Luxist

Henrybuilt Launches Luxe Closet Design

Tracy Chait — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:02:00 EST

Henrybuilt, the American high-design company known for its sleek, hand crafted lines, has just launched a series of closet designs that will be custom to each client and built to order in the company's Seattle workshop.

Weaving together its trademark modern design with unsurpassed functionality, these "closets" (it seems they should get a new, much fancier name with all the included bells and whistles) feature wooden valet trays, leather-lined storage compartments, hand crafted leather pulls and an integrated lighting system -- so you'll be sure to look as good in whatever's in your closet as the closet itself.

Prices available upon request from Henrybuilt, which has a New York studio in addition to its Seattle shop.

Filed under: Decor

Henrybuilt Launches Luxe Closet Design originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 19 May 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Yurman Classic Timepieces for Spring '09

Tracy Chait — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:02:00 EST

David Yurman has just unrolled its latest collection of men's timepieces, The Classic, designed by chief watch designer and David's son, Evan Yurman. The three pieces in the collection each feature the kind of attention to detail you might expect from David Yurman: Swiss movement, guilloche dial work (what is essentially a French engraving technique that features intricate engine-turned details), and of course Yurman's signature chevron braid wrapped around the watch case.

The three watches include The Classic Moon Phase (shown above, retailing for $5800), The Classic Three Hand and The Classic Chronograph styles. Evan Yurman describes his designs as "traditional with a modern twist." Each will be available exclusively in David Yurman boutiques this May. The select group of David Yurman retailers will have to wait until Fall for their shipment.

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

David Yurman Classic Timepieces for Spring '09 originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley to Raise Prices 5% in UK

Tracy Chait — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:01:00 EST

Along with unemployment rates and the deficit, Bentley prices are on the rise, too, at least in the UK. Starting in April, Bentley will raise prices by 5% in the United Kingdom, citing the pound's weakness as compared to the Euro (about an 18% depreciation in the past year). So aspiring Brits will now be paying between around £120,000 and £245,000 for those new wheels. There is no expected price increase beyond Great Britain.

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Bentley to Raise Prices 5% in UK originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Valentine Essentials: Going Green

Tracy Chait — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:02:00 EST

Maybe this is the year you want to send a valentine to the planet, express your love for the environment, in addition to impressing the object of your desire.

Luxury gifts that just might turn the tide against climate change abound, and there are plenty more that are chic reminders that going green looks good these days -- like Stella McCartney's just-released organic lingerie line.

Don't forget all-organic romance: flowers (like the dozen roses at right, sustainably farmed and harvested using fair labor practices), truffles, champagne and candles. See the gallery for inspiration.

Gallery: Valentine Essentials: Going Green

Filed under: Green

Valentine Essentials: Going Green originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Watch Owned by Kennedy and Onassis Up at Auction

Tracy Chait — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:01:00 EST

Pictured above is the watch JFK wore every day during his morning swim in the White House pool, according to his personal secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, who found the watch in his desk following his assassination and gave it to his wife, Jackie. Now the watch is up for auction at Antiquorum in early March, and is expected to reach final bids between $150,000-200,000.

The watch, designed by Natrix, is a 14K gold timepiece featuring 57 jewels and its original brown alligator strap. It was a gift to the 35th President from Evangeline and David Bruce, who were key supporters of JFK's candidacy.

Interestingly enough, the watch belonged not only to JFK but to Aristotle Onassis. Mrs. Kennedy gave the watch to her second husband in 1971, inscribing the letters FALJ (For Ari, Love Jackie) between the lugs.

[Thanks Michelle!]

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

Watch Owned by Kennedy and Onassis Up at Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Valentine Essentials: For Him

Tracy Chait — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:02:00 EST

No matter how hard to shop for, any valentine appreciates a heartfelt gesture -- from a savory meal to a classic sterling key ring with a set of keys to your place. Ideas in the gallery range from classic corkscrews from Hermes (perfect for a romantic, secluded picnic) to everyday luxuries that will keep you in mind and heart. And each choice should inspire you to do even more -- find the perfect wine to go along with the corkscrew, pack up that stylish weekender bag for a surprise getaway.

Gallery: Valentine Essentials: For Him

Filed under: Cigars, Spirits, Men's Style

Valentine Essentials: For Him originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Michael S. Smith Will Design Obama White House

Tracy Chait — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:02:00 EST

The Washington Post has announced that interior designer Michael S. Smith will be designing the new Obama White House. Known for his work with high-profile celebs like Steven Spielberg and Rupert Murdoch, Smith hails from Santa Monica, California, and creates a sunny aesthetic that seems like welcome change at Penn. Ave.

In a statement released by Michelle Obama, Smith was lauded for his "family-friendly style," and is rumored to be shopping already at kid-focused "everyday retail stores," according to the Post.

Smith's released statement noted the family's casual style and desire to showcase contemporary American artists and affordable decor. Looks like Mrs. O's high-low fashion aesthetic may transfer to the White House.

Check out Smith's Top 10 Rooms over at Domino, where he first mentioned his desire to redesign the White House back in April.

Filed under: Decor

Michael S. Smith Will Design Obama White House originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cheap Chic: Orla Kiely Comes to Target

Tracy Chait — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:03:00 EST

In her line of retro-inspired kitchen gear, Orla Kiely brings her trademark bold prints to Target early this February. The collection includes items you may expect -- plenty of cute and kitschy servingware, trays, coasters, table linens. But there are also supplies for closet organization (finally, cute looking shoe storage), a crisp little apron and plenty of other accessories.

Despite Revolutionary Road's rather anti-suburban message, Kate Winslet would look good in those matching oven mitts.

[via Apartment Therapy]

Filed under: Decor

Cheap Chic: Orla Kiely Comes to Target originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nike's Carbon Footprint...Only 190 Grams!

Tracy Chait — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:01:00 EST

Nike's latest iteration of the Mercurial soccer shoe, the Vapor SL, is a real feat of engineering, and I like the color combo, too. The SL in the name stands for "Super Lite" -- the black shoe and its hot pink swoosh only weigh 190 grams.

Some ingredient called "Tepex" is all about maximum strength with minimal weight. I researched Tepex a little bit, and without an engineering degree, reached the conclusion that if it's good enough for the aerospace industry, it's probably good enough to wear on your feet.

Crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, the sneaker retails for $400. Because a pair of these are so hard to come by -- Nike only made 2,508 pairs -- they're only truly available on eBay, starting at around $1,000.

[Thanks, Dave!]

Filed under: Shoes, Sports

Nike's Carbon Footprint...Only 190 Grams! originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York State Finalizes Purchase of 104,000 Acres in the Adirondacks

Tracy Chait — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST

After four long years of negotiations, New York State has purchased 104,000 acres -- about seven times the size of Manhattan -- in the Adirondacks that will be preserved as a joint "working forest" and public space with restrictions against development.

Purchased from the Lyme Timber Company in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the oversized parcel known as Sable Highlands sits in the Northeastern corner of Adirondack Park. Over 50,000 acres of the purchased land has never before been accessible to the public and will now be open for recreation, space including Sugarloaf Mountain and several pristine ponds.

Since 2004, generous individuals have committed over $4 million to the project, which combined with New York's Environmental Protection Fund was enough to conserve a piece of land that will serve generations of nature lovers and wildlife to come.

Filed under: Green, Big Givers, Real Estate Developments

New York State Finalizes Purchase of 104,000 Acres in the Adirondacks originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Several Key Designers RSVP "No" to Fashion Week

Tracy Chait — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:02:00 EST

Add Monique Lhuillier (at the finale of her Spring '09 show, at right) and Naeem Khan to the list of prominent designers opting to skip out on New York fashion week this February.

Designers like Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson and Temperley bowed out before the New Year, perhaps sparking a welcome trend for up-and-comers hoping to save the significant expense of showing at Bryant Park, an expense that can easily surpass the six-figure mark.

Lhuillier and Khan, who share a publicist, indicate that an intimate presentation as opposed to a traditional runway show is an appealing alternative for buyers and press with Energizer bunny-like schedules come early February.

Instead of a blur down the catwalk, guests will have a couple of hours during which to examine the clothes, talk to the designers and maybe even finish a whole glass of champagne.

[via WSJ]

Filed under: Apparel, Events

Several Key Designers RSVP "No" to Fashion Week originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whole Foods Brings Rare Arctic Char to Market

Tracy Chait — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:02:00 EST

Whole Foods Market announced via press release that during the month of January it will offer rare Arctic Char from Iceland, a fish you might see on the menu at a chic restaurant, but rarely in the grocery store.

Related to salmon and trout, this Arctic Char was raised in a typically-WholeFoodsy-sounding environment involving water filtration through lava rock by the Samherji cooperative of Icelandic fish farmers on the south coast of the country.

No word from my local Whole Foods on price or an exact arrival date, but they said it would be any day now.

Filed under: Dining

Whole Foods Brings Rare Arctic Char to Market originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cavalli Intros Snakeskin Credit Card, Will Compete with AmEx Black

Tracy Chait — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:03:00 EST

For the most part, the fashionable set chooses exclusive credit like the AmEx Centurion -- the oft-envied black card crafted from titanium instead of mere plastic. But as of March of this year, Roberto "Excess is Success" Cavalli is trying to get in on the action with a snakeskin-finish credit card for the discerning shopper.

The iridescent card comes with its privileges: special sales at Cavalli, invites to fashion shows. Perhaps cardmembers will gain access to Cavalli's new club in Florence, or clubs soon to open in Dubai and Milan.

But snakeskin does not a status card make, between AmEx's personal concierge, free stays at the Mandarin Oriental and the eye-catching prestige of carrying plastic that's not plastic at all.

[via BlackBook]

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping

Cavalli Intros Snakeskin Credit Card, Will Compete with AmEx Black originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Organic Beauty Yet to Catch On in U.S.

Tracy Chait — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:02:00 EST

We know America is on a shopping starvation diet, but it seems organic beauty products have yet to catch on even in a good economy. Despite reports of 70% of consumers purchasing at least one non-organic beauty product over the past six months, only 5% admitted buying a beauty product labeled organic over the same period.

Despite the ubiquitous Go Green Now! messages around, just a tiny fraction of the population is doing so when it comes to makeup, haircare or other beauty products. Is America just not ready to embrace a movement that started out smelling like patchouli?

[via Makeup and Beauty Blog/The Cut]

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Organic Beauty Yet to Catch On in U.S. originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK Increases Duty-Free Limit as Travel to U.S. Rises

Tracy Chait — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST

The Telegraph has reported the UK will again increase the duty-free limit for British travelers heading to non-EU countries in 2009. The current limit is now at £340, up from the recent increase to £300 in early December of 2008 from just £145.

Partly based on research that indicates up to 1 in 5 Brits plan to travel to the U.S. in the New Year and half of UK residents surveyed planned some kind of international travel in 2009, the rise will allow for quite a bit more shopping if exchange rates don't fall dramatically.

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

UK Increases Duty-Free Limit as Travel to U.S. Rises originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Ferrari of Sewing Machines, the Quattro 6000D

Tracy Chait — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:02:00 EST

If instead of cars or megayachts or rare vintage Bordeaux, you're into sewing, Brother has created the splurge of all splurges -- the Quattro 6000D, a machine estimated at around $9,000 (price has yet to be released).

The multi-tasking machine, equally adept at quilting, sewing, embroidering and crafting will require a 50-inch workspace and features a 4.5 by 7-inch high-def LCD screen, 3 USB ports, daylight-mimicking LEDs and a bunch of other crafty bells and whistles.

No wonder Brother's calling it "The Dream Machine."

[via Engadget]

Filed under: Gadgets

The Ferrari of Sewing Machines, the Quattro 6000D originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cheap Chic: Net-a-Porter Sets Date for Outlet Launch

Tracy Chait — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:02:00 EST

Favorite e-tailer Net-a-Porter has been promising an online outlet -- the "Outnet" -- for months, where it will offer deeply discounted designer pieces and give competing sites like Bluefly.com a serious run for their money.

Now Fashionologie reports that the site's founder Natalie Massenet has announced that the "Outnet" will launch in February 2009.

Until then, recessionistas can indulge in the site's 50% off sale -- including markdowns on labels like Bottega Veneta, Vanessa Bruno, Marc Jacobs and Narcisco Rodriguez.

Filed under: Apparel

Cheap Chic: Net-a-Porter Sets Date for Outlet Launch originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Foundations Invested with Madoff Gave Away $73M in 2007

Tracy Chait — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:02:00 EST

Each morning's papers yield new names and devastating losses of those invested in Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme, including hundreds of prominent U.S. nonprofits and foundations.

While many betrayed investors lament the disappearance of their nest eggs, it seems that foundations that benefited from Madoff's time bomb of lucrative returns gave much of their profits away, leaving them with little to continue operations and grant-making.

In a report compiled by Bloomberg from last year's tax returns listed on Guidestar.org, foundations who have disclosed their investments with Madoff gave away a total of $73 million last year.

Several foundations have been forced to close their doors as a result, including the JEHT Foundation, which blamed its investments with Madoff in a heartfelt letter to supporters, and the Picower Foundation, which had previous assets of $1 billion, from which it gave generously to institutions such as M.I.T. and the New York Public Library.

Filed under: Big Givers

Foundations Invested with Madoff Gave Away $73M in 2007 originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Trust for Public Land, Charity of the Day

Tracy Chait — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:02:00 EST

Now that the economy has forced so many Americans to enjoy the simpler pleasures in life, public green space is, unlike your 401(k), more valuable than ever. Since 1972, nonprofit land conservation org Trust for Public Land has protected over 2.5 million acres of land in 47 states -- forests, farms, community gardens, parks and wildlife habitats.

The Trust for Public Land recently helped a small Florida city get its first public park and negotiated the re-opening of a free-fallling waterfall and favorite ice climb in Telluride, Colorado (Bridal Veil Falls, above).

The nonprofit has 45 regional offices across the country to work with local residents and organizations intent upon conserving particular properties. Contact The Trust for Public Land if you have an inquiry about a particular piece of property that needs protection. Or support The Trust for Public Land, which has been recognized for its efficient use of individual donations.

Filed under: Green, Charity of the Day

The Trust for Public Land, Charity of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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L.A. Fashion Fixture Tracey Ross Closes, Citing Economy

Tracy Chait — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST

Tracey Ross, which has held a prominent place in the L.A. retail scene for the past 18 years, has just announced it will close on New Year's Eve in a terse statement to WWD: "Of course it's the economy."

Known for its high-end collection of designers like Peter Som, Stella McCartney and Thakoon, the shop catered to celebs including Kate Hudson and many of LA's well-known tastemakers.

Owner Tracey Ross lamented that it has become "impossible to compete" when mega-retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue are marking down merchandise to 80% off retail.

Gallery: Brands in Trouble

Filed under: Apparel

L.A. Fashion Fixture Tracey Ross Closes, Citing Economy originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Piero Fornasetti Comes to a Screen Near You

Tracy Chait — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST

It's the flat screen tv as canvas -- design co. Detour Moves has compiled a disc of animated interpretations of Fornasetti designs, inspired by Italian designer Piero Fornasetti's Theme & Variations. Each disc holds more than 500 images that rotate on your television, transforming a blank screen into changeable art that's peering at you -- this is Fornasetti after all -- as often as you peer at it.

The 3,000 discs were produced in a limited edition and come in a unique black lacquer box. All for $175.

Filed under: Art

Piero Fornasetti Comes to a Screen Near You originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roman Zaslonov's First U.S. Exhibit at Gallery KH

Tracy Chait — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:03:00 EST

In his U.S. debut, Russian artist Roman Zaslonov will show his richly whimsical paintings at Chicago's Gallery KH starting January 16. With wait time for a Zaslonov composition hovering around two years, the gallery expects an enthusiastic response from patrons hoping to snag an original work.

And this show isn't just unique because it's Zaslonov's first in the states -- it's also bringing together works that have been hanging in private collections, new to the public and never before seen among other exhibited works.

Zaslovnov was born in the Soviet Union in 1962 and emigrated to France in the 1990s, where he first reached international acclaim.

The painting above, La Robe d'Architecte en Rouge, is priced at $97,000. See more of Zaslonov's work in the gallery. The show will run through March 7, 2009.

Gallery: Roman Zaslonov at Gallery KH

Filed under: Art

Roman Zaslonov's First U.S. Exhibit at Gallery KH originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxury Retailers Slash Prices to 70%

Tracy Chait — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:03:00 EST

You almost expect a Prada-clad shopgirl to announce a blue light special in aisle 8. Except you're at Bergdorf Goodman, and they don't do that there. And yet, over the weekend Madison Avenue Spy reported that Bergdorf would slash prices to 70% off, likely to compete with Saks who'd gone that far the week before.

Those on Barney's email list learned this morning that the store would go to 60% off retail. And we're only a week into December.

According to the NY Times, the recent sales have induced a bit of a frenzy in Manhattan, where lizard-skin handbags are tossed together into bargain-bin like displays a la Wal-Mart...aisle 8.

Gallery: Luxury at a Discount

Filed under: Apparel

Luxury Retailers Slash Prices to 70% originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marc Newson's $39,000 Horizon Watch

Tracy Chait — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST

Marc Newson's 2008-designed Horizon watch for his company Ikepod might slash your holiday wishlist down to one item -- though you may need two or three holidays to get past the sticker shock. At $39,000 this timepiece is the design geek's impossible dream: signed and numbered by industrial design giant Newson, crafted from platinum and featuring a single-shell case and sapphire front.

It's tricky to ignore the price on this ticker, but consider how quickly Newson's 12 Chop Top tables sold out at last year's Design Miami -- at $170,000 apiece.

In the U.S., the Horizon watch is available at Moss, both online and in its LA or NY stores.

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Marc Newson's $39,000 Horizon Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marcia Berger Shoe Collection at Resurrection

Tracy Chait — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:02:00 EST

Fashion doyenne Marcia Berger was a fan of avant-garde shoes, and she's left a host of them behind, designed by the likes of Commes des Garcons, Alaia and Yohji Yamamoto, in addition to classics from her friend Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik.

And now they're for sale at Resurrection Vintage's Los Angeles store through January 4 (though you can view and drool online).

According to Resurrection, many of the size 8-8.5 shoes have never even been worn.

Filed under: Shoes

Marcia Berger Shoe Collection at Resurrection originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kiki Smith Limited Ed. Tote, Handbag of the Day

Tracy Chait — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:02:00 EST

Kiki Smith, noted feminist sculptor and printmaker, teamed last year with Coach to produce a limited edition tote bag (only 100 were made), featuring original prints reminiscent of Smith's well known nature iconography.

The bag is crafted from natural canvas and trimmed in silver snakeskin.

First available at the Whitney Museum, where Smith had a retrospective in 2007, the bag has reappeared at the New Museum, where it retails for $1,500 (a $200 increase over its original price a year ago).

Filed under: Handbags, Art

Kiki Smith Limited Ed. Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Pair of Seats to Inauguration Reach $62,500

Tracy Chait — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:00:00 EST

Ever since Barack Obama was elected our 44th President, many Americans have been scrambling to make travel plans for Inauguration Day. At Charity Buzz, an auction that ends in just a few hours is offering not only two premium seats at the Inauguration ceremonies, but an almost-impossible-to-snag photo op with the new Prez, as well as tickets to various Inauguration Week balls, transport to said events and an autograph from President Obama.

The Obama meet and greet was up to $62,500 as of twenty-four hours before auction's end. The proceeds will go to the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation.

Filed under: Auctions, Events

A Pair of Seats to Inauguration Reach $62,500 originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holiday iPod Shortage

Tracy Chait — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST

Despite theories that it would be consumers who were in short supply this holiday season, it seems that Apple is having trouble keeping up with demand.

After a highly successful limited-release of its iPod Touch earlier this year, the company is now running short of other models, notably the formerly-ubiquitous iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle at mass-retailers like Target and Best Buy.

Analysts estimate Apple will sell close to 21 million iPods in the December quarter, up 90% since the fall.

[via AppleInsider]

Filed under: Gadgets

Holiday iPod Shortage originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Green Designers Win National Award for Mobile

Tracy Chait — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST

Sustainable design company Contexture was recognized at this week's 2008 Design Exchange Awards for its handmade hanging mobile, As the Crow Flies, a dangling family of laser-cut crows.

Crafted from 30% post-recycled paper and found roadmaps, the mobile landed top honors in the Industrial Design category. It's also likely to be a popular gift among the I-don't-want-a-nursery-full-of-pink-puppies parenting set.

The mobile retails for just $49 (free shipping!) and is available through Contexture, the Vancouver-based partnership of Nathan Lee and Trevor Coghill, already well known for their reclaimed-material Coffee Cuffs and 45 iPod Cases.

Filed under: Art, Green

Green Designers Win National Award for Mobile originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moss Presents "Bavaria" Collection at Design Miami 2008

Tracy Chait — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST

Starting December 3, Moss will present Studio Job's latest collection, Bavaria, at this year's Design Miami. Bavaria is the collection of marquetry furnishings, crafted from Indian Rosewood and featuring laser-cut inlays of various country images: barns, horse corrals, silos, farm animals.

The group of pieces is the juxtaposition of age-old marquetry, which cuts veneer in intricate patterns to be placed on furniture or other objects, and modern laser-cutting technique. The sought-after furniture has been produced in a limited edition of six pieces per model, exclusive to Moss. The Rosewood bench, above, will be available through Moss, price upon request.

Studio Job was last in the news at Christie's Post-war and Contemporary Art sale, where an ebony and laser-cut maple bench from its Perished Collection reached a final price of over $95,000. The auction house said the piece "yield[ed] an expressionistic symbolism superimposed upon an absurdist, semifunctional monumentalism."

Exactly.

Filed under: Decor, Art

Moss Presents "Bavaria" Collection at Design Miami 2008 originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eli Broad Offers $30 Million to Floundering MOCA

Tracy Chait — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST

In the wake of MOCA's public outcry for help, Eli Broad has stepped up to offer $30 million to the museum. Earlier this month, Deidre Woollard reported that Broad (above with his wife Edythe) might have been planning a contemporary art museum of his own in Beverly Hills, after an acquisition spree that included pieces by Jeff Koons, Ed Ruscha and Robert Rauschenberg.

Perhaps he's refocused his efforts towards saving a contemporary art museum instead. I wrote recently about art critic Christopher's Knight's open letter to MOCA's board, ordering it to raise $25 million pronto. Looks like Broad got the memo -- though in his statement of intent in the LA Times, he urges his fellow philanthropists to take part.

"This is not a one-philanthropist town," he writes, though in the contemporary art world, the Broad name is growing awfully familiar.

Filed under: Art, Big Givers

Eli Broad Offers $30 Million to Floundering MOCA originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WholeFoods Donates $30K to Farm Aid

Tracy Chait — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:02:00 EST

Whole Foods stores in Portland and Seattle recently participated in Community Giving Day, agreeing to donate 5% of the day's sales to Farm Aid, a non-profit org that supports local farmers.

The total came to $30,000, money which will help farmers produce and market their food.

"We appreciate [Whole Foods] customers who value family farmers and the food that only they can grow," said Carolyn Mugar , Farm Aid's executive director, in a press release.

Filed under: Big Givers

WholeFoods Donates $30K to Farm Aid originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Art + Giving = Photo Mentorship

Tracy Chait — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:06:00 EST

It girl Alexa Chung has teamed with Ctrl.Alt.Shift and Vice mag to host a photo contest that will raise awareness about issues of gender, poverty and injustice around the world that will become a striking online photo essay.

The deadline closed yesterday, so a selection of photos is up on Ctrl.Alt.Shift -- check them out and vote for your favorite. The winners will receive mentorships with professional photogs -- an esteemed group including Nan Goldin, Alex Sturrock and Chung herself -- and the support to continue exposing injustice through their own unique lens.

Filed under: Art, Big Givers

Art + Giving = Photo Mentorship originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wal-Mart to Donate 90 Million Lbs. of Fresh Food, Freezers Too.

Tracy Chait — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:05:00 EST

In an effort to give back in troubled times, Wal-Mart has just announced it will donate 90 million pounds of fresh food to America's biggest anti-hunger org, Feeding America.

The company won't seek a tax deduction for the gift and intends to increase its annual giving to 3 billion pounds of food over the next few years.

Their donation this year is the equivalent of 70 million meals, at a time when food banks have reported a 20% increase in demand.

And Wal-Mart isn't just providing food. Because it's donated protein and produce, unlike the canned goods and bags of rice you expect at the local food bank, Wal-Mart has also donated $2.5 million to buy freezer trucks and help prepare for new food storage challenges.

It's a nice start to the season of giving.

Filed under: Big Givers

Wal-Mart to Donate 90 Million Lbs. of Fresh Food, Freezers Too. originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Open Letter to MOCA Trustees: Write Checks. Many Zeros.

Tracy Chait — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST

In an open letter to the board of trustees at Los Angeles's Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Christopher Knight of the Los Angeles Times is hardly circumspect about his message: give money, and give a lot of it.

MOCA's endowment is rumored to have fallen a startling $40 million or so in the past several years, and the museum has publicly contemplated renting or even selling its significant collection of art, functioning merely as an exhibit space in the future.

It's also mentioned folding in to LACMA, making the city of LA -- population nearing 4 million -- a one-museum town (yes, the Getty is nearby, as is the Norton Simon, but neither of those specialize in contemporary art nor are they geographically LA proper).

Mr. Knight urges board members to gather together and "stay in that room until you have cobbled together at least $25 million." Interestingly, that was the amount Mercedes Bass gave to the Metropolitan Opera two years ago after it announced its own financial woes. "It's really the duty of a board member to support the institution in a time of need," she told The New York Times.

I'm sure Mr. Knight and art lovers everywhere hope MOCA's board will remember those words.

Filed under: Art, Big Givers

Open Letter to MOCA Trustees: Write Checks. Many Zeros. originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Yorkers Raise $350,000 in Auction for RxArt

Tracy Chait — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST

RxArt held its big bash/silent auction at the Milk Gallery in Chelsea earlier this week, drawing a crowd that took its time bidding but ended up supporting the non-profit group to the tune of $350,000. RxArt installs art exhibits in children's hospitals to relieve stress and create inspiring environments.

Founded in 2000 by well-known gallerist Diane Brown (at right with board member Cynthia Rowley), the non-profit tries to de-institutionalize hospital spaces with original art, usually colorful exhibits by artists like William Wegman and Frank Stella that stretch across every wall and ceiling possible.

The group produces coloring books for patients drawn from every installation, so kids can focus on emotional healing while docs aim to do the rest.

Filed under: Auctions, Art

New Yorkers Raise $350,000 in Auction for RxArt originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jason Wu's Night Out at Satine

Tracy Chait — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST

Tuesday night designer Jason Wu presented his ladylike Spring collection at L.A.'s Satine Boutique, the one West coast spot to score exclusive designs from Wu.

Co-hosted by Lucy Liu and MySpace Fashion, the evening teemed with Wu fans including Kate Mara (at right with the designer), January Jones, Erica Christensen, Rachel Zoe and China Chow -- a host of chic stylesetters eager to praise the young designer.

And no wonder -- Wu explained to us where his inspiration comes from: "I love working with young actresses who are just on the verge. It's always good to have a muse."

Jason Wu is a CFDA finalist whose collection can be found at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, and of course Satine.

Filed under: Apparel

Jason Wu's Night Out at Satine originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lux Q & A: Amy Harris, Creator of "Puppy Love" on L Studio

Tracy Chait — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST

Puppy love is in the air. It's in the White House (or will be soon enough), it's on the big screen, and now it's online in the new original series from Sex & the City writer-producer Amy B. Harris.

Hosted by Lexus's just-launched L Studio, home to original films, interviews and musings on everything from high heels to desk design, Puppy Love is all about New Yorkers and their dogs -- dogs who might be gay, dogs who warrant more attention than their owners, dogs as stand-in boyfriends (in Famke Janssen's case, a boyfriend who doesn't let a real man get in the way).

Actors including Janssen, Ally Sheedy and Janel Moloney jumped to be part of the series once they heard Lexus would donate $50,000 to the ASPCA on their behalf.
In fact all the actors, writers and directors on the show donated their time to the project in support of the ASPCA.

I chatted with the show's creator, Amy B. Harris, about developing the show and working with her dog, Oscar, shown above.

How did you come to collaborate with L Studio on Puppy Love?
I thought the series would work best on the web, as it's a shorter form of storytelling. [Each episode hovers around the 10 minute mark.] L Studio was very generous with its donation to the ASPCA, and everyone said they loved working on the project, even the crew who loved their dogs, and my production partner who had just lost her dog and was excited to express her puppy love.

How has it been different to work on the web as opposed to television or the big screen?
I'm still trying to figure it out -- the medium is very interesting for me. I explain it by saying, there's no opening weekend. In film, you know exactly what the numbers are. With the web, people can find it whenever they want to, and I'm adjusting to that thought process. I kind of love it.

New York featured so prominently in Sex & the City. Does it do so again in Puppy Love?
I could have shot either in New York or LA, but it was very important for me to do it here. It's surprising in a place with no backyards that so many people have dogs. The city can become very anonymous, but having a dog, suddenly you know people by their first names. When I first got Oscar [who stars in two webisodes and is pictured above], I didn't speak to one neighbor. Now everyone's coming to talk to us when I'm walking him in my pajamas.

New episodes in the 10-part series are added to the site each Tuesday. And the finale? That's when we'll see Heidi Klum and her pup in a mockumentary of New York fashion week -- for dogs. Be sure to watch straight through to the end of every webisode -- one of the best parts of the series is the When Harry Met Sally-like post-show interviews asking the actors how they fell in love with their dogs.

Filed under: Pets, Big Givers

Lux Q & A: Amy Harris, Creator of "Puppy Love" on L Studio originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Moncler to Open in Aspen

Tracy Chait — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST

Moncler, the Franco-Italian luxury outerwear brand known for its sleek puffers and fashion-forward parkas, is finally slated to open its first freestanding boutique in the U.S.

The Aspen-based flagship will resemble a modern ski chalet, according to Fashion Week Daily, and is set to open November 28 -- just in time for Thanksgiving weekend skiers...and shoppers.

The jacket shown at right is currently available at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,075.

[via Fashion Week Daily]

Filed under: Apparel

Moncler to Open in Aspen originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gates Foundation to Focus on College Education

Tracy Chait — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST

The Gates Foundation has announced it will spend several hundred million dollars over the next five years in an effort to double the current number of low-income students who graduate from college, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

On Tuesday at A Forum for Education in America, Bill Gates told guests, "According to our data, the number of low income and minority students graduating college ready today is 22 percent, and that figure is increasing far too slowly. It's unacceptable. We need to do better."

The Foundation will spend approximately $3 billion across all its education initiatives this year alone, including plans to reduce the dropout rate at the high school level and provide more teacher support. Experts suggest that with the failing economy, federal and state agencies with less and less to spend could start collaborating with the Foundation to improve education in America.

Filed under: Big Givers

Gates Foundation to Focus on College Education originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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