Luxuriously Yours 2012/12/31

Classic Cars at RM Auctions Arizona 2013
Enthusiasts and discerning car collectors now stands an exceptional opportunity to grab some of the rarest, best of category examples, and hand-picked selection of approximately 80 automotive icons, classics that have actually transcended the collector car hobby, at the RM Auctions' Arizona sale on 18th January, 2013, held annually at the beautiful and majestic Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. Headlining early entries is a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione' which is simply irresistable to any serious Ferrari collector, the 1935 Cadillac Series 40 convertible featured the movie 'The Artist', an ultra-rare 1965 Ford GT40 which is estimated to fetch as much as $3 million, the 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster from the collection of John Pascucci, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Corto Spider, the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 R, and the 1962 Shelby 'Factory Competition-Speciffication' Cobra, to name a few.
Classic Cars at RM Auctions Arizona 2013
1). 1965 Ford GT40
Price Estimate: $2,400,000-$3,000,000
1965 Ford GT40
One of 31 GT40 Mark I road cars whose construction was completed in 1965, this well-documented vehicle with ! competition modifications has been sympathetically restored and beautifully maintained. It's described to be an important benchmark in the development of the modern mid-engine supercar, and is known for its racing supremacy over Ferrari's dominant Scuderia.
1965 Ford GT40
Finished in Pine Green color, this ultra-rare 1965 Ford GT40 that actually revolutionized America's stance in the supercar segment is expected to fetch as much as $3 million at the sale.
2). 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster
Price Estimate: $1,220,000-$1,600,000
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster
With coachwork by Derham, this real and original 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster is being offered from the collection of John Pascucci. Known to be Gordon Buehrig's favorite Duesenberg, this tourster with engine #J-423 comes with 8-cylinder engine, 3-speed manual transmission, beam type front and live rear axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and vacuum assisted 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
3). 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 R
Price Estimate: $750,000-$950,000
1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 R
Known to be one those rare automotive icons that have transcended the collector car hobby, the 1956 Shelby Mustang GT350 R which is one of 34 production R-models built, and comes with known ownership history and multiple SAAC awards will be offered with an estimated price tag of $750,000! -$950,000! .
1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 R
Described to be minimally raced and a very original example, this car also comes faithfully restored and serviced by a noted marque expert.
4). 1962 Shelby 'Factory Competition-Speciffication' Cobra
Price Estimate: $750,000-$950,000
1962 Shelby 'Factory Competition-Speciffication' Cobra
Originally owned by Grand Prix driver and Scarab founder Lance Reventlow, this 1962 Shelby 'Factory Competition-Speciffication' Cobra with chassis no. CSX 2032 comes with known ownership history from new, and boasts superb, concours quality presentation with numerous purposeful upgrades.
5). 1933 Chrysler Imperial CL Convertible Roadster
Price Estimate: $550,000-$750,000
1933 Chrysler Imperial CL Convertible Roadster
With coachwork by Lebaron, this 1933 Chrysler Imperial CL Convertible Roadster is only one of the nine ever built and one of six known to exist, is a consistent award-winner including 2000 Pebble Beach Best in Class. This magnificent LeBaron Convertible Roadster comes with meticulous 100 point restoration by Stone Barn Restorations, and is eligible for all CCA concours and CARavans.
6). 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Corto Spider
Price Estimate: $500,000-$700,000
1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Corto Spider
With coachwork in the style of touring, this 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Corto Spider built for showing and touring with ease and style. Described to be ex-Bill Jacobs and Gene Ponder, this classic Alfa Romeo with beautifully executed coachwork to concours standards with engine no. 823203 is expected to fetch as much as $700,000, and will bring pride and satisfaction to owner.
7). 1953 Allard Jr 'Le Mans' Roadster
Price Estimate: $350,000-$450,000
1953 Allard Jr 'Le Mans' Roadster
One of only 7 Allard Jrs ever built, this historic 1953 Roadster, registered NLN 650, was notably one of the two factories entries to the 24 Hours Le Mans in 1953, and was driven 145.35 mph by Zora Arkus-Duntov down the Mulssane Straight. Described to be the epitome of early fifties sports car design with their slim alloy bodywork, cycle fenders, flash knock-off mounted wire wheels, and huge power plants.
8). 1968 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2
Price Estimate: $275,000-$375,000
1968 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2
One of the 247 examples produced from 1966-1968, this 1968 Lamborghini 40GT 2+2 in elegant black-on-black combination which has been recently detailed and mechanically sorted will be offered by RM Auctions with a pre-sale estimate of $275,000-$375,000. With coachwork by Carrozzeria touring, this 400GT shows minor signs of aging, and is described as an attractive example of Lamborghini's 2+2 tourer.
9). 1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Parade Limousine
Price Estimate: $120,0! 00 -$150,! 000
1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Parade Limousine
The American Presidential limousines are quite well known in the collectors circle. And, this 1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Parade Limousineoffered by RM Auctions is also expected to fetch handsome prices.
1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Parade Limousine
This limousine in remarkable original condition was for the Mamie Duod Eisenhower, First Lady of the 34th President of the U.S., and notably served both as a formal and parade vehicle.
10). 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupe
Price Estimate: $300,000-$350,000
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupe
Regarded as the most desirable luxury Mercedes luxury car of the 1950s, the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupe being offered at the sale is notably one of only 98 coupes produced. With single ownership from the last 15 years, this example comes with factory installed radio and original engine, and is a big, cushy, comfortable means of high speed transport for four people.
Via: RMAuctions
Johnie Walker's McLaren Mercedes edition $48,500 whisky inspired by Formula One driver Jenson Button
Masterminded by the Johnnie Walker' Master Blender Jim Beveridge using the formula based on 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button's choice of whiskies to create a unique new variant of the famous spirit, here's a unique collectable for enthusiasts, the Johnnie Walker Vodafone McLarem Mercedes Edition which is an exclusive and rare blend made from Johnnie Walker's unrivaled stocks of maturing malt and grain whiskies. This special-edition blended whisky limited to just 25 bottles is actually an impressive tribute by Johnnie Walker, the sponsor of the McLaren-Mercedes F1 team from the last 8-years, to its world-class racing and drivers. Also a part of the 'Step Inside the Circuit' global campaign for the Johnnie Walker sponsorship of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 Team, this limited-edition winning formula from Johnnie Walker & Jenson Button priced at $48,500, will be sold by an exclusive invitation only at Shanghai's Johnnie Walker House, the very 1st whisky embassy and Johnnie Walker boutique outside of Scotland. And, the owners of these exclusive bottles will be entitled to a bespoke Johnnie Walker Step Inside the Circuit experience with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, enjoying hospitality and behind-the-scenes access to an exhilarating F1 experience at a race city of their choice.
Johnie Walker's McLaren Mercedes edition £30,000 whisky inspired by Formula One driver Jenson Button
Johnie Walker's McLaren Mercedes edition
To create this Johnnie Walker Vodafone McLarem Mercedes Editi! on that involves the most precious whiskies from the house of Johnnie Walker, Jenson Button actually visited Johnnie Walker House in Shanghai, and was guided by Nick Morgan, blending expert and Diageo's Head of Whisky Outreach, through the unique blended flavor discover experience, using nosing technique used by the master blender.
Johnie Walker's McLaren Mercedes edition £30,000 whisky inspired by Formula One driver Jenson Button
Notably, the flavors and scents selected by Jenson Button served as a foundation for Johnnie Walker's Master Blender Jim Beveridge.
Also, we have earlier seen some of the finest Johnnie Walker limited-edition bottles, and the Johnnie Walker's Diamond Jubilee scotch whisky that marks the Queen's coronation, besides the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Private Bar with Porsche Design Studio.
Via: JohnnieWalker
World's most expensive office space Lehman Art House on sale for $49.9 million
Once the home of the titans of finance Lehman Brothers' honcho Philip Lehman, a noted American investment banker and major art collector, the historical Beaux-Arts limestone mansion erected back in 1899 by architect John H. Duncan, which is now being used as a state-of-the-art office ideal for live-work arrangement, is now being listed for $49.9 million. Interestingly, the listing-price of this home-turned-office has been dropped by almost 25%, from whopping $65 million to $49.9 million, but it's still the world's most expensive office space, costing over $3,000 per square feet, a price which is far higher than the per-square-foot record for Manhattan office spaces. Originally, the house was bought by an investment group for $13 million back in year 2005, and did extensive renovation, expansion and restoration of the space into museum-like offices.
World's most expensive office space Lehman Art House on sale for $49.9 million
Lehman Art House
Location: This trophy office building, also known as Lehman Art House is at 7 W. 54th Street, across the street from the famous Museum of Modern Art.
Lehman Art House
This elaborate limestone mansion which was once home of Philip Lehman, was later used by his son Robert Lehman, who headed Lehman Brothers for decades, and was a notable race-horse owner, philanthropist, and important art-collector. Notably, Robert donated the portions of the home's interior and a vast art collection to the M! etropolitan Museum of Art, which are now being proudly displayed in the museum's Robert Lehman Wing.
Lehman Art House
The investment group which includes the principals of Zimmer Lucas Capital, LLC, a hedge fund that uses the building as its company-headquarter for about 30 employees, has spent multi-million dollars to restore the façade, and re-creating interior rooms with the help of the Metropolitan Museum.
Lehman Art House
Back in 2006, the building received a major update, when a glass penthouse was added. Notably, the craftsmen made plaster copies of centuries-old moldings used in the Lehman Wing that had once graced this Philip Lehman's house. And, now the owners have put the building for sale with a broker at Brown Harris Stevens.
Lehman Art House
This 25-foot wide house has over 16,676 square feet plus 737 sq. ft of outdoor space, and boasts of features like trading-floor facilities, a high-speed T1 line for data, a temperature-controlled server room, and a swipe-card security system, to name a few.
Patek Philippe's new microsite is dedicated to their women's collection

Swiss luxury watchmakers Patek Philippe has been a pioneering name in the industry since its inception. Keeping up with the digital age, they have now launched a new, distinctly feminine website which is solely dedicated to their exquisite watches for women, a smart step considering their ladies lines were always in the sidelines up till now. The website boasts of detailed information on all the seven women's watch families along with a history of women's watches at Patek Philippe, the evolution of their style and function as well as an insight into their royal clientele. Not only that, it allows patrons to get up close and personal with the brand as it offers glimpses into their pristine workshops.

The rose gold 'Ladies First' Perpetual Calendar Ref 7410 R is elegance personified and is one of the brand's first grand complications watches for women with an ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement.

The Patek Philippe Diamond Ribbon Ref. 4968R is studded with 273 exquisite diamonds and boasts of a mother of pearl dial, ideal for the woman who enjoys a dash of glamour. It comes in an option of rose or white gold.

Nautilus, one of the brand's most famous designs is presented in rose gold with a brown dial and diamond-set bezel, making it a timeless choice.

The bestselling Twenty4 timepiece's latest rose gold rendition boasts of a chocolate brown dial which is set with 34 stunning diamonds.

For the sporty woman, The Aquanaut Luce Ref. 5067A, with its textured rubber strap and dial in matching colours, is the answer.
[Patek-Institutional and The-Jewellery-Editor - 1 and 2]
« previous story
« Kim Kardashian's $400,000 Rolls-Royce delivered to her Los Angeles home from Miami
next story »
Kim Kardashian's $400,000 Rolls-Royce delivered to her Los Angeles home from Miami

Reality TV star, Kim Kardashian has a penchant for the high life and fast cars. The starlet nurses a soft spot for luxury cars and this was evident as she eagerly welcomed her black Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II as it was delivered to her mansion in Los Angeles. The 32-year-old was dressed in a black buttoned-up dress shirt, leather trousers, and open-toed booties as she made her way to the Los Angeles International Airport to receive the car which was being shipped from Miami. The diva bought this car, which retails at $403,000, in exchange for the white Rolls-Royce Phantom she previously owned. According to a celebrity blog Kim is the proud owner of a Ferrari 458 Italia, a blacked-out Bentley Continental GTC, a black Range Rover, and a white Range Rover. She also gifted her boyfriend of nine months, Kanye West, a Lamborghini Aventador.

After welcoming her new car, Kim flew off to New Jersey to support West who was performing at the Revel Club. The party girl will be bringing in 2013 at her official party happening Monday night at the 1 Oak night club at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. It is also believed that things are getting even more serious between the celebrity couple as Kanye flew Kim to Oklahoma City the day after Thanksgiving to pay respects to his mother and to meet his mother's side of the family.
[Dailymail]
« previous story
« Alexander McQueen's Skull studded metallic leather box clutch
next story »
Patek Philippe's new microsite is dedicated to their women's collection»
Alexander McQueen's Skull studded metallic leather box clutch

Luxury label Alexander McQueen is particularly famous for its skull box clutches and they have many unique versions of this famous it-bag to their credit. The brand now gives us the perfect arm candy to drool over for the New Year-the Skull studded metallic leather box clutch. Priced at $1,875, this gold lamb leather stunner is adorned with smooth black, gold and silver stud embellishments. This glamorous clutch is the perfect fit for the woman who likes to stay a bit edgy with her fashion choices and promises to be the perfect accompaniment to any dress. Furthermore, it is fully lined in black leather and also boasts of the iconic amber crystal-embellished skull clasp. The bag is easy to carry around and weighs a mere 0.8lbs.

[Net-A-Porter]
« previous story
« Gold Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 caught on video in Miami
next story »
Kim Kardashian's $400,000 Rolls-Royce delivered to her Los Angeles home from Miami»
Gold Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 caught on video in Miami

Lovers of bling-on-wheels will definitely have no hard time remembering the gilded Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 that we told you about. Yes, it's the same Lambo that was pulled over by the cops in Miami (a case of too much bling, we guess). Well, for those who longed to know more about this gilded beauty, here is some more info on this golden creation. The V12 engine beauty which is capable of a top speed of 217 mph and produces 700 hp, was given the gilded makeover by Prestige Imports of Miami. Named AU79, after gold's name on the periodic table of elements, this beauty took its makers over 70 days to make.
The transformation of this Lambo into a golden showstopper cost over $50,000! So you can imagine how much this special edition beauty will cost you in totality, given that the car itself costs over a half million dollars!

Project Au79 was the collaborative effort of Prestige Imports / Lamborghini Miami & Cinemotive. Brett David created Project Au79 hoping the car would have its own personality allowing worldwide photographers and filmmakers to capture the car in their cameras. The video depicts the car in some of the most secured areas of Miami (probably where the car was caught by the cops).

Have a look at the video to watch this gilded beauty makes its way across Miami.
[Freshnessmag]
« previous story
« Louis Vuitton Winter Resort store opens up in Switzerland
next story »
Alexander McQueen's Skull studded metallic leather box clutch»
Louis Vuitton Winter Resort store opens up in Switzerland

Don't you just love it when you hear about luxury stores opening up across the globe? This just means that luxury is now around the corner for quite a few people. Working towards this endeavor of making luxury accessible to more luxury lovers across the globe is Louis Vuitton who has opened yet another store, this time in Switzerland. This is the second store of the famed luxury house in Switzerland, following the opening of its first store in the famous Swiss ski resort in 2004. The new Louis Vuitton Winter Resort store has opened up on the renowned Promenade, Gstaad.

The store depicts the architectural traditions and designs of Louis Vuitton and yet beautifully blends with the pristine Alpine region. Evoking a sense of sophistication, luxury and all things nice, it invites the shopper to experience luxury at its best. Promising to be a successful venture, this new store will surely not fail to attract the luxury lovers.
Louis Vuitton recently opened its first pop store in Paris and also saw the reopening of its store in Hong Kong's iconic Pacific mall.
[Hypebeast]
« previous story
« Mandarin Oriental, Washington offers a POTUS package
next story »
Gold Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 caught on video in Miami»
2012 China (Macau) International Yacht Import and Export Fair
The 2012 China (Macau) International Yacht Import and Export Fair ended with a bang on November 18. According to organizers the event registered more than 50,000 visitors. Yachts from more than 30 brands including Sunseeker, Brunswick, Yamaha, China Pacific Marine and Navinode Marine were on display, with some 20 orders placed on site. The number of potential customers clocked in at 300.
In addition to an art and photo wall, there were also fashion shows, wine tasting sessions and VIP cruising tours.
The next edition of the show will take place in November 2013 alongside the third China (Macau) International Automobile Exposition and 2013 Macau Business Aviation Exhibition.
We sat down with Helen Xue, Deputy Secretary-General of the China (Macau) International Yacht Import and Export Organizing Committee, as she talks the Chinese yacht market and her favourite things.
How is this year's yacht show different from its first iteration?
Well, first of all, the location is different. We held the show at the Rocks hotel last year whereas this year, we picked The Venetian. The focus is also different. More and more Chinese people are seeing yachting as a lifestyle. That's why we have areas dedicated to beach activities and red wine tasting this year.
How is the Macau International Yacht Import and Export Fair different from other boat shows?
We strive to act as a bridge of communication between yacht brands and owners in China and overseas.
How does the Chinese yacht market differ from its western counterparts?
China yacht market is still in its infant stage, but it's catching up with its western counterpart. It has great potential for further growth. In comparison, western yacht shows offer superior pre- and post-sale services.
How did the idea of a fashion show and wine fair come about?
Because a good glass of wine and a breezy day out at the sea often go hand in hand! This year, we have wines sourced from five of the world's biggest cellars.
Do you have a yacht?
No but I'm planning on getting one - something that measures approximately 70 feet, with enough space to install fishing tools and audio-visual equipments. It'll be used for leisure purposes.
What's your favourite kind of yacht?
Speedboats
How would you define luxury?
For me luxury isn't necessarily attached to a price tag. It's not about surrounding yourself with expensive goods, rather it's about acquired tastes and healthy living.
What are three luxury items you can't live without?
Jewellery, watches and music.
Swan Song: The Audiophile Lacrima Speakers
Talk about a swan song: these sinuous, gracefully arched speakers by The Audiophile are a great way to sound off the new year. Entirely hand-built and housed in beautifully designed cabinets, the four-way Lacrima speakers are designed for maximum aural and aesthetic impact: those tapering tubes extending from the drivers are said to dampen resonance and noise, resulting in pristine sound quality.
Two futuristic bass drivers float above silicone O-rings, cutting out mechanical coloration, while the tweeter and mid-range drivers boast catenary domes and carbon fiber rings that together produce a harmonic distortion of less than 0.5 percent.
Tech-speak aside, the Lacrima is an object of beauty in itself, with its "necks" recalling the sensual silhouette of those most evocative of birds. Molded from a sophisticated blend of "quasi-isotropic" glass, reinforced plastic and a lightweight balsa core before being hand-polished and hand-finishing in an almost artisanal process that involves the painstaking application of two coats of high-body primer, three layers of pigment, four layers of clear lacquer and two coats of wax. This audio art comes with a respectable price: get yours at US$40,000 a pop.
The Audiophile
Royal Carribbean International Inks S$1.6 Billion Deal with STX France
Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas
In swimmingly good news for the ailing French shipping industry, Royal Caribbean International has announced that it has commissioned the STX France shipyard at Saint-Nazaire to build a sister ship to add to its fleet of luxury cruise liners. The contract is said to be worth more than S$1.6 billion, and will amount to more than 10 million hours in work over the next three years for the French shipyard and its subcontractors.
The new cruise liner, to be delivered in mid-2016, will be the third in Royal Caribbean International's line-up of top-end ships, which include the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas. The two existing Oasis-class liners are the largest in the world, with 16 decks and a capacity of 5,400 passengers each. A whole suite of entertainment and leisure options abound, and include pools with wave machines, rock climbing walls and ice-skating rinks.
As for the new ship in the pipeline, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said it was a sign of a recovery in his country's industrial sector: "France is showing its capacity to win the battle for the recovery of its industry and exports, and [this deal demonstrates] the excellence of French know-how in naval construction."
Royal Caribbean International
via [AFP]
Racks MBD Reopens in Hong Kong
Daniel Wu and Lisa S
Model, TV presenter and now RTHK radio host Lisa Selesner Wu (a.k.a. Lisa S) and actress Bernice Liu are fronting Racks, the cool pool bar which has reopened on the fringe of the great Wyndham Street after-dark watering hole in Hong Kong.
The old Racks was established in Hong Kong and Shanghai by partners including Selesner and her husband Daniel Wu. Now under new ownership – Selesner, Liu, Adrian Kuo, Damon Howe and a few investors who prefer to remain anonymous – the new premises are bigger, smarter and say the leading ladies offer "less pool and more drinking – like a college drinking party but in a good way!" Selesner adds: "The place looks very sharp now. We kept the same feel as the old Racks but upgraded it. It's a bit dressier but without losing the concept of a neighbourhood pool hall."
Racks gives their celebrity friends a private retreat "to hang", where they don't need to dress up and what they say won't be reported in the press the next day. Case in point: Kevin Spacey loved it when he was in town last year. Liu, who has her own wine (her California red and white are available here), often comes with visiting chateaux friends who "have a beer for a change". This is not a members-only club though – everyone who likes to drink and/or play pool is welcome.
Scroll down for more photos of the snazzily-clad club, and the many beautiful faces that breezed in for the opening bash on December 13.
(from left) Drafus Chow, Cara Grogan, Damon Howe, Anthony Sandstrom, Bernice Liu, Jocelyn Luko-Sandstrom and Mancy Cheng
(from left) Benedict Ku and Damon Howe
(from left) Alex Shum, Adrian Kuo, Francisco Ricafort and Damon Howe
Christie Woo
Carl Ng
(from left) Jocelyn Luko-Sandstrom, Simon Birch and Melanie Lowe
Racks MDB
Toast to Remember: Van Perckens Nr.8 Gold Cooler
Made from 7kg of yellow gold, this impressive work of art by Van Perckens is a celebration unto itself.The collectors' edition Nr.8 Champagne cooler is described in its press notes to be "a symbiosis of precious metals, crystal, passion and traditional Dutch craftsmanship", and will most certainly impress your guests at your next house party.
Available in sterling silver or 20ct gold, the Nr.8 Champagne cooler is presented in a hand-crafted rosewood case embellished with gilded carved accents. Lined to protect your investment, the sliding drawer opens to reveal six champagne goblets and a pair of tailored black gloves, so you or your butler wont smudge your glasses. Asking price? US$724,460. Now thats a hearty toast to the new year!
Van Perckens
Symbol of Success: Omega Monogram iPhone 5 Case
Embossed with the Swiss manufacture's famous logo, get your new year off to a good start with this handsome iPhone 5 case by Omega. Made from supple leather in black or burgundy, this tech accessory hails from the brand's "Symbol" collection, with the "Ω" monogram stamped into the finest calf.
And because it can be a hassle to slide your phone in and out of its protective casing, Omega has made it easier by incorporating an elegantly simple solution: an innovative lift-up strap which allows you to retrieve your device as and when you need to. Available exclusively at Omega boutiques.
Omega