Think "Porsche Design" and you probably think sleek black accessories, but in a departure from their usual color scheme Porsche is launching the new "White Collection," which is all about crisp whites and shiny silvers. Chosen because it both represents purity and highlights the design of the product, the new white color theme uses all white materials mixed with technical metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. And besides premium materials and craftsmanship, the White Collection also features premium technology -- for example the mobile phone has a patented fingerprint feature and the lighters have a nozzle that makes them safe to use in inclement weather.
Ceramic wall tiles by Heather Knight. I like them because they're bright pure white, and because I love three- dimensional art hanging up on the wall. Inspired by nature, Heather Knight creates each delicate design by hand and works pretty much exclusively in porcelain. These tiles are porcelain and are modeled after different plants like turf, hydrangea, and noni (top row) and magnolia, durian, and lichen (bottom row). I'm not crazy about them displayed in a grid pattern like this but I think a grouping of them would definitely be gorgeous on almost any wall. $895 for the collection of 6.
Earlier this month I thought the Apple Crate Cake was pricey at $185, but that suddenly seems like chump change when compared to this Platinum Cake designed by a Japanese pastry chef worth $130,000. It's a white cake draped in platinum necklaces, pins, pendants, and even edible platinum foils. The creator's name is Nobue Ikara, and the cake has been dedicated to several famous Japanese women (including actress Rinko Kikuchi) in an effort to encourage more women to wear platinum jewelry.
So is it doin' it for ya? Have a hankering for a platinum necklace?
Wealthy patrons with shopping addictions are a tempting customer base for creditors, and so more and more of them are coming up with ways to make their services attractive to the biggest spenders in the world. The Centurion card from American Express is the leading status symbol to date, with its classy black card made of titanium that comes with exclusive perks like a personal concierge (to help you plan your spending) and special treatment at all the top retailers.
But the Centurion, better known simply as the "Black Card," is getting some competition for the top of the prestigious credit card pyramid. Companies like Bank of America and Citigroup are coming up with their own versions, and it seems the greatest competition so far is from the Visa Stratus Rewards card, aka the "White Card." And in the U.K. there's always the Ozwald Boateng-designed Coutts & Co.'s World card from the same private bank Queen Elizabeth uses.
Here's a chandelier that doesn't have many of the usual features you expect, like shimmering gold, glittering silver, or even just a sense of the traditional. It strikes me as industrial, and a little juvenile (like a science project), but somehow I still manage to like it. I'm a sucker for mini lights, and this White Orbit chandelier by Patrick Townsend is full of them in all different sizes. So although it may not be shimmering or glittery it definitely has "twinkly" in the bag, as well as apparently giving off "the BEST light." Originally created in 2003, it's currently available from Areaware -- but heads up it won't ship until September. 32"x32", $650.
It's not entirely obvious as to what, if anything, gives Celine's Anatomic Bag its name, but it might have something to do with the fact that the design is very user-friendly, though "anatomic" is not the first term that would spring to mind. The bag has a long, rounded body with a top zipper and flap pockets at either end. Each feature allows for easy access. The shoulder straps are wide and flat, made of the same soft leather that the rest of the handbag is made of. It measures 17"L x 7.5"H x 7"W. Price: $1,600.
Let's face it; it's downright humiliating to be caught with a boring old plastic jump drive when the rest of the gadgets in your pocket are encrusted to the teeth (err, lanyards) with diamonds. So thank Mii Stor for finally pressing some ice into this 4GB USB flash drive, dubbed the "Snow". The case AND the chain are white gold, so you can be sure you won't be embarrassed when you hang this puppy from your neck with the rest of your uber-posh-gadgetry. It's yours today for a song (if your songs are worth $19,000).
When dining at a high-end restaurant, you expect to receive a presentation of the wine from the sommelier. It adds something to the dining experience and is almost like a small show, enjoyable even if it is not intended as entertainment. You would not expect a decanter to be able to perform such a show on its own, but clearly that is exactly what the designers of the Rojaus Grapevine Decanter intended to do. When the wine is poured into it, it flows fountain-like over a glass bubble, which allows the wine to open up and breathe. The wine can then be dispensed to individual guests as they feel like refilling their glasses. If you chill the bubble by keeping it in the freezer for several hours before used, your wines will be slightly chilled as you serve them. Price: $248.
Add metal stars and glammed up gold studs to a summery, white leather bag and you end up with the Lucky Star Bucket Bag from Betsey Johnson. The small, open top tote has a magnetic closure that barely hides a funky, leopard print lining. The bag is very Betsey Johnson, with her punk-y style, but the fact that white is so prevalent this season really tempers the bag. Anyone can wear this without making too loud of a statement. Instead, the effect it will have on your outfit, with the 8-inch adjustable strap hanging neatly on your arm, is just to add a little extra fun and flair. Price: $350.
Not just another white bag, this drawstring tote from Miu Miu has gorgeous details that set it apart from other totes. The bag is made from fine leather and has an appliqued flower and leaf accent, a tasteful but fun touch. The flower is adorned with red resin beads and amber crystals, almost as though drops of precious dew were still sitting on the petals. Leather leaves cap the ends of the drawstring pulls that close the bag. Silver rivets edge the bag and all the other hardware is silver, as well. The long strap is wide for comfort and can be worn simply on the shoulder or looped across the body. Take it out to do some shopping, or tuck in a copy of your favorite book and head out to a cute cafe for some summertime reading over an iced coffee. Price: $795.
Wedding dresss
fashions change just like everything else does, though they are far more likely to keep to tradition - something old,
something new, something borrowed, something blue - than other types of dress. The waists move up and down and skirts
getl alternately fuller and slimmer, but the elegance is something that is never overlooked. Here are the
top wedding dress fashions for this year's spring/summer season. All the dresses shown here are from runway
shows.
Anything by Caroline Herrera, because not only are the dresses gorgeous, but when women who have worn them
actually want to alter them for daily
wear, they must be something special. Dress by Caroline
Herrera.
This
bag is from the same spring line that produced the Mattie Wedge Sandal and I just can't get
enough of that adorable appliqued bee! He is again featured on this beautiful Coach tote. The SoHo Optic Applique Lunch
Tote has a metallic, summery sheen to its white, logo-print fabric and the leather trim is lightweight, so it
won't weight the bag down as you are out in the heat. The tote also comes in a lilac fabric, with a purple bug detail
instead of a bee. Price:
$348.
As much as I
love Dior's flowered wicker bag for its
casual look and useful size, I still think that clutches are great. A good clutch can dress up any outfit - and Dior's
D'Trick Jacquard Flap
Clutch is perfect for pairing with a springy sundress for carry it into the
evening. The ultra-soft white leather trim is bright, with a seasonal feel, but the gold lame jacquard with the CD logo
gives the clutch that extra boost into evening ware. It is accented with a gold D clasp. The clutch is also available in silver,
though gold will enhance an early-season tan. Price: $365.
This unique
tank from St. Maarten features an elegant figure in a flowing black ball gown. The gown wraps nearly all the
way around the hem of the shirt, ruffles spilling onto the back. The raw, scalloped bottom edge makes the screen
printed dress almost appear to melt into the wearer's own clothes! Paired with jeans, this is a fun, bold tee, but with
a
black bubble skirt to finish it off, the outfit will be a knockout. Price:
$79.
