Luxury Shopping

Some Prada Items Pulled From Barneys In Retail Stand-Off

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 7th 2011 at 11:01PM

If you want to get your hands on the latest Prada handbag you won't be headed to Barneys New York anymore. The Wall Street Journal confirms that Prada is no longer selling any new goods but shoes and menswear at Barneys. Barneys New York Chief Executive Mark Lee says the beef with Barneys began when Prada asked to lease space from Barneys and control its own inventory and markdowns. Barneys refused and Prada decided to pull certain categories. Barneys will be using its former Prada space for pieces from Azzedine Alaia.

The WSJ article goes on to say that this decision was made prior to Mr. Lee's takeover and was related to Barneys position that it doesn't lease vendor space. Lee has said that he wants Barneys to have more exclusive items that can't be found elsewhere. He's also planning a large renovation for existing stores and an overhaul of the store website. He also recently made the controversial move to appoint a new Creative Director, Dennis Freedman, who replaced the beloved Simon Doonan, who is now the Creative Ambassador-at-Large.

Tags: barneys, barneys new york, prada, simon doonan

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Stefano Pilati Designs The Opium Experience: A New YSL Retail Space At Crystals, Las Vegas

by Susan Kime (RSS feed) — Feb 7th 2011 at 8:01AM

"I call it the opium experience," Stefano Pilati, Creative Director of Yves Saint Laurent, and of the Yves Saint Laurent's boutique retail space design. Opium is the name of the amber/reddish lacquer of the ceilings and wall panels. It is, serendipitously, also the name of the French brand's legendary perfume.

Las Vegas has two YSL Boutiques, but the one at City Center is the first to be designed in the Stefano Pilati style. Only two other YSL stores in the US feature this design at present. Historically, the store design was unveiled back in 2008 at the beginning of Paris Fashion Week. It was Pilati's hope that the design would become iconic enough to be recognizable without any logo.

"I wanted to do something that was timeless," Pilati said in an interview back then, " where the design had to go beyond my era at Saint Laurent: it had to be contemporary, with a strong, identfiable identity."

Tags: citycenter, CityCenter Las Vegas, stefano pilati, yves saint laurent

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The Ultimate Valentine's Day Gift Guide from Luxist and AHAlife

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) — Jan 28th 2011 at 2:01PM

Before you go overspending on Valentine's Day gifts that will surely be returned, peruse this gift guide from Luxist and AHAlife, "where discerning taste meets an inspired life." We teamed up with AHAlife's careful and creative curators to bring you the best Valentine's Day Gift Guide you'll find, whether you're looking to spend $100 or $5,000. Below, you'll find images and prices for each item on this special list, as well as our reasoning for recommending the items. It's easy (and free!) to join AHAlife, so don't hesitate at the signup page. Close your other tabs and dig in; your Valentine's Day shopping is finished. Here are the Top 10 Best Valentine's Day Gifts for 2011 from AHAlife and Luxist:

1. Camel Bone Jewelry (above) - from $230.00

This exotic collection is so stunning, few women could open it without an audible gasp. There is a certain powerfulness in the femininity and boldness of these rare camel bone pieces. Giving one of these to your loved one is more than an observation of custom; it implies a respect for her primal strength.

Tags: 2011, ahalife, gift, gifts, jewelry, romance, romantic, top 10, top ten, Valentines Day

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Demi Moore Flies to Sundance in Style with JetSuite

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Jan 27th 2011 at 10:02AM

Back in 2008 my colleague Deirdre Woollard first reported on the plans for JetSuite, a new private aviation company from the founders of JetBlue. Now the company has gotten off the ground in high style with help from the likes of Demi Moore, who just took a JetSuite flight to the Sundance Film Festival. JetSuite's fleet of 4-seat Embraer Phenom 100 jets are the best, most fuel-efficient aircraft in their class with speeds up to 450 miles per hour, an operating altitude of up to 41,000 ft, a stylish interior cabin designed by BMW and the largest baggage compartment in its category. The company provides service to major cities (AKA "SuiteSpots") throughout the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. They aim to make the luxury of flying private more accessible and affordable with prices starting at just $999 for a one-way flight – for the whole plane. Moore, who has flown JetSuite before, has praised its ease, convenience and privacy. "She loves that she can depart whenever she wants, not have to deal with long security lines, and leave her shoes, belts, and jewelry on," an insider tells us.

Gallery: JetSuite Takes Off with Demi Moore

Tags: BMW, Demi Moore, Embraer, JetBlue, JetSuite, private jet, Sundance

Valentine's Day Gifts for Men by David Yurman

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Jan 25th 2011 at 9:31AM

Valentine's Day is a romantic occasion for both men and women. So why is it that men have always gotten short-changed when it comes to special gifts, especially jewelry? We think the time has come to honor the men in our lives.

Luxist asked David Yurman, creator of elegant jewelry (and the genius behind the iconic cable bracelet), to suggest a few pieces from his extensive men's collection, all of which would make wonderful gifts on Valentine's Day, in addition to any other special occasion.

"I've always felt that jewelry is one of the most personal and emotional gifts you can give your loved one," says designer David Yurman. "Perhaps one of the first pieces I created was a gift for my then girlfriend, now wife and muse Sybil, over thirty years ago. For this Valentine's Day I have designed a unique assortment for men that embody the spirit of the holiday."

If a bracelet is what you are looking for, Yurman offers a unique sterling silver and 18K yellow gold curb chain, which is part of the Exotic Stone Collection. The bracelet is available in a variety of stones, from black onyx ($1,800) to malachite ($2,100) and lapis ($2,500), which can be seen in the gallery below. The bracelets are 6 1/2" in length. The Rubber Weave Bracelet comes in gray, brown and blue, and retails for $295. From the Naturals Collection, the bracelet has a sterling silver sea urchin-texture clasp on a braided rubber bracelet. The bracelets are 8" in length and 8 mm in width.

Gallery: David Yurman Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

David Yurman's Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

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The $39,000 Diamond Bathtub

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) — Jan 16th 2011 at 4:02PM

This latest bling-encrusted product gives new meaning to the term "bathing in riches". Artist Lori Gardner spent three years creating The Diamond Bathtub, shown at right.

Comprised of 44,928 imported pink crystals (and one real diamond), the 19th century-style claw foot bathtub is currently on sale for $39,000 at Fleur de Lys in Costa Mesa, California.

Naturally, the tub also has a charity tie-in. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research or the charity of your choice.

Don't care for pink? You can also custom-order your own version by contacting lori AT thediamondbathtub DOT com.

Kudos to BornRich for the tip.

Tags: bathtub, bling, costa mesa, diamond bathtub, diamonds, lori gardner

Glassmaker Simon Pearce Closing Pennsylvania Restaurant and Store

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jan 13th 2011 at 5:01AM

Boutique glassmaker and home decor brand Simon Pearce has announced that it is closing its restaurant and glassblowing operation on the Brandywine in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that a retail shop on the site will remain open until February 13, offering discounts on merchandise. Business owner Simon Pearce was on hand in West Chester to deliver the news. The Vermont-based company will focus on its core business of selling hand-blown glass, pottery and furnishings. The company founded in Ireland in 1971 and ten years later it moved to Quechee, Vermont where it still operates. The West Chester site opened in 2000.

Tags: glassmaker, simon pearce

Simon Doonan and The Fate of Barneys Windows

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jan 13th 2011 at 2:00AM

Following the appointment of new CEO Mark Lee, Barneys New York recently announced a new Creative Director, Dennis Freedman, who is replacing the beloved Simon Doonan, who will take on a new role as Creative Ambassador-at-Large. While the transition has been billed as a promotion for Doonan, who will be the public face of the brand, many are up in arms over what this may mean for Barney's including the famous Barneys New York windows which Doonan has designed for 25 years. The windows, with their mix of kitsch, pop culture, humor and glamour, have set the tone for the store itself.

The new creative director, Dennis Freedman was the founding creative director as W Magazine where he worked for nearly 20 years until leaving last year. Freedman brings his own strengths to Barneys including relationships with some of the world's top photographers and artists. He also has deep interest in design and interiors. Doonan, however, will be a hard act to follow. Many bloggers have already bemoaned the potential state of the new Barneys windows. Barneys has stated that Freedman will be in charge of the windows but that Doonan will still contribute to their design. Racked NY's Frank Gargione penned an eloquent plea against changing the Barneys magic and Styleite also expressed concern. The verdict remains until Freedman really takes the helm but the response to the announcement proves just how integral Doonan's contribution has been to the Barney's brand. Some recent Barneys windows are after the jump.

Tags: barney, barneys new york, barneys windows, dennis freedman, simon doonan

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Versace To Head Back To Japan

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jan 12th 2011 at 4:01PM

In 2009, Versace pulled out of Japan during a time that saw several other luxury brands changing their luxury plans in the region. The fashion company had stores in Osaka, Tokyo and Chiba. Versace shut down its boutiques but at the time left hints that it might come back; a statement said that the company had decided to "close them and start with a clean slate." Now Versace is ready to give Japan another go. WWD reports that Hiroshi Saito, who was president of Jil Sander Japan will be the chief executive officer of Versace Japan. The Versace, Versace Collection and Versace Jeans lines will show up in department stores in Tokyo and Osaka starting with the fall 2011 season. So far there has been no mention of new boutiques but a lot depends on the Japanese economy and whether or not the Japanese luxury consumer is ready to embrace Versace style again.

There have been some indications that luxury is back in Japan. Sales of Rolls-Royce cars are up and Tiffany recently announced that sales in Japan rose 11 percent.

Tags: japan, versace

Tory Burch Pre-Fall 2011 Collection Preview (Exclusive)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Jan 12th 2011 at 9:31AM

Tory Burch's Pre-Fall 2011 Collection Preview

Luxist was invited to the Tory Burch showroom at the designer's Manhattan headquarters yesterday to preview her "Pre-Fall" 2011 collection.

In designing the collection, Burch was inspired by Parisian chic with global influences. The collection includes texture and prints mixed together. There are stripes, florals, ikat and a heart motif found throughout the line from the dresses to the blouses, jackets and shorts. The color palette of neutrals, navy, white, and pops of red, ties the looks together.

The Pre-Fall line features fluid dresses, wrap dresses, sweater dresses and lightweight blouses as well as cropped tailored pants (as seen above) and a beautiful trench coat with a detachable shearling collar. The suede collection, which includes dresses and jackets, are especially impressive, and look sharp when layered. For example, a suede short-sleeved dress is paired with a short sleeved striped blouse, with only the blouse's sleeves and collar showing.

Indeed, everything is meant to be layered, as it is a theme found throughout much of the collection. This was done to make the pieces easy to wear in the summer and then into the fall.

Gallery: Tory Burch Pre-Fall 2011 Collection Preview

Tags: fall 2011, fashion week new york, Fashion Week New York 2011, Tory Burch, tory burch shoes

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Saks Fifth Avenue To Close Another Store

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jan 10th 2011 at 11:01PM

How much is too much? That's the question Luxury Daily asked when considering the announcement that Saks Fifth Avenue is closing its seventh retail location since July, the Saks Fifth Avenue store at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver, Colorado. The luxury retail chain already closed its Saks Fifth Avenue stores in Mission Viejo and San Diego, CA; Southampton, NY; Portland, OR; Charleston, SC; and Plano, TX in 2010. The Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5TH store in The Legends at Sparks Marina in Reno/Sparks, Nevada also closed at the first of the year.

Some luxury watchers cheered the move saying that it was a smart response to a changing luxury market. The news came out last week as Saks announced that revenue in stores open at least a year rose 11.8 percent in December. Another piece of good news: sales for the five weeks ended January 1 rose 10 percent to $432.2 million from $393.7 million a year earlier. The best-selling items of the month included women's and men's clothes, shoes, purses and makeup.

Approximately 100 associates are employed in the Denver Saks Fifth Avenue store which will close on March 19. All affected associates either will be offered transfer opportunities or will receive appropriate employment separation packages. The Denver store opened in 1990 and is approximately 87,000 square feet. The departure of the store leaves a hole in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center which may not be able to find an anchor store to fill the spot for some time. The space fronts East First Avenue, making it a prime spot for luxury shopping for the right tenant.

Tags: cherry creek, denver broncos notebook, saks fifth ave, Saks Fifth Ave., Saks Fifth Avenue, saks-fifth-avenue, store closing, store closings, store closures

The Sheffield Partners with Saks Fifth Avenue Offering Residents Shopping Privileges

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Jan 8th 2011 at 10:31AM

The Sheffield, a re-launched luxury apartment building in Manhattan, is partnering with Saks Fifth Avenue to provide exclusive shopping privileges for its residents. The partnership will include shopping privileges, personal styling consultants, and private seasonal designer collection previews. Saks Fifth Avenue was a Luxist Awards' Readers Choice nominee for Best Department Store.

The partnership will allow recent Sheffield buyers as well as current residents to take advantage of customized services uniquely created to and for them by a Saks Fifth Avenue team of experts. To kick off this exclusive partnership, The Fifth Avenue Club at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York will host a "match-making" event where residents will be paired with their very own personal styling consultant.

Every season, residents at The Sheffield will enjoy special sneak previews of Saks Designer Collections. Through private in-store events held at the Saks Fifth Avenue Club, the personal styling consultant will hand-select the latest trends and ensembles for their resident.

"We hope to see Sheffield residents develop life-long relationships with their personal styling consultant as they are provided with this specialized service to enhance their sophisticated lifestyle and standards," says Sharon Cottelli, Director of Saks' Women's Fifth Avenue Club.

Gallery: The Sheffield in Manhattan

Tags: estates, Fifth Avenue Club, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Signature Shopping Experience, shopping, The Sheffield

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RetroSpecs Opens At The Cosmopolitan

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jan 3rd 2011 at 9:01PM

The lavish new Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas opened recently and with it a bunch of new shops including Retrospecs, a shop which provides exclusive one-of-a-kind eyewear both new and vintage. The retailer, which has its flagship store in West Hollywood, California, is known as a curator and retailer of 20th century early and late modern eyewear. Glasses come with a certificate of authenticity and a lifetime guarantee for parts and services. In addition to its registered Early and Late Modern gold-filled and cellulose acetate glasses, RetroSpecs offers a signature line of buffalo horn frames.

Tags: cosmopolitan, eyeglasses, eyewear retailer, Las Vegas, las vegas show tickets, las vegas strip, retrospecs

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Agent Provocateur to Open in Beverly Hills

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Jan 3rd 2011 at 4:01PM

Luxe British lingerie brand Agent Provocateur is opening a new boutique on Beverly Hills' famed Rodeo Drive this spring. The new location will be considered a West Coast flagship store for the company, known for steamy ads featuring the likes of Kate Moss, Helena Christensen and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, the Beverly Hills Courier reports. The upmarket label, which saw profits soar 45 percent in the past quarter, plans to expand its lineup to include sunglasses, cosmetics and bedding. The London-headquartered chain also plans on growing online sales and opening up a flagship East Coast store in New York next month. It currently has 51 stores in the U.K., Europe, Russia, South Korea, Hong Kong, the Middle East and the U.S., with plans for branches in Russia and Japan in the works as well.

Tags: Agent Provocateur, Beverly Hills, boutiques, Helena Christensen, Kate Moss, lingerie, London, luxury shopping, Rodeo Drive, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, UK

Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sold Out

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Dec 26th 2010 at 6:00PM

This is the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible. It's arguably the most desirable four-seat convertible on the market, and the first one to come out of Italy in decades. It's been engineered with input from Ferrari, has room to carry you and three of your friends for one of the best wind-in-your-hair experiences available. You may want one, but you can't have one. Because they're sold out.

The model – also known as the GranCabrio overseas – has helped Maserati rebound to pre-recession sales levels in the United States, while the GranTurismo coupe and Quattroporte sedan have failed to recovered. The new convertible, with its myriad customization choices, has proven so popular that there's now a waiting list to get your hands on one. That's what we'd call a success.

Gallery: Maserati GranCabrio