Monthly Archives: July 2011

 Aston Martin introduces the new Virage – supremely elegant and powerful, yet juxtaposed as an understated sports car. The marque can now provide customers with a class-leading range, all with different characters, yet with the same unique Aston Martin soul and luxury.

Beautiful, dynamic and prestigious, the Virage combines outright sports car performance with luxury, comfort and refinement. The front mid-mounted V12 engine’s torque delivery provides outstanding performance, coupled with the car’s inherent agility and perfect weight distribution delivering the ideal balance between outright sports car performance and trademark sporting luxury exemplified by modern Aston Martins.

  

by Telegraph

Highlights from Karl Lagerfeld’s autumn/winter 2011 show for Chanel at Paris Haute Couture Week.

The Chanel show started at ten pm because, rumour has it, Karl Lagerfeld wanted the venue – the vast glass Grand Palais – to be flooded with moonlight. From the first to the last outfit, Lagerfeld played out a story of the skirt suit; beginning in familiar salt-and-pepper tweed and always worn with the same style of schoolgirl-ish hat (even the bride in the finale wore one).

For autumn/winter haute couture 2011/12, Lagerfeld proposed a new shape: nipped in at the waist with a pronounced stiff peplum, rather Forties in style with – wait for it – big shoulders. But it was the skirt, slimmer and increasingly longer, growing from pencil to fishtail, that ultimately held the look together.

  

You may know several applications of porcelain, but this is probably the most unexpected! On June 30, 2011 the Bugatti introduced the Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc, the first car in the world lined with porcelain in interior but exterior too! This model emerged through the collaboration with the company Königliche Porzellan-Manufatur Berlin (KPM). As announced, this car is unique, but the two companies intend to continue their cooperation in the future.

Bugatti people admit that impressive version L’Or Blanc «seems somewhat unusual,” but “continues the legacy of Ettore Bougkati, who liked to experiment with new materials.”
This very special car is sold at a price of 1.65 million dollars!

  

With the occasion of the Parisian Haute Couture fashion week, Italian luxury maison SALVATORE FERRAGAMO is launching its first high end jewellery collection.

The event will be marked July 5th with a lunch hosted by Feruccio Ferragamo at the Italian Embassy in Paris.

The Ferragamo jewellery collection has been created in collaboration with Italian jeweller Gianni Bulgari, founder of Enigma jewellery house.

  

Enjoy!

  

by exploredia.com

Super yachts are privately owned vessels that are professionally crewed and are found in the greatest abundance in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Middle East. Each year, SuperYachts.com compiles a list of the largest yachts currently on the water, giving owners the bragging rights of having one of the world’s largest boats, and at times, competing with each other.

#10. Al Mirqab

Length: 437 feet
Top speed: 23 knots
Total power: 13,400 hp

Al Mirqab

At approximately 437 feet, the Al Miqab, is the 10th largest yacht in the world. Owned by Qatar’s Emir Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, it was launched in 2008 and is estimated to value between $250 and $300 million. The vessel is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, awarded “Motor Yacht of The Year” and “Best Interior Design” at the World Super yacht Awards in 2009.

Al Miqab at night

The Al Mirqab can accommodate up to 60 guests and 60 crew members and features a helicopter landing pad, a Jacuzzi on deck, a movie theater and an on-board elevator. With gross tonnage of 5511 tons, the hull is made of steel with an aluminum superstructure and is nearly 64 feet at its widest point. She sails under the flag of the Cayman Islands.

Al Mirqab in action.

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#9. Serene

Length: 440 feet
Top speed: N/A
Total power: N/A

Serene

Built by Fincantieri Yachts and designed by Monaco’s Espen Oeino designers, the Serene is set to launch in 2010 and is currently being outfitted, according to SuperYachtTimes.com. When completed, it will be the largest yacht ever to be built in Italy.

Serene in action.

The yacht began construction in 2007 and is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced super yachts currently being built. It features seven decks, two helicopter landing platforms, storage for a large submarine and a large internal seawater pool.

Inside Serene

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#8. Savarona

Length: 446 feet
Top speed: 18 knots
Total power: 6,600 hp

Savarona

Once the world’s largest yacht, the Savarona was built in 1931 and had a length that was certainly ahead of its time. Originally intended for Presidential use, the vessel is owned by Turkey but had been leased to a number of clients in recent years. However on September 30th 2010, the vessel was reverted back to the Turkish state after being involved in a prostitution scandal involving a Kazakh businessman.

Inside Savarona

The first yacht to be built by German-based Blohm and Voss, it cost $4 million to construct ($57 million in 2010 dollars) it is known for its 282 foot gold-trimmed grand staircase, as well as its library, swimming pool and Turkish bath.

Savarona in action.

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#7. Rising Sun

Length: 454 feet
Top speed: 28 knots
Total power: 48,920 hp

Rising Sun

Owned jointly by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and media mogul David Geffen, the Rising Sun is rumored to have been commissioned by Ellison to eclipse Paul Allen’s Octopus in size. Built in 2004 and refitted in 2007, the vessel has accommodation for up to 16 guests and 45 crew members.

Rising Sun at night.

It is estimated that the yacht costs $13 million annually to maintain and cost in excess of $200 million to build. The Rising Sun has also become so popular that it has spawned its own fan site, YachtRisingSun.com, which features videos and postings related to the ship.

Inside the Rising Sun

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#6. Al Salamah

Length: 457 feet
Top speed: 22 knots
Total power: 17,540 hp

Al Salamah

The sixth largest yacht in the world is the Al Salamah, owned by Saudi Arabia’s defense minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Built in Germany by HDW and Lurseen Yachts, much of the ship is kept secret, but it is believed to have over 80 rooms, a helipad and an indoor swimming pool with a glass roof.

Inside Al Salamah

During its construction it was code named “Mipos,” standing for “Mission Impossible” because it was built after only 2 years and cost in excess of $200 million. She can accommodate up to 40 guests and 96 crewmembers and was last refitted in 2009, a decade after her first launch.

Al Salamah in action.

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#5. El Horriya

Length: 478 feet
Top speed: 16 knots
Total power: 19,550 hp

El Horriya

The fifth largest yacht in the world is also one of the oldest super yachts still in operation. El Horriya was originally built in London in 1865 for the King of Egypt and the length was extended in 1872 and in 1905 and last refitted in 1987.

The yacht is berthed out of Alexandria and is listed as a training ship by the Egyptian Navy, but it still has the capacity for carrying up to 160 crewmembers.

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#4. Prince Abdulaziz

Length: 482 feet
Top speed: 22 knots
Total power: 15,600 hp

Prince Abdulaziz

Owned by the Saudi Royal Family, the Prince Abdulaziz was the largest yacht built in the 20th century, first setting sail in 1984. The vessel is used by the Saudi Royal Family for both official business and personal voyages.

At its widest point, the Prince Abdulaziz measures 60 feet and has a superstructure and hull composed of steel. She can accommodate up to 64 guests and 65 crewmembers, carrying a gross tonnage of 5092 tons.

Prince Abdulaziz in action.

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#3.  Al Said

Length: 508 feet
Top speed: 25 knots
Total power: 21,992 hp

Al Said

Another royal super yacht makes the list, owned by the Sultan of Oman. The vessel features 6 decks and a concert room capable of accommodating a 50 piece orchestra. At its widest point, the ship measures nearly 79 feet across.

The Al Said was completed in 2008 and was designed by Espen Oeino International, which is the same company that designed Paul Allen’s Octopus. The yacht can accommodate as many as 70 guests and up to 154 professional crewmembers.

Al Said at night.

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#2. Dubai

Length: 531 feet
Top speed: 26 knots
Total power: 38,500 hp

Dubai

Although currently owned by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, the yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. The construction was originally delayed until 2001 when Sheik Mohammed bought out the project for a rumored $300 million.

The vessel includes luxurious interior designs, including fine fabrics and handmade mosaics, a dramatic spiral staircase with color-changing glass steps, numerous VIP and guest suites and 7 decks. She also has a mosaic swimming pool, several Jacuzzis and the helicopter pad can service a helicopter in excess of 10 tons. The Dubai has room for 115 people including crew and guest staff and boasts a range of 8,500 miles.

Sheik Mohammed has also been reportedly considering an extension to the Dubai, adding up to 8 feet in order to reclaim the title of world’s largest. For now, however, it remains at the number 2 spot.

Dubai Interior

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#1. Eclipse

Length: 533 feet
Top speed: 25 knots
Total power: N/A

Eclipse

With a reported price tag of nearly $1.2 billion, the Eclipse is not only the largest yacht, but also the most expensive. The Eclipse is due to be delivered later this year to Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich, who is known worldwide for big spending on everything from super yachts to England’s Chelsea Football Club.

The Eclipse has two helicopter pads, 11 guest cabins, 2 swimming pools, exterior fireplace and a dance hall. The vessel is also equipped with intruder detection systems and a German-built missile defense system, while bullet-proof glass and armor plating in the master suite and bridge. Abramovich also made news in 2009 when he had an “anti-paparazzi” shield installed, which reportedly uses lasers to detect a camera and ruin any photographs taken by it with a flash of light.

Eclipse Interior

The Eclipse also features a three-person submarine and can accommodate up to 30 guests and 75 crewmembers. Although much of the details of the ship have yet to be confirmed, estimates place the ship between 533 and 557 feet long. It was delivered for testing in September 2010 and is expected to be delivered to Abramovich before the end of the year.

  

by FTV

Prince Albert of Monaco and his bride Charlene Wittstock continued the Royal Wedding festivities Saturday, July 2, 2011 with a religious ceremony, one day after they were officially wed in a civil ceremony – FashionTV brings you the exclusive!

Charlene wore an off-the-shoulder Giorgio Armani gown paired with a long long veil for the Catholic ceremony, which was held in the throne room at the princely palace. The star-studded event came amidst continued rumors about the couple, the prince’s possible indescritions, and a re-scheduled wedding date.

Celebs Attending: Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Michelle Jarre, Bernadette Chirac, Roger Moore, Karolina Kurkova, Nicolas Sarkozy, Nadia Comaneci,  Renee Fleming, Alain Ducasse, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie of Monaco

  

by Mr. Ariel Adams at aBlogtoRead.com

Here it is, hands-on coverage with a close to final production ready prototype of the highly anticipated Devon Tread 1 watch. While it tells the time and is a luxury item, the Devon Tread 1 shares very little with the rest of the high-end watch world. Despite the fact that it has plenty of moving parts, this isn’t a mechanical watch in the traditional sense. It uses a micro-controller board, rechargeable battery, and small motors to power the movement, as opposed to being a purely mechanical machine that is spring powered. There are a series of small, micro one-step motors in the movement that pull the treads that indicate the time. The treads are sophisticated reinforced nylon belts that move around the dial in a ballet of synchronized moves. The video should illustrate that well. The Tread 1 is really among the most gadgety watches I have ever had the pleasure of wearing.

I wrote a bit more about it here when it was first announced, but I wanted to wait to get further into it, until after I got my hands on the watch itself for some play time. Size wise it is pretty big. The squarish case is a nice mixture of curves and angles, but its dimensions are hefty. Still, the Tread 1 is surprisingly comfortable to wear. Unlike other large sizes watches with “novel” designs, the Tread 1 is a watch I think I could wear for hours and hours without and discomfort. Part of this has to do with the curved lug structures, and the form fitting, thick rubber strap.

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