Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit.
Rolls-Royce will be unveiling its latest concept car, the 200EX at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. The design will be indicative of the direction Rolls-Royce is taking for its four-door saloons in 2010 productions.
The sneak previews show a less formal sense of styling compared to previous Rolls-Royces, and a great focus on spaciousness in the interiors. “200EX is a touring saloon with more than a little panache and perhaps more bravado than one might have expected,” says Chief Designer, Ian Cameron.
The design stays true to Roll-Royce tradition of elevated prow, long bonnets and short front overhangs. The Rolls-Royce design philosophy is to have something that is “powerful but unobtrusive.”
Headlamps are LED as a modern update, and the 200EX concept model is finished with Darkest Tungsten and seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels.
Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves explains that the 200EX “is a modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance,” as it retains some of the core values of Rolls-Royce tradition yet adapts to modern aesthetics. Rolls-Royce is expecting to attract the kind of customer who “appreciates its fusion of refinement, new technology and contemporary style.”
Designed by modernist architect Ray Kappe, the Gould-LaFetra House in Brentwood, L.A., was part of a ‘sensitive restoration’ project by owner and film producer Michael LaFetra. With a theme of glass and wood, the three-story home features panoramic views and a newly installed infinity pool.
Originally an estate from the 1960s, the home now features a modern kitchen, rooftop deck, and two fireplaces. The interior is a reflection of the architect’s modernist style, with neutral colors and simple, organic lines. Plenty of warmth is added with woods of teak, redwood, mahogany and Douglas fir.
Views include the Pacific Ocean, Santa Catalina Island, Long Beach and beyond. The master bedroom is located on the second floor, and gives a feeling of sleeping amongst the trees. There are three bedrooms in total, with wooden built-in furniture and shelves.
Whether as a classic piece of 1960s architecture, a modern minimalist refurbishment, or a futuristic embrace of nature into domesticity, this home is simply spectacular. The views are so awesome, they may even be mistaken for huge wall murals as it is hard to believe that the beauty is this real.
(Above-left: Ducati Corse; right: Ducati One)
As one of the oldest names in motorcycle manufacturing, Ducati must be pretty confident that even with the economic crisis, their fans are out there and willing pay. This spring, Ducati has released two new watches, with just as much sporty, sexy and innovative design styling as their motorcycles.
There is the Ducati One (an updated version of a previous model of the same name), and the Ducati Corse.
The Ducati One features black diamonds on the bezel and a luxurious crocodile strap. The watchface replicates Ducati’s well-recognized dashboard, and the overall look is more black with hints of red rather than with the Ducati Corse, which has a predominent red background on its watchface.
The Ducati Corse has a gray watchband with red line design and is priced at a more affordable $995 compared to the black diamond Ducati One which is selling for $2,500.
Both watches are available from Ducati and selected jewelry stores.
The new Porsche Design phone has certainly taken the idea of ‘car brand souvenir’ to a whole other level. The phone could probably have stood alone in a launch without the Porsche name and been able to rack up a similar asking price to its current €600 (about $774 USD). Though this price is actually half of the previous Porsche phone, the P’9521.
Unlike the P’9521, this phone is not a flip phone – and haven’t we all gotten over that phase? Made of aluminum with scratch-proof glass touchscreen face, the phone exudes luxury, modernity and masculinity. Really suited to the tastes of a Porsche driver or aspiring Porsche drivers.
What’s even more impressive about Porsche’s efforts to promote this phone, however, is a traveling photography exhibition featuring the phone, which is like a luxury advertising campaign in itself; like a glorified set of billboards.
The Porsche Design P’9522 is currently available for purchase from Porsche Design’s online store.
(Above: generated image of what to expect from the new Kiton boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue)
Saks Fifth Avenue will be unveiling an impressively luxurious Kiton boutique in the New York department store by February 26. The boutique has marble flooring and views of the Rockefeller Center ice-skating rink.
President and chief merchandising officer for Saks, Ronald L. Frasch, is certain that the man who’s willing to spend $7,000 on a suit is still out there. Quit logical, I suppose, since $7,000 seems quite a bargain compared to the $21,025 for a made-to-order version.
“At the end of the day the customer is searching for value. And value isn’t just in the price,” said Saks senior vice president and general merchandise manager for men’s wear and home furnishings, Tom Ott.
Kiton is one of the most exclusive suit makers in the world, with 330 skilled tailors who hand create each garment. Supposedly the suits will “fit like a second skin,” and be able to completely de-wrinkle even after being crushed into the crevice of an airplane seat after a long journey.
