Alligator

World's Most Expensive Poker Set for $7.5 Million

Filed under: Gadgets, Men's Style, Wealth

Talk about high stakes – Geoffrey Parker, London-based maker of the finest games on the globe, is offering the world's most expensive poker set for $7.5 million. The bespoke set comes housed in a genuine alligator skin case finished in any color the client chooses, fitted with 18k white gold combination locks and hardware. The case' suede lining features an 18k gold and diamond frame holding 384 18k white gold chips, each inlaid on both sides in shagreen (stingray skin). The chips can be in any currency and denomination the client desires; the display set features chips marked €100,000 – or about $140,000 at today's rates.

The edge of each chip is set with precious stones – white diamonds for the white chips, sapphires for the blue, rubies for the red, emeralds for the green and black diamonds for the black. The dealer button is be a larger 18 karat white gold chip set with two rows of diamonds to the edge. The set will feature an estimated 22,364 stones in all, totaling 1,012 carats. Finally there are four platinum-plated decks of poker cards. Orders are now being taken with an expected delivery time of six to nine months; the price may go up if the precious stones and metals market fluctuates.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: alligator, alligator+skin+poker+set, alligatorskinpokerset, bespoke, cards, diamond, diamonds, exotic leather, gambling, game sets, games, Geoffrey Parker, gold, gold and diamonds, London, mens style, most+expensive+poker+chips, most+expensive+poker+set, mostexpensivepokerchips, mostexpensivepokerset, platinum, playing cards, poker, precious stones, shagreen, UK, white gold, worlds most expensive

The $85,000 Custom Diamond & Alligator Guitar

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

The $85,000 Custom Diamond & Alligator Guitar

Rock Royalty, a new Nashville-based luxury design house that manufactures one-of-a-kind, custom guitars, is offering the ultimate in rock star decadence: an $85,000 custom alligator skin, diamond and sterling silver Fender Telecaster. The eye-popping instrument comes wrapped in exquisite natural black alligator skin from Louisiana, and features black diamond and sterling silver volume knobs, a selector switch set with rubies, and six handmade diamond tuning keys set in sterling silver. They also have a custom Gibson Les Paul for $125,000, set with almost 50 carats of black and white diamonds if that's too cheap. The company promises never to duplicate a design so that each piece remains totally unique. The Telecaster and Les Paul are two of nine original designs created for the brand's debut; other models come wrapped in stingray skin and various other exotic finishes. The only question is whether to play them or hang them over the fireplace.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Rock Royalty Custom Guitars

Tags: alligator, alligator+guitar, alligatorguitar, custom, diamond, guitars, music, Nashville, Rock Royalty, sterling silver

Pierre Cardin Vintage Clutch, Handbag of the Day

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Pierre Cardin's Vintage Clutch ($408) is absolutely beautiful. It exudes a classic and sophisticated aesthetic that is truly timeless. Cardin's Vintage 1980's Clutch is styled in brown alligator skin with rich orange and red undertones. A gold clasp fastening and skinny chain handle perfectly complements the warm color palette.

The interior is small with a compartment thus fitting only the essentials. Ideal for a special evening out, Cardin's Clutch makes for a tasteful and elegant accent to your outfit. Measurements: 5" H x 1" D.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

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Tags: alligator, clutch, handbag, handbag of the day, Pierre Cardin, vintage

World's Most Expensive iPad Case & More from Designer-to-the-Stars David August

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Celebrity Shopping, Men's Style

Back in August we reported that famed Italian luxury goods firm Tod's was offering the world's most expensive iPad case in genuine alligator for $4,900. Now David August, the California-based boutique luxury brand that creates bespoke wardrobes for the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr. and various billionaires, has topped that with his new collection of exotic leather goods including an even pricier iPad sheath. Crafted of the world's finest alligator skin hand cut and stitched in Italy by a skilled family of artisans, the collection of five luxe pieces is available in both a glazed and matte finish in over 20 different colors.

The entire collection is priced at $37,800 with each piece also available individually. The five pieces include the iPad cover (above, center) for $6,900, a soft laptop attaché case for $12,900, a Dopp kit for $7,800, a watch holder for $7,800, and a change tray for $2,400. All items are made strictly to order with a 2–4 week delivery time and several personal customizing options are available as well. While far from the priciest item in the collection, the iPad case is nonetheless the world's most expensive cover for the trendy gadget, costing nearly 14 times as much as Apple's basic 16GB model itself.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: David August Exotic Accessories

Tags: alligator, alligator+ipad+case, alligatoripadcase, Apple, Arnold Schwarzenegger, bespoke, billionaire, California, David August, designer+ipad+case, designeripadcase, exotic leather, expensive+ipad+case, expensive+ipad+cases, expensiveipadcase, expensiveipadcases, gadgets, iPad, iPad cover, Italy, most+expensive+ipad+case, mostexpensiveipadcase, Will Smith, worlds most expensive

EXCLUSIVE: Rugged Fall Style Starring the 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style, The Classicist

Click above for a high-res image gallery and full credit info

Some people look at the colder weather as an excuse to head south for the winter; we like to think of it as an opportunity to wear lots of new clothes and find fun ways of keeping warm. In the spirit of getting ready for the season in style we took the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, some classic country clothing and ruggedly handsome accouterments on a tour through the glorious autumnal landscape of northern New England, documenting our excursion with the cool new Olympus PEN E-PL1 digital camera. We let the foliage flaunt the bright colors, keeping the clothing to an elegant, understated palette of greens, grays and earthy tones with rich leather, suede and alligator skin details and subtle tortoiseshells and tartans for contrast. Warm textures of wool, cashmere, tweed, moleskin and waxed cotton combined with equestrian and hunting elements guard against the elements and the hazards of the terrain (and local fauna), handling any activity without sacrificing anything in the way of style.

That's also an apt description of the new Cayenne Turbo, hands-down the sportiest SUV around. For 2011 it gets a sleeker and more aggressive appearance, better performance and fuel economy, garnering it the 2011 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year title (they noted that "the Cayenne's driving experience eclipsed that of every other contender"). Powered by a 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine generating 500 hp, it can do 0–60 mph in just 4.4 seconds if you're so inclined. Equipped with the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel-drive system it can do just about anything else. Fitted with Porsche's new eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a luxurious leather interior influenced by the Panamera, it features a state-of-the-art navigation system with real-time traffic updates, a surround sound system with iPod interface, Bluetooth hands-free phone operation, 18-way adaptive sport seats and more – in short, all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a $105,000 SUV with a Porsche pedigree.

Gallery: Rugged Fall Style - Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Grousa sweater jacket by Fjallraven; tumbled leather boots by Ralph Lauren

Moto jacket by LINCS by David Chu; shirt, tie and pants by Ralph Lauren; boots by Hunter

Cashmere sweater by Brooks Brothers; shirt and pants by Ralph Lauren; cap by Locke & Co., London

Gentry Russell boots by Wolverine 1000 Mile; scarf by Hermes

Tags: alligator, Barbour, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, camera, cashmere, cognac, David Chu, equestrian, Fjallraven, Hunter, Hunter boots, hunting, LINCS, mens style, New England, Olympus, Panamera, Panerai, Persol, Pierre Ferrand, Porsche, Porsche Cayenne, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Ralph Lauren, Rolex, Steve McQueen, SUV, tweed, UK, watches, Wolverine, Wolverine 1000 Mile

Continue reading “EXCLUSIVE: Rugged Fall Style Starring the 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo”

A. Testoni Offers World's Most Expensive Men's Shoes

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes, Men's Style

For the astronomical price of $38,000 per pair, Italian luxury leather goods label A. Testoni is now offering the world's most expensive men's dress shoes. Testoni, founded in Bologna in 1929 by Amedeo Testoni, painstakingly handcrafts the Moro monk-strap model in the world's finest exotic alligator skin using the techniques of Norvegese, or Norwegian construction, for durability and added water resistance. Stiched with custom-made linen twine, the shoes are lined with glove-soft goatskin and adorned with a rich but discreet gold and diamond buckle. To make the eye-poppingly elegant footwear Testoni also employs a second proprietary process, called the piuma rapid, which requires some 200 manual operations to complete. Each pair is made up, deconstructed, and then put back together again in a patented method that results in a shoe as light as a feather yet which guarantees protection from hot, cold and humid weather.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: A. Testoni, alligator, diamond, exotic leather, gold, Italian fashion, leather, mens style, most expensive, shoes, worlds most expensive

Burberry Alligator Sling Bag, Handbag of the Day

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

As much as we may love an oversized handbag, sometimes an occasion, or an outfit, calls for a smaller bag that still packs personality. That's when you go for Burberry's Alligator Sling Bag ($14,500).

It's heavily embellished with brass hardware which surprisingly doesn't feel overdone or cheapen the bag's rockstar appeal. However, alligator provides such texture and depth and combined with a warm color palette, Burberry's Sling Bag would be equally exceptional, if not more, without embellishments.

In addition to a rolled shoulder handle, there's also a detachable flat shoulder strap. The interior is lined with sateen and features a zipped pocket. Also available in ink (navy blue) with black metal hardware. Measurements: 15 1/2" L x 7 1/4" H x 1 1/2" W.

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Tags: alligator, burberry, burberry prorsum, handbag of the day, handbags

Reed Krakoff Boxer II Alligator Tote, Handbag of the Day

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Krakoff beautifully combines sophistication and elegance in his Boxer II Tote. A simple silhouette is enhanced with luxurious sharkskin ($2,950) and alligator ($6,900) juxtaposed with conventional fabrics like duffle and flannel creating a unique and trendsetting handbag.

The Boxer II is adorned with straps around the opening in addition to straps hanging over the flap, which is fitting given that Krakoff says the Boxer II was "inspired by the idea of the wraps that boxers put around their wrists." With features like an inside front and back zip pockets, a center panel zip pocket and a front split pocket, and an all around roomy interior, the Boxer II is ideal for work, travel and of course as your everyday bag.

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Tags: alligator, duffle, flannel, handbag, handbag of the day, handbags, reed krakoff, sharkskin, tote

Asprey Londoner Luggage by Globe-Trotter

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Men's Style

Famed London luxury goods house Asprey has come out with a luxurious new line of luggage created in collaboration with Globe-Trotter, makers of fine travel cases since 1897. The five-piece Londoner Luggage collection, manufactured by hand in England, was designed by Bruce Hoeksema, Asprey's newly appointed creative director. The luggage comes in Asprey's signature royal purple with purple genuine crocodile handles and trim, and matte black with oxidized metallic corners and black crocodile handles and trim. The cases are lined in durable hemp linen with a leather hand stamped Asprey label and signature Asprey locks. The hand stitched crocodile corners were chosen to complement the classic regimental stripe of the removable webbed luggage straps that secure the suitcases.

Tags: alligator, Asprey, briefcase, crocodile, England, exotic leather, Globe-Trotter, leather, London, luggage, suitcase, UK

Russian Billionaire's Philippe Starck - Designed Superyacht Startles San Diego

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Yachts & Sailing, Wealth, Architecture & Design

It caused quite a kerfuffle when 38-year-old Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko's megayacht A (above), designed by Philippe Starck, weighed anchor off San Diego the other day while its owner drove off to check out Hearst Castle. The 390-ft. craft which resembles a sci-fi submarine cost over $300 million to build to the quirky designer's specs at Blohm + Voss, where Roman Abramovich's Eclipse was also constructed. With a crew of 35 (all outfitted in Starck-designed uniforms) to run it, the A's twin diesel's kick down 24,000 hp for a maximum speed of 24 knots, impressive for a ship this size. The interior features $40,000 bath faucets and $60,000 stair banisters.

The all-white, 2,583-sq.-ft. master suite wrapped in bulletproof, 44-milimeter glass is accessed by a silver-plated staircase with a fingerprint scanner at the door. Elsewhere Starck scattered Baccarat crystal tables, alligator skin and Kudu horn chairs, stingray skin upholstered walls and hand-stitched leather paneling. Some of the companies involved in constructing the unique sea beast went bankrupt due to the difficulties in executing Starck's design dictums. Filling the A's gas tanks alone costs $500,000 a pop and running costs come to about $20 million a year. Check out a video of the eye-popping yacht after the jump:

Tags: alligator, Andrey Melnichenko, Baccarat, Blohm + Voss, bulletproof, design, leather, megayacht, Philippe Starck, Roman Abramovich, Russian billionaire, San Diego, silver, stingray, superyacht, yacht

Continue reading “Russian Billionaire's Philippe Starck - Designed Superyacht Startles San Diego”

Tod's Launches World's Most Expensive iPad Cases, Plus an App

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Handbags

Back in May we told you about the world's most expensive iPad, a ludicrous solid gold version priced at $188,000. Now famed Italian luxury goods firm Tod's is offering world's most expensive iPad case, which in this case is actually in excellent taste. The luxurious case, finished in genuine alligator, is priced at $4,900 - almost ten times the cost of Apple's un-embellished 16GB iPad itself. The one-of-a-kind accessory is handmade in Italy from the world's finest grade alligator skin, and will be available in brown, blue and tan from Tod's boutiques worldwide beginning in November. If that's a little too rich for your blood, there's also a version in buff colored calfskin for $495. Meanwhile Tod's has also launched its first iPad app, called My Life Is In This Bag.

The app allows users to enter and experience the world of Tod's and browse the brand's collections, and also showcases virtual themed lifestyles. The app reveals the contents of six stylish and sophisticated women's 'D' bags, the famed Tod's model favored by the likes of Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Garner and Jessica Alba. Along with snapshots of each bag's contents, users can journey into the different lifestyles and personalities, including that of sexy socialite Lauren Remington Platt, and discover tips such as the most spectacular destinations around the globe with an insider's guide to art and entertainment. See more images of the luxe cases and the app after the jump.

Tags: alligator, app, Apple, computer, exotic leather, expensive+ipad+cases, expensiveipadcases, gadgets, iPad, iPad case, Italy, Lauren Remington Platt, most+expensive+ipad+case, mostexpensiveipadcase, socialite, tech, tods+ipad, tods+ipad+case, todsipad, todsipadcase

Continue reading “Tod's Launches World's Most Expensive iPad Cases, Plus an App”

Bottega Veneta $53,000 Alligator Suitcase

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Luxe Italian label Bottega Veneta has come out with a new version of its posh exotic leather luggage we first wrote about last summer. This season's take on the classic suitcase, made from the world's finest genuine alligator skin, is hand-crafted in soft-finished matte black and dubbed the Nero. Priced at $53,000, the case features burnished metal hardware with reinforced corners and locking mechanisms, along with matching black alligator handles. It also has a padded lining, internal elastic pocket and a removable garment bag. Designed to improve with age and withstand the rigors of travel, it's still obviously not the kind of thing you check on a commercial flight - unless you happen to own the airline.

[via LuxuryLaunches]

Tags: alligator, Bottega Veneta, exotic leather, Italian fashion, luggage, suitcase, travel

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time in Titanium

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has come out with a new version of its stylish Overseas model in rugged steel and titanium. Priced at $13,900, the new Overseas Dual Time Steel and Titanium model is equipped with a dual time-zone display powered by a mechanical self-winding Calibre 1222. The sporty watch is finished in a monochromatic palette with shades of grey created by the steel base, the titanium bezel and the slate grey dial. It features the Overseas collection's hefty 42 mm case, bezel with a cut-out inspired by the Maltese Cross, water resistance to a depth of 150 meters, and the emblematic Overseas motif depicting a two-masted sailboat engraved on the solid case-back. The watch comes with two straps, one in anthracite grey alligator leather and the other in black rubber. An extremely light metal that is resistant to corrosion, erosion and fire, titanium was initially developed for use in the aeronautical, aerospace, chemical and medical industries.

Tags: alligator, steel, Switzerland, titanium, Vacheron Constantin, watch

Handmade Etsy Find: Alligator Clutch, Handbag of the Day

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Thought it might be fun a to showcase a bag from somewhere other than the usual luxury retailers, so here's a gem I found on Etsy. A Green Alligator Clutch by David St. Mortiz. It's handmade of a combination of genuine American alligator skin and cowhide leather, with a dark brown pigskin lining. The fold-over flap is made from the alligator's tail and in this case features an interesting natural contour. Designed a little like a wallet, this clutch features a double-frame purse compartment interior with slots for credit cards and room for small essentials like a cell phone and lipstick. Each bag is made at the time of order, $499.

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Tags: alligator, clutch, etsy, handbag, handbag of the day

Ildikó Gál Bespoke Exotic Leather Shoes from Hungary

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes, Men's Style

Hungarian bespoke shoemaker Ildikó Gál, which handcrafts exquisite footwear from exotic skins, makes its American debut this month. The brand has opened a new showroom in New York at 501 Fifth Avenue showcasing its first collection of men's handmade dress shoes, all constructed by third generation Hungarian cobblers. Ildikó Gál combines modern technology with Old World craftsmanship to produce luxurious products of unsurpassed quality. Constructing the perfect shoe starts with a state-of-the-art scanner that measures each foot from all angles. The foot scan data is instantly transmitted to the last makers, who create lasts that reflect a customer's unique feet.

From small towns and villages in rural Hungary where shaping leather into shoes is an art form handed down through generations, the shoemakers produce stunning, handcrafted footwear. Each shoe design is executed completely by hand using traditional methods and the finest skins, and takes about six weeks to complete. Each finished pair is stamped with the artisan's signature and delivered in a custom fitted wooden box with custom made shoe trees, silk shoe bags and special polishes. Prices start at about $2,500 per pair and exotic skins on offer include stingray (above), sharkskin, alligator, crocodile and ostrich.

Gallery: Ildiko Gal Bespoke Shoes