For those looking for the ultimate gaming experience, look no further. Eleven Forty Company makes the poshest, one-of-a-kind toy for the self-indulgent child in you. Aptly called the Opus, this extraordinary football table employs cutting-edge computer-aided design technology in its creation, giving it curvy lines and revolutionary form. Handcrafted in glass, stainless steel and handsome woods like oak, maple and mahogany, it certainly is a masterpiece. A work of art that takes no less than 400 hours to make.
What makes this football table one-of-a-kind? Eleven Forty developed a technology that allows them to micro-cast 3D heads from photographs. This means you can choose who gets to play for your dream football team. You can have your family and friends’ faces on your players. Or you can have the Tennessee Titans on them since they seem to be having a good season so far.
The company created a limited-edition Good vs. Evil Opus football table, which is exclusively available at 20ltd. Leading the Good line-up are Claus (as in Santa), Assisi (as in St. Francis) and Poppins (as in Mary). Hitler, Lucifer and Macbeth (as in Lady) head the villainous and the wicked. This certainly would make one excellent conversation piece.
Cost: £ 17,000 (US$ 26,000).
Supermodels, movie stars, pop icons – some of the sexiest ladies in the world are about to be up for auction at Christie’s in London on November 19th, in the form of oversized photography prints.
Possibly the most expensive piece of the beautiful ladies will be the Angelina Jolie with Blood, by Martin Shoeller, estimated to sell at anywhere between $23,000 to $39,000 (£15,000 – £25,000).
A nude Kate Moss by Albert Watson is hoping to be sold off at around $23,000 to $31,000 (£15,000 – £20,000).
An especially cheeky looking pre-baby Britney Spears photography by David LaChapelle is also up for auction at around $23,000 to $31,000 (£15,000 – £20,000).
At the ‘lower’ end of the spectrum is a Giselle Bundchen piece by Mark Seliger, estimated at about $9,000 to $12,000 (£6,000 – £8,000).
Other ladies of note whose photographs will be up for auction include: Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima, film actress and model James King, supermodels Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford.
There’s something so nostalgic about a friendly game of Backgammon. Said to be favourite pastime of Spiderman Tobey Maguire, the game of backgammon sure has had its appeals to people of all ages, throughout the ages. And part of the design of the game pieces and holding case in themselves can sometimes be called works of art or even works of heritage.
This exclusive 20 edition only Geoffrey Parker backgammon game set is made entirely of alligator and sterling silver. An engraving on the sterling silver disc above the hand-stitched carrying handle shows the limited edition number.
The set is currently sold exclusively on 20ltd and only 20 editions will ever be made. The cost is £9,000.
Creator Max Parker – son of Geoffrey Parker – personally dedicated this set to his father. The Geoffrey Parker brand of game sets are renowned for being the regular suppliers to the World Championships of Backgammon.
In a dilemma about what to give your friend who has everything for Christmas? Ralph Lauren has a collection of one-of-a-kind vintage items that were hand-picked for their beauty and enduring style.
The chrome race car (shown above) was one of the last cars created by illustrious model car designer Herb Singe. This collectible is gas-powered and fully-functional, with moving parts similar to a vintage racer. Cost: $ 7,850.
This circa 1950s Tiffany & Co. desk set contains a sectional tray, a glass inkwell, a stationary stand, a business card holder and a paper clip. Crafted from sterling silver, each item has an inscription with the Tiffany seal. Cost: $ 4,200.
From the house of Hermes in France comes this rare silver-plated envelope box circa 1950. The top of the box is stamped with the shape of an envelope, the interior lined in wood and the Hermes signature imprinted at the back. Cost: $ 3,150.
This circa 1930s desk ornament shows two bomber planes in flight. One plane is made of aluminum while the other is of black Bakelite plastic. Cost: $ 1,950.
Another original from Hermes is this silver-plated letter opener designed as a belt strap circa 1950. This “belt” comes complete with a loop, three holes and a pointed tip. The Hermes signature monogram at the back assures you of this item’s authenticity. Cost: $ 1,600.
All items are exclusively available at Ralph Lauren.
It’s already won the prestigious international Red Dot Design Award, and gotten itself into an exhibit at the 2008 21st Biennial of Industrial Design in Ljubljana. Weighing in at 17 grams, the Austrian-designed Purisme letter opener costs €350 ($450 USD).
Inspired by racing speedboats, the letter opener is made entirely of carbon fiber – woven carbon set in epoxy. There are shimmers and glimmers when you look closely, and an almost 3D effect in the patterns. Very futuristic.
Designer Mario Zeppetzauer created a product which not only is visually appealing, but fits well in the palm of the hand and gives you great grip. Measuring at 25 cm, the opener never veers off or makes a tear in the envelope.
The designer says he personally inspects each opener before despatch, and has also electromagnetically encoded a special message in each one. The Purisme letter opener comes in a felt case like a luxury pen.
