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Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 Chronograph Watch For London 2012 Olympics

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Sports

In preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London England, official timekeeper Omega has announced their first limited production watch for the event. The watch is the Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, and is the "Omgea Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 London Chronograph" watch. In a 44mm wide steel case, the watch contain an Omega Co-Axial automatic chronograph movement and has a textured metallic blue dial. There will also be a solid 18k rose gold version that will look really nice with the blue dial. On the rear of the watch will be some special engraving for the event.

Omega will need to put in some extra effort this time around as their "official timekeeper" clock to countdown the coming of the London Olympics officially broke down and needed to be quickly repaired. Even in the world of high-end timekeeping - things can go wrong. Look for this new Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 London Chronograph timepiece soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Royal Wedding Tour at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: Live Like a Prince (or Princess)

Filed under: Estates, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Shopping

Mandarin Oriental Hyde ParkThis is, without a doubt, one of the more over-the-top packages we've seen recently.

Book the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park's Royal Wedding Tour and you'll receive special access and hosted tours by family members and associates of the royal family to Kensington Palace, Chartwell, Spencer House, Althorp and Westminster Abbey, all venues which members of the public have not had such private access to before.

The hotel itself also has a rich history: Queen Elizabeth II and the late Princess Margaret first learned to dance in the gilded ballroom, Prince Charles and Princess Anne visited the tearooms as children and more recently, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were guests at Baroness Margaret Thatcher's 80th birthday party. Sir Winston Churchill was even a temporary resident while his London house was being refurbished. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park also boasts the only private Royal Entrance from Hyde Park.

Ledbury, the Better-Tailored Men's Shirt

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

Ledbury, the Better-Tailored Men's Shirt
A couple of Oxford MBAs recently founded Ledbury, a new men's shirt brand dedicated to better tailoring at the intersection of Savile Row and Ivy Style. Paul Trible and Paul Watson (above) graduated with Oxford MBAs at the height of the economic crisis, literally the day before the Lehman Bros. collapse, and decided to turn their careers from finance to fine fabric. Taking advantage of their proximity to Jermyn Street, London's traditional home of fine haberdashery, the pair learned the art of English shirt-making from one of the street's top craftsman and then fused in their hometown Southern U.S. style to create a brand based in Virginia focusing on fit, quality and style.

"When I was living in London, I would come back to the States and have difficulty finding high quality shirts that provided a tailored look," the Virginia-born Trible explains. "The big name menswear retailers made formless, boxy clothes, while luxury brands charged exorbitant prices. It seemed like there was a real need for an American shirtmaker that offered European quality, English fit and American style, all at an attainable price. We want Ledbury shirts to fit better, feel better and last longer than anything else in your closet." The Classicist recently featured a natty Ledbury chambray creation in a column on seasonal style starring the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

World's Most Expensive Poker Set for $7.5 Million

Filed under: Gadgets, Men's Style, Wealth

World's Most Expensive Poker Set for $7.5 Million
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]

EXCLUSIVE: Abramovich Said to Be Owner of World's Most Expensive Painting

Filed under: Art, Wealth

EXCLUSIVE: Abramovich is Likely Owner of World's Most Expensive Painting
When we first reported back in May that Pablo Picasso's 1932 painting Nude, Green Leaves, and Bust (above) had sold for a record-breaking $106.5 million at Christie's we heard whispers that the buyer was a certain Russian oligarch known for his eye-popping acquisitions: Roman Abramovich. Now that the world's most expensive painting has been lent to the UK's Tate Modern museum by the unnamed "private collector" who bought it (as my colleague Deidre Woollard reported), a strong indication that the owner is based in London where Abramovich spends most of his time, we're hearing them louder. [cont'd]

The Latest Must-Have Luxury Item from LVMH: An $11 Million Yacht

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

The Latest Must-Have Luxury Item from LVMH: An $11 Million Yacht
Last summer my colleague Noah Joseph reported that LVMH planned to bring its recently-acquired Princess Yachts brand to the U.S. Now the luxury goods conglomerate, owner of blue-chip brands ranging from Louis Vuitton to Dom Pérignon, has unveiled its new M Class range of super-stylish superyachts that places Princess on a firm footing with the rest of the LVMH stable. First into production is the 105-ft. 32M (above), with a base price of about $11 million. LVMH brought in some of its other brands including Fendi, De Beers and Moet to help celebrate its debut at the London International Boat Show.

The UK-built 32M, a long range cruising yacht boasting a huge saloon among other amenities, is available with a choice of four or five cabins including a master suite with a split level bathroom, two or three double bedrooms and a twin room. Several lavish interior design schemes from the likes of fashion houses Fendi and Armani Casa are available. The finishing touches like carrara marble baths are worthy of any luxury hotel. Next up the company plans to launch a 132-ft. version in 2012 with luxe options like a matching set of Louis Vuitton luggage.

[via JamesList]

The Classicist: Thomas Pink Celebrates Englishmen in New York

Filed under: Events, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

The Classicist: Thomas Pink Celebrates Englishmen in New York
LVMH-owned London shirtmaker and haberdasher Thomas Pink is celebrating a stylish forthcoming book called An Englishman In New York with an event and exhibit at its Madison Avenue flagship in New York on March 24. The volume of photographs by Jason Bell includes notables and notable dandies like Vogue's Hamish Bowles (above), Barneys' Simon Doonan and Sting, British to the core but also quintessential New Yorkers. Bell's photographs are currently on exhibit at at London's National Portrait Gallery, where the book has already been released; it's scheduled for publication here on April 1.

As an Englishman living in New York himself, Bell was inspired by the fact that there are 120,000 British men and women living in New York City – about the same amount as the entire population of Stamford, Connecticut. In addition to the above Bell photographed a diverse cross-section of British born figures, including taxi drivers, cops, construction workers, divers, helicopter pilots, chefs, burlesque dancers, drug dealers, UN ambassadors and dog walkers, all of whom tell stories about how they came to settle in New York.

"I went for a walk in Central Park with Sting, and for a cup of tea on Kate Winslet's roof terrace, sat on Zoë Heller's stoop and watched Stephen Daldry bicycle down 8th Avenue," Bell relates. "I was given a private tour of both the Metropolitan Museum and the Barneys' shop windows. I started with a blank canvas and was amazed by the number of Englishmen and women who have made such a large impact on the cultural life of the city. And amidst all the questions about why people had come here and what they had left behind, I learnt a little bit more about what it means to be English, what it means to be a New Yorker, and where the two intersect."

"We are extremely excited to be hosting an event to honour Jason and his brilliant work," says Jonathan Heilbron, President and CEO of Thomas Pink. "Thomas Pink itself is 'An Englishman in New York.' We opened our Madison Avenue Flagship store over 13 years ago and New York has come to be a second home and major market for our brand. Thomas Pink is English at heart but we are truly a New Yorker too." [cont'd]

Maison Martin Margiela x Cutler and Gross Sunglasses

Filed under: Apparel

Maison Martin Margiela x Cutler and Gross Sunglasses
Experimental, provocative, avant garde French fashion label Maison Martin Margiela has teamed up with London-based luxury eyewear manufacturer Cutler and Gross on its first full collection of sunglasses. The collection, handmade in Italy for both men and women, features two distinct concepts, "Wrong Size" and "Anatomic", both offered in acetate and metal varieties. The "Wrong Size" range highlights Martin Margiela's pension for deconstruction and the experimental. Classic Cutler and Gross aviator-style frames are deconstructed then reconstructed with wrong sized lenses, making for a decadent and distinct pair of sunglasses. The Anatomic range features extra-large futuristic, functional wraparounds that "anatomically" wrap around the wearer's whole face providing absolute coverage. Prices for the collection, now available via haute online eyewear boutique Eyegoodies, range from $550 – $680 per pair.

The Stafford London's Royal Wedding Viewing Party

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Events

The Stafford London's Royal Wedding Viewing Party
Don't have an invitation to the Royal Wedding this April, but still want to celebrate along with Prince William and Kate? The five-star Stafford London by Kempinski hotel is staging a Royal Wedding viewing party on April 29 which might be the next best thing. Located just steps from Buckingham Palace, and rumored to be frequented by the Royal Family themselves, the luxe hotel will be celebrating the momentous occasion with a party in its outdoor courtyard complete with a viewing screen broadcasting the momentous event, accompanied by classic British cocktails and cuisine. Tickets for the Royal Wedding viewing party are £85 per person and include all food and beverage. Reservations are required – to purchase a ticket call the hotel directly at +44 20 7493 0111 or email rsvp.london@.kempinski.com.

MINT Polo in the Park Returns to London in June

Filed under: Events, Sports

MINT Polo in the Park Returns to London in June
On June 3–5 MINT Polo in the Park, a three day celebration of international polo, will return to the grounds of London's famed Hurlingham Club on the banks of the river Thames. Model and polo player Jodie Kidd (above) helped found the event, which also includes posh entertainments such as a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Garden, a Harrods food court, several bars and a luxury shopping area, all with direct views of the polo field. Six teams each representing global cities will play in a new 'Round Robin' format over the three days, culminating with the Final and the presentation of the MINT Trophy on Sunday the 5th. The new "high-octane" format aims to "introduce the adrenaline fueled sport of polo to a new city audience, also making the sport faster and more exciting for TV and event spectators."

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Show and Collaboration with Chivas Regal Unveiled (exclusive with video)

Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Design

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Collection and Collaboration with Chivas Regal unveiled during London Fashion Week (exclusive with video)

Vivienne Westwood is a busy Dame. Dame Vivienne, that is. The iconic London-based fashion designer is one of the rare few who shows her collections in various cities, including Milan, London and Paris. When Luxist had the opportunity to experience her work up-close on Sunday evening when she unveiled her Red Label Fall/Winter 2011 collection, it was on the third day of London Fashion Week. Earlier that day, her Austrian-born husband, Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne Westwood's Creative Director, noted, they did a fitting with Helena Bonham Carter for the Academy Awards. A busy day, indeed.

Vivienne West's show was larger than life (see video below). It was presented at the grand Royal Courts of Justice at London's Strand, a gothic cathedral-like setting that was befitting for a designer of Dame Vivienne's stature. The inspiration behind her "Red Label" collection show was Lewis Carroll's "Alice through the looking glass" which evoked a feeling of British society and change. Models wore tartan prints, dresses with mis-matched seams, fantastic oversized hats (designed by Prudence Millinery, some were crowns), over-the-top makeup (including gold-painted faces) and hair styles that seemed to defy gravity. A video of the entire show can be seen on Vivienne Westwood's website.

Bold face names at the show included Jo Wood (ex-wife of Rolling Stones Ronnie Wood), singer Paloma Faith, Boy George, former tenns pro Boris Becker, Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes, and contemporary artist Tracy Emin. All were wowed by the show which was as magnificient a production as the Red Label Collection itself. "I am a big fan of Vivienne's, so I enjoyed the show," Nick Rhodes told Luxist backstage after the show. "She always has a few surprises. She is remarkably good at cutting things. So it has always reminds me of the Japanese, but I think they took it from Vivienne. I thought some of things were really exquisitely beautiful. There was one skirt and blouse toward the end that was quite classical. It was a black skirt with a white blouse that I thought was just exquisite---beautiful."

Former pro tennis player Boris Becker was equally impressed with the collection. "I thought, as always, she was spectacular with the different designs and the makeup--one girl was golden," Becker told Luxist. "Her creativity never stops. The Royal Court of Justice is a unique location with a very long runway. The girls did have to walk a long time, but nobody faulted and everyone did a good job."

Prince William and Kate's Royal Wedding Invitation Revealed

Filed under: Events, Wealth

William and Kate's Royal Wedding Invitation Revealed
1,900 people just received their invitations (above) to the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at London's Westminster Abbey on April 29. The heavy card bearing the engraved gold insignia of the Queen of England was delivered to various VIPs from kings to charity leaders, close family and university friends, old schoolmates and prime ministers around the world, People reports. The edges of the card, which is about 10 in. by 6 in., are beveled and then gilded. The simple wording reads that the Lord Chamberlain has been "commanded by the Queen" to invite the holder to the ceremony. Guests are asked to wear military uniform, a morning coat or a "lounge" (business) suit. 600 of the 1,900 invitees have also been invited by the Queen to a reception immediately following the ceremony, and 300 of those are also invited to a dinner hosted by William's father, Prince Charles, later that evening at Buckingham Palace.

The Classicist: London's Luxe Salon Prive Comes to 'Gosford Park'

Filed under: Estates, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Events, The Classicist

gosford park
The Salon Privé, Europe's finest and largest dedicated display of supercars, exotics, classics and luxury goods in an English garden party setting, is moving to an amazing new venue this summer to house the largest exhibition to date and an incredible auction alongside. Syon Park (above), the sprawling London estate of the Duke of Northumberland, whose family have lived there for over 400 years, is best known as the mansion used in the movie Gosford Park and is the last surviving ducal residence retaining its country estate in Greater London, making a fitting new setting for the five-star event slated for June 22nd – 24th.

To mark the occasion, RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, has selected Salon Privé as the venue for its third annual European sale. Themed 'Quintessentially English' and scheduled for June 23, the new RM sale is set to become a regular fixture on the company's global events calendar, catering specifically for collectors with an affinity for British marques. Also joining the luxe event, now in its sixth season, for the first time is Land Rover who have confirmed that they will show the new Range Rover Evoque models which guests will be able to test drive.

2011 marks a return to the event for Porsche alongside such brands as Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Morgan and Rolls-Royce. In addition to the stunning display of modern super and luxury cars, the event's internationally renowned Concours d'Elégance returns with seven new categories and a display of some of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. Examples of this year's categories include Ferrari 250 Competizione, Historic Grand Prix Single Seaters, Grand Routier, Oddballs, Motorcycles from the Steve McQueen era and a collection of stunning Rolls-Royce models to celebrate the 100 year centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy. [cont'd]

Did Abramovich Just Bag a Bacon for $37 Million at Sotheby's?

Filed under: Auctions, Art, Wealth


Last month when we wrote about an important Francis Bacon triptych being auctioned off at Sotheby's, we predicted it would blast past its $14 million high estimate. And indeed on Thursday Three Studies for a Portrait of Lucian Freud (above) sold for a whopping $37 million, or more than two and a half times the top quote, at the auction house's Looking Closely sale of 20th century artworks in London. In our original post we also put forward Bacon-loving oligarch Roman Abramovich as the likely buyer, since he's in the midst of decorating his new $230 million mega-mansion in London; while Thursday's purchaser was anonymous, we bet the Freud triptych will be hanging on Abramovich's wall before long. The Thursday sale, from works said to have belonged to the low-profile Geneva collector George Kostalitz who died last year, also saw a new auction record for any surrealist work of art – Salvador Dali's Portrait de Paul Eluard, which sold for $21.6 million.

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