Skip to Content

Hot on StyleList:

 

Video

Heritage Craftsmanship: Red Wing Shoes Video Series



For over 100 years, the Minnesota-based Red Wing Shoe Company has been carefully crafting premium quality footwear made for specific work environments. Designed for duty on factory floors, construction sites, refineries and railroads, their rugged style has also been adopted by many who do nothing more perilous than cross a Brooklyn subway platform at rush hour. These days you can even find them at J. Crew.

The Red Wing Heritage collection pays homage to the company's history of hardcore work boots with some styles designed for the Range Rover set as well. We are, admittedly, in the latter camp. Regardless of which style suits you, the boots and shoes are still crafted with skill and treated like fine tools for the wearer. Premium Red Wing Shoes leather, tanned at the company's own S.B Foot Tanning Company, is triple stitched with waxed thread for quality. The video above shows the process in action.

Charles Beckman, a Red Wing, Minnesota merchant who saw a need for durable and comfortable work boots, founded the firm in 1905. Today, a third generation of employees, located just down the road from the original factory, continues the tradition he established by using the same craftsmanship and attention to detail. The tannery video is one in a series showing all facets of Red Wing's time-honored operation. You can check them all out here.

Balvenie Whisky Academy Opens Online

Balvenie Whisky Academy

Even for those of us who write about whisky professionally, there's still much to be learned about single malts, including how they're made and how they're best to be enjoyed. Master classes go a long way towards filling in the vast knowledge gap, but not everyone can get to one of these sessions. So to reach out to the whisky-sipping public, Balvenie has launched a series of films under the Whisky Academy banner.

Avert Your Eyes: The World's Ugliest Ferrari


Digital art innovator Laurence Gartel has had his work exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art among others and is known for creating custom pieces for the likes of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.

His latest "masterpiece," however is rather abominable -- the world's ugliest Ferrari. And he claims it's worth $1 million.

We don't think Gartel, whose work is in the permanent collection of Smithsonian's Museum of American History, set out to make the luxury car unattractive. He transformed a $300,000 Ferrari F430 Scuderia into a moving canvas using every color imaginable in a nightmarish combination, apparently commissioned by "art social network," Artfellas.

Check out a video of the emetic supercar above, but be forewarned -- Ferrari lovers might cry, and the rest of you will probably need a bucket.

Harry Slatkin on How to Choose a Fragrance That's Right for You [VIDEO]

fragrance
Harry Slatkin, founder and creative force behind Slatkin & Co. and one of the country's top fragrance experts, believe you shouldn't rush into buying a fragrance when shopping.

"Take a step back before deciding what fragrance to wear," he says.

Indeed, what a fragrance smells like on one person may smell completely different on someone else.

"So just because you like the way something smells when it is in the bottle doesn't mean that is what it is going to smell like when it is on you," says Slatkin. "Let your nose direct you."

How to Make a Hot Buttered Rum (video)


In the video above, partners at the Small Screen Network will show
you how to make a hot buttered rum, which is How to make a hot buttered rum cocktaila great cocktail to have on a cold winter day. Robert Hess, host of "The Cocktail Spirit", will show you an easy to follow way to make one, without much advance prep work.

What you will need: a pre-heated coffee cup or mug, a teaspoon of butter, 2 teaspoons of sugar (preferably brown), 5 ounces of hot water, a cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and rum (Mount Gay Extra Old rum is what Hess uses).

For more innovative cocktail recipes, please see the ones offered to us by The Hurricane Club.

Harry Slatkin on The Evolution of Home Fragrances (video)

When home fragrance expert Harry Slatkin talks about the evolution of home fragrancesHarry Slatkin began his career in home fragrances 18 years ago, he literally changed the industry. Since he founded Slatkin & Co., many others have followed suit, from Ralph Lauren to Banana Republic and Martha Stewart. Slatkin now oversees product development for all the home fragrance brands under Bath & Body Works, the country's largest bath and body retailer with over 1,650 stores.

Home fragrances used to be more of a women's world. Since then, the industry has changed dramatically, says Slatkin.

"If I do a radio show, the callers in are mostly men," he says. "They are complementing me on this scent or that scent. Men are getting into scent just as much as women."

Home fragrances have also hit the college scene. "One of the hottest products right now for college students are plug-ins," says Slatkin. "Dorms smell and you can't really light a candle in a dorm. But you can use a plug-in to create a different atmosphere, plus it is a great way to hide all the musty smells of dirty laundry."

A Peek Inside the Plaza Hotel in New York (with Video)

The Plaza Hotel recently reopened the newly renovated Palm Court.
Luxist recently sat down with Shane Krige, general manager of New York's famous Plaza Hotel, to discuss (see video below) and view the newly renovated landmark building across from New York's Central Park.

The hotel, which will celebrate its 103rd anniversary in October, underwent a complete restoration which cost more than $450 million. Every guest room was completely renovated and provide elegant accomodations inspired by the richly decorative style of Louis XV. Every guest bathroom is finished with inlaid earth stone mosaics in floral motifs and 24-carat gold plated faucets and accessories.

The Royal Plaza Suite, as seen in the video, is a magnificient three-bedroom, three-bathroom suite accessed by private elevator and located in a private area of the hotel overlooking Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. The exquisitely designed living room features a grand piano while the gracious dining room seats up to 12 guests. There's even a wood-paneled library stocked with titles hand-selected by Prosper Assouline, the founder of Assouline, the luxury book publisher. The state-of-the-art kitchen outfitted with Viking appliances is ideal for guests who travel with a personal chef.

As part of the restoration, the Palm Court was returned to its original design not seen for years. Its newly launched afternoon tea service is not to be missed. Known as the heart and soul of The Plaza, the Palm Court is a vast landmark space bordered by mirrored doors, fleur-de-peche marble columns and crowned with a domed yellow-and-green skylight. The $6.5 million restoration included the re-creation of the original 1,800 square foot stained-glass lay light that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The airy, romantic space within the legendary hotel is nothing short of breathtaking.
class="BrightcoveExperience">

Eton of Sweden: What Makes This Luxury Shirt Maker the Best of Breed

Luxury shirtmaker Eton of Sweden
Eton of Sweden is internationally known for its innovative and classic designs, exclusive colors, and full range of coordinating accessories. Eton of Sweden was founded as a made-to-measure shirt company in 1928 by Annie and David Pettersson and is still headquartered in Ganghester, the same small village in Sweden since its founding. So what is it that makes Eton of Sweden one of the premier luxury shirt makers in the world and one that has endured for nearly a century?

To learn more about what sets this luxury shirt maker the best of breed, Luxist sat down with Erik Wilkinson, Eton's Director of Sales for North America.

Wilkinson explains that Eton is one of the only apparel brands that has completely vertically integrated the process. With its mill partners, Eton of Sweden buys the raw materials---Pima and Egyptian cotton---which comprises 100% of its collection. Eton buys high quality Pima cotton directly from a consortium of farmers in Peru. "Eton of Sweden only uses Pima and Egyptian cotton because it is the finest, long staple cotton that can be used to make shirts," says Wilkinson.

The cotton is then weaved in Northern Italy and France before being transported to Switzerland for a lengthy, proprietary (and patented) and high-tech 35-step finishing process that produces a smooth, crisp and wrinkle-free result. "The finishing is the critical part of what makes our shirts so special," he adds. "Our shirts tend to last longer and keep their color better than others, too."

Ponchos: The Must-Have Outerwear Item in Fall 2011 (video)


In the video above, our partners at FabSugarTV,
explain how ponchos will be the must-have Ponchos are the new must-have outerwear item for Fall 2011outerwear item in Fall 2011.

"From over-sized to cropped, loose-fitting ponchos were shown in all different proportions (at NY Fashion Week Fall 2011)," says fashion reporter, Allison McNamera.

Tommy Hilfiger showed versions with longer lengths in back, while Max Azria showed an assymetrical version. More traditional ponchos were featured by Rag & Bone while designers Adam and Rachel Roy opted for blanket-style versions.

Watch the video and see how Alexander Wang mixed textures in his version as well as one with rain slicker details.

To see Luxist's full coverage of NY Fashion Week Fall 2011, click here.

Giraffe Manor in Kenya: Where Guests Live Among World's Tallest Creatures (with video)

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi Kenya

For those seeking a truly exotic, once-in-a-lifetime Out of Africa-type experience, Giraffe Manor may be just the place. Here, guests enjoy the unique chance to interact with its resident herd of Rothschild Giraffe, a rare breed which is among the world's tallest creatures. Guests have the unparalleled experience of the giraffes, with the animals vying for guests' attention at the breakfast table, the front door and even at the bedroom window. Giraffe Manor is located in 12 acres of private land only 20 kilometers from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. It is set within 140 acres of indigenous forest.

Guests interact with the giraffes throughout the day. Breakfast is served in the sun room, with its enormous windows flung open to welcome the giraffe that come and join you. Dinner is a cosy affair as the drawing room fire is lit and guests and managers gather for evening drinks. You can either chose to have a candlelit hosted meal in the dramatic wood paneled dining room or at your own table under the stars surrounded by the glow created by lanterns and candles on the terrace.

How to Make Garnish for a Cocktail (video)


So how do bartenders manage to make perfect, spiral
lemon garnish for a cocktail? If you are How to make garnish for cocktailsplanning on hosting a cocktail party anytime soon, be sure to watch this video from Jamie Boudreau, host of "Raising the Bar" at the Small Screen Network, and learn how to do it like the pros. Be sure to have a lemon, a zester and a swivel stick handy and follow his simple steps.

Be sure to check out the Luxist Awards' list of the best wine bars, best brew pubs and best cocktail lounges, according to our readers.

The Art of Making Cigars (video)


Our partners at Voyage.TV visited Graycliff Cigar Co.
in Nassau, Bahamas and were given a The art of making cigars behind-the-scenes tour of all that is involved in making cigars. Watch the above video and you will learn how to make a cigar and all about the three leaves that are used in making a cigar--one for the flavor, another that makes it burn and a third which gives it firmness.

The Graycliff Cigar Co., which began production in 1997, offers tours and cigar rolling lessons. For more information, visit Graycliff's website.

How to Care For and Store Cashmere (video)


Sharon Haver, fashion guru and founder of FocusOnStyle.com, shares tips on the best ways to care for your How to care and store cashmerecashmere sweaters and other cashmere pieces. Dry clean or handwash? "Unless it is something you really got very dirty, the longer you can go without cleaning it, it seems to work better with cashmere," says Haver. "You can handwash it or use a very gentle cycle in a good washing machine that won't beat it up. Use cold water and a delicate laundry detergent, or even shampoo."

Haver recommends putting the cashmere piece in a dryer for a minute or two to air fluff it. "Then lay it down on a towel and let it dry naturally," she adds.

Watch the video above to learn more about cleaning your cashmere as well as how to properly store cashmere and protect cashmere from moths.

Check out Haver's related video to learn more about cashmere and how to shop for it.

If you haven't yet met the StyleList Network, a group of first-rate fashion bloggers, please do. And then introduce them to your friends!

Video: Girls of the Geneva Motor Show


While we're enjoying the latest luxury and supercar news from our correspondent at the Geneva Motor Show, here's a video clip of some of the beautiful models who attracted the most stares. We're not talking about the machines themselves but rather the bevy of beauties hired to show them off to advantage. The Geneva show sees the debut of some of the world's hottest cars so the competition is fierce. While many spectators take the girls for granted, a sort of added attraction or sideshow to the main event, as The Classicist noted in this 2009 column car show girls are in fact carefully chosen "tools to present the [car brands'] corporate image in a very distinctive way." Our advice: don't read too much into it, just enjoy the show.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Appliance (video)


What is the best way to clean a stainless steel appliance? How can you get that showroom finish? How to clean a stainless steel applianceOur partners at the Home Staging Channel suggest this easy solution--and you probably have all the necessary materials in your kitchen cabinets. "Put a little olive oil on a cotton towel," says HSC's John Mangano. "A couple of dabs is all you need. Then rub in a circular motion." You may need to use more for high traffic areas of the appliance.

For a few more tips on how to clean a stainless steel appliance, check out this related post that contains pointers from Sub-Zero, one of the leading manufacturers of premium appliances.

Featured Galleries

Aperion SLIMstage30 Speaker System
Fortis Spaceleader Volkswagen Design White Watch
Gustafsson & Sjogren Stockholm watches
Sensai Summer Skin Care and Makeup Must-Haves
Four Season Provence
Casa Noble Tequila
Turks & Caicos Style
Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New Colors
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Aronde 1954 Watch