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Perini Navi Founder's Personal Sailing Superyacht for Sale at $3 Million

The famous Maltese Falcon embodies the elegance married to technical excellence characterizing the sailing superyachts of Italy's Perini Navi. The firm was founded in the early 1980s by dashing yachtsman Fabio Perini who wanted a large sailing yacht that was modern, stylish, fast and relatively easy to sail. He revolutionized the world of sailing superyachts in the process, and one of the very first Perini Navi yachts he built for himself, in 1987. The 80-ft. Elettra (above) is now being offered for sale at $3 million, an important piece of modern sailing history. Still raced every year in the Perini Navi Cup against much larger craft, the yacht has a Kevlar-composite hull and and is capable of a crusing speed of 10 knots. With accommodation for seven guests and three crew members Elettra recently benefited from a total refit of all sailing systems undertaken by Perini Navi and has been the subject of constant upgrades and improvements over the years. The interior remains an icon of classic maritime style with tons of teak and nautical accents.

Gallery: Perini Navi 'Elettra'

Tags: Italy, Maltese Falcon, Perini Navi, Perini Navi Cup, sailing, sailing yacht, superyacht

Il San Pietro di Positano Wins Luxist's Editors' Choice Award for Best in Summer Travel

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Il San Pietro di Positano Wins Luxist's Editors' Choice Award for Best in Summer Travel

At the famous Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show in 2006, the Queen of England traipsed through a garden of hibiscus and bougainvillea inspired by the terraces of Italy's Il San Pietro di Positano-and liked what she saw.

"The Queen appreciated the display at the flower show, but has never been at the San Pietro," says the hotel's Lorenzo Saprio. "Her sister, Princess Margaret, was a frequent visitor."

Fortunately for the rest of the world, that experience can also be enjoyed by people who aren't members of the British royal family. Perched on the cliffs above the bay of Postitano with sweeping views of the town John Steinbeck once described as "a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone," Il San Pietro di Positano is our pick for the Editors' Choice Award in Best Summer Travel.

The hotel features 61 rooms hewn into the rock, each with its own spectacular view and unparalleled privacy. A staff of 127 people buzzes about the resort, looking after guests as they stroll from orchid-filled lobby to dichondra-decked terrace, spacious swimming pool to state-of-the-art fitness center, all the way down to an umbrella-dotted sun deck set just a few feet above the rocky shore.

Gallery: Hotel Il San Pietro di Positano

Tags: amalfi, amalfi coast, awards-main, Carlo Cinque, Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy, luxist-awards, michelin guide, michelin stars, Queen of England, resorts, San Pietro di Positano, winners-summer-travel

Continue reading “Il San Pietro di Positano Wins Luxist's Editors' Choice Award for Best in Summer Travel”

Ferrari Launches the Pit Stop Store at Vulcano Buono

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Shopping

Does Art imitate Life, or does Life imitate Art? Replace Art with Architecture, and Life with Nature and you very well might have your answer in Vulcano Buono. The innovative commercial space sits in the heart of Nola – one of Italy's most important industrial centers – and the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. The building imitates the menacing volcano above in its form, and is insulated by acres of sloping vegetation fields in a unique green initiative.

The only thing such a structure might share with a company like Ferrari (aside from the carbon spewing into the atmosphere) might be the country they both call home, but this is also the site that Ferrari chose to open a new kind of retail space. Called the Pit Stop, it's similar to other Ferrari Stores around the world, but is targeted specifically at race fans (as opposed to sportscar owners on the flip-side of the Ferrari coin).

The 900-square meter store is the first of its kind, and is styled after the pit-lane garages used by Ferrari on the grand prix circuit. The decor and furniture are inspired by the industrial-strength travel cases used by the Scuderia, there's a reproduction pit wall where visitors can drive the Ferrari Virtual Academy driving simulator and of course there's plenty of memorabilia on offer. The Vulcano Buono store is the first of what Ferrari plans will be many situated around the world.

Gallery: Ferrari Pit Stop store at Vulcano Buono

Tags: ferrari pit stop, ferrari pit stop store, ferrari store, italy, nola, pit stop, retail, store, vulcano buono

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

Lagerfeld Launches 2011 Pirelli Calendar with Julianne Moore

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Actress Juliane Moore and several naked supermodels, including serial nudist Daria Werbowy, Isabeli Fontana, Lara Stone, Erin Wasson, Natasha Poly and more appear in the just-unveiled 2011 Pirelli calendar photographed by Karl Lagerfeld. For the first time, thanks to Lagerfeld's influence and the Greek and Roman Mythology-theme of the shoot, which took place at Lagerfeld's studio in Paris, male models appear in the famed flesh fantasia as well this year. "It's my favourite religion: a god for everything," Lagerfeld tells Vogue UK regarding the calendar's theme. "I am a polytheist. I prefer mythology without hell, no sin – an obstacle to happiness – without forgiveness. I love goddesses because they were the first liberated women, who were entitled to everything. The goddesses and the muses are feminists!"

Tags: Daria Werbowy, Erin Wasson, Isabeli Fontana, Italy, Juliane Moore, Karl Lagerfeld, Lara Stone, nude, nudity, Paris, photography, Pirelli, pirelli calendar, supermodels

New '50s-Inspired Shades from Dolce & Gabbana's Gold Edition

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

New '50s-Inspired Shades from Dolce & Gabbana's Gold Edition

Last winter we wrote about the exclusive new collection of Gold Edition sunglasses plated in pure 18-carat gold from Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. Now the duo has added some new designs to the luxe collection - whose fans include Brad Pitt – including two cool new Fifties-inspired styles (above) for Spring / Summer 2011. The slick shades starred in Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2010 / 2011 men's fashion show in tribute to the 20th anniversary of their men's collections. There are two versions, one with rounded lenses and one square, available in black or tortoiseshell. Made in Italy, the sunglasses feature polarized glass, and a certificate of authenticity comes with each pair of glasses attesting to the originality, design and quality and the use of 18-carat gold. Each pair is presented in its own jewelry case featuring a plaque with the words "Dolce &Gabbana Gold Edition". Inside there is a portable case in black leather, decorated with a plaque and logo. The Gold Edition models are available at ILORI Luxury Sunglass boutiques with prices ranging from $490 - $580, except for the squared version which will be on sale exclusively in Dolce & Gabbana boutiques.

Gallery: Dolce & Gabbana SS2011 Gold Edition

Tags: Brad Pitt, Dolce Gabbana, eyewear, gold, ILORI, Italian fashion, Italy, mens style, sunglasses

Giorgio G Ltd. Edition Cognacs from Giorgio Gucci

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Giorgio Gucci, grandson of the man who founded the famed Italian fashion house Gucci in 1905, has launched an exclusive new line of limited edition cognacs for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Giorgio worked in the family business for over five decades building the Gucci brand into a global powerhouse before selling his interest in the company and launching his own fashion label, Giorgio G, now expanded with the line of cognacs. The rare old ultra-premium spirits, sourced from scores of eaux-de-vie from France's famed Grande Champagne region selected for their characters and softness and aged in oak casks, come in three different expressions: Giorgio G XO, Giorgio G Grand Cru (above), and Giorgio G Grande Champagne Premier Cru, set to be distributed by Emperor's Brand.

The XO is over 35 years old, fruity and spicy with a deep mahogany color accented by brilliant glints of red flames. Rich, concentrated and powerful, it has notes of buttery vanilla and chocolate with wood and leather undertones. The Grand Cru is 50 years old, glowing and coppery in color. Its fragrances include notes of grapes, prunes, apricots, smoky oak and vanilla in addition to jasmine and honeysuckle. The taste is powerful and well balanced with a slightly spicy bouquet and peppery overtones. And the Grande Champagne Premier Cru is over 50 years old, shiny gold in hue. Notes of prunes and elderflower complement light vanilla, jasmine and honeysuckle aromas. The taste is soft and full-bodied with a mixture of nutmeg, vanilla and licorice notes.

Tags: cognac, France, Giorgio Gucci, Gucci, Italy, spirits

Miu Miu Opens Venice Store

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Shopping

Last month, Miu Miu, the more playful side of the Prada empire, opened a new store in Venice, Italy. The store is in Venice's Salizada San Moise area and sell ready-to-wear clothing, bags and accessories. Architect Roberto Baciocchi created a space with a glass display window facing the street and combined modern elements with the original features of the palazzo. The same inlaid floor joins the three separate spaces for different wares. In the ready-to-wear area shown above the original wood, stucco and plaster ceiling has been kept and restored. Two more images of the store are after the jump.

Tags: italy, luxury shopping, Miu Miu, Venice, ventas

Continue reading “Miu Miu Opens Venice Store”

Inside Luxury King Francois Pinault's Private Palazzo Museums

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art, Wealth, Architecture & Design

Francois Pinault is a man justifiably envied by many. With a fortune of $8.7 billion the high-school dropout-turned luxury goods titan is the majority shareholder of PPR, whose brands include Gucci, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta. He also owns famed auction house Christie's and the renowned Chateau Latour winery. His amazing contemporary art collection, worth an estimated $1.4 billion, encompasses 2,000-plus works by over 80 artists including Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Takashi Murakami and Damien Hirst. Much of it is now housed as his two incredible private museums in Venice, the Palazzo Grassi and the Punta della Dogana. Both historic buildings were transformed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando and are the subject of a smashing new book from Skira Rizzoli.

Tadao Ando: Venice - The Pinault Collection at the Palazzo Grassi and the Punta della Dogana shows how Ando's designs seamlessly blend history and innovation while adhering to the strict laws governing the preservation of historic buildings in Venice. At the Palazzo Grassi, prominently located on the Grand Canal, Ando's quiet but expert renovation of the eighteenth-century rooms makes a perfect backdrop for Jeff Koons' eye-popping balloon sculptures. At the Punta della Dogana (shown on the cover above), the Venetian Republic's original customs warehouse, the large-scale space was subtly subdivided into refined rooms for installation art. The "dialogue – that is collision and friction – between the new and the old," Ando states, "is the driving force in creating a city's future."

Tags: architect, architecture, art, art collection, Balenciaga, billionaire, Bottega Veneta, Chateau Latour, contemporary art, Damien Hirst, France, Francois Pinault, Gucci, Italy, Jeff Koons, luxury goods, museum, PPR, Richard Prince, Tadao Ando, Takashi Murakami, Venice, Yves Saint Laurent

Exclusive: The Real Housewives of New York City's Ramona Singer To Launch New Wine Label

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Ramona SInger of The Real Housewives of New York City to launch her own Pinot Grigio wine label.

Anyone who is an avid fan of The Real Housewives of New York City will not be too surprised to learn that Ramona Singer, the perky blond cast member, will be launching her own Pinot Grigio wine brand, Luxist has learned.

Singer's love for Pinot Grigio is well-known to viewers. Indeed, in nearly every episode of the reality television show (aired on the Bravo television network), the reality star is seen sipping a glass of Pinot Grigio. Luxist got an exclusive sneak peek of the unofficial rendition of her simple, yet elegant wine label (see gallery below).

According to inside sources, the wine is being produced in the Veneto region of Italy and will be part of Opici Wines. With 50 brands in its portfolio from such countries as France, Chile, Italy, Spain, South Africa and the United States, Opici Wines is an experienced and highly reputable player in the wine business. Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio will hit retail shelves in January 2011 will be priced at approximately $14.99. It will be represented nationally through Opici's distributor network covering close to 50 states.

Singer, a serial entrepreneur, operates several other successful businesses including True Faith Jewelry, Ramona Singer Jewelry line for HSN, Ramona Singer Collections for Amazon.com and Tru Renewal Skin Care. Her line of pendants, bracelets, earrings and rings, priced from $200 to $600, are inspired by her penchant for estate and art deco.

Gallery: Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio

Tags: awards-main, Italy, luxist-awards, pinot grigio, Ramona Singer, ramona singer jewelry, real housewives of new york, real housewives of new york city, real housewives of NYC, wine

Florence: Room with the Best View

by Bobbie Leigh (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

It comes as a shock: Your private apartment in the heart of Florence in a landmarked building with all the comforts of a five-star hotel. The new Platinhome apartments have it all --- location, style, services, and postcard-perfect views of one of the world's most beautiful cities. You might expect that in this historic city a new upscale rental apartment would be a lavish example of Florentine baroque. Instead, these new apartments in Florence in the historic Palazzo Levi are modernist sensations, the best of contemporary Italian design. More important, the terrace views are magical, especially at dusk.

Tags: Florence, florence. luxury apartments, ItalDesign, italian travel, italy, italy travel, platinhome, Santa Maria del Fiore

Continue reading “Florence: Room with the Best View”

The Story of the World's Most Luxurious Fabric from Loro Piana

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Books, Men's Style

Baby Cashmere may well be the world's most luxurious fabric. As The Classicist noted when it debuted in 2008 courtesy of Italian luxury label Loro Piana, to make it the company first had to spend several years convincing Mongolian tribesmen to comb the fine underfleece of the Hyrcus goat kid when it is 3-12 months old. Each combing yields no more than 30 grams of the rare, precious and incredibly soft fiber and is only done once in the well-cared for animal's life. It takes the fleece of nineteen kids to make just one Baby Cashmere sweater. Now Loro Piana has documented the painstaking process in a lavish new volume from Skira called Baby Cashmere: The Long Journey of Excellence. Traveling through the remote and unspoiled lands where the goats are raised, the epic journey is revealed in over a hundred vibrant full-color photographs, presented in large-scale format.

Tags: animals, baby cashmere, books, cashmere, coffee table books, fabric, Italian fashion, Italy, Loro Piana, Mongolia, Skira

Leather Luggage from Galt, Handmade in Italy

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Galt is a new company based in Pennsylvania specializing in luxurious leather luggage hand-crafted in Italy by skilled artisans using the finest natural leathers and Swiss-made hardware available. Unadorned by logos of any kind, the quality of the pieces is allowed to speak for itself. The firm's first collection consists of several different styles and sizes finished in classic black full-grain leather. The elegant, understated pieces range from a hardsided suitcase trunk to a doctor's bag, weekender, messenger bag and backpack, and are priced from about $800 - $1,450 each. The premium price is justified by the high quality and Italian origin, the company says.

Gallery: Galt Luxury Leather Luggage

Tags: bags, Galt, Italy, leather, luggage, Pennsylvania, trunk

Largest Yacht Ever Built in Italy Knocks Paul Allen Off the Top 10

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth

Billionaire Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen no longer owns one of the world's 10 largest yachts thanks to the just-launched Serene (above) from Fincantieri. At just under 440 ft. Serene is the largest yacht ever built in Italy, and enters the list of the world's largest yachts at No. 9, according to Camper & Nicholsons – just behind the floating brothel Savarona. That knocks Allen's famed 414-ft. Octopus out of the top 10 altogether (No. 1 of course is still, by a mere 18 inches, Roman Abramovich's Eclipse). The billionaire buyer of Serene is unknown. Designed by Espen Oeino, the Serene, which took four years to complete, has seven decks, a tender hangar and two helipads. The high-tech megayacht features a large seawater swimming pool and a submarine with a diving depth of up to 100 metres. The 4,500 square meter interior boasts super-luxe accommodations and entertaining spaces designed by Pascale Reymond of London's Reymond Langton Design.

[via JamesList]

Tags: billionaire, Eclipse, Espen Oeino, Fincantieri, Italy, megayacht, Microsoft, Paul Allen, Roman Abramovich, submarine, superyacht, wealth, yacht, yacht design

New Lichtenstein Monograph Marks Milan Exhibit

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art, Books

An impressive new monograph on the late pop art star Roy Lichtenstein has just been published by Skira on the occasion of a major new exhibition of his work at the Milan Triennial, the most important show ever devoted to the artist in Italy. Roy Lichtenstein: Meditations on Art covers his entire artistic development through more than 250 paintings and sculptural works, a rich photographic section including unpublished material, and critical text. In keeping with the theme of the exhibition, the book examines the relationship between Lichtenstein, art history and its protagonists. There's also a refreshing emphasis on some of his lesser-known work. The reproductions in this deluxe edition, priced at $100, are large-format and in full color. Thirteen years after the legendary artist's death, his works and lexicon of symbols, subjects and themes continue to intrigue the art world while his work fetches millions of dollars at auction.

Tags: art, art book, art books, artist, exhibition, Italy, Milan, museum, pop art, Roy Lichtenstein

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