This luxurious casing tower of Eazo Z70 is a revolutionary masterpiece which is made of an 80-year old rosewood from Myanmar with an aluminum-magnesium alloy chassis later painted with natural Chinese lacquer with no chemical additives. The framework of the body used 14 kgms of high level metal, specializes in the manufacturer of 140 kgms from the car engine, which is aluminum-magnesium alloy car washed out. The Z70’s interior contains an Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 processor and is water cooled so that the heat emitted during working hours doesn’t burn the wood.
Via: luxuryqq

Faralli & Mazzanti Vulca S

Italian exotic autobile builder Faralli & Mazzanti will produced only 10 numbered examples of their eye-catching Etruscan -inspired Vulca S Coupe.Named after the famous Etruscan sculptor Vulca da Veio known for his artistice expressions of the mysterious and ancient population of Etruscan world, including the “Apollo di Veio”. It constitutes a lightweight, hand beaten all-aluminum body that is fashioned such that it look all “sinous, modern, elegant yet aggressive in style”. The new Vulca S is a powerful and reliable engine that is indeed part of the latest generation in technology with 5.8-liter V10 engine gives 600 HP an exhilarating driving experience. The interior has diamond stitched leather with a luxe wood trim and priced at priced at a whopping $390,000

Faralli & Mazzanti Vulca SFaralli & Mazzanti Vulca S

Faralli & Mazzanti Vulca SVia: motorauthority /image: autoblog

Diamond Visa Credit Card Shines in Kazakhstan

ALMATY (Reuters Life!) - Sick of the global credit crisis? Get yourself a diamond credit card as consolation.

A bank in Kazakhstan, an oil-rich Caspian nation, has unveiled a new VISA card encrusted with a shiny 0.02 carat diamond and laced with an elaborate gold pattern.

"It's (designed) for a private club of VIP clients," said Dmitry Nikolin, executive director of Kazakhstan's mid-size Eurasian Bank which released the card on Tuesday.

The card will be issued for clients with an annual income of at least $300,000, targeting a thin layer of affluent consumers in a vast nation where the average monthly wage is about $500.

Nikolin told Reuters it was the first VISA card of this kind in the world and will be offered to clients beyond Kazakhstan.

Like other resource-rich former Soviet states, Kazakhstan developed fast on the back of booming commodity prices but a sharp downturn in oil prices this year and the end of credit expansion has snapped its double-digit economic growth.

Kazakhstan is now facing the challenge of growing social tensions as the crisis eats away at people's savings and widens the rich-poor divide in a nation where up to one quarter of the 16 million population lives in poverty, according to U.N. figures.

Via: Reuters

V. Georgio Vodka

V. Georgio Spirits Co. CEO and Chairman Victor G. Harvey, has just released the ultra premium vodkas. It offers two of the world's only unique in its Special Edition V.I.P. which consists of natural guarana, and natural cranberies, Acai Vodka and Singnature Edition. It is the fruit of V. Georgio Spirits Co. labor after spending over five years in traveling to acquire the tastes of vodkas all over the world to perfect the V. Georgia Vodka. V. Georgio Spirits Co. uses unique approach to remove the harsh impurities and extract the extraordinary flavors of the all natural ingredients that has revolutioninzed the ultra premium market for luxury vodka.


Victor Harvey and the V.Giorgio Vodka girls Victor Harvey and the V.Giorgio Vodka girls

Via: vgeorgio /sfltimes

Dubai Monarch Suite

The Monarch is set to become one of Dubai's most distinguished luxury hotels in UAE. The hotel's rooms and suites comprise- 141 Executive bedrooms, 38 Executive Suites, 2 Presidential Suites. The Monarch also has The Sky Suite and The Monarch Suite.

The Monarch Suite is the hotel’s crowning glory and an enigmatic symbol of exclusive Arabian service and luxury. Based on the 32nd and 33rd floors, it offers over 1,130 square metres of state of-the-art technology with an artistic blend of contemporary design and flashes of Arabian decor. Overlooking Dubai's iconic landmarks, the terrace and pool offer guests an all-encompassing outdoor relaxation area, and takes on a sparkling city ambience in the evening that sets the scene for an entertaining night under the Arabian stars.

The epitome of modern luxury, the Monarch Suite offers guests a truly unprecedented hospitality experience.



Dubai Monarch SuiteDubai Monarch SuiteDubai Monarch Suite

World's Slimmest LCD: LG LED LCD TV LH95LG Electronics will unveil the world's slimmest LED LCD TV LH95 at the upcoming CES 2009 held in Las Vegas.

Featuring 24.8mm thickness, the LH95 supports 240Hz TrueMotion Drive technology and 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Sonys XEL-1 the first OLED-Televsion does have a contrast about 1.000.000:1. The LH95 does have a dynamic contrast about 2.000.000:1!

According to the company, this LED LCD TV is 2009 CES Innovation Award winners in the Display category. No wording on price or how soon after CES 2009 the LG LH95 will be available for sale.

Via: aving

Safe-T Bed  With Safety Box by HollandiaIsraeli based opulent bed maker,Hollandia International recently announced the launch of their new bed, the Safe-T Bed. The Safe-T is originally constructed for an international customer who wanted to keep a handgun safely stored next to him while he slept, Hollandia’s SAFE-T Bed was designed with a small safe built into the base of the bed frame. Located underneath the mattress, at the joint where the base of the bed meets the headboard, the small safe is camouflaged by cloth and is accessed with a small key. The bed also comes equipped with a motorized, hidden television integrated into the foot board. The bed is worth $20,400 but if you currently own a Hollandia Executive Bed, for $399, this becomes an add on feature. According to Hollandia’s Vice President of Operations, Maya Ben,

“We made sure to position the safe within the bed base, under the mattress, so as to not change the feel of the bed when sleeping. Whether you want to store your jewels, cash or other valuables, the safe is a unique feature that should give our customers a different sense of security with this new sleep system.”
Safe-T Bed  With Safety Box by Hollandia
Via: mattressonlinemagazine /hollandia press release

Fendi Casa Real Leather Furniture Collection

Italian fashion house, Fendi, has added two new products to their Fendi Casa Real Leather Furniture Collection in elegant textured leather. The Leather Cabinet features a sleek lacquered finish; and it's leather embossed with an exotic croc-skin pattern and in the bar’s case, an exquisite mirrored interior. A variety of colors guarantee the perfect match for any appropriately modern interior, and include classic black, ivory, beige finish and a newly added chocolate brown as the current color of choice for Fend Casa Real leather furniture collection. The elegant pair is available in a classic black, ivory or beige finish, and now, Fendi Casa has added rich chocolate brown as the current color of choice for their leather furniture collection.

Fendi Casa Real Leather Furniture Collection

Nike Air Jordan XX3 Premier

The time has finally arrive for the Air Jordan XX3 Premier (23) which launched on December 23, 2008 to take its seat among the greatest sneakers of all time. This beautiful Air Jordan XX3 Premier White / Titanium - University Blue colorway which can now be bought from $1,500 upwards. Available in a limited edition at 23 stores across the U.S. and each store will only have 23 pairs for a total of 529 pairs of the Air Jordan XX3 (23) Premier - Black / Varsity Red being released. So grab your Air Jordan XX3 Premier pairs now!

Nike Air Jordan XX3 Premier

Here's the list of 23 stores where you can buy Air Jordan XX3 Premier:
Release Date: 12/23/2008
Style: 318474-061
Colorway: Black/Varsity Red (23 pairs per store; 529 total)
Retail Price: $230.00

  1. City Gear 6215 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38115
  2. Footlocker 120 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
  3. Champs Sports 5 Times Square, New York, NY 10036
  4. Footaction 430 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001
  5. Finishline 294 Fox Hills Mall, Culver City, CA 90230
  6. Aficionado 730 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60624
  7. The Shoe Gallery 244 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132
  8. Millennium Shoes 1810 West Slauson Ave #A, Los Angeles, CA 90047
  9. Walter’s 66 Decatur St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  10. Sheikh Shoes 929 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103
  11. Undefeated 112 1/2 S La Brea Ave, Los Angelas, CA 90036
  12. Sneakervilla 1231 N Broad Street, Philly, PA 19122
  13. Expressions 486 Washington Street, Boston, MA 2111
  14. NBA Store 666 5th Ave, New York, NY 10103
  15. DTLR Columbia Mall, 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
  16. Moe’s Sneaker Spot 8902 165th Street #B13 Jamaica, NY 11432
  17. Jimmy Jazz 224 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458
  18. Niketown 669 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
  19. Active Athlete 9248 Cullen Blvd #A, Houston, TX 77051
  20. House of Hoops 268 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027
  21. House of Hoops North Riverside Park Mall, 7500 W Cermak Rd, Riverside, IL 60546
  22. House of Hoops Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
  23. Air Jordan Flight Club www.airjordanflightclub.com

Nokia E51 With 18 Carat Yellow Gold by  Peter Aloisson

Noted Austrian designer and jeweler Peter Aloisson has decked out the Nokia E51, and there are two models available – the Nokia E51Blossoms of the Eight” and the Nokia E51Terezzo”. The Nokia E51 “Blossoms of the Eight” is made of solid 18 carat yellow gold. It comes beautifully hand engraved with a design of lotus blossoms and the lucky number “8.” While the Nokia E51 “Terezzo” is made of solid 18 carat yellow gold. The handset is encrusted with a variety of individually hand cut citrines, amethysts and/or tourmalines. Each gem is being specially hand cut and polished to fit the design of this fantastic piece. The Blossoms of the Eight and the Terezzo are priced at $28,000 and $47,000 respectively.

Nokia E51 With 18 Carat Yellow Gold by  Peter Aloisson
Via:aloisson

Bathtub with Swarovski Crystals by Aqua MassThe picture above is a luxurious bathtub with Swarovski crystals. It is a collaboration between Swarovski and designer baths Aqua Mass. The luxury bathtub is made of glamorous Diamond with Strass Swarovski, a double tub with inlaid geometric crystals. The gorgeous baroque bathtub is painted white or black and costs EUR 13,980 (US $19,670).

Via: knack.be

London BusFoster + Partners has won joint first prize in Transport for London’s competition to design a 21st-century routemaster to replace the capital’s much-maligned bendy buses. The bus is designed to navigate the dense and varied streets of London, employing innovative technologies to allow for greater manoeuvrability and energy conservation. Optimizing safety, the driver’s cabin provides panoramic views as well as incorporating screens to supervise CCTV images and radio communications with the on-board conductor. According to the AP, in the Aston / Foster model , "Passengers sit on reconstituted leather upholstery while gazing through a glazed roof coated with solar panels to power heat and air conditioning. The rounded bus also boasts wood flooring and a saloon-like lower deck that the architect hopes will create 'a tactile living room feel.'"

The new bus is zero emissions ready, accessible for all and will set new standards for sustainable public service vehicles. Passengers benefit from views from the top of the deck through a glazed roof which incorporates solar cells to generate energy and filter daylight to control the temperature inside. Critics of the plan have pointed out the cost of the chic new conveyances could amount to $160 million a year.

London BusVia: dezeen

 Luxury Swatch Art Peace Hotel

The Swatch Group will open to the public one of the most legendary buildings in Shanghai and in China, the Peace Hotel South Building. A joint-venture acquisition with the leading Chinese hotel and tour operator Jin Jiang Group, located at Shanghai’s most famous historic former financial district, at the intersection of Nanjing Road and the Bund.

Under the leadership of the Swatch Group, the Swatch Art Peace Hotel project introduces a unique concept combining a retail environment with a hotel exclusively intended for artists who will live, work and exhibit their creations there.

With this world-class center for contemporary art, culture and hospitality where art will constitute the supreme luxury, the Swatch Group is once more making its presence clearly felt in this part of the world.

In addition to a Swatch Art Boutique, other points of sale for the Swatch Group’s more prestigious brands including Breguet, Blancpain and Omega will occupy the ground floor. Each will be designed to perfectly respect the Peace Hotel’s cultural heritage and reflect its period décor and cultural atmosphere.

Guzzini Store

Guzzini opened its first flagship store in Milan, which houses a showroom of 130 sqm in the heart of Brera, one of the city's most enchanting districts.

Besides the flagship store in Milan, the Italian company has previously opened other 6 monobrand stores worldwide: 4 in France, most recently in Lyon, 1 in Tokyo and 1 in the Ukraine, while around 30 new monobrand stores are scheduled to open worldwide within the next three years as part of a plan to expand its retail project.

Luxury Kitchen Systems by Armani/Dada

The Armani Group has disclosed a new partnership with Dada for the future production and distribution of kitchen systems under the brand name “Armani/Dada”. Dada is part of the Molteni Group known for their fabulous kitchens. The newly partnered (Armani/Dada) will market the new brand includes the Bridge, a chic minimalist wonder of a kitchen systems which are designed to create an intimate and individual ambiance, simultaneously comfortable, yet sophisticated. The Bridge will be featured in the 144 exclusive Armani Residences within the Burj Dubai, the tallest building in the world, now under construction in Dubai, Armani/Dada kitchens also feature on the 57th floor of the Federation Tower in Moscow which, at 340 metres high, will be the tallest tower in Europe, now under construction near the Kremlin square. Armani/Dada Systems will be available from single brand Armani/Casa outlets as well as the most appropriate concept stores belonging to the Molteni Group.This collaboration between Armani/Casa and Dada has a cosmopolitan mission. Armani/Dada Systems is currently available both at selected Armani/Casa locations and Molteni Group concept stores.

Luxury Kitchen Systems by Armani/Dada

Watch this video by videojug.com on How To Tie a Tie - Full Windsor Knot. Enjoy!


London's Exclusive Luxury Loft

Urban Spaces Estate Agents London's primary loft expert since 1995 has this luxury loft apartment for sale for £685,000 for 1118 sq. ft. located in Northern end of Wenlock Road. It has been completely redesigned and refitted to create a stunning, high spec space ideal for entertaining, facing west over London and is unlike any other we have seen in this well known and sought after deployment. This fantastic loft overlooking canal basin features double height ceilings, a gallery master bedroom with dressing, en-suite and bath suite along with a chill out area and a large decked balcony for those incredible sunsets.

Luxury London loft's kitchen
London's Exclusive Luxury Loft

Luxury London loft bedroom

London's Exclusive Luxury Loft
Luxury London loft bathroom

London's Exclusive Luxury Loft
Via: urbanspaces.co.uk

2009 Mercedes SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

The New 2009 Mercedes McLaren SLR is named after the legendary British race car driver Stirling Moss who bagged his first F1 Grand Prix title driving a Mercedes-Benz and set a record time in the 1955 Mille Miglia race in a 300 SLR. The vehicle boasts a rap-sheet of impressive credentials such as the the 650 hp V8 powerplant from the SLR 722 edition from which 0-62 will take a 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 217 mph (350km/h0).

Unfortunately, the 2009 Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss is limited to just 75 units worldwide and will be made available only to current SLR owners for US$1.5M


PRESS RELEASE:
Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

The exclusive SLR Stirling Moss rounds off the current SLR family and is limited to 75 units. It is priced at 750,000 euros. The SLR Roadster will cease to be manufactured at the end of May 2009 as planned, and production of the SLR Stirling Moss will commence in June 2009.

Three letters are all it takes to make car fans' hearts beat faster: SLR. In the 1950s the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 celebrated victory after victory. It won the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio as well as the Tourist Trophy. It was driven by the stars of the time: Juan Manual Fangio and Karl Kling – and, first and foremost, by the British racing driver Stirling Moss. At ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds he still holds the Mille Miglia record.

This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words "Stirling Moss" in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement – just like its forebears – it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.

Highly puristic concept without a roof or a windscreen

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow's equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Exciting design reminiscent of the SLR racing cars

The SLR Stirling Moss, its entire bodywork made of fine lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz designers were working on the body of the new SLR Stirling Moss, they were fully aware every single moment that they were creating a vehicle with a top speed of 350 km/h. At the same time this supreme athlete is highly reminiscent of the SLR racing cars from the 1950s, whose design idiom still never fails to impress to this day.

The SLR Stirling Moss sports an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterised by an elongated bonnet and a compact, muscular rear. As there is no windscreen, the exterior and interior flow smoothly into one. The bonnet also stretches from its striking tip right down into the interior, giving the vehicle body a distinctly sleek air. Even when standing still, the sports car radiates such dynamism that the observer immediately falls under its spell.

Further eye-catching features include two air scoops behind the driver and passenger. They carry additional roll-over bars, also uniting the traditional and the modern. The wings are powerfully contoured. Black-painted ventilation "gills" sitting facet-like on the sides and on the bonnet also cite the legend. A thrilling interplay of light and shadow ensues through the expressive lines, underlining the dynamic overall impression. Exactly as they were on the shining historical example, the side skirts on the new SLR Stirling Moss are also very high. This prompted the designers' decision in favour of folding swing-wing doors which open forwards.

The vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot. When both tonneau covers and the doors are closed the SLR Stirling Moss resembles a sculpture.

In keeping with the puristic exterior of the vehicle, the interior is also reduced to the bare essentials. Surfaces penetrating each other in the instrument panel and doors make for an exciting atmosphere and resonate perfectionism. A mixture of high-class authentic materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and fine-quality leather sets the style here. An aluminium plate carries the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.

Innovative technology and polished aerodynamic concept

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

Thanks to the high-precision work carried out in the wind tunnel, the SLR Stirling Moss always generates sufficient downforce for extremely safe handling. But the driver can also manually operate the AIRBRAKE in order to increase the contact pressure further, during particularly sporty driving, for example. The AIRBRAKE is also raised during powerful braking at speeds above 120 km/h, so as to stabilise the vehicle even more in such situations, thus facilitating maximum possible deceleration.

Limited to 75 units – the SLR models' crowning glory

The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector's item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.


OTTO  Espresso Maker

Most of us starts our day by drinking a cup of fresh coffee and savor the aroma of it. Nowadays, there are many options of coffee machines that is available in the market, but this stainless steel chromey Otto espresso is definitely the easiest one. The OTTO Espresso maker is the product of a “three year development phase has been driven by a love for great coffee.” It is a stove top espresso maker, but with a markedly different look to others of its kind. It is over engineered to the extreme and by the looks of things delivers a fantastic cup of coffee. The internal mechanism is completely different to the original machines. The boiler unit is separated and bolts into the base of the body, the steam and water hoses are separated and the water pick up in this unit is restricted to 60 ml (2 shots). The pressure capability/safety valve setting is at 10 bar, significantly higher than the original machines. The steaming pressure is around 1.5 bar, the same as a commercial boiler and the proof is in the texture of the milk. It is expected to arrive in Australia in January 2009. Its price will be at AU$495 (US$420)


Via: gizmodo

Gibson  Dark Fire Electric GuitarGibson has launched its much awaited new Dark Fire guitar, labeled as a "Marriage between Chameleon Tone Technology and Second-Generation Robot Guitar Technology". It features chambered mahogany body that makes the guitar lighter that any other Gibson. The Gibson Dark Fire Guitar gives you a number of tonal possibilities to let you change the tone of the Dark Fire to match your environment. It comes with some more interesting features like the pickup combination or the stunning cool finish — the P90h in the neck position and a Burstbucker 3 in the bridge position. Both are capped with new carbon fiber-like pickup covers, impeccably designed to match the Dark Fire's advanced fade.

The power head tuners, the tuning brain, the battery functions, and even the unprecedented sonic capabilities of a fully digital guitar and Chameleon Tone Technology. Everything is here to give you a new, stunning level of tonal and functional freedom that allows you the uninhibited release of your creative potential. This stunning guitar is priced at $3,500


Via: guitarsite /gibsondarkfire
Gibson  Dark Fire Electric GuitarGibson  Dark Fire Electric Guitar

Electrolux AuroraThe Electrolux Aurora induction cooktop is possibly the most beautiful cooktop in the world. This unique minimalist appearance uses electromagnetic fields to transfer heat and because of that it allows for a thin and low profile design compared to a conventional gas powered range. The LED perimeter lighting adds drama when using the product. The surface of the cooktop is made from white patterned ceramic glass which utilizes easy-to-use touch controls. It will cost at $10000.

Winekeeper

Description from Wine Enthusiast — Enjoy your wine a glass at a time with the Enthusiast 4 Bottle Winekeeper. As wine is dispensed through the individual spouts inert nitrogen blankets your bottle preventing oxidation allowing you to enjoy it day after day. And the thermostatically controlled compressor insures that your wine is served at ideal temperature as well. Includes beautiful Mahogany or Oak facing and glass display door. Size: 24-3/4′H 18′W x 18-1/2′D Item is made to order. Nitrogen tanks are sold separately. ($1,495.00)

Frederick's Lingerie

Here's a piece of good news from the manufacturing industry. While other garments manufacturer have cut jobs, luxury lingerie maker Frederick’s of Hollywood Group Inc. announced it will move its manufacturing operations to the Philippines.

In a statement released early this month, executive chair Peter Cole said “an unprecedented negative macroeconomic environment” in the US has “significantly impacted” the company’s first-quarter results.

“In response, we are continuing to reduce operating expenses, primarily through reductions in personnel,” Cole was quoted in the statement as saying.

He added that since Frederick’s merged with its parent FOH Holdings Inc. in January, the company has “terminated approximately 15 percent of our domestic employees [other than store personnel] and have transitioned certain manufacturing support functions previously performed by some of these employees to our facility in the Philippines.”

“This net reduction in workforce has resulted in an annualized net salary savings of approximately $3.8 million.”

Formerly Movie Star Inc., Frederick’s primarily sell women’s intimate apparel and related products under its eponymous brand through more than 130 specialty retail stores in the United States.

It carries the following branded products: Seduction by Frederick’s of Hollywood and the Hollywood Exxtreme Cleavage bra and Original Sex Symbol. It also sells wholesale throughout US and Canada its Cinema Etoile line of intimate apparel.

Frederick’s announcement comes three months after the successive declines in US consumption rates forced local lingerie makers to close down permanently.

Pacita Marcellana of Carina Apparel cited Prima Lingerie Inc., New Waves Apparel Inc., Blue Horizon Logistics & Sourcing Inc. and Sensous Lingerie Inc. as some of these companies.

“Our company, in order to survive and prevent closure of operations, must adopt economic measures. Under the circumstances, our company has no alternative but to embark on a retrenchment program to prevent further losses, which are heavily bleeding financially,” Marcellana, HR manager, said in her letter to retrenched employees in August.

Carina, a locator in the Laguna International and Industrial Park Special Economic Zone, had laid off more than a thousand garments workers.

The wholly owned subsidiary of British Virgin Islands-based Ace Style International Limited manufactures ladies’ undergarments such as bra, camisole, brief, bikini, panties, thongs and T-shirts.

It was one of four companies bought for HK$330 million in July by Hong Kong-based Top Form International Ltd.

Marcellana said the retrenchment was implemented because Carina Apparel “cannot maintain its present number of employees due to lack of orders and the weak market for its products which expectedly, with the present global economic conditions, would continue for a long time.”

She wrote that consumers in the US, the firm’s principal market, “spend their income first in paying home loan mortgages, food and education, with garments as the last priority.”

Frederick’s Cole echoed such view, saying in the statement “[i]n view of the current state of the economy and its anticipated continued impact on consumer spending through the holiday season and beyond, we will continue to operate our business prudently.”


Frederick's Lingerie Via: Businessmirror

Tony BlairUsually it's an honour reserved for presidents, heads of state and Hollywood A-listers. But at a time when stores are ever more desperate over the lack of ringing tills this Christmas, Tony Blair had the privilege of an entire designer shop to himself. Like Madonna and Victoria Beckham, who prefer to browse without the prying eyes of hoi polloi, Blair was accorded the perk of having Giorgio Armani's entire flagship London store opened up especially early for him. Not only that, but an eagle-eyed shopper passing the Knightsbridge emporium on Saturday morning noted that the shop had apparently provided the former Prime Minister with a personal shopper. 'Blair had the store to himself - it had opened an hour earlier than usual for him,' says my spy. 'He was with four bodyguards - two outside and two in the store - a personal... [read full story]




Vertu Signature Dragon

This is another ugliest phone by Vertu with its Signature Dragon phone on the front of the handset.. Two years ago Vertu unveiled its Cobra Signature considered as one of the most expensive mobile phones ever made and touted as the world's ugliest phone. Vertu comes back again with the Signature Dragon similar-looking Vertu's cobra. It is made out of high quality and luxurious materials such as gold and brilliant diamonds. The handset is currently on displayed at Vertu store in Wynn hotel at Las Vegas, Nevada and the price has not yet revealed as of this time, but I'm sure it is retailed for over a quarter of million bucks.

Via: avingnews

The Motivatrix MX10 Workout Master
The Motivatrix MX10 Workout Master personalizes and monitors users' workouts. Users can choose from aerobics, cardio or max-challenge workouts, select music and set fitness goals. Optical scanners trace users' movements hundreds of times per second, and a three-dimensional infrared sensor virtually identifies them. The motion-sensing technology reports users' speed, heart rate, training zone, calories, weight and work output, and evaluates their performance. Its body is constructed of steel and titanium and for a price of $12,500.