Filed under: Handbags, Events

On Wednesday May 5, Judith Leiber will host a cocktail reception from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at its flagship Manhattan store at 680 Madison Avenue in honor of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

A highlight of the event is the rare opportunity to purchase a Judith Leiber bag for only $100. Judith Leiber will sell 100 bags for $100 each with all of the proceeds going to the Wildlife Conservation Society, which does global wildlife conservation work in addition to operating the Bronx Zoo, the Central Park Zoo, the New York Aquarium, the Prospect Park Zoo, and the Queens Zoo.

Judith Leiber is an American luxury brand synonymous with elegance, style, and sophistication. Each product is created with meticulous attention to detail and flawless hand-craftsmanship. The company’s products are on the cutting edge of high fashion, but are timeless classics at the same time. In addition to designing handbags and minaudieres, the company also produces eye wear, fur, and cashmere accessories.

Continue reading Judith Leiber To Sell Bags to Benefit The Wildlife Conservation Society

Judith Leiber To Sell Bags to Benefit The Wildlife Conservation Society originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Designer range hoods are continuously going under the knife to attain an ultra slim look merged with hi-tech features to keep your kitchen concoctions to it. The latest in the cutting edge hoods come from Faber, the world’s leading manufacturer of…

Filed under: Apparel

Jeans shorts are a definite summer staple. And how could they not be? They’re undeniably comfortable, versatile and everyone wears them regardless of age. Worn at the knees, super short, or any length in between with a multitude of washes to choose from, frayed or folded, you can pair jeans shorts with the dressiest of tops or go ultra casual with a cotton tank top and you look great. RVCA and model & jewelry designer Erin Wasson collaborated on a pair of jean shorts called the Chain Gang that caught my attention for two reasons. First, I love the creativity behind them. Of all the decorative accents that are available, I never thought of embellishing jean shorts with metal chain mail. Whether you like them or not, they are certainly unique. Second, the price. At an unexpected $300, you can purchase your very own. Coming from the days where you would transform a pair of old jeans by just cutting them up, the price seems a bit steep. But for those who want to splurge on a unique pair of jean shorts that you are not likely to find on many people, these would be perfect.

RVCA x Erin Wasson Jean Shorts originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Decor, Auctions, Art

We cover a lot of the big auction houses here on Luxist but smaller auction houses offer quite a few treasures too. Clars, an estate auctioneer based in Oakland, California is having what is anticipated to be the largest and most important sale in their more than 60-year history on May 15 and 16. The sale comprises lots that span 400 years and come from four major estates and other important consigners. The sale includes 17th and 18th century furnishings and art from both contemporary artists and Old Masters. Clars is representing the Lane & Jenkins Trust of San Francisco, the Frank Hinman Estate of San Francisco, the Dr. Sydney Widrow Estate of Hawaii and Carmel; and the Dr. Lawrence Loftus Estate, also of Carmel.

Two of the key lots in the furniture category are a circa-1650 Charles II small Oyster-style walnut inlaid chest from the Widrow Estate (estimate: $10,000 to $15,000) and a circa-1730 George II walnut veneered chest on chest. (estimate: $8,000 to $12,000). A monumental Dirk Van Erp Studios vase will be offered, as well as a 1799 George III celestial floor standing globe estimated at $5,000 to $7,000. The painting shown at right “Moonrise over the Mojave” by Maynard Dixon (Californian, 1875-1946) is estimated at $150,000 to $250,000. The contemporary category will include original prints by Roberto Matta, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso. Coming from the Widrow Estate will be a framed silver gelatin photograph by Ansel Easton Adams (Californian, 1902-1984) titled “Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite,” estimated at $40,000 to $60,000.

Clars sales end with fine jewelry. The top lot in the jewelry category is a diamond ring mounted in platinum, center set with one round brilliant cut diamond weighing 9 carats (GIA stated M color and SI1 clarity) surrounded by 52 round diamonds weighing 1.10 carats. (estimate $90,000 to $120,000)

Approximately 2,000 lots in total will be offered over the course of this two-day event and internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

Clars Spring Auction Promises To Be The House’s Biggest Ever originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

An auto lover who wishes to inculcate the love for autos in his kid should start early with this elegant carbon cradle from Julien Bernard. The carbon cradle concept is a tasteful combination of high-tech material and craftsmanship. It is a unique…

Filed under: Estates, Auctions

The latest luxury real estate auction from Concierge Auctions puts a Palm Beach, Florida home on the market for a new low price. The home at 100 Via del Lago was originally listed for $10.75 million but when it goes up for bid on May 22 it will carry a pre-sale estimate of $3.85 million to $4.35 million. The auction has a reserve of $2.95 million.

The four-bedroom home is located on over half an acre in the estate section of Palm Beach and is a short walk from a private beach. The home has four bedrooms with more than 5,500 square feet of living space. The home also has a custom outdoor pool, patio and expansive terrace.

The home is owned by Nancy Mendel, a Palm Beach real estate agent. Mendel is a longtime real estate agent affiliated with Sotheby’s’ Palm Beach brokerage. She built and later renovated the house on Via Del Lago but lives in another home she owns in Palm Beach and leases the Via Del Lago property which has been on the market about three years.

Continue reading Via Del Lago, Estate of the Day

Via Del Lago, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I am pretty sure that Chronoswiss could have fancied up a better name for this cool classic/sporty watch. How many times do you want to say; “My favorite Chronoswiss watch this year is the Timemaster Chronograph GMT With Second Time Zone?” Dreary how tedious to announce the name is, especially when the watch itself is a great item. Undeniably Chronoswiss, the color tones are all black and white with a few hints of red. For me, this very sporty watch is extremely unexpected as they have been shifting more and more classic lately. But low and behold, for 2010 they have taken the Chronoswiss personality, coated it in DLC , and you have this great version of the Timemaster.

The case is in steel (and like I said black DLC coated) and 44mm wide. If you prefer, there is also a version of the watch without the DLC coating (though why would you want a cool design like this minus the super hard black coating?). In addition to the light silver/white dial, there is a black dial available. Inside the watch is a modified Swiss ETA 7750 automatic movement that has a GMT hand module. I love how the red GMT hand is matched with a red font date disc. Very hip. The reason the watch is called “GMT with Second Time zone” is because of the 24 hour bi-directional rotating bezel. Thus, you can use the bezel with the GMT hand to track yet another time zone. So actually the watch could state it has three time zones you can track.

Dial design is very polished and sticks with the Chronoswiss “vintage watches of flight” theme. You get that large “onion” crown (which looks great in DLC), and the protruding thin lugs. Chronoswiss is doing what Panerai did a little while ago. Refining a look that appeals to many men, and finally making it almost a cult watch. If Chronoswiss plays its cards right, it could have a popularity surge like Panerai did as soon as our economy bounces back enough.

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

Chronoswiss Timemaster Chronograph GMT With Second Time Zone Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

If a human trainer does not cut it for you, then a robot trainer might give you the much needed push to stick to your fitness regimen. Intuitive Automata, a Hong Kong startup, is all set to launch Autom, a 15-inch-tall robot that helps you stick to…

Filed under: Auctions

The John Lennon-penned lyrics to “A Day in the Life” are being auctioned by Sotheby’s New York on June 18. “A Day in the Life” was the last song on The Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - in countries where it wasn’t stripped from the album - and the first credited with making The Beatles true artists. Being a Beatles production, the lyrics and song also came with enough controversy to match its accolades.

These same lyrics have been auctioned before, and although bidding a few years ago in a Bonham’s offering was said to reach $2 million, this time Sotheby’s places estimates at anywhere from $500,000 to $700,000.

John Lennon Lyrics Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Handbags, Charity

This is the sixth year of Gucci’s partnership with UNICEF, and to commemorate the ongoing relationship, during which Gucci has raised $7 million in support, they are offering this limited edition Sukey bag in a demure pale gray to benefit the cause.

A full 25 percent of the retail cost of each gray Gucci Sukey bag will go to support UNICEF’s Schools for Africa campaign, which improves schools in disadvantaged regions of Africa “to create those conditions that will attract children to school, keep them there and provide them with a safe and protective environment where they can learn and play.”

The bag itself has a philanthropic story; Gucci’s Creative Director Frida Giannini co-chaired a fundraising event in support of UNICEF back in 2008, and one of the prizes offered included an opportunity to name a bag. The winner chose the name “Sukey,” and while we don’t know exactly what they paid for the privilege, the event raised $2.7 million for Schools for Africa.

The $1,295.00 Sukey is one of Gucci’s best-selling handbags around the world, and every one (in this color) sold until February 28, 2011 will be an investment in the future of Africa. So, if you were going to buy a new luxury bag this year, buy this one.

Gucci’s Sukey Bag to Benefit UNICEF originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Handbags

A flippy, fringy, and comfy looking neutral, the Sasha Fringed Leather Perforated Tote by Elie Tahari is good for everyday activities and will look great paired with jeans, a casual sundress, or pretty much anything.What really gives this bag unique character is that all the bunches of leather fringe that make up the body of the bag are intertwined with small chains, which give it texture, style, and a certain rugged edge. It has double chain-link shoulder straps, the top is open (has no closure), and it is fully lined in leather. $1,198

Elie Tahari Sasha Fringed Leather Perforated Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Auctions

For those whose inner Trekkies were tickled by the return of much younger, much hotter Star Trek last year, you might want to beam in for Julien’s Auctions’ sale of memorabilia from the new and old series’. Relics from original creator Gene Roddenberry’s house will go under the hammer, as will costumes including outfits worn by Roddenberry’s wife in the original series and a parka worn by Leonard Nimoy in the Chris-Pine-led movie reboot. Furniture such as a bridge chair, and weaponry - or things that look like they could be weapons in a show about the future - are also slated for sale.

And if you need any more convincing, William Shatner will be there personally to regale you with… himself. If you win the Klingon rifle (pictured), please don’t point it at him. The auction goes down at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on June 27.

Star Trek Memorabilia Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Estates, Celebrity Shopping

Former Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, have joined the rich and famous who call Montecito home. The LA Times reports that “Incovenient Truth” author spent $8.875 million for an oceanview home on 1.5 acres. The property includes a swimming pool, spa and fountains. Like many other homes in the area this one is a Mediterranean-style home. It has six fireplaces and five bedrooms.

A variety of celebrities live in the area which is located in California’s Santa Barbara county. Many celebrities including Oprah Winfrey and Rob Lowe own Montecito homes. It boasts some of California’s most expensive real estate. The Gores also own a large mansion in the Belle Meade area of Nashville, Tennessee.

Al Gore Buys A Montecito Mansion originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Though eco-friendly yachting is not the newest travel trend among the super rich, as the designers increasingly take clean boating to the next level, these excellent sea-keeping vessels are sure to seduce them all. In the latest concept creation, two.

If you think there’s a mini rebellion under way with your décor and your ultra thin LED TV, the NEOD Framed Mirror TV would make ambiance reflect more smoothly. NEOD TVs are made using top grade leathers, Swarovski crystals, gold and silver leaf..

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Yachts & Sailing, Sports

The results are in for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (ACYC), the first regatta of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge season. The ACYC, one of the largest and most renowned classic yacht races in the world, attracts a collection of some of the world’s most beautiful sailing vessels, including the Spirit of Tradition yachts, J Class yachts and tall ships. This year’s regatta took place April 15th - 20th and attracted more than 52 vintage and classic boats of all sizes. During five days of rugged sailing in the Caribbean, Aschanti IV and Sumurun (above) won Panerai barometers in the Classic Class and Vintage Class respectively. A special edition Panerai Radiomir Regatta 1/8th Second Titanio - 47 mm watch, designed especially for this year’s Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge season, was awarded to the overall winner, Sumurun, and its owner Robert Tobin. The North American Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge will begin in New England in August.

Super Sailing at Panerai’s Classic Yacht Regatta originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The range of modern home gym setups has made it possible to enjoy the luxury of exercising at home, without having to sacrifice your premium space. The compact fitness gear can be folded and easily be tucked under the bed or in a closet when not in…

Filed under: Gadgets

Louis Vuitton is coming out with the ultimate luxurious accessory for Apple’s much-loved new iPad - cases covered in the famed French fashion house’s signature canvas. The sleek, simple sleeve-style sheath will be available in both Vuitton’s classic monogram pattern and the more modern Damier Graphite checkerboard. Priced at about $365 apiece and set to be available in 2011, the cases are only a little less expensive than the iPad itself, but certainly lend it a sizable dose of style. And they’re still cheaper then the handstitched leather versions my colleague Rigel Celeste wrote about last month. As British GQ notes, the Vuitton cases lend the device the “feel of a lightweight, ultra-portable attaché case - appropriate given that it is superseding your offline files and folders, [and] also gives your iPad some much-needed protection.”

Louis Vuitton Launches iPad Cases originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Imagine you run Concord and get antsy one day. “Everyone else has a crazy one-of-a-kind jewelry watch, why can’t we?” So you take your flagship watch from a couple of years ago an slather it richly with precious diamonds and carnelians just like a deli would put cream cheese and lox on a bagel. In a sense, that is what the Concord C1 EternalGravity tourbillon watch looks like. The diamonds are the cream cheese, and the pink/red carnelians is the smoked salmon. Though it won’t be easy to take a bite out of this massive timepiece that is 48.5mm wide and 18.5mm thick in mostly 18k white gold.

Before it was the EternalGravity, the watch was merely the Concord C1 Tourbillon Gravity watch. The focus being on the tourbillon escapement that was vertically aligned and placed facing outward on the lower right hand of the case. The hand-wound movement featured a power reserve indicator for the movement, a torque indicator, time, and a 12 hour flyback chronograph (placed into one dial) that includes hour and minutes, but not seconds. BNB Concept made the Calibre C100 movement but is no longer around. So perhaps the movement is more interesting because in a sense the artist that made it is dead.

Continue reading Concord C1 EternalGravity Jewelry Watch

Concord C1 EternalGravity Jewelry Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

We have earlier told you about the office trunks meant for executives on the go, including the luxury mobile offices from Pinel Pinel and Louis Vuitton. But designer Toshihiko Hazama from Myfab, has come up with a box office that features aluminum…