The Berlin-based architecture and design office KINZO that previously approved your aviation adventures in the kitchen has now revealed an outdoor grill to gel with the contemporary house designs. Blending functionality with design, the Kinzo outdoor.

The British jewelry house, Borgezie has offered a chance to snap up the spendthrift temptations by bringing the world at your feet. Offering the Eternal Diamond stiletto made entirely from gold and diamonds, these jaw-dropping bespoke heels are hand..

Tokyo, Japan What is the most expensive city in the world? Before you can even begin to answer that, you must first decide what “most expensive city” actually means. Several companies have done just that over the last few years and, due to the different methodologies used, compiled lists with surprisingly different results. We’ve compiled our […]

We have earlier seen best of the hi-tech kitchens, which are designed to consume little space in the home including the ‘360°’ kitchen. One such “form follows function” concept that provides the 360-degree experience, is the ‘360°’ kitchen…

With so many replica Batmobiles on the streets, it won’t be an overstatement to say that the Batmobile inspires more fanatics than any other car to bring out their Batman instincts for the rest of the world to admire. For all those crazed fans who..

For all those for discerning connoisseurs who appreciate the true rarity, Pernod Ricard has unveiled the Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute as their flagship product aimed at the Asian market. It’s an upshot of meticulous care and creation of four…

Last time when the Parker Brothers team unveiled the Batpod, it was hard to believe that a thing like this could even exist, however, their latest creation is considerably more badass to believe that it’s ridable. These custom-made, limited-edition.

Flying cars become a reality with FAA granting its approval to the Terrafugia Transition, a roadable aircraft venture from a group of MIT alums. The 1,440-pound flying car is to fly under a “light sport” designation and it requires only 20 hours of…

Filed under: Gadgets, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings

The Terrafugia, a flying car developed by a group of MIT graduates, passed a key regulatory hurdle this month when the FAA agreed it could be certified in the Light Sports Aircraft category.

The concept of a flying car has long caught the attention of wealthy commuters, pilots and engineers. Think about it. Every time a hedge fund manager finds himself stuck on the Washington DC Beltway or Long Island Expressway, the thought crosses the mind: “What if my car was like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?” or “We can put a man on the moon, so why can’t I have a jet-pack to keep from wasting all this time?”

The first model, the Transition, is expected to be in full production next year. In the air, it will have a cruising speed of about 115 miles an hour, a range greater than 400 miles, and a 10,000-foot ceiling. On land, it will get about 30 miles to the gallon.

The Transition has been engineered to pass Federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety regulations to make it street legal, though it still has to pass those tests and be certified.

Would-be flyers of the contraption will need 20 hours of flying time.

Taking off and landing the Transition will require access to municipal airports. Though one would no longer need to pay for parking a car or renting a car once arriving.

Continue reading Flight of Fancy: FAA Approves Flying Car

Flight of Fancy: FAA Approves Flying Car originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel

Last year when we talked to David Yurman (David Yurman at Bloomingdales - Exclusive Interview), he spoke about working as a husband-and-wife team and alluded to the increasing involvement of his son in the family business. Evan Yurman has helped with the men’s collections, and now, has even designed his own collection of women’s eyewear (known to non-industry folks as “sunglasses”) for David Yurman.

We talked to Evan Yurman, the next in line for the David Yurman empire, about more than just fancy shades — read the interview below for a peek inside this fiery fashion heir; a talented designer in his own right. Just scroll down to see the amethyst-studded beauties which grace his sparkling collection ($695).

Luxist: Have you always been involved in the family business?

Evan Yurman: I officially joined the company in 2004. Before then, I spent time cutting and carving with my knife collection; it was part of my eventual growth into design. Creativity has always been part of my life, so it is great to have an outlet to explore my ideas.

L: What do you foresee in the future of the Yurman collections?

EY: We will continue to incorporate unique, artisanal elements into our collections while staying true to our brand DNA of innovation in the modern tradition. I like integrating different textures and motifs — rhino, sea urchin, waves, chevron are some of my favorites.

Continue reading Evan Yurman, Next in Line for the David Yurman Empire - Exclusive Interview

Evan Yurman, Next in Line for the David Yurman Empire - Exclusive Interview originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions

Imagine for a moment what it was like to be in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Each year we gather for barbecues and fireworks on July 4 but often don’t imagine the day itself. Documents from that day make the history come alive. Cohasco, a firm that specializes in rare documents, is auctioning off a striking manuscript document dated Philadelphia, July 4, 1776 on August 10 during an auction that features documents from a variety of time periods.

The document is a manuscript petition to the Committee of Safety that is actually dated twice, with thick flourish beneath one dateline. It is signed by three noted patriots and involves a fourth. The letter is signed by George Shaffner, a sergeant in Pennsylvania militia and is a petition to the Committee of Safety, requesting a commission, asking to be appointed as “Lieutenant in one of the Companies of the Regiment of Germans now to be raised he being born of German Parents….” The petition is signed by Col. Samuel J. Atlee who was captured by the British just seven weeks after this petition and Lt. Col. Caleb Parry who was killed in action in the same battle.

The listing on Cohasco says that it is possible to surmise that this request may have been spurred on by the excitement of the day itself. They have determined that George Shaffner did indeed receive his commission in the German Regiment and became one of its original officers. He is recorded in “The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources…,” the Papers of Robert Morris, archives of Society of the Cincinnati, and other sources. The Minutes of the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania record that Shaffner was subsequently commissioned in Atlee’s Battalion of Musketry in Aug. 1776, therefore tying all four men in this document to the fateful Battle of Long Island that month. The other person mentioned in the document Capt. Abraham De Huff, of the “Pennsylvania Musket Battalion,” fought at the Battle of Long Island in Aug. 1776, and was captured at Fort Washington, following Washington’s retreat to Manhattan.

This July 4 document was also published during the Centennial, its text appearing in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan. 13, 1876. The document is housed in an older custom slipcase and will be sold with an extensive research file that tells its unique story. It is estimated at $30,000-45,000.

Signed July 4, 1776: Independence Day Document Heads To Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wine

Golfer Cristie Kerr has become the latest golfer with a wine label. Kerr’s wine, Curvature is partnership with Suzanne Pride Bryan, the owner of Pride Mountain Vineyards in St. Helena, California. The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reports that the first New York tasting of Kerr’s wine took place Monday at Country Club of Rochester after her Sunday win of the the LPGA Championship presented by Wegmans. The first edition is a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, with a production of 350 cases.

A 2007 Cabernet with a run of 700 cases will be unveiled in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Kerr’s mother, Linda, is a breast cancer survivor and Kerr has also partnered with Kwiat on a line of pink gold, pink sapphire and diamond jewelry that benefits her Birdies for Breast Cancer charity. Kerr also donates $50 to her Birdies for Breast Cancer charity every time she birdies a hole. A 1.5 liter magnum sells for $165. Three bottles in a wooden box autographed by Kerr sell for $250. Proceeds will go to breast cancer awareness charities. The wine was first unveiled in April and has been picked up by all the Trump resorts.

Cristie Kerr’s Curvature Wine originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

While Bovet continues to makes beautiful watches that are convertible by nature, they will never make pocket watches or most other wearing styles aside from being a wrist watch cool again. The novelty value in such watches is just that - the fact that people can show off their wrist watches as items of art that are inspired by pocket watches, that are actual small pocket watches, and can claim to be several things at once. Though when it comes down to it, Bovet still represents the brand that gives you the ability to wear small pocket watches on your wrist. Though that doesn’t mean there is anything in-genuine about their timepieces being several things at once.

The new Amadeo Fleurier Amadeo 43mm Classic watch is a true pocket watch in style, complete with top mounted crown and protector. The case is all 18k red gold, filled with a high-end Frederic Piguet automatic movement (soon to be merely “Blancpain manufacture”) with a 3 day power reserve, and a power reserve indicator on the dial. The subsidiary seconds dial sure helps enhance that pocket watch feel. Most of the time the watch sits mounted to a black reptile strap, looking uniquely classic. What other watches have serpentine hands that look quite this good?

Bovet hopes that once in a while you will take the Amadeo off the strap and either uses it on the chain or as a little table clock with its fold out leg stand. They even suggest to women to wear it as a pendant. How often a woman will want to lug a 43mm wide brick of gold around her neck is yet to be seen - though at least the watch will have a substantial feel to it. Bovet claims that the process of changing the watch into its various forms/uses is rather simple. That may be so, but the novelty of the item is worth more than its ability to go from pocket watch to mini desk clock. This is also the most simple Amadeo version, in the Amadeo collection. Each of which has the ability to be a convertible piece. Prices start around $34,000.

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

Bovet Fleurier Amadeo 43mm Classic Convertible Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The Gucci Heritage Medium Bag is kicky carry-all for ladies who aren’t afraid of a little color.

We just love the retro military-esque stripes on the soft, buttery Italian leather of this charming bag. At 17″W X 10″H X 5″D, it’s surprisingly roomy despite its demure shape. The silvertone buckle at the front is just decoration; the flap-top closes with a snap. The buckles on the sides, though, are real, and can be adjusted to accommodate your heavier-load days.

While not especially dressy, this bag makes a perfect companion for the local golf or country club with its preppy air, as well as shopping days in your jeans and weekend visits to the office. Pair it with some bright red heels for an adorable matchy-matchy effect. If you have a pair of red and green heels, keep them in the closet; that would be out of control.

The Gucci Heritage Medium Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,850.00.

Gucci Heritage Medium Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Jewelry, Shoes

These aren’t the most expensive shoes we’ve seen (Stuart Weitzman’s $2 million tanzanite sandals have that honor) but the $155,000 Eternal Borgezie Diamond Stilettos are still pretty impressive. The shoes are handcrafted by a goldsmith and a jeweler sets the shoe with over 2,200 diamonds for a total of 30 carats. The shoes come with a 1,000 year guarantee. The red-soled shoes were designed by British jewelry designer Christopher Michael Shellis who spent three years working on the design.

[via NY Daily News]

The $155,000 Diamond Shoes originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All those people who express themselves in a very individual way should be drawn to these designer lamps, dubbed snowboard light. Designed by designer brothers Linus and Nicklas Linder, the snowboard light collection is created from the used…

For those rich food fanatics who like to savor the most expensive foods and delicacies known to the man, next on the list is world’s most expensive sushi made by Filipino chef Angelito Araneta Jr. What makes this plate of sushi consisting of five…

Filed under: Wine

Cullman has come up with a gorgeous and very luxe way to keep your wine fresh and protected: Chapeau de Vin wine closures made of gold, platinum, and diamonds. Each of the three designs is dome shaped (a little ‘hat’ for your wine) and has a decorative set of perforations that act as a ventilation system and protection against bugs when out picnicking. Created by Eckhart Cullman these wine closures are functional works of art marketed to true gourmets and those who appreciate the extraordinary. Available in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum each has a diamond perched on top. $2,845 - $4,453

Chapeau de Vin Gold and Platinum Wine Closures originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filipino chef Angelito Araneta, Jr. specializes in extravagant foods to be used during courtship and marriage proposals. In 2009, he created a $2,500 “carat” cake coated completely in gold flake and topped with diamonds. In 2010, he created a dish that looked somewhat more, well, edible—the most expensive sushi in the world. Each of the five […]

Filed under: Jewelry

Engagement ring specialist, Robbins Brothers, The Engagement Ring Store has gotten into the e-commerce business. The move is an acknowledgement of just how many men are shopping for rings online these days and how comfortable people are making expensive purchases online. Robbins Brothers has 10 freestanding stores in Southern California and Dallas/Fort-Worth, Texas and is a known brand in those markets, especially for their television commercials featuring real-life marriage proposals with gleeful newly affianced women. The company offers major bridal brands including Simon G., Ritani, Scott Kay, Coast, A. Jaffe and Tacori. Customers can also still come in to a store and buy or shop by phone. The website also offers live chat between the hours of 8am to 6pm PST, Monday through Friday and 11am to 4pm PST on Saturday.

“We’re proud to be able to offer our customers the opportunity to purchase online,” said Anthony Concotilli, Director of Digital Marketing for Robbins Brothers. “Our goal is to make their engagement experience easy, meaningful and stress-free. With E-Commerce customers can shop comfortably from their own home yet receive the personal attention they need.”

To celebrate the launch, Robbins Brothers is offering free shipping on any online purchase along with a free pair of movie tickets on online orders placed by July 15, while supplies last.

Robbins Brothers Gets Into E-Commerce, E for Engagement originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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