Luxist

Hotel Unique in South America's New Glamour Capital

Jaime El-Helw — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:02:00 EST

Hotel Unique in Sao Paulo, Brazil is a breathtaking achievement by local architect Ruy Ohtake. It is easily recognizable as it resembles a big slice of watermelon; with dramatically sloping sides and flat-topped roof and round, port-hole-style windows for the seeds. It is a sleek, cutting-edge structure and so attracts a lively clientele; it is the IN place to stay if ever in the "helicopter-capital of the world". The average room price here is approximately $360 USD. They have all the amenities that one comes to expect of a luxury boutique hotel and is the perfect spot for the young and hip traveler or the newly-wedded-- this place will let you get to know someone in a hurry. This hotel features guest rooms with bathroom walls which disappear with a push of the button and one of the chicest bars in the city -- don't even show up unless you're a perfect ten. If you're traveling solo, you are sure to meet at least one someone special in the lobby. It has an informal, chill vibe with the requisite Brazilian trip-hop music and a few lounge chairs grouped around low tables. A chilled bottle of champagne greets the incoming guests, great for breaking-the-ice. And check out the crimson-red pool on the roof -- I don't know what to think here; probably something you have to experience before you decide, wonderful for a sultry late-night swim or just wildly unnatural?

Gallery: Hotel Unique

Filed under: Journeys, Holiday Guides

Hotel Unique in South America's New Glamour Capital originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxe Underfoot by Loro Piana

Jaime El-Helw — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:01:00 EST

Loro Piana Interiors, the newest division of the luxury cashmere manufacturer, has created the 'One Step to Heaven' carpet, woven from 100% cashmere. The wool is taken from the underbellies of the rare Hyrcus goats which currently dwell high up in the mountains in Mongolia, Afghanistan, Iran and Northern China. The fibers are taken from the soft under-fleece of the goat called the "duvet". It is exceptionally fine and soft and provides superior protection from extreme weather conditions. Given its rarity (each goat produces between 150 - 200 grams of under-fleece fibers annually) and the difficulty in gathering and checking the quality of fiber, you know that its value is going to be cost prohibitive to all but the most discerning and demanding client. At 1,180 Euros per square meter, it's not for the kids' rooms, but perfect for the more intimate spaces such as your master suites on your yachts, jets, and vacation homes. If you try to justify the price based on weight it might be worth it, as you get approximately two kilos of the world's finest cashmere fibers in each square meter. This ultimate residential indulgence comes in three natural shades and has been thoughtfully treated with a stain-resistant coating. Your feet will thank you for it and you'll save a bundle on shoes, so it is worth it right?

Filed under: Decor

Luxe Underfoot by Loro Piana originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Antrobus Convertible Bag, Handbag of the Day

Jaime El-Helw — Thu, 03 May 2007 17:02:00 EST

Handbags of late have been so uninspiring, but this design is clearly innovative and is sure to appeal to the masses. Most women have the same problem with bottomless-pit-style bags which seem to swallow-up everything which necessitates carrying a large bag in the first place, thereby rendering the style inefficient and clumsy. The designer of this bag however, Alison Antrobus, a RISD architecture graduate who was also frustrated by the hassle of searching through a disorganized tote, has come up with a unique solution to the changing needs of day by creating an adaptable handbag/drawer set/clutch for the stylish woman who needs her bag to be as brainy and beautiful as she is. The Antrobus bag retails online for $1,250 and begins as a geometric carryall in buttery black leather with brushed golden accents. From there, a two-drawer box emerges from the bottom permitting the top portion to be used alone as a smaller shoulder bag, and the bottom portion zips off into a folded clutch. She has managed to successfully synthesize utility with style; science with fashion, let's just hope it doesn't weigh a ton!

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags

Antrobus Convertible Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 03 May 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guilt-Free Designer Diamonds

Jaime El-Helw — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 15:10:00 EST

Ok, we all saw the movie The Blood Diamond a while back and can no longer avoid contemplating the probability that the sparkly rocks on the market today were perhaps obtained by violence, human-rights abuses, child-labor, or environmental destruction. I practically swore-off buying diamonds all-together after seeing the movie -- for about a week. As conscientious consumers, we therefore must seek out alternative and ethical sources for our need to shine. Poom Fine Jewelry is one of these sources; not only does Poom use "conflict-free" diamonds, but she donates a portion from every sale to various local animal charities. Her designs are unique and current, yet simple and timeless. She has designed for important brides-to-be, movie stars, and has been featured in Elle Magazine numerous times. Her current collection includes very fashionable pieces such as cocktail rings, modern bangles, and circle-motif earrings meant for those of us who still value the elegant understatement in jewelry design. This creation, cleverly-named "Mr. Big" in 18K rose-gold, diamonds, and pink-sapphires, forecasts the hottest upcoming trend in diamond pendant forms: the circular disc. Stay envious and ahead of the rest all the while knowing that with your purchase, you may have saved a child from horrid working conditions and a goat from starvation. "Mr. Big" retails for $5,000.

Filed under: Jewelry, Celebrity Shopping, Charity

Guilt-Free Designer Diamonds originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva, Now Open for Business

Jaime El-Helw — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 18:26:00 EST

The previously-managed Hilton property was partially reopened in February, after extensive renovations, by new managers: Kempinski Hotels. This 110-year-old establishment (Europe's oldest) has once again worked their magic by completely refurbishing and modernizing the property which, in my opinion as a frequent visitor, was long overdue. The architectural and interior designs at this five-star luxury hotel are now more elegantly modern yet still cozy and inviting. With its warm-wintry-white tones and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, both the public and private areas seem to capture the beautiful sense of space and natural light which exists from being conveniently located on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, facing Lake Geneva. It is sure to attract some new and exciting clientele with its contemporary feel, as the other luxury hotels in Geneva are quite traditional in comparison. The new design will include the duplex-style "Geneva Suite" -- one of the largest suites available in the area with its own private spa and gym, not to mention incredible views encompassing the city, the lake, and the Swiss Alps. The second and final opening phase should be complete by end of May which will double the amount of rooms and include new restaurants, a nightclub, and cutting-edge conferencing facilities. So if you hurry, you can take advantage of their "soft-opening" reduced rates and stay in a deluxe lake-facing room with 24-hour room service, plasma-screen TV, high-speed internet, and a small balcony on which to enjoy the fresh mountain air, for approximately USD$523 (CHF 632).

Filed under: Journeys

Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva, Now Open for Business originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 21 Apr 2007 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Birthday Parties for Mini Haute-Couturiers

Jaime El-Helw — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:02:00 EST

Why wait for sweet-sixteen to give your little girl an enviable birthday to remember? What better a gift for your mini-Manhattanite and aspiring Muiccia, than the "Fashion Design Party" offered by luxury NYC toy store, FAO Schwarz. On the day of the party, your daughter and nine of her dearest will work with real fashion designers in the private party room at FAO's flagship store on 5th Avenue, to create their own original apparel and handbag designs which will later be professionally manufactured. Just when the buzz dies down at school about how chic and exclusive the party was, eight weeks later, they return to the store for a fashion show and apres ice-cream party. The young designers work the runway as models for their original creations, for a packed house of fifty guests. This is sure to generate enough personal PR at school to keep her in the upper echelons for good. (Or at least until high school!) With a price tag starting from $25,000.00, call me extravagant, but I think it might be worth it considering the going rate for that priceless look upon her face of sheer parental adoration!

Filed under: Events, Holiday Guides, Preferred

Birthday Parties for Mini Haute-Couturiers originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mouth-Blown Venetian Glass Lighting

Jaime El-Helw — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:02:00 EST

Melograno Blu set up their studios 5 years ago in Venice, and have been creating a storm of attention the world over for their delicate mouth-blown glass chandeliers. They have launched themselves from obscurity with success at the Paris Maison et Object Fair last year, and can now be found in some of the hippest hotels from Hollywood to the Cote D'Azur, and in some lucky private residences worldwide. The ethereal qualities of these glittering blown glasses cannot be described; they must be experienced. They literally define the space -- you could design an entire residential design scheme around them.

Each piece is first hand crafted by Murano artisans (thus creating one-offs) then, they are accessorized with silk tassels, natural beaded shells, sculpted egg pendants, or glass coral branches to create that sultry environment evocative of old Oriental-style lighting in the 1920's Paris and Berlin nightclubs. There are several glass forms and sizes to choose from, creating numerous possible combinations, which are then customized to your needs. Prices can be inquired upon by requesting information through the studio's website, but expect to pay upwards of 6,000 Euros for your divine chandelier creation.

Filed under: Decor, Art

Mouth-Blown Venetian Glass Lighting originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Ever Luxe "Chopard Ladies Floor" in Dubai Hotel

Jaime El-Helw — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:03:00 EST

The ultra-swanky Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel has now created "an environment away from the male troubles of the everyday world," located on the fortieth floor of the hotel tower. This dedicated ladies-only floor is only serviced by female staff members and is comprised of 10 gorgeously appointed deluxe rooms, with such free amenities as over-sized duvets, pink satin bedding, silk kimonos, luxe Chopard bathing products, a stocked cosmetic fridge, and nightly turn down service by Chopard. Complimentary yoga mats and yoga DVDs are included in every room. When you are not luxuriating in bed upstairs, you can descend from your private oasis in the sky onto the chic bi-level, indoor shopping boulevard attached to the hotel. There, you will find trendy eateries and high-end shopping boutiques such as: Villa Moda, Bottega Venetta, YSL, Gucci, Armani, Sergio Rossi, Cartier, and Pucci to name a few. What's more -- the sister tower connected to the hotel by the shopping concourse -- houses the country's Presidential and Executive Offices; so don't be surprised if you find yourself mingling amongst Dubai's chicest sheiks! (This is even more of a reason to take advantage of the pampering available to you upstairs in your room.) Currently, the rack rates are approximately $635.00 per night, inclusive of tax, limousine airport transfers, and breakfast. Just a note -- kids under 12 are welcome but isn't it all about you this time?

Filed under: Journeys

First Ever Luxe "Chopard Ladies Floor" in Dubai Hotel originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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