Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Russian Billionaire Publishes Book of Wife's Nudeshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/22/russian-billionaire-publishes-book-of-wifes-nudes/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/22/russian-billionaire-publishes-book-of-wifes-nudes/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/22/russian-billionaire-publishes-book-of-wifes-nudes/#commentsFiled under:

Russian oligarch Sergei Rodionov married a notorious Moscow femme fatale named Olga and then commissioned famed French photographer Bettina Rheims to do a big bucks X-rated photo shoot. He liked it so much he talked Rheims into two more photo shoots, and the results have just been published in book form, to a decidedly mixed reaction from Moscow society.

Russian billionaires are not shy about displaying their wealth, and surely The Book of Olga (right), which is so incendiary we can only show you the cover here, is just another such exhibition of prized assets. Of course, as a limited edition of 1,000 signed and numbered copies for $500 each, it also stands to make some money. If it succeeds, perhaps other Riussian oligarchs will follow suit and such books could become the hot new status symbol.

Russian Billionaire Publishes Book of Wife's Nudes originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bettina RheimsBettinaRheimsBook of OlgaBookOfOlgaMoscowPhotographyrussian billionairesRussianBillionairesSergei RodionovSergeiRodionovJared Paul SternSat, 22 Nov 2008 09:02:00 ESTLuxury for Himhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/luxury-for-him/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/luxury-for-him/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/luxury-for-him/#commentsFiled under:

Luxury for Him from Loft Publications (right) is a real tour de force of extravagance. The pages are filled with Lurssen yachts, Gulfstream jets, Augusta helicopters, Rolls-Royces, palace hotels like the Burj Al Arab and lots more, all lavishly and lovingly photographed.

"Luxury can manifest itself in different ways and objects of desire differ from person to person," the publishers note. "Although the parameters of what is considered to be luxurious vary greatly, luxury items are always of excellent quality and are exclusive limited editions which tend to be the most technologically advanced within their category."

The categories include Luxury Sailing, Luxury Driving, Luxury Flying, Luxury Destinations and Luxury Moments. "Elegance and distinction have various interpretations, but in all cases, the degree of excellence and quality in the materials and objects is what distinguishes genuine luxury from opulence that is lacking in content."

Luxury for Him originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>JetLuxury for HimLuxuryForHimRolls-RoyceYachtJared Paul SternThu, 20 Nov 2008 10:02:00 ESTThe History of Jaguar Motorcarshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/the-history-of-jaguar-motorcars/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/the-history-of-jaguar-motorcars/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/the-history-of-jaguar-motorcars/#commentsFiled under: ,


The famed British motorcar marque Jaguar began life as a different species altogether; in 1922 a company called Swallow began manufacturing motorcycle sidecars, building its first automobiles under the name SS in 1927; in 1945 the name was changed to Jaguar, and the rest was automotive history.

Jaguar: The Complete Story, a new book by Heiner Stertkamp, is a lavish visual history of the world-famous car maker, from its "ascension to fame with the postwar XK series cars," followed by the introduction of the iconic E-Type in 1961, the XJ series, and most recently the high-tech XF.

The book includes racing vehicles and prototypes as well as production models, all presented in sumptuous, large format photographs. With Jaguar beginning another chapter under new owner Tata Motors, this is a fitting time to review the rich history of one of the world's most enduring symbols of speed, style and beauty.

The History of Jaguar Motorcars originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>JaguarSportscarJared Paul SternThu, 20 Nov 2008 09:02:00 ESTLuxury Toys: Top of the Worldhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/luxury-toys-top-of-the-world/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/luxury-toys-top-of-the-world/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/luxury-toys-top-of-the-world/#commentsFiled under:


The latest ultra-luxe title from top-drawer German publisher teNeues aims to encompass the world's most exclusive, expensive and elusive objects in various categories. Luxury Toys: Top of the World is of course a lavish and lavishly-photographed coffee table book giving a deserving treatment to it subject. In it the world's "most treasured and decadent belongings" are on display, from megayachts to opulent mansions and custom-made timepieces to exotic supercars, all "truly indulgent prized-possessions that will dazzle even the most discriminating billionaire." The book is divided into the following chapters: Art, Personal Luxuries (including watches and cell phones), Modern Cars, Vintage Cars, Motor Yachts, Sailing Yachts, Ultimate Homes and Luxury Air Travel. Shown on the cover above is the $150 million, 289-ft. Maltese Falcon, the world's largest privately-owned sailing yacht.

Luxury Toys: Top of the World originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>teNeuesYachtJared Paul SternMon, 17 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST170 Years of Tiffany Stylehttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/170-years-of-tiffany-style/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/170-years-of-tiffany-style/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/170-years-of-tiffany-style/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a beautiful new book called Tiffany Style: 170 Years of Design, the famed jeweler's design director John Loring has gathered for the first time in one volume the most renowned and memorable pieces ever produced by the company. In this "best of Tiffany" collection, "readers will find a spectacular array of objects, from Louis Comfort Tiffany's famous lamps and vases to opulent silver tea sets to Andy Warhol's whimsical Christmas illustrations to Elsa Peretti's signature heart pendant," the jacket copy notes. Loring draws on Tiffany's unparalleled archives for sketches, design material, photographs spanning the last 170 years, and more.

170 Years of Tiffany Style originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Andy WarholAndyWarholElsa PerettiElsaPerettiJohn LoringJohnLoringTiffanyJared Paul SternSat, 15 Nov 2008 10:01:00 ESTMichelangelo Book Features Marble Coverhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/michelangelo-book-features-marble-cover/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/michelangelo-book-features-marble-cover/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/michelangelo-book-features-marble-cover/#commentsFiled under:


I've covered many expensive books over the years but there aren't too many like "Michelangelo: La Dotta Mano" the new book by Italian publisher FMR. The book measures 18 by 28 inches and weighs a backbreaking 61 pounds. Why so heavy? The cover is a marble carving of a replica of the Madonna della Scala encased in a velvet binding. Inside there are reproductions of drawings by Michelangelo, photographs by Italian photographer Aurelio Amendola and writings on Michelangelo spanning centuries of scholarship. The book commemorates the 500th anniversary of the start of Michelangelo's work on the Sistine chapel. You can see the book at the New York Public Library's Bill Blass Public Catalog Room from Dec. 2-8. Or, if you have the money and sturdy shelves you can pick up one of your own from the limited edition of 99 for $130,000.

[via LA Times Jacket Copy]

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Michelangelo Book Features Marble Cover originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bookmarblemichelangeloDeidre WoollardThu, 13 Nov 2008 11:01:00 ESTWin A Copy Of The Home Bookhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/10/win-a-copy-of-the-home-book/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/10/win-a-copy-of-the-home-book/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/10/win-a-copy-of-the-home-book/#commentsFiled under:


Everyone seems to be spending more time at home lately (a deflated stock market and plunging real estate don't help). So why not make the home you've got more beautiful. The folks behind House Beautiful have just come out with The Home Book, a weighty tome dedicated to all facets of interior design. It is 464 pages and has more than 500 photos as well as tips that include theme, color, furnishings, wall and floor covering and just about every aspect of decoration. The focus is on defining your personal style and expanding it into the home in a way that creates a harmonious environment. It can also keep you from making some of the design mistakes that hurt a home when it is time to sell.

We are giving away one copy of this essential guide to all things home. To enter please leave a comment below. This week's comment starter is one prompted by my curiosity, I'm wondering, has the housing slump caused you to put off any decorating plans or are you spending more time and money sprucing up your abode since you may be there a while.

Some other important details:

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before Friday, November 14, 2008 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive the The Home Book valued at $39.95.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

See complete contest rules here.

Win A Copy Of The Home Book originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>booksdecordesignDeidre WoollardMon, 10 Nov 2008 10:02:00 ESTJohnnie Walker Blue Label Diary 'By Appointment Only'http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/04/johnnie-walker-blue-label-diary-by-appointment-only/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/04/johnnie-walker-blue-label-diary-by-appointment-only/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/04/johnnie-walker-blue-label-diary-by-appointment-only/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some special books come with online access codes bringing additional insight into the topic, a beautiful handmade bookmark or an original signature of the author but the 'By Appointment Only' diary from Johnnie Walker Blue Label is more than just a place to log your writings -- it is a doorway to exclusive events and services. Included in this expensive holiday package are tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix 2009 and Johnnie Walker Golf Championships, a bespoke blending experience with a Johnnie Walker Master Blender creating your very own whisky, and access to a premiere concierge service offering more Johnnie Walker experiences at your fingertips.

The leather bound diary, of which there are only three, is priced at an impressive £95,000 and comes from luxury stationer Aspinal of London. There are an additional twenty diaries available for £2,000 with access to the services and events above as well -- the difference in price I am sure accounts for less luxurious accommodations or some other discrepancy in experience but nonetheless would make a spectacular gift.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Diary 'By Appointment Only' originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>johnnie walkerjohnnie walker blue labeljohnnie walker blue label diaryjohnnie walker diaryJohnnieWalkerJohnnieWalkerBlueLabelJohnnieWalkerBlueLabelDiaryJohnnieWalkerDiaryLaura MalesichTue, 04 Nov 2008 12:02:00 ESTGiant Nose Promotes New Whisky Bookhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/giant-nose-promotes-new-whisky-book/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/giant-nose-promotes-new-whisky-book/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/giant-nose-promotes-new-whisky-book/#commentsFiled under: ,

They say that when blending whisky it's all about the sniffer. Small wonder then that a new book by master whiskey blender Richard Patterson and Gavin D Smith features Patterson on the cover with his nose headed glassward and goes by the title "Goodness Nose." Cute, right? What's even cuter, although perhaps veering into the strange is that a six-foot high nose, based on Patterson's more modest proboscis has been spotted around Edinburgh as part the promotion for the book. The Edinburgh News reports that the nose has been spotted in the city's Multrees Walk, the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens. I'm hoping pictures surface soon, this I've got to see.

Giant Nose Promotes New Whisky Book originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>edinburghrichard pattersonscotchwhiskyDeidre WoollardThu, 30 Oct 2008 16:02:00 ESTEarth, A Big Book For A Big Subjecthttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/27/earth-a-big-book-for-a-big-subject/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/27/earth-a-big-book-for-a-big-subject/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/27/earth-a-big-book-for-a-big-subject/#commentsFiled under:

Earth is a big subject and Australian publisher Millennium House has created a book big enough to cover it. Their new book "Earth" is the the biggest atlas ever to be published and is nearly 2 feet tall and over 65 pounds. The 576-page books is the sum total of eight months work by 100 photographers, cartographers, geographers and oceanographers and it has 154 maps and over 800 photographs. The print run will be just 3,000 copies, 2,000 of the standard blue version at right and 1000 "Gold Earth" editions with gold leather, gold gilding and gold plated corners. The regular version will cost over $3,000. The book had its world debut in Sydney on October 9, hit the Frankfurt Book Fair and is on its way to the Sharjah World Book Fair in Dubai n October 29.

Earth, A Big Book For A Big Subject originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>atlasbooksearthDeidre WoollardMon, 27 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST100 Years of <i>Vanity Fair</i> Portraitshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/100-years-of-i-vanity-fair-i-portraits/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/100-years-of-i-vanity-fair-i-portraits/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/100-years-of-i-vanity-fair-i-portraits/#commentsFiled under:

Graydon Carter and the editors of Vanity Fair have just published a book of photographs spanning 100 years of the magazine: Vanity Fair: The Portraits, A Century of Iconic Images (Abrams, $65). At 348 pages, the book contains over 100 color and 200 black-and-white photos of personalities ranging from Picasso, Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn to Julia Roberts, Giorgio Armani and Brad Pitt, by the world's most famous photographers. An accompanying exhibition will open at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Oct. 26 and will run through the 1st of March.

100 Years of Vanity Fair Portraits originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CelebritiesGiorgio ArmaniGiorgioArmaniGraydon CarterGraydonCarterLos Angeles County Museum of ArtLosAngelesCountyMuseumOfArtMagazinesPhotographyVanity FairVanityFairJared Paul SternMon, 13 Oct 2008 11:03:00 ESTThe Classicist: LVMH's Distinctive Vintageshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH is best known for its marquee property Louis Vuitton, but the company has also amassed the world's most amazing collection of top-class wine and spirits brands under its Moët Hennessy group. The incomparable portfolio is celebrated in a suitably lavish new book called Distinctive Vintages ($200, right) just out from Flammarion.

Moët Hennessy owns too many luxury brands to list, but to name a few: Hennessy Cognac; Moët & Chandon, luxe Dom Pérignon, Krug and Veuve Clicquot champagnes; Belvedere and Chopin vodkas; Glenmorangie and deliciously smoky Ardbeg single malt Scotch whiskies; and the famed Chateau d'Yquem wine, synonymous with the finest money can buy.

The book focuses on the collection of fine French wines and spirits, personified in three regions that are "as noble as they are prestigious": Cognac, the ancestral birthplace of Hennessy; Champagne, home Dom Pérignon and its confreres; and Bordeaux, graced by the magical Château d'Yquem. It offers both a practical guide to the three regions as well as an explanation of the different vintages and results produced by the famed houses.

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Continue reading The Classicist: LVMH's Distinctive Vintages

The Classicist: LVMH's Distinctive Vintages originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>champagnecognacDom PerignonDomPerignonFrancehennessyLouis VuittonLouisVuittonLVMHMoetMoet ChandonMoetChandonveuve clicquotVeuveClicquotYquemJared Paul SternMon, 13 Oct 2008 09:01:00 ESTCartier's 20th Century Masterpieceshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/26/cartiers-20th-century-masterpieces/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/26/cartiers-20th-century-masterpieces/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/26/cartiers-20th-century-masterpieces/#commentsFiled under: ,


Some of world-famous Parisian jeweler Cartier's most beautiful creations are portrayed in a sumptuous new book due out in a couple of weeks. Cartier: Innovation Through the 20th Century (Flammarion, $65), features 165 rare gems reproduced at their actual size, "selected to highlight the milestones of 20th century design." Each amazing piece "serves as a benchmark in the world of high-end jewelry," much of it made for Europe's nobility and bon ton.

Drawing on Cartier's vast archives, many of the pictures are being published here for the first time. Cartier "consistently set new aesthetic, ornamental, technical and stylistic trends" in jewelry design, the book notes, and it continues to do so today. Even their famous red leather boxes have become something of a status symbol in and of themselves. The cover image above shows a platinum, diamond and ruby bracelet made in 1926.

Cartier's 20th Century Masterpieces originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CartierDiamondsJewelsParisJared Paul SternFri, 26 Sep 2008 14:02:00 ESTThe House of Valentino's 50 Fashionable Yearshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-house-of-valentinos-50-fashionable-years/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-house-of-valentinos-50-fashionable-years/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-house-of-valentinos-50-fashionable-years/#commentsFiled under: ,

The remarkable 50-year career of Valentino, founder of the first couture house to be recognized by the French government outside of Paris, is given the coffee table treatment in a lavish new book, Valentino: Themes and Variations (Rizzoli, $75).

The tome on Rome-based Valentino Garavani is published in association with a prestigious exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, curated by the author, Pamela Golbin. The book focuses on the designer's haute couture creations, culminating in his brilliant Paris presentation last January.

"I have always considered my work as the one of a writer," Valentino notes in the foreword. "Over the years I wrote only one story, the one of my style, where each collection represents a single chapter, with all its emotions, ideas and motifs. The looks may change with every chapter, but the main characters are the same, as are the people and things that inspire me."

The House of Valentino's 50 Fashionable Years originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Haute coutureHauteCoutureItalian fashionItalianFashionParisRomeValentinoJared Paul SternWed, 24 Sep 2008 09:02:00 ESTAn Intimate Look at the Legendary Coco Chanelhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/17/an-intimate-look-at-the-legendary-coco-chanel/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/17/an-intimate-look-at-the-legendary-coco-chanel/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/17/an-intimate-look-at-the-legendary-coco-chanel/#commentsFiled under:


In 1962, photographer Douglas Kirkland was sent to Paris on assignment for Look magazine to photograph the legendary couturier Coco Chanel. Kirkland, 27, ended up living with the elegant 79-year-old Chanel for three whole weeks, photographing her in public and private. The complete collection of never-before-seen photographs is being published this week in book form - Coco Chanel: Three Weeks / 1962 - by Glitterati to coincide with the 125th anniversary of Chanel's birth.

Included as well are Kirkland's reminiscences. He recalls for instance that as Chanel prepared for the show, omnipresent cigarette dangling from her lips, she snapped, "Fashion has become a joke. The designers have forgotten that there are women inside the dresses." In addition to the regular edition which costs $50, Glitterati will publish a deluxe limited edition of 100 in a slipcase with a signed and numbered Kirkland print for $500.

An Intimate Look at the Legendary Coco Chanel originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ChanelCoco ChanelCocoChanelDouglas KirklandDouglasKirklandFashion photographyFashionPhotographyFrench fashionFrenchFashionParisJared Paul SternWed, 17 Sep 2008 11:02:00 ESTWhen Havana Was the "Paris of the Caribbean"http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/13/when-havana-was-the-paris-of-the-caribbean/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/13/when-havana-was-the-paris-of-the-caribbean/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/13/when-havana-was-the-paris-of-the-caribbean/#commentsFiled under:


It's now somewhat synonymous with decay of both a socioeconomic and physical nature, but there was a time before the Socialist revolution when Havana was known as the "Paris of the Caribbean," a place where Americans came to hang out in nightclubs, gamble, smoke cigars, hit on showgirls and drink copious quantities of rum. This prelapsarian paradise is celebrated in Peter Moruzzi's brilliant new book, Havana Before Castro: When Cuba Was a Tropical Playground (Gibbs Smith, $30), filled with hundreds of photos, brochures, postcards, artifacts and other ephemera.

From Hemingway hangout La Floridita, where the daiquiris flowed like water, especially during Prohibition, to the Tropicana and other casinos that were cutting edge in the 1950s thanks to the interest of American mobsters, Moruzzi provides a gorgeous and engaging glimpse of an all but forgotten era. See the gallery for a preview.

[via Men.Style]

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When Havana Was the "Paris of the Caribbean" originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CasinosCigarsCubaDaiquiriErnest HemingwayErnestHemingwayFidel CastroFidelCastroHavanaProhibitionRumJared Paul SternWed, 13 Aug 2008 10:02:00 ESTDream Homes of Coastal Californiahttp://www.luxist.com/2008/08/06/dream-homes-of-coastal-california/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/06/dream-homes-of-coastal-california/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/06/dream-homes-of-coastal-california/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A luxe new coffee table book called Dream Homes: Coastal California (Panache Partners, $34.95) showcases over 40 of the region's finest architects, designers and builders. Focusing on Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties, it features 250 photographs of breathtaking designs such as the Villa Beaumont pictured above, an Italian-Renaissance country villa in Santa Barbara by Sorrell Design based on the work of the great 16th-century architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola. From multimillion dollar classical revival mansions to modernist beach dwellings, no expense has been spared in realizing clients' dreams (hence the title). See the gallery for a tour.

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Dream Homes of Coastal California originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ArchitectureCaliforniaCoastal CaliforniaCoastalCaliforniaDream homeDreamHomeMontereySanta BarbaraSantaBarbaraJared Paul SternWed, 06 Aug 2008 08:02:00 ESTThe Classicist: Summer of Steve McQueenhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/07/21/the-classicist-summer-of-steve-mcqueen/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/21/the-classicist-summer-of-steve-mcqueen/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/21/the-classicist-summer-of-steve-mcqueen/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Super cool movie star Steve McQueen was without a doubt one of the most stylish men of all time. As we've noted in the past, his rugged sportiness, authentic masculinity and innate good taste have inspired countless fashion designers, not to mention scores of other actors who followed in his wake. McQueen fans of all sorts have a lot to celebrate this summer: there are two major new books on the "King of Cool" coming out, as well as a special McQueen tribute edition Ford Mustang, while the star's famous 1970 Porsche, worth an estimated $2 million, is going up for auction.

The first book just went on sale: Steve McQueen: A Life in Pictures edited by Yann Brice Dherbier (Pavilion, $40). The mix of classic and less well-known images of the style icon is artfully put together, but what struck us most about the book was its large format, showing details that you just don't get in smaller versions (see the gallery for a preview). For instance, in this cover image you can clearly see that McQueen is wearing a classic Baracuta jacket from England - which by the way are still sold here at Ben Silver in Charleston, one of the best men's clothiers in the country.

Equally striking and noticeable due to the impressive scale are the identifiable images which have clearly influenced designers like Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors who have built whole collections and ad campaigns around the King of Cool. Lauren in particular is a well-known McQueen fanatic. The index to Michael Gross' brilliant biography of the designer, Genuine Authentic, contains no less than six separate entries for the actor.

Gross writes that Lauren staged shoots based on McQueen's movies - his favorite film is said to be 1968's The Thomas Crown Affair - sometimes with himself in the starring role, and hung photos of the actor in both his houses and stores. If you look closely enough at the photos in Dherbier's book and compare them to Lauren's designs you can see where he copied sweaters, jackets, details on suits, even the carelessly elegant way McQueen always wore his clothes.

The other book, Unforgettable Steve McQueen hasn't been published yet - we'll update you on that when the time comes - but it features a foreword by another McQueen wannabe: Brad Pitt. We'd say he's making a good start at filling the King of Cool's shoes, but he's got a ways to go yet.

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The Classicist: Summer of Steve McQueen originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>BaracutaBen SilverBenSilverBrad PittBradPittFord MustangFordMustangMichael GrossMichael KorsMichaelGrossMichaelKorsPorscheRalph LaurenRalphLaurenSteve McQueenSteveMcqueenThe Thomas Crown AffairTheThomasCrownAffairJared Paul SternMon, 21 Jul 2008 09:02:00 ESTThe Classicist: On Equestrian Stylehttp://www.luxist.com/2008/07/14/the-classicist-on-equestrian-style/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/14/the-classicist-on-equestrian-style/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/14/the-classicist-on-equestrian-style/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Followers of my sporadic style posts here have probably noticed certain threads running throughout; anglophilia, certainly, but also an affinity for all things equestrian-related: the polo matches staged by the likes of Veuve Clicquot and Mercedes-Benz; the Royal Ascot Races; riding boots by John Lobb of London; leathergoods by Swaine Adeney Brigg; and even classic sporting art. All these elements and more come together beautifully in Vicky Moon's new book Equestrian Style: Home Design, Couture, and Collections from the Eclectic to the Elegant, due out this week from Clarkson Potter.

It's a magnificent, much-needed extension of the horsey lifestyle portrayed in Hunt Country Style, the book I wrote about back in April. Moon divides her volume into different facts of the equestrian experience: In the Field, On the Farm, At the Track, In the Ring, On the Move, and Down the Road, focusing on all facets of horsiness and everything that goes along with it. The emphasis is on authenticity, not affectation; she barely mentions Ralph Lauren for instance except in the context of the actual polo team he fields.

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Continue reading The Classicist: On Equestrian Style

The Classicist: On Equestrian Style originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>BonhamsequestrianEquestrian StyleEquestrianStylefoxhuntingHermeshorseracinghorsesHunt CountryHuntCountryJohn LobbJohnLobbpoloRalph LaurenRalphLaurensporting artSportingArtTattersallsVicky MoonVickyMoonJared Paul SternMon, 14 Jul 2008 09:02:00 ESTUltimate History of the World's Most Famous Shiphttp://www.luxist.com/2008/07/11/ultimate-history-of-the-worlds-most-famous-ship/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/11/ultimate-history-of-the-worlds-most-famous-ship/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/11/ultimate-history-of-the-worlds-most-famous-ship/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In November, the Cunard line's famed QE2 will make its final voyage to a new home at the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai World, which paid $100 million to acquire the ship for a floating hotel, retail and entertainment annex. Carol Thatcher has compiled a beautiful book about the legendary oceanliner's colorful history, QE2: Forty Years Famous.

The QE2 was launched by (and named for) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 1967, and since then she has undertaken 25 world cruises, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and carried more than 2.5 million passengers, establishing a reputation as the world's greatest and most luxurious liner - a grande dame pre-dating and outclassing the modern cruise ship era. See the gallery for more.

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Ultimate History of the World's Most Famous Ship originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CunardLuxury travelLuxuryTravelOceanlinersQE2Queen of EnglandQueenOfEnglandShipsJared Paul SternFri, 11 Jul 2008 11:02:00 EST