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Prince

Princely Renovations Stopped in Paris

Filed under: Estates

hotel lambert
If you ever decide to purchase a historic home in Paris and give it a few updates beware of the power of the Parisians. Prince Abdullah Bin Abdullah Al-thani of Qatar purchased a 17th century mansion back in 2007 for $88 million with plans to spend $50 million more in renovations. When word leaked that he intended to add 21st century amenities such as an elevator, central air and an underground parking garage the locals were able to secure a court order to halt his progress. Known to have housed Chopin while writing his musical masterpieces as well as Voltaire's mistress, the historically prominent property needs to be both preserved and cared for by a wealthy investor if it ever hopes to be restored to its prior glory. I don't know anything about restoring old properties but I'd be happy to keep an eye on things as a resident!

Check out Jared's post and gallery of this historic site too!

Prince Piece Includes Rare Purple Diamonds

Filed under: Auctions, Books, Celebrity Design


We've seen some expensive musician-related iPods before but Prince trumps them all with the Prince Opus. The purple one is selling a limited-edition iPod Touch for $2,100. The iPod is loaded with a 40-minute concert video and 15 songs from a live soundtrack. Only 950 Prince iPods are available and they are being sold with a book of Prince photographs from high-end book publisher Kraken Opus.

For one deep-pocketed and devoted fan there is the Prince Opus Number One, a unique one-off artwork of ultimate purple luxury. The book has an alligator skin binding with sterling silver artwork and purple silk lining. A diamond-encrusted rendering of Prince's symbol is one the cover. The platinum piece includes 21 round brilliant cut diamonds and five rare purple diamonds totaling 7.7 carats. The piece can be detached and worn as a pendant. The Number One will be exhibited and will be auctioned off later this year.

[via Wired]

Prince Sued by Fragrance Company

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping, Cosmetics and Fragrance

Looks like another celebrity is having fragrance troubles. Prince is being sued by Revelations Perfume and Cosmetics, Inc., makers of 3121, the 2007 fragrance named after and inspired by his 2006 album. Revelations has sued Prince and Universal Music Publishing Group for $100,000, claiming he and his record company failed to help peddle the scent.

The suit was filed earlier this week in New York State Supreme Court. Revelations licensed Prince's name and likeness to create 3121 and another fragrance due out in 2009. According to court documents, Revelations put out more than $2.5 million for said privilege and promised to give Universal a 50 percent cut of the proceeds, and in return Prince was supposed to be available for marketing purposes.

"Since July 2007, despite repeated attempts by Revelations there have been virtually no communications from anyone who could commit to or coordinate any promotional efforts by Prince," the suit states.

Responding to the suit, which its legal team had not yet seen, Universal issued a statement calling the plaintiff's claims "completely without merit."

While nowhere near the amount of this suit, it's never a good time to (possibly) be out $100K. The jury's still out as to the results.

Prince Charles Drives a Wine Powered Car

Filed under: Wine, Green

The world is experiencing shortages of natural resources and the search for alternative fuels is going stronger than ever. Prince Charles is doing his part by supporting some creative efforts and fueling his 38yr old Aston Martin with of all things, wine.

Due to strict wine limits set by the EU excess wine cannot be sold on the regular market and instead ends up getting converted into environmental fuel. Besides his Aston Martin (which he only drives an average of 300 miles a year) Prince Charles has also converted several of his other cars to alternative fuel: his Jaguars, Audi, and Range Rovers all run on biodiesel made of cooking oil.

Cuff Links by Prince Charles

Filed under: Jewelry

Prince Charles will soon be launching a luxury line of cuff links and ties. The new cuff links will be released in limited edition, made of silver and enamel in "arabesque" designs, and are scheduled for release later this month under the label Traditional Arts (which so far has only included houseware items). By the end of the year the new goodies should be available here in the States and around the world. And don't worry, you're not paying to support royal amenities like fine china for afternoon tea -- all the profits go to charity.

Golden Cradle Studded with Diamonds, Rubies, and Emeralds

Filed under: Decor, Events


Wow, way back in the 18th century they really knew how to bling things up. And unlikely things too, like this baby's cradle. Covered in gold and set with more than 2,000 gems including diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, it's currently on display in Tokyo at a special exhibit that includes about 140 other antique treasures from the Ottoman Empire (which came before the Republic of Turkey). The items will be on display through September 24th in honor of the birth of Prince Hisahito to the Japanese Emporer's son Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko (got that straight?). No word on what the cradle's valued at, although since it isn't for sale I guess it's more about admiring it's gaudy beauty than hoping to get one for yourself.

Dracula's Castle for Sale (Bats Included!)

Filed under: Estates


Some 450,000 people pass through Dracula's castle in Transylvania each year, and now people not only have the chance to see it but also to own it. Prince Vlad the Impaler, the violent warlord who inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula" character, is rumored to have stayed one night in his family's castle, officially called Bran Castle, back in the 1400s. It's been running as a museum per an agreement with the Romanian government that expires in 2009. The castle went up for sale on Monday, and although it's expected to go for upwards of $135 million it won't be sold to just anybody, as only buyers who "will treat the property and its history with appropriate respect" will be considered. And those who don't mind seeing bats flying around the ramparts at twilight, of course.

Interested? I think I'll pass.



Via Book of Joe

Buy Prince's Superbowl Bandanna

Filed under: Auctions

Last Sunday's Superbowl halftime show was slightly more interesting than anticipated, given Prince's winged backup singer, the pouring rain and his oddly shaped guitar. Whether it was good or not depends on whether you are a Prince fan. If you are, you might also enjoy the chance to get in on the bidding for the black bandanna/scarf that he wore on his head during the show, which is up for sale on eBay. The major selling point? "It even still smells like hairspray and sweat." It is hard to say whether it will be worth anything in the long run, but bidding is up to $350 so far.

[via tmz]

Prince's Wife Plans Home Fragrance Line

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Prince's wife, Manuela Testolini Nelson is launching a new home fragrance line, Altru, which is based on her travels around the world. Altru is part of Gamillah, her company which is aligned with a variety of social causes. WWD reports that there will be 16 pieces in the Altru collection including soy-based candles, interior fragrance oils and incense sticks and holders. More than half of the proceeds will go to the In A Perfect World Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to inspire children to become world leaders. The Altru products are divided into six groups based on certain scents and named for qualities such as Harmony (tanenashi persimmon), Integrity(Persian lilac and bamboo), Artistry (masala chai), Remembrance (grapefruit and Italian rosemary), Wellness (white clove and wild ginger) and Appreciation (tiare and white freesia). Prices range from $15 to $65 an the products will be sold starting in October exclusively at Nordstrom and at Manhattan's ABC Carpet & Home.

Prince Purples Up His Rental

Filed under: Estates

Word to the wise, don't rent your house to Prince. The Smoking Gun has the documents relating to a complaint filed by Carlos Boozer, a forward with the Utah Jazz, who rented his West Hollywood mansion to the Purple One for $70,000 a month. Surprise, surprise, Prince painted the house with purple striping, his special symbol and the numbers 3121 (the name of his new album). Prince also added in a purple monogrammed carpet in the bedroom and changed the plumbing to accommodate beauty salon chairs. Prince was supposed to hold a private concert in the house for album holders who discovered a purple ticket in their CD cases.  The lawsuit was withdrawn. Prince's lease ends in May and last night he surprised fans waiting outside Tower Records to pick up his album with an impromptu concert.


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