Luxist

Emirates Palace Offers World's Most Expensive Stay

Jared Paul Stern — 2008-08-07T15:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Journeys

The over-the-top Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi is offering a $1 million, week-long stay which it claims is the world's most expensive holiday package. The Palace Suite package includes first-class airline tickets, a chauffeur-driven Maybach for the week, a personal butler, daily spa treatments, and day trips via private jet, the Gulf-based Khaleej Times Online reports. The offer is being made as an attempt to earn the hotel a slot in the Guinness Book of World Records, and part of the proceeds will be donated to charities in the U.A.E., the paper reports. The luxe day trips include jetting to Iran to weave Persian carpets and to Bahrain to dive for deep sea pearls, which will then be set for you in custom-designed jewellery.

Gallery: Emirates Palace

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The Lesotho Promise Neckace

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-07T14:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Jewelry

Back in February I mentioned that Graff Diamonds had cut the the 603-carat Lesotho Promise diamond into 26 smaller diamonds varying in size from .52 carats to 76.41 carats each with a D Flawless grade (a total of 223.25 carats). Graff is in the process of turning the story of the 18 months of cutting and polishing the stones into a book and documentary. Now they have turned these those stones into one spectacular necklace, The Lesotho Promise Necklace.

The Lesotho Promise, mined at the Letseng mine in Lesotho, is the 15th largest rough diamond ever recovered and was sold to Graff and its partner polishing company Safdico for $12.36 million in October last year. The necklace is part of the company's display of magnificent jewels in Monte-Carlo and is available for viewing until August 10 at the Salle Empire, Hotel De Paris in Monte-Carlo along with rare gems from Graff's collection including The Flame, a 100-carat pear-shaped D-flawless diamond.

The stones are valued at $50 million but a value hasn't been given for the finished piece. Laurence Graff has vowed not to split up the set of diamonds and so this necklace has a small set of potential buyers, people in the world with the wherewithal to afford it. Monte Carlo seems the perfect place to display it to the wealthy.

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Cher's Former Home In Key Biscayne, Estate of the Day

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-07T13:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Estates

Cher recently put her Malibu estate on the market for $45 million and we have covered her former Miami home before, now let's check out another of Cher's fabulous cast-offs. Today's estate is in Key Biscayne, Florida. The six-bedroom home is located on the water and has a man-made private beach and 100 feet of water frontage. Still can't get enough water? The home also has an infinity cascade pool and a separate spa. The home is designed to take advantage of the weather with multiple terraces and many windows. White walls, light wood floors and dark wood and white furnishings along with some interesting contemporary art gives the home a modern look. Cher's former home is listed at $12.9 million.

For more prime properties and lush locations, see Luxury Homes and Mansions.

Gallery: Cher's Former Home in Key Biscayne

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Grand Marnier Macaroons

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-07T12:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Dining, Spirits

Molecular mixology, or the creative construction of cocktails through texture and viscosity changes, has been highlighted before but Grand Marnier's Cocktail Macaroons are the most edible of these inventions to greet our palates yet. Inside a carefully crafted macaroon will be one of four cocktail gelées mimicking either a Grand Marnier mojito, margarita, cosmo, or orange crush depending on the flavor you choose. Created in part by François Payard, of Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro in NYC, these little gems will be exclusively available in the city and online come mid-September. Spend $18 and you will receive a custom package with four macaroon treasures inside -- one of each flavor. It will be like a dessert and beverage tasting all in one!

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Gaming Goes Green

Rigel Gregg — 2008-08-07T11:03:00 00:00

Filed under: Green

Going green is all the rage and it's seeping into everything -- even into the casino gaming industry! EGM Green is now offering what they tout as the first ever 100% eco-friendly line of casino gaming products. The main attraction is their line of gaming tables (like the poker table shown above) plus they also make seating for tables and slot machines and luxury lounge furniture. Everything for indulging your hobby and getting the complete casino experience, whether in your home or business.

Speaking of that, does anybody know of any eco-friendly/LEED certified casinos?

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Zaha Hadid Designs Shoes

Rigel Gregg — 2008-08-07T10:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Shoes

Architect Zaha Hadid has stretched herself before by designing something other than buildings (like this cutlery set) and she apparently liked the feeling because she's at it again, except now she's designing shoes. Hadid has partnered up with eco-friendly shoe company Melissa to produce this pair of crazy looking shoes in two different colors: red and black. Made primarily of plastic with sweeping lines and loops galore, these shoes are not particularly attractive (they look kinda like shredded up jelly sandals to me) but then lots of cutting edge fashion starts off being under-appreciated. Look for them to debut in September at the Dover Street Market in London for £200.

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Sub-Zero Introduces New Line, Improves Food Freshness

Tracy Chait — 2008-08-07T09:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Dining, Gadgets

Sub-Zero has just announced a new line, its "Built In Refrigeration Series," which will keep food fresher longer, effectively reducing food waste. Between its unique dual-compressor system, advanced air purification and water filtration system, this refrigerator is a work of science. For those of us who don't quite understand how aforementioned systems work, there's also a "freshness guide" inside the unit to tell us where best to store fruits versus leftovers.

The line will be available in Fall 08. Check out the gallery to see some of your options!

Gallery: Sub-Zero Built in Refrigeration Series

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Talon Air Adds $4 Million Sikorsky to Fleet

Jared Paul Stern — 2008-08-07T08:06:00 00:00

Filed under: Wings

Back in May we quoted Adam Katz, founder of on-demand luxury private jet charter and management service Talon Air, to the effect that despite the sluggish economy the luxury travel sector would continue to grow. That seems to be holding true in Katz's case, anyway; the company just added a $4 million Sikorsky S-76B helicopter to its fleet. The S-76 is a twin-engine craft designed to provide premium comfort and privacy for up to six passengers and two pilots in a "jet-like environment." The interior features first-class leather seats, wood paneling and a 4.5-foot tall cabin with more headroom than a typical helicoptert. In October, Katz plans to branch out even further - to sea, with the launch of a 135-foot, 6-bedroom, 5-bath, Serqué yacht.

Gallery: Talon Air Sikorsky

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Polo's Profits Rise

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-06T20:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Apparel

Like Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren is a white-haired gent with a reason to smile. Today, Polo Ralph Lauren Corp announced a first-quarter profit increase of and raised its full-year earnings guidance. For the past three months, , income rose 7.8 percent to $95.2 million and total revenues were up 4 percent to $1.11 billion from $1.07 billion. Lauren himself is bullish on the future and mentioned recent partnerships with high profile events such as Wimbledon and the Olympics as part of the secret to their success. Based on the strong numbers the company upped fiscal year 2009 earnings per share guidance to between $4 and $4.10 from a prior estimate of $3.95 to $4.05. Up next for Polo, a launch into one of the world's rising shopping destinations, Istanbul. The first freestanding Polo Ralph Lauren boutique opens there this October.

Gallery: Ralph Lauren for the Olympics

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"I Am Rich" iPhone App

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-06T19:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Gadgets

The latest hot iPhone application that has caught everyone's attention is the "I Am Rich" app by developer Armin Heinrich. The app costs $999.99 and displays a glowing ruby-like light. and the words I Am Rich. Open it and it will load which Heinrich calls a secret mantra that may help you you to "stay rich, healthy, and successful." Ridiculous? Certainly, but rather clever too and subtler than having Amosu hook you up with a diamond or gold-covered iPhone.

Technologizer is conducting a poll on whether or not the app should be pulled from the App store. So far it looks like most are in favor of keeping it.

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Christian Dior Couture Sales Up

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-06T18:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Apparel

Part of the fun of writing up a piece on Christian Dior Couture is the chance to showcase a photo yet another of the fabulous designs of John Galliano. As WWD reported last month, haute couture is hot right now, bearing out the trend that while mid-level luxury is faltering, all is well at the top of the market. Now Christian DIor Couture backs that up with the news that first half sales increased 5 percent at constant exchange rates to 366 million euros, or $560.2 million. Dior released a statement saying that they are strong in China, Russia, and the Middle East as well as Europe. The couture news was released with results for Christian Dior Group, the parent of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior Couture which showed that the revenues at the holding company rose 11 percent at constant exchange to 8.15 billion euros, or $12.48 billion but the group share of net profit dipped 1.7 percent to 352 million euros or $538.8 million. Looks like they'll be turning out these pretty dresses for a long time to come.

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Fendi Doctor Buckle Tote, Handbag of the Day

Rigel Gregg — 2008-08-06T17:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Handbags

The Fendi Doctor Buckle Tote: an ultimate in slouchy tote bags in a medium size that's big enough for all your essentials but not so big that it takes over your outfit or becomes too heavy to lug around on daily business. I love the minty summer green color shown here but there's also a chocolate brown available that is probably more useful. The bag features buckle details on the bag and the strap, ruching, and an interior zip pocket. A perfect summer bag or, if you go with the chocolate, all season tote. $1460

Gallery: Fendi Doctor Buckle Tote

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Mindful Mats, for Yoga Aficionados

Lisa Palladino — 2008-08-06T16:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Sports, Green

So you do yoga, and love it. But your mat is, well, a big bore. And sharing mats at the gym ... um, no thanks. Go upscale and green with a Mindful Mat from Plank Designs ($85). These cool-looking mats feature high-quality photos in four themes, Cobra (main photo; get it? snake in the grass?), Pill, Plank and Shag (gallery), and are made with eco-conscious materials. They're constructed of EcoLite, an eco-composite synthetic rubber, and EcoCell, a recycled polyurethane foam, and are biodegradable and recyclable. They do not contain rubber, later or PVC and don't use a lot of energy to produce. You'll have a clear conscience, to go along with your clear head, when you leave class.

P.S. Also offered are three text design mats ($65, gallery), "Bling," "Me," and "Chocolate," though I'm not sure whether these meet the eco-standards of the photo mats.

Gallery: Yoga Mats from Plank Designs

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The Police are Auctioning their Instruments on Ebay

Rigel Gregg — 2008-08-06T15:03:00 00:00

Filed under: Auctions, Charity

In commemoration of their final appearance together (scheduled for August 7th at Madison Square Garden) auctions started this week on eBay for a complete set of Police instruments autographed by the band. The set includes 4 instruments that are each available for bidding separately and include Sting's Signature Bass, Sting's Sennheiser Microphone and Stand, Andy's Signature Fender Telecaster, and Stewart's Tama Star Drum Set.

100% of the proceeds will go to benefit Public Television Rocks! in honor of their dedication to art, music, and culture.

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Designs in Your Garden

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-06T14:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Art

If you fancy yourself a Frank Lloyd Wright fan and wish to emulate his designs in your backyard or patio this Oak Park Studio Vase may be of interest. The vase is a cast stone replica of the very object which decorated his Oak Park residence in Chicago. Illustrating one of his classic designs, the cross within a circle within a square, this strapping vase is available in three sizes with prices starting at $1,350. I imagine this would serve well as a plantar, birdbath, or decorative piece holding its own along a path or strategically placed on a patio.

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Chinquapin Plantation, Estate of the Day

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-06T13:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Estates

The beautiful Chinquapin Plantation in Thomasville, Georgia is a distinctive piece of real estate offering both formal garden spaces and plenty of unspoiled land. The plantation was owned by Alexandra Kauka and her late husband, German cartoonist, Rolf Kauka. A Worth article from 2006 details Kauka's decision to donate some of the land next to the estate. The home itself is located a bluff overlooking the Ochlocknee River. The Mediterranean-influenced main-house offers nearly 18,000 square feet of wide verandas, porches, public rooms for entertaining and numerous private wings and suites. The home was completely remodeled by its present owner in 1981 and then restored and expanded in 2000. The property includes a separate three-bedroom guest cottage located across the motor court from the main-house, six tenant houses, a pool house with solar-heated saline pool, four-car detached garage, barns, stables, kennels and a skeet range. The listing doesn't give a price.

For more prime properties and lush locations, see Luxury Homes and Mansions.

Gallery: Chinquapin Plantation

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Veuve Clicquot Icebox, Chemistry Makes It Cold

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-06T12:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Wine

Now you no longer need ice or a refrigerator to keep your Champagne cold. Veuve Clicquot has come out the with icebox, a bright yellow box that contains the Champagne, two flutes and a couple of chemicals that react together when you snap the seal, creating a reaction that cools the bottle. The reaction only happens once and the set costs £99 at Selfridges.

Veuve Clicquot has created a lot of unique designs in the past few years, check out the gallery below for a small sample.

Gallery: Veuve Clicquot and Design

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Gwyneth Paltrow Named Ambassador to 2008 Key to the Cure

Tracy Chait — 2008-08-06T11:04:00 00:00

Filed under: Apparel, Charity, Big Givers

Saks Fifth Avenue along with the Entertainment Industry Foundation recently announced that Gwyneth Paltrow will act as the new ambassador for the 2008 Key to the Cure, a women's cancer initiative. Karl Lagerfeld has designed the exclusive tee for the cause, with all proceeds going to cancer research.

The weekend-long shopping event is slated for October 16 through October 19 at Saks stores nationwide and online at saks.com. Two percent of proceeds from the weekend's totals will be donated to the Women's Cancer Research Fund. Now in its 10th year, the annual Key to the Cure event has raised over $28 million for cancer research and treatment programs.

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Soles 4 Souls, Charity of the Day

Tracy Chait — 2008-08-06T10:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Charity of the Day

Soles 4 Souls is a non-profit org dedicated to "changing the world, one pair at a time" as it donates shoes to those in need around the globe. Acting as a facilitator, the group accepts donations of new and used shoes whether from major retailers or individuals. It then ships them to 50 countries and 35 states in the U.S., whether to a domestic abuse victim who has left everything behind or a woman from a small village, toting a week's worth of drinking water barefoot for miles. The group has now donated over 3.3 million pairs of shoes worldwide -- or one pair every 23 seconds.

Inspired by the group's mission, 19-year old Dashiel Alsup started a walk across America -- barefoot -- to show his support. Dashiel, who goes by the dead-on nickname Dash, has already logged 1600 miles to raise awareness for Soles 4 Souls. You can read about his progress on his blog, A Single Pebble. Dash sort of makes me feel all lazy and selfish inside, so I'm going to send in a pair of shoes. No, two pairs!

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Bill Blass New York Extends Line to Include Luxe Capsule for Fall 08

Tracy Chait — 2008-08-06T09:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Apparel

The team at Bill Blass New York has announced in a press release that it will extend its fall line to include a luxe capsule group. The limited edition pieces include made-to-order looks like a mink topper and a metallic python trench. Available only through Blass sales consultants, the niche collection is design director Jose Solis's opportunity to make use of unique detailing and rare fabrics.

Chief Merchandising Officer Rodney Hutton likens the collection to "buying right from the runway." The limited edition pieces from last fall's collection sold out immediately, so if you've been picturing yourself in that python trench ever since we mentioned it, you'd best be dialing up Blass HQ at (800) 901-7895 ext. 214 to find out about the next private trunk show in your area. Check out the gallery for images from the Bill Blass fall '08 runway show, designed by now-you-see-him-now-you-don't Peter Som.

Gallery: Bill Blass Fall 08

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