve its sporty and comfortable demeanor. As a “love” watch, but the design does not scream “Valentine’ Day.” As such, it is a piece that can be worn on any occasion. That is not always easy to get away with when your watch dial is pink and shaped like a large heart.

While the red version of the N029 watch is the special version for Valentine’s Day, the standard N029 watch collection has two Roman numerals on the dial and arrives in a variety of colors to suit one’s tastes. Inside the watch is a Swiss Ronda 751 quartz movement.

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

Nina Ricci N029 Valentine’s Day Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel

We’ve reached a point yet again where items that aren’t shipped in from China or elsewhere have a new appeal for the consumer. Emporio Armani’s going made in the USA for a new line of jeans. The Spring/Summer 2010 collection will include “Made in California” jeans that are at least partially made in Los Angeles. The LA Times reports that there will be four styles of jeans ( two for men and two for women) with red, white and blue leather labels, brushed white enamel rivets, and special hangtags. The jeans sell for $195 and ar available at Emporio Armani stores but not online. Come February, the men’s styles will also be at Saks Fifth Avene and Bloomingdale’s.

Emporio Armani Creates Made In California Jeans originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wine

Will the fee for opening a brought-in wine bottle in a restaurant soon be a thing of the past? The Wall Street Journal has an interesting article which says that restaurants in the Bay Area, long the holdout on charging corkage fees, are starting to eliminate the charge. This is one thing you can thank the recession for. Some restaurateurs have elected to drop the fees to attract customers in a climate that has restaurants competing for diners’ attention.

The Bay Area’s higher percentage of corkage fees is an offshoot of its nearness to the winemaking regions of Napa and Sonoma. Locals have easier access to more bottles from small vineyards and are more likely to bring a bottle with them to dine. In this winecentric city some restaurateurs take offense when a customer brings in a wine that is already on the list.

Diners, of course, are in favor of having the fees eliminated but for some restaurants losing the revenue from corkage can make a real difference in the bottom line and there is also the hope that the fee discourages some customers from the practice. These days restaurants need every last dollar they can get and selling alcohol is a big part of that.

If you want to bring your own bottle and are unsure about how to go about it, Lettie Teague from Food and Wine wrote the definitive piece on practice a few years back. The list includes the all important rule #3, don’t bring a cheap bottle of wine to a place with a wine list. Bringing your own bottle is more about having a bottle that is special to you rather than trying to save a few dollars.

A Gift From The Recession, Fewer Corkage Fees originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel

Kate Hudson’s gold Versace dress from the 2003 Academy Awards has been designated the top dress of the decade according to InStyle Magazine. The classic lace gown has, according to InStyle fashion director Hal Rubenstein, a “level of extravagance that just had you gasping.” The golden look was accessorized with a diamond bracelet and earrings from Fred Leighton. Other top dressses included Jennifer Lopez’s famous jungle-print Versace 2000 Grammy dress slashed to the navel and Anne Hathaway’s ladylike crystal-covered Armani Prive gown at the 2009 Acadamy Awards. Ceck out the whole list at InStyle.

Versace Gown Deemed Red Carpet Dress Of The Decade originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you are looking to completely energize your bath space, the ideal choice would be the color of fire, i.e. red. The Italian bath fittings maker Arblu has offered the best of the total red version of shower columns. Offering three different designs..

Even though miniature cars do not serve a practical purpose in today’s automotive industry, miniature replicas never fail to capture the imagination of thousands of hobbyists and collectors. The nostalgia-provoking Model Car Selection by Mercedes.