Hermès Diamond Birkin

Hermès Diamond Birkin

Loving exclusivity?

The Hermès diamond birkin bag with diamond & gold hardware was estimated to sell for 68.000 Euro - $90.000 at auction, however, the bag finally sold for an even higher price,

153.150 Euro-$203,150 with many celebrities having their eye on that bag. A while back, Victoria Beckham was seen carrying one of these birkin bags. The bag is very rare, being a limited edition, made with red colored crocodile and diamond-studded hardware. At a public auction, the Birkin bag has set a new world record for being the most expensive handbag ever sold at an auction.

"This is an extraordinary example of one of the world’s most exceptional handbags, and this was certainly an exceptional price, exceeding our highest expectations at every corner. This crocodile handbag, was one of the four Hermès handbags that broke the existing record price."

A praline worth 180 000 Euro

Belgian Master chocolatier Paul Wittamer and jeweler Fabienne Lascar have created the world’s most expensive chocolate praline. The culinary masterpiece is adorned with a 3,63 carat diamond making the treat an outstanding 180 000€(240 000$). Created in Brussels, the chocolate praline is made from the finest dark ganache, caramel, a hint of ginger and is decorated with edible gold leaf. This luxurious treat is also available with a zirconium instead of an actual diamond, making it more reasonably priced at 20 €

(26$) or more depending on the gem’s size.

6-12-13, Place du Grand Sablon - 1000 Brussels - BELGIUM



Roberto Cavalli - Spring Summer 2012

Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli enrolls veteran supermodels Naomi Campbell, Daphne Groeneveld, Karen Elson and Kristen McMenamy for his New Spring Summer 2012 collection. The campaign, shot in New York by photographer Steven Meisel, is filled with glitter, glam and golden accents.

Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco by Montblanc

Montblanc, the famous German manufacturer of writing instruments, accessories and watches, has recently unveiled he dazzling “Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco”, created in honor of the beautiful actress and princess consort, Grace Kelly. The launching ceremony was held on September 8, in the presence of 350 VIP guests. The luxury collection includes a high-end writing instrument, an elegant wristwatch and a fine jewelry set.

Finally, the Grace Diamond and rubies adorn the crown of the pen, which shows Grace Kelly’s monogram. The cone features a mother-of-pearl cabochon.ful Montblanc writing instrument is limited to only three pieces, honoring the three children of the lovely princess.

Tribute to Grace Kelly

Drawing its inspiration from the Grace de Monaco pink rose, which was crafted in 1956 to celebrate her marriage, the jewelry set is composed of a superb necklace adorned with diamonds and sapphires, a matching bracelet and a pair of matching long earrings.

The watch is made of 18-carat red gold and its production is limited to only eight pieces. The horns and bezel are adorned with 76 baguette-cut diamonds, while the dial and flange flaunt 177 perfect cut diamonds. A lovely monogram of Princesse Grace de Monaco is engraved on the case back. The white strap is made of alligator skin and the buckle boast 76 more brilliant cut diamonds.

See clip

Rooftop Pools

Ralph Lauren - Style Icon

Why He’s A Style Icon

Ralph Lauren became fascinated with style at an early age. As a boy, he worked to earn money to buy expensive suits and his love of style was rivaled only by his drive for success. Quoted in his high school yearbook as saying he hoped to become a millionaire, Lauren’s personal aspirations equipped him with a firm understanding of peoples' needs to project an air of accomplishment. So in 1967, as a young man with a vision, Ralph Lauren began selling neckties he designed himself under the Polo name. Following the release of his infamous Ralph Lauren polo shirt in 1972, Lauren became a household name almost overnight.

The fashion mogul now leads a $900 million business that 

includes some 300 stores in the U.S. and approximately 100 others worldwide. A chief reason behind Ralph Lauren’s success is that what he sells is far more seductive to consumers than any particular product because he sells a lifestyle, and he was one of the first designers to do so. America’s most successful fashion designer has more branches of his label under his belt than you can count. Having long moved beyond apparel, the Ralph Lauren brand has expanded to include fragrances, a home line and much, much more. In 2007, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Lauren with the American Fashion Legend Award: one of the most prestigious accolades in the fashion world. The embodiment of the dream he stands for, Ralph Lauren’s ability to continuously innovate while staying true to his image makes him a true style icon.

 

Dress The Lauren Way

To dress the Ralph Lauren way is to have an appetite for fine living, American-style. Rather than making one’s achievements or ambitions glaringly apparent with flashy apparel, a Ralph Lauren enthusiast opts for elegant, easy-to-wear pieces in luxurious materials like wool, silk and cashmere. He also has a closet full of timeless, impeccably tailored basics that exude good taste and can be mixed and matched for a variety of uncomplicated yet polished ensembles. Examples include suits, smart blazers, V-neck sweaters, neat polo shirts, and crisp dress shirts. However, don’t worry that you’ll have to spend a fortune to dress this way. In fact, this brand strives to encompass all price points and, therefore, it's accessible to everyone. The message is clear: Buy the best you can afford and keep it classic, not trendy. But because it’s boring to keep wearing the same staples over and over, style icon Ralph Lauren has two strategies to help keep your look fresh: The first is that only one trendy item should be worn at a time and it should be paired with your standbys. For example, if you’d like to try wearing a bright hue, buy one boldly colored polo and ensure everything else you’re wearing has a simple shape and a subdued palette. Second, if you’re interested in trying out a popular new style, search for an approximation to a classic -- like this Rugby Wool Shawl Cardigan with rugby-inspired cuffs -- so it won’t quickly become dated. One last point: The Ralph Lauren lifestyle is an active one, so steer clear of apparel and accessories that look nice.

 "I don't design clothes. I design dreams."

George Clooney - Style Icon

Why He's A Style Icon

George Clooney seemed to follow the latest trends in the 1980s, but something happened in the 1990s: He grew up and showed the world how a man should dress. The no-nonsense haircut replaced the floppy kid-next-door look and the clothes went monochromatic with the first Ocean’s film in 2001. Since then he has embodied an updated old-Hollywood style that everyone loves, with black suits for those formal events and gray chinos with white T-shirts for his downtime. His biggest contribution to fashion has been his bringing back of the suit as a fashion mainstay. While so many men fell victim to the idea that jeans are appropriate for every occasion, thanks to George Clooney, it suddenly became cool again to wear a suit. This worked because George Clooney pulled the look off without a tie, which appealed to men because it made them feel free. Also, his attitude of pretending not to notice how dapper he looked made it all the more appealing.

Dress The Clooney Way

Aside from the classic haircut (which George Clooney claims to cut himself), the black, white and gray colour scheme, his crisp white dress shirts sans tie, his sleek black oxfords, and those wraparound shades, George Clooney’s look is truly embodied by the dark charcoal suit. To swipe George Clooney’s classic style, find a charcoal suit with a modern cut, like this Banana Republic dark charcoal suit, and wear it with an open-collared shirt. Look for a suit with a three-button closure, a notch lapel, flap pockets at the hip, and a rear center vent. The trousers should be without pleats or cuffs; this gives the suit the kind of modern European look George Clooney likes to sport.

GARRARD JEWELLERS

GARRARD

The World's Oldest Jewellers

Established London 1735

 

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL PARIS

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL PARIS

A Palace of History and Luxury

My wandering mind often takes me in a wonderful atmosphere. My travels whether real or imagined are often sublime, today’s one is quite unexpected. I travel through the stories of that famous nose of Hermes. I get lost in words when the comfort of one of the chairs of the Shangri-La Paris palace, I go with the sweetness and flavor of the white tea that dresses the atmosphere.

I love the elegance of this hotel that has many stories, but my attention gets attracted by the voices of these two little old ladies who stopped before the grand staircase and raved. One said to the other: “Look at the stairs, it is amazing. It is has an incredible elegance, an unbelievable refinement.” A smile settled on my face, proud to see that there are still fans of beautiful pieces and sumptuous locations. There are flowers, orchids, placed on this beautiful piece of furniture. Then I go to Asia. I could have been to the Indonesian Shangri-la. My well-being would have been the same, I think. Thinking about it, there is this additional soul that dresses the scene. Paris would not be the same without it. He is a man I admire. Napoleon Bonaparte is the emperor who has profoundly transformed lives and has marked my adolescence for many hours. This past caught up with me today, the B written on the windows of this splendid hotel restored according to the group Art by Shangri-La is the nephew of the Emperor, Prince Roland Bonaparte.

Aristocrat, explorer, geographer and botanist, this man seemed extraordinary. In the lobby, listening to the sweet voice of a woman who tells her daughter the story of this unique place full of history and now converted into a palace with a perfect service. In 1889 his accession takes place. Placing this home on the banks of the Seine, an elegant lady relates that Prince Roland Bonaparte built a house on three floors in which private and exceptional rooms had taken possession of the walls. Many parts and many decades later, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts transforms it in a palace of taste.

Hours of work and a passion for French know-how revealed an exceptional building and full of details inscribed many room as historic places. Then I look at these two ladies marveling at the grand staircase lined with an iron banister and engraved copper of Moreaux’s craftsmen. My thoughts invite me to climb it to discover this architectural treasure. I let myself be guided by the sweet atmosphere of this private residence.

  Consisting of alcoves, marble, arches and arcades, the Shangri-La Paris invited me to lose myself in its decor with soft and relaxing tones of ocher, yellow and white. 81 rooms and suites are making up the heart of this place now having over seven floors. An extraordinary restaurant called La Bauhinia breath Thai flavors and pleasures while the French garden invites to gastronomy at this restaurant called Bee. I get lost in what could be a dream.

In my time travel and my discovery of this luxury case, the first Shangri-La continues to take me from Europe to Asia through various artistic touches scattered in different places. The surprises are waiting for you and my eyes light up when I discover, pulling the curtains of this sublime suite of 220 square meters, the most beautiful Parisian monument, the Eiffel Tower. This majestic iron lace is just as beautiful as that Shangri-La’s suite. 

Sets of mirrors, fabrics of the Lelièvre house, curtains and Art Deco details of the Canovas house, I succumb to the comfort. The luxury of this hotel and the prestige of these suites are just amazing. I feel good, as if Asia carried me away in its travel in well-being and that Bonaparte who was never able to achieve his military career had just conquered my heart long ago drawing sketches of a place now occupied by the excellence of Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts.

More info & Online booking