dupont

What do you get the cigar smoker who already has humidors of various sizes that are stocked with rare and exceptional cigars, several upscale cutters and a collection of S.T. Dupont lighters? Davidoff has solved that problem for you this year. The Swiss tobacconist has devised an accessory that screams conspicuous luxury: the Davidoff cigar band. If the paper ring that comes on the cigar just isn't good enough for you, you can replace it with the leather-and-precious metal variant released only a few months ago and manufactured in a very limited quantity.

The use of this device is straightforward: remove the band from your favorite cigar, wrap the Davidoff alternative around the stick and fasten the clasp. Then, be sure to hold your cigar shoulder-high between puffs, to make sure everyone sees how it is adorned (that is the point, after all). Many cigar smokers are known to show off their labels, but none will be able to compare to the Davidoff ring.

When using this accessory, remember to remove it when the ember is an inch away – you don't want to damage the leather. Also, be sure to take it off before you toss the smoked cigar in the ash tray. It would be a shame to forget this item in the lounge (though whoever finds it would be pretty happy).

If cigar smoking is a visual affair for you, the Davidoff cigar band is the best way to be seen smoking. But, make sure you put it on a great cigar – or at least have the presence of mind to shove the "It's a Boy" label in your pocket so you don't get busted.

Is this the kitchen of the future? Innovative architect Zaha Hadid partnered with Corian and Ernestomeda to create the Z Island by DuPont Corian. The kitchen island, which was shown off at Milan Design week, has two free-standing island units, one for "fire" and one for "water," a modular wall cabinet, a wall covering system with special light and sound diffusion capabilities, and a long work bench. The main island unit can change from a  horizontal cooking and eating surface  into a vertical digital surface with an  LCD screen for TV or computer use and an iPod. The cooking area has a special heating plate and the main island has a touch control panel. The wall treatment has acoustic properties and a customized LEDs that allows the user to change the music and lighting. The kitchen island even has a scent diffusion system that can be programmed to dispense different scents throughout the day. Pictures of the Z island in Milan can be found at designws.com.

S.T. Dupont's Vertigo II collection is an updated version of the first Vertigo Collection which was made back in 1996. The new collection features a geometric pattern done in Chinese lacquer. There will be 350 fountain pens, 350 rollerball pens and 300  Line 2 lighters created. Pen Lovers recently checked out the set and gave it rave reviews. The lighter has a list price of $990 and can be found along with both pens at Fountain Pen Hospital.