Symbolizing various ideas, we have seen MINI’s numerous editions, including the limited edition 2012 London Olympics Series MINI displaying Britain’s patriotism and pride and the British Royal wedding edition MINI. Now, cementing the British brand’s link to its birthplace ahead of the London Olympics 2012, MINI has not released one, but two special edition packages for its Cooper and Clubman models, dubbed as Hyde Park and Green Park, both paying homage to the Royal Parks in the heart of London. The two limited edition models express the British tradition and lifestyle in stylish fashion, while continuing the brand’s tradition of naming its special edition MINI’s after parts of London.
After the recent Helmut Newton Collection going on sale, it’s now the turn of noted photographer Richard Avedon to have his most iconic work; ‘Nastassia Kinski and the Serpant’ go under the hammer for $50,000+, as per estimates by Heritage Auction. Photographed in 1981 on gelatin silver tone scheme, this picture has always been known as the finest by Richard Avedon, who is known to have taken well over 2 hours to get this perfect picture in place. There were 200 editions of this particular picture which were available, out of which this one is marked #4, making it one of the first to be printed. Should have plenty of takers, who won’t mind pushing up the winning bid just like the photograph has set temperatures soaring.
When the summers and springs bring in the golfers to the respective greens, it’s time for some of the rich variety from them, to indulge in luxury gear including their watches. We had earlier seen the Hercules Golf master watch, which would help gauge the distance of the golfer’s shot via GPS technology, in order for him/her to get a better shot next time around. Similar in theme, but with a upgraded impetus to this technology, Garmin has introduced the S3 touch-screen GPS golf watch, which has the details of 27,000 golf courses from around the world. This means that, whichever country one might want to tee-off in, the Garmin watch has details to help track and help plan the perfect game on each of them.
Historic architecture and design has always fascinated the architects and home owners. And, the latest trend in Europe is to turn German World War II bunkers into luxury houses. Immense sized concrete towers, gas chambers and bunkers with incredibly thick walls that proved to be difficult and even impractical of destroying, are the remains of the Nazi Europe, which is getting an entirely new meaning in the real estate market. Back in 1939, when World War II was underway, these massive structures got constructed. And, now these structures usually scattered along the beach or stranded in fields have cultivated an aesthetic aura that continues to intensify with the widening of cultural gulf and generation gap between the contemporary life and war times. Modern architects and people with discerning tastes are now transforming these dark Nazi bunkers into trendy lighted-up homes, decorated with all the luxe amenities that the WWII soldiers might have never thought of while fighting. One such example of domesticating the WWII Nazi infrastructural relic is the transformation of 30m concrete high water tower in Belgium into an opulent residence by the Bham Design Studio.
After the Aeroscraft ML866 and Terrafugia Transition flying car, our bunch aviation enthusiasts were actually waiting for something in the personal aircraft space, which would strike a chord with something in the luxury segment. Though it doesn’t cater to those who fly around in customized luxury jets, the Pipistrel Panthera 4-seater aircraft finally sees the light of day, and ready to show its prowess in skies for aviation enthusiasts. Unveiled at the Aero Expo in Freidrichshafen, Germany, this plane is just what one would want in the garage, with its compact design, higher fuel efficiency, and a performance based engine.
Recently, we have seen the Milan fair design highlights of the 51st edition of the Salone Del Mobile. And, one of the highlights was the definitive luxury brand Versace’s Home Collection, with its perfect blend of design and fashion.The collections includes limited edition gold-finished furniture to Versace’s 3D collection. Donatella Versace, the Chief Designer of Versace group described the home collection to be a pure fashion in 3D, the outfits that could live in the homes of people.
Last year 2011, Chopard managed to keep the watch enthusiasts entertained with fine creations like the LUC Engine tourbillon watch, LUC Triple Certification Tourbillon, and the Racing superfast Chrono-split watches, and 2012 was graced by their Imperiale Tourbillon till now. Their next masterstroke comes in the form of the LUC Tourbillon Dragon edition, which will see only 8 units of it ever seeing the light of day. Keeping in mind what 2012 has been mostly been talked about, this dragon edition would surely be a mentionable addition to our ‘Year of the Dragon’ edition offerings. Housed in a 18K rose gold casing with thematic ornamentation over it, there is a brown alligator leather strap which will help adorning the watch on lucky wearer’s wrist.
The MINI Cooper is the one classic car that has successfully captured the fascination of every small car lover. Over the times, we have seen a lot of MINI Cooper’s ranging from the Swarovski studded MINI Cooper with more than 300,000 hand-applied Swarovski touches for the big Royal wedding, the new Sports Activity Coupe dubbed as MINI Paceman, and the million euro Mini Limo which is described to be the most pimped ride. And, the latest we have is the MINI inspired by Goodwood, which is on display at the Britain’s famous luxury department store, Harrods. Created by Alan Sheppard, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ chief interior designer at the iconic British marque’s Goodwood home, the MINI Goodwood boasts all luxe amenities that would normally be seen in a Rolls-Royce.
Movie buffs knows this and so does the collectors, that whenever there has been a legendary sci-fi movie, it has left a mark on the generations to come. Movie memorabilia has always been a popular category for not just the fans but the collectors as well. From Superman costume to Darth Vader costume, sci-fi memorabilia has never failed to get the cash register rolling at auctions down memorabilia lane. The latest legendary science fiction flick to spawn the movie memorabilia world is The Hunger Games. While the superhero costumes are reserved for Halloween mostly, Katniss Everdeen dress is slated to be in tune with the latest fashion trends, designed by Calvin Klein’s house. The Calvin Klein creative director, who has also designed Jennifer Lawrence’s plunging green shift for the film’s New York premiere, just released a Dress after ‘Katniss’ in Calvin Klein’s SS12 show. The apricot silk-crepe dress is on sale at net-a-porter for $5,000.
Catering to the increasing demand of luxury sailing yacht charter amongst the ultra-rich elites, luxury yacht charter companies keeps on adding the new luxurious yachts to their fleet. The super yacht charter company, Y.CO is now offering four spectacular new yachts, the VERTIGO, Elena, Panthalassa and Thalima, all encompassing exquisite style and design along with performance. These new luxury super-sailing yachts raises the bar for adventurous and sophisticated sailing by offering unrivalled itineraries around the globe, coupled with experienced professional yacht crews, allowing the guests to experience the extra-ordinary luxury. We have earlier seen the list of world’s most expensive yachts on charter, providing insight into the superyachts and their specialties which make them luxurious and expensive for charter, along with the CEO’s super yachts for charter. Let’s see what these new super sailing yachts offer.
The space age officially began 51 years ago when Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into the outer space when his Vostok spacecraft completed an orbit of the Earth on April 12, 1961. The whole world was celebrating the big event. Space enthusiasts have been known to bid huge prices to own space memorabilia, like a Russian businessman spent $3 million to own the Vostok 3KA-2 capsule and a lot of historic space items have been sold off to space collectors at the Bonhams’ Space History Sale earlier, which went on to become the most important auctions of the year 2011. Check-out the most important space memorabilia that ever went on auction.
The common factor among horological masterpieces like the Josephine Bonaparte watch, and the Breguet Reveil Musical Watch is something embedded deep inside its core movement; the tourbillon movement. This very movement, based on which most other customized mechanisms are created, was the work of a man named Abraham Louis Breguet, who had the French royal family amongst his clients. After all these years, one of the rare masterpieces from the watch maker, the Montre `a deux movements No. 2667 pocket watch is up for auction. The sale to be conducted by Christie’s, has its officials peg the estimated price to be between $890,000 and $1.6 million.
We have earlier seen some of the most expensive sunglasses, including the Porsche P’8499 24-carat gold sunglasses that will lighten the beach even on rainy days, the $200k Emerald sunglasses designed by Australia based Shiels jewelers and Tom Ford retro eyewear inspired from the 1950’s, to name a few, attracting the uber-rich who loves to flash their wealth at the smallest pretext. Now, the latest we have is the Ultra Goliath 2 Diamond Edition sunglasses produced by Internally Flawless & Co. (IFANDCO) x Vintage Frames Company, the sickest diamond glasses ever.
David Beckham and his wife, Victoria’s relationship with the fashion world is legendary, which happens to be ever an expanding one, and something which would be known everywhere in the world. The couple are well-known for their ostentatious lifestyle and spending habits. Besides spending on Hermes birkin bags, luxury cars and on exclusive vacations, the couple is known to splurge on their kids, including the $50k treehouse for their boys. The latest in their expensive baby items, is a Damien Hirst designed baby monitor for their little one, Harper Beckham. An artist who is known for his works like the special edition skateboards, the blinged skull, Flea Design multi-colored guitar, and multi-colored spot painting, has a ardent fan following in the Beckham’s who have reportedly ordered for a baby monitor, amongst other things which total up to £30 million ($48 million).
Women have made their presence felt in most fields, but in some, one just gets a feeling that they might not have got their due share of the limelight for it. For example, the records show that out of the 47 American women that have toured outer space, 10 have paid for the decision with their lives. And because they are in such limited numbers as compared to their male counterparts, their memorabilia will indeed garner greater attention than the special ones like the Alexei Leonov spacesuit by Zvezda, which garnered $242,000 at an auction. Now, on April 26th, 2012, Bonhams will be auctioning a series of space related memorabilia, including the suit used by American lady astronaut Shannon Lucid, who was involved with the American MIR project. The price tag for the rare collectable is stated to be $50,000.
Boca do Lobo has been known to us for their abstract, but rather aesthetic ornamentation of safes and cabinets, like the Heritage sideboard and the Millionaire safe. This time, their lend their brushes of creativity to the limited edition Versailles sofa set which brings alive the times of the 17th century French court, via classical furniture design. Going back to what they actually did best seems to have pushed up their ante, and the result is there to be seen, and indeed a sight to be beheld. The price for this classic piece of ornamented furniture is $22,708 (€17,300), but is available in a strictly limited set only.
The official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby is back again this year on May 5, offering the world’s most exclusive Mint Julep Cup, the official drink of Kentucky Derby for the last 75 years. And is inviting you to sip and savor the glitz and glamour of the renowned Kentucky Derby at the Churchill Downs race track in Louisville, KY, with the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup, featuring ‘Double’ the most exotic ingredients.
It isn’t new that everything that Kate Middleton seems to touch or do becomes a lifestyle statement everyone wants to make. Whether it’s her off-white gown which is also one of the most expensive wedding dresses, or her £15,000 a week family vacation in the Aurora Villa, the now member of the British royal family seems to make style statements by the second, and everything she does has to be followed in the world of luxury lifestyle. Recently, we had spoken of the Royal Suite at the Goring Hotel in which she had stayed over last year for a day as a commoner. This time however, the hotel has a complete package on offer. Priced at $1.5 million, guests can stay in the Royal suite for 4-days, along with several other privileges similar to that of the royal family.
The luxurious suites, swan yachts or swish private villas apart, visitors to Lungarno properties, have something new to look forward to. The celebrated Italian hospitality chain, owned partly by the Ferragamo family, is stepping up their branded and quality offerings with a new collection named Ferragamo creations. The limited edition version includes bespoke pieces meant originally for use by celebrities. From ballet flats created for Audrey Hepburn to court shoes flaunted by Marilyn Monroe- name it and the collection has it all.
World’s most high-tech and advanced cameras do come at a hefty price, but they can’t compete with the rare and vintage cameras in terms of being most expensive. Some of the notable and world’s most expensive cameras are rare and old, including the Giroux ‘Daguerreotype’ which is believed to be the most oldest camera and the Charlie Chaplin’s personal movie camera. And, for those with a passion for photography and yearn to know why these old cameras surpass the new ones in terms of price, here we have compiled a list of the most expensive camera ever built to freeze the memorable moments of life.
In what looks like nothing short of a complete treat for the eye and soul of a beach vacationer, the Viceroy Maldives Resorts proves to be another retreat on Vagaru Island, which promises everything the beach vacationer could possibly seek in terms of a break from hectic city life. The Maldives has always been a ultimate destination for anyone that may take a liking for sea side adventures and vacations, and having direct access to the most pristine waters of the Indian Ocean is main bonus point. From water sports to exotic cuisines and spa treatments, the Viceroy Resort reserves the right to completely rejuvenate you, and leave deep footmarks in your memory, regarding the time spent here on the Vagaru group of islands.
For years, dining room table have been an design object available in all shapes, style and materials, but basically remaining a mono-functional serving as a table to dine only. Reforming the mono-functionality of furniture, many manufacturers have already created designs that look elegant and are also useful in one or the other ways. We have earlier told you about the Fusion Table, a designer pool table disguised as dining room table, besides the top 5 convertible pool tables for luxury homes, which are not meant to stay idle even when you’re not enjoying a pool tournament at your home, but will serve as a fulsome dining table as well. And, the latest we have is the Fusion Gold Limited Edition, a very limited edition of the famous Fusion Table concept of contemporary dining pool table.
Fender Guitars and its reputation are never really contested, simply because of the niche that they have carved for themselves. From making special editions like the Love Ride 28 edition and the Evangelion, they have pretty much proved their point by creating for music legends like Jimi Hendrix, who used a Stratocaster edition from them. Now, Roy Buchanan’s 1952-67 Model Telecaster Fender is up for auction with estimates putting the winning bid between $75,000-100,000. What also makes it famous other than its collector, is that this is model is one of the most widely sold guitars in history, and the first solid body electric guitar to be mass produced.
We have recently told you about how the colored diamonds are getting popular with the collectors and investors. And, the latest in colored diamonds are 2 most expensive pink diamonds. A bubble gum-color pink diamond worth $2.5 million is all set to make its first appearance at the Birks Jewelry stone in Edmonton. It’s the shining star of the collection that includes 45 precious stones and jewelry pieces. As of now, the pricey collection is slated to move across the nation- unless it finds a customer. Getting a small glimpse of the pink diamond, it seems, won’t be as easy said as done. According to Birks sources, potential buyers have got their bookings placed already. Yes, you heard that right. It requires an appointment to see the pink ring at Birks! Read on to know why.
We had earlier told you about the world’s most detailed atlas, which we went on sale in 2010, but the now the largest one is on sale too. Measuring a rather gigantic 6ft x 4 ½ ft in dimensions, this atlas will now go on for sale with a price tag $100,000 each. Limited to 31 copies, getting the book printed was a gigantic task just like the physical proportion of the book, as it involved a worldwide selection procedure for the perfect printer, until the order finally landed with one in Milan. A city known for its link to high-end fashion world, will boast of this special creation for Australia based Millenium House publishers, titled ‘Earth Platinum’.