DA WORLD IS YOURS

too upsetting to watch

2009-06-20T14:46:00.002-04:00

take a look at whats left of this Ferrari Enzo burning to the ground and pouring out smoke.

World's Fastest

2009-06-11T15:35:00.003-04:00

Fastest Car: SSC Ultimate Aero

Unlike most of the things on this list, the fastest car in the world can not only be driven, it can also be owned (provided, of course, that you have $600,000). Although the Bugatti Veyron is often cited as the fastest thing on four wheels, only the SSC Ultimate Aero actually holds the official title of world's fastest production car. Built by Shelby SuperCars (which is not affiliated with famed car designer Carroll Shelby), this 1,183-horsepower, American-made monster is capable of 256 mph. But, this thing doesn't just rule on straightaways -- the Ultimate Aero also holds the world slalom record (averaging 73.1 mph), which it snatched away from the Italy's greatest supercar, the Ferrari Enzo

Fastest Plane: X-15

The title of fastest piloted plane belongs to the incredible X-15. This rocket-powered test plane was designed and built in the early 1960s to see how human pilots could handle flying themselves into space. Carried by a modified B-52, the X-15 would detach at 45,000 feet and immediately ignite its Reaction Motors XLR-99 rocket engine, blasting up to the edge of the stratosphere thanks to 57,000 pounds of thrust. Incidentally, several test pilots received astronaut wings from NASA for their X-15 flights into what's technically outer space.. On October 3, 1967, test pilot Pete Knight took the craft to a mind-bending 4,519 mph, which still stands as the absolute speed record for an airplane. At that speed, you could fly from New York to Los Angeles in approximately 25 minutes.

Fastest Train: JR Maglev

The distinction of being the fastest train in the world belongs to Japan's JR-Maglev. It set a world speed record for a manned, railed vehicle when it hit 361 mph on December 2nd, 2003. The train uses magnetic levitation to float above its track, which eliminates rail friction and allows it to achieve such swift speeds. Altogether more amazing is the French TGV -- this conventional train rode its metal wheels and track to a baguette-crisping 357 mph. That's only four miles per hour slower (357 mph) than the fancy-pants Maglev tr

Fastest Sailboat: l'Hydroptère

Sure, sailing seems placid, but if you've ever ripped it downwind amidst six-foot ocean swells, you know that 15 mph under sail can feel like 50. That's why the l'Hydroptère's speed of 69 mph is so completely insane. This hydrofoil-equipped trimaran holds the unofficial world record for a sailboat, and apparently is capable of going even faster -- in December of 2008, it topped 70 mph before capsizing in an epic crash that sent its cheering crew sprawling into the Mediterranean. Who ever said sailing wasn't exciting?

Fastest Elevator: Taipei 101 Tower

Pack your bags and hit Asia if you want fast elevators -- six of the ten fastest in the world are located there. To ride the fastest of them all, get yourself to Taiwan and the Taipei 101 Tower. Two of the tower's elevators, built by Toshiba and GFC Elevator, will rocket you to the 89th floor observation deck at a gut-wrenching 37 mph. For comparison, the Empire State Building's elevator (the 9th fastest in the world) clocks in at a plodding 16 mph.

Fastest Boat: "Spirit of Australia"

Proving, like the X-15, that old-fashioned knowhow is often better than new technology, the fastest boat in history was built in the 1970s by a man named Ken Warby in his shed. "The Spirit of Australia" set the world water speed record of 317.6 mph all the way back in 1978, and the record still stands today. Apparently, chasing this record is one of the most dangerous endeavors in the world, since around 85-percent of those who give it a go die in their attempts

World's most expensive home in Surrey, England

2009-05-07T14:32:00.002-04:00

$148 million with annual costs above $2 million a year, 24 bedrooms, 4 garages, 2 indoor pools, 2 outdoor pools, 60 plus acres of land and a whole lot more..

2009 Brabus Mercedes-Benz G V12 S Biturbo

2009-02-24T02:23:00.003-05:00

Yves Saint Laurent Massive Art Auction today in Paris!

2009-02-23T13:03:00.002-05:00

If you just happen to be in Paris anytime ovr the next three days and have a fairely disposible income, you might consider stopping by Pierre Berge's auction of nearly a lifetime's worth of art collected over the years he spent with his partner Yves Saint Laurent.

There is currently somewhere around $380 million worth of art up for auction with works coming from artists as famous and exclusive as Gaugin, Picasso, Klimt, Degas and Cezanne, with a grand total of 733 items for sale! Aparently most of the money raised from this auction will go to HIV and Aids research.

Barnard Supercar

2009-02-23T12:47:00.003-05:00

From designer, Chris Barnard, powered by a twin turbo Porsche V-8 engine. This thing is HOT!

Click for full story

sickk pics of Chicago skyline

2009-01-04T18:50:00.004-05:00

luxury billiards

2008-12-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

When the triple world champion decides to build the perfect pool table, you can expect something truly outstanding.

And when that champion is also a lover of good design, its likely to be a work of art. Which is exactly what Vincent Facquet has created-the worlds most expensive and most beautiful pool tables.

The table can also be finished to individual taste -gold, precious stones- nothing but the best for this jewel of design.

sick bikes

2008-12-20T18:55:00.006-05:00

I Don't know anything about bikes..but i want one of these

2008-12-18T15:39:00.001-05:00

The Learjet 85 is the latest jet from Bombardier’s Learjet division and their best performing jet to date and is the production version of the Learjet NXT. The Learjet 85 which is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney PW307B engines has a range of five thousand five hundred kilometers and a top speed of Mach 0.82. It is the first Learjet to feature an all composite body which makes it more fuel efficient and gives it its large range. The jet seats up to eight passengers and two pilots and deliveries are expected to start in early 2011.

China Doll Club

2008-12-07T12:12:00.001-05:00

2008-11-24T01:34:00.004-05:00

Vertu have launched in Hong Kong a new collection of Ascent Ti phones inspired by Ferrari’s cars. The Ferrari Ascent Ti collection consists of three phones directly inspired by Ferrari and named after their respective colors; a limited edition phone called the Nero and two special edition phones named Rosso and Giallo.

The Nero phone is an all black Ascent Ti made of titanium coated with scratch proof PVD with a red sapphire crystal pillow. The Rosso and Giallo phones are red and yellow receptively and feature PVD coated battery covers and keys, they feature ceramic pillows. The battery cover of all three phones has been redesigned to resemble the hood of a Ferrari and features a three dimensional Cavallino on the battery cover as well as a smaller one on the front.

The phones feature Ferrari inspired themes as well as ring tones featuring Ferrari engine sounds, only 2,009 examples of the Vertu Ferrari Ascent Ti Nero will be made. They sell HKD 70,000 HKD each ($6000)

2008-11-24T01:31:00.002-05:00

These shoes were part of Chanel's 2009 Cruise Collection, and were actually designed by Laurence Decade, who was apparently handed an image of a gun by Lagerfeld, with the instruction to turn it into footwear

And he did. The scary bit is that these aren't just pieces of catwalk art - they are actually available to buy with the rest of the collection, priced at €2,000 ($2,800).

Latest to be seen in the pair is Madonna. We can just imagine how much trouble this confusion is going to cause at airport security ^_^

2008-11-24T01:29:00.004-05:00

Directly inspired by Dior Couture Accessories Collection, Night Diamond is Dior’s must have make-up accessory for Christmas. This ultra glamorous metallic black lacquered case with crystal colour gems and rhinestones reveals inside an illuminating sparkling-effect powder for face and décolleté.

Dior Night Diamond Compact is priced at 90$ and is available in 2 shades, a pearly beige and a pale pink (Only available until 31 December).

First Bugatti Grand Sport goes under the hammer for $3.19 million

2008-11-22T12:13:00.001-05:00

$2,250,300 was the estimated starting bid for the fastest topless beauty from Bugatti, the Grand Sport 16.4 and boy! Didn’t the bid exceed the limit heftily? $3.19 million is what it eventually fetched for the Pebble Beach charity at an auction sponsored by Gooding & Company. This was the first of the 150 exclusive models to be made by the people over at Bugatti. The ones to follow will cost the buyer lesser (in comparison with the first one sold) at $1.4 million each, and that understandably would be a more feasible one to buy, if only you aren’t the type that prefers bragging about exclusivity. Also, this for me becomes the most expensive topless car ever to be sold, though an official confirmation is still awaited.

2008-11-20T11:47:00.001-05:00

So, the diamond-studded Bentley key fob by Amosu Luxury impressed you like anything, but you need one for your Lamborghini. Don’t fret, as Amosu Luxury has now turned their attention to the Lamborghini key fob too. They have festooned it with 183 little diamonds for a total of 2.02 carats, focused on detailing the familiar Lamborghini logo. Icing out your Lamborghini car keys with sparkling diamonds will make you poorer by £7,000 (nearly US $10,500). If you always fear losing your car keys, then this thing is certainly not your cup of tea

Specchio Wi-Fi digiframe doubles as a mirror

2008-11-17T23:34:00.004-05:00

Gone are the days when a picture frame was just meant to display your cherished memories. We have seen different types of digiframes in the past, including the digiframe with built-in photo printer and the singing digiframe. This time, we have one shiny digiframe that doubles as a mirror. The Wi-Fi enabled Specchio digital photo frame by Parrot designed by Parisian Martin Szekely is more than just eye candy. You can even email photos to the frame directly from your PC or mobile phone. You also have the option to showcase your photos from online photo sharing sites like Flickr. Unfortunately, you might not be able to pick one as it’s out of stock. Anyway, you can have the one by Andrée Putman for a cool $450. This artistic digiframe is sure to give your photos a touch of sophistication.

2008-11-17T19:40:00.003-05:00

We haven’t yet come out of the ecstasy of the Victoria’s Secret’s £3 million bra worn by supermodel Adriana Lima and now, it’s time to take a peep into the Victoria’s Secret 2008 Fashion Show. The annual Victoria’s Secret’s show represents the ultimate in feminine fantasy. The lately renovated Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach was the venue where famed celebrities and gorgeous supermodels gathered for the sparkling show. Heidi Klum, the show-stopper of the show, was accompanied by 34 other models, including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Karolina Kurkova. The 35 supermodels presented an outrageous collection of underwear from lingerie house Victoria’s Secret. R&B singer Usher, who started the show, was welcomed by Lima in a $5 million diamond-studded Fantasy Bra. Designed by Martin Katz, this bra is decorated with white and black diamonds and rubies. Adriana Lima, on wearing the bra, said…

I always wanted to wear the Fantasy Bra. It’s the first time that Victoria’s Secret makes a black diamond bra. A woman could definitely buy it if they love it and men, too.

And how can we forget the Victoria’s Secret’s trademark wings? Selita Ebanks was the first to grace the X-shaped stage with the pair of wings. Seven pairs of wings were designed by Martin Izquierdo for the Victoria’s Secret fantasy extravaganza themed “Return to Glamour.”

In total, 68 outfits were worn by the models. Celebrities, including Paris Hilton, P Diddy, Russell Simmons, Michelle Trachtenberg, Martha Stewart and Kim Kardashian were among the audience. Video and images after the jump.

2008-11-09T17:35:00.009-05:00

Forget the Bling H2O bottle and the $100 water bottle from the super-glam bottled water brand Fillico Beverly Hills. This time, some anonymous firm has launched the world’s most expensive bottle of water for a cool £1,000 (nearly US $1,570). These expensive water bottles contain natural spring water filtered through the geologically famed Wenlock edge in the Shropshire countryside. Only six bottles of the LOve H2O water have been put into production and are adorned with over 6,500 Swarovski crystals. Each Bling bottle takes over one week to produce. Selfridges is already selling the LOve H2O bottled water for £24.99, but this limited edition of six Bling water bottles has been launched particularly for the festive season. Andy Price, a spokesperson for Selfridges in Birmingham, said…

Each individual crystal is precisely positioned by hand into its own perfect space and each contains the finest spring water sourced from Shropshire. The original LOve H20 is a really good seller for us but the limited edition one is a showpiece for Christmas.

At £1,000, the limited edition LOve H2O bottled water is definitely meant for those who are screaming to be noticed.

2008-11-07T14:33:00.004-05:00

For those who own a Bentley, nothing can say “I drive a Bentley” better than this diamond-studded Bentley continental car key from Alexander Amosu. The key is handset with 101 diamonds on the Bentley famous wings with a total of 1.09 carats using color F, VS1 clarity. The diamond-studded key is priced at £5,000 (approximately $7,895). The key is a perfect gift for a Bentley owner this Christmas. And if your auto line-up includes a Lamborghini, Mercedes and Ferrari then Amosu has already created their luxury keys.

What credit crunch? MasterCard bringing diamond-studded cards!

2008-11-03T13:28:00.004-05:00

We have earlier introduced you to some of the very exclusive cards, including the American Express Black Card, GK Power’s high-concept cards, the $5M Holiday Dream Card, the very exclusive Sotheby’s MasterCard, and the Diamond-studded Royale MasterCard for Dubai’s elites. Now, MasterCard and Kazkommertsbank, the second largest bank in Kazakhstan, together are bringing a MasterCard credit card festooned with gold and diamonds. Called ‘Diamond,’ this diamond card features a 0.02-carat gem in its centre and a picture of a peacock for female cardholders and a winged horse for men. The card will be issued within two weeks and the annual fee would be $1,000. Bank’s head of international payment systems, Alla Voyakina cited…

$2,500 Titanium Tricycle is worth its Mettle

2008-11-03T13:26:00.003-05:00

For the uber-rich kid who has everything money can afford, the titanium bike is worth the temptation. The uber-ride is designed by a Netherland designer Jan, who is a leading supplier of learning or training bikes. The use of titanium gives the bike a luxurious edge besides making it indestructible to withstand third degree torture from your little devil. The frame is made entirely of pure titanium which makes it only half as dense as steel and as corrosion-resistant as platinum. So, you don’t have to scold your little one for not being responsible enough unless, it’s for security reasons. The luxury make includes carbon seat, white leather saddle and white rims with tires for $2,500.

Bora Bora

2008-10-28T20:44:00.003-04:00

A collection of 15 exclusive residences on the magical "Pearl of the Pacific."

Situated between the deep blue South Pacific Ocean and the turquoise waters of a tranquil lagoon, 15 sophisticated private residences offer the ultimate in leisure living. Inspired by local architecture and built to the exacting standards of Four Seasons, these homes present a rare ownership opportunity combining unsurpassed service and amenities with one of the world?s most exotic locations.

Four Seasons Private Residences Bora Bora. By invitation

Audi Zero Concept

2008-10-28T20:34:00.004-04:00

The initial purpose for the elaboration of this concept was to create a machine with demonic sensations by avoiding the immoderation and the inconveniences that we know of the current supercars, mainly in term of pollution. A concept with the image of a muscular sports car, the Audi TT, and with performance equivalent to that of the Bugatti Veyron, the whole works in harmony with our environment and must join the perspective of 2010.

Aside from the production of the batteries themselves, this car is respectful of the environment mainly due to its electric motorization. The system of electric motorization transmits the fabulous power and reactivity of the engine. It is in harmony with the ecological challenge and meets the needs of the present without compromising the capacity to satisfy the needs of the future generations.

The R-Zero is an exceptional supercar benefiting from an outstanding architecture. The electric motorization allows an original hierarchical organization of the streams of air in order to to control the behavior of the airflow around and inside the car. The structure of the aerodynamic flow optimizes cooling of the motor and the brakes, as well as generating steady aerodynamic support, all of which is synonymous for performance.

The "Back single frame" is not a free aesthetic subtlety nor deprived of functionality ? An airstream connecting the 2 single frames (back and front) is present inside in the car : This structural column thus traverses the total length of the machine. Technique drove the design and the technical constraints were not subject to stylistic demands that, aside from the "Back single frame", we have created a product which forms part of the lineage of explosive motor vehicles. And in the end, we have an electric motor car which does not look like an electric car.

2008-10-28T20:32:00.005-04:00

From the Giancarlo Zema Design Group (the same folks that brought us the Jellyfish 45) comes this exciting yacht, the Poseidon 180 being developed by Bugatti Yachts. The 180-foot yacht has floating decks under a giant glass dome. It has eight staterooms that offer panoramic ocean views. The yacht uses Bugatti Marine engines that can hit 40 knots.

The price is $50 million and it looks to be just a design at this point, still, what a design it is. Check out the pictures after the jump for more looks at this unique vessel.

Exclusive 007-branded VAIO notebooks reach eBay

2008-10-28T02:22:00.004-04:00

Still remember the Sony Style 007 VAIO Bond Series notebooks? Now, Sony has reached eBay with a hundred specially numbered 007-branded VAIO TTs. This move has been taken to promote the upcoming Bond flick, Quantum of Solace. The James Bond 007 VAIO notebook features an Intel Centrino 2 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB Solid State Drive, 11.1-inch XBRITE-DuraView widescreen LCD and built-in webcam. One lucky winner will get the first notebook in the series, complete with an engraved 007 gun logo and matching leather carrying case. All proceeds from the auction will be given to 1% For the Planet, an organization committed to creating a healthier environment. Bidding ends on 21st of the next month.

Caran d'Ache 1010 fountain pen honors Swiss watchmaking

2008-10-28T02:04:00.003-04:00

Caran d’Ache has already impressed us with its range of luxury writing instruments, including the elegant Diamond Gotica pen. This time, we have Caran d’Ache’s 1010 Limited Edition fountain pen, which is a tribute to honor the Swiss watchmaking industry. The inspiration for the name “1010” comes from “Ten minutes past ten (10:10),” the moment when the hands on a watch dial are rightly balanced. Made of rhodium-coated silver, the 1010 pen boasts a clip that resembles a watch hand. An ornamental balance wheel has been placed between two rubies under a sapphire dome and the beautiful tiny tick marks are etched around the barrel. The luxury pen even has a piston pump set with a ruby and a sapphire crystal dome at the bottom tip. This writing wonder will be delivered to you in a black lacquered box along with a raw glass bottle containing blue-black ink and a palladium-plated silver stopper. Pricing starts at a cool

2008-10-28T01:59:00.003-04:00

For those uber-rich souls who have remained undeterred by the recession and still own all the money to live a luxurious lifestyle, celebrations flow with one million Euro Russo-Baltique Vodka, which is also touted as the world’s most expensive vodka once it’s released on April 19 at the TopMarquesMonaco. The exclusive vodka is the brainchild of armour, combat car maker Russo-Baltique, in collaboration with Princess Regina Abdurazakova of Kazakhstan who earlier had us swooning all over her million euro limo fitted with Philips Ambilight limited edition diamond TV. Prince Albert will be honored with a gift of the very first bottle of this connoisseur creation. No word on what makes this million euro vodka a delectable spirit worth its price but, we will keep you posted.

Motorola Aura

2008-10-22T18:18:00.003-04:00

Wow check out this new phone..

The Motorola Aura is Motorola’s entry to the luxury phone market dominated by Nokia owned Vertu. The Motorola Aura features a unique design in which the cover twists one hundred and eighty degrees to reveal the keyboard, it has a round sapphire crystal high resolution LCD display. The case of the Aura is made of chemically etched PVD coated stainless steel whilst the twisting mechanism is made of Tungsten Carbide coated gears and features one hundred and thirty ball bearings meaning each twist is identical.

Moët & Chandon Midnight Gold Case

2008-10-22T18:17:00.003-04:00

The Moët & Chandon Midnight Gold case is a case designed specifically to chill bottles of Moët & Chandon and is made of lambskin covered with gold. The Midnight Gold case was designed by the French designer Camille Toupet and features hand sewn Swarovski crystals and gold beads which draws it inspiration from Champagne bubbles. It features a label embossed into the leather, the signature Moët & Chandon neck tie as well as a matching bottle stopper. Only one hundred Moët & Chandon Midnight Gold cases will be available.

Mercedes-Benz Formula Zero luxury racer concept

2008-10-22T18:15:00.004-04:00

The Mercedes luxury cars epitomize several years of design that have made Mercedes Benz become one of the most illustrious luxury brands in the world. Now, the entrants for the 2008 Design Los Angeles Challenge have been officially out and the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center of North America has taken wraps off the Formula Zero luxury racer. This stylish concept racer aims to combine the “the thrill of Formula One, the track dynamics of the bobsled or luge, and the grace and efficiency of yacht racing.” Taking inspiration from Formula One and Yacht Racing worlds, the Formula Zero has been designed with a view to haul out maximum thrust from the electric motors, aero-efficient solar skin and rigid sail. The Mercedes Benz Formula Zero racing Series will be held on a transparent track, which will be visible to the spectators from all angles.

sick house

2008-10-21T18:07:00.002-04:00

Located near Ludwigsburg in Germany, this building, designed by J. Mayer H. Architects, echoes the footprint of the original house built in 1984, duplicating and rotating it.

Lifted up, it creates a semi-public space on ground level between two layers of discretion. The skin of the villa performs a sophisticated connection between inside and outside and offers spectacular views onto the old town of Marbach, Germany.

I love the luminosity of the place and the futuristic shapes and I would love to live in this house! The flow of space just inspires so many possibilities for personalizing and living, but of course, this is extremaly minimalist and if you are looking for the toys, the mess, the half-eaten yoghourt on the table and the newspaper wrapped on the floor, this house/exposition hall is probably not meant for you :)

Worlds most expensive bra

2008-10-21T17:59:00.001-04:00

Adriana Lima is pictured here wearing the world's most expensive bra, costing a whopping $5million.

The Victoria’s Secret’s Black Diamond Miracle Bra is adorned with 3,900 precious gems, tiny black diamonds, 117 one-carat round diamonds and 34 rubies. On the top, it’s designed to offer a maximum cleavage lift.

Adriana stripped off for an ad promoting Victoria's Secret's new fragrance, VS Wish. "Whether her sexy poses will entice ladies to purchase the perfume remains questionable, But at least her male fans can enjoy looking."

Louis Vuitton Iphone Cases

2008-10-15T23:51:00.003-04:00

Usually, where there are extremely coveted gadget, there are always extremely expensive luxury cases for them ! You think iPhone is expensive ? so what about spending another 2 iPhones to protect it?

Anyways Louis Vuitton thought that there is a market for the kind of folks who can afford it and so they have released a set of four cases for the iPhone: Monogram Canvas, Taiga Leather, Epi Leather and Alligator Skin.

Available only in Louis Vuitton’s Manhattan store, prices begin at $225 from the monogram canvas style to $1,120 for the alligator case.

But all of the cases are pretty inconvenient, because you've got to pull the iPhone all the way out to actually use it.

Ego's Bentley Laptop

2008-10-15T23:48:00.004-04:00

i think this one of the ugliest laptops on the plant..it just so happens that it is also the most expensive laptop on the planet. Check it out

This Bentley laptop from Ego is hand built, with authentic Bentley cross-over hand stitching along with color schemes that match Bentley's style.

The inside metal reflects the paint job on the outside, while the outer leather is taken right from the seats. The metal carry handle even takes inspiration from the car's door handles.

Specs include Microsoft Vista, a 64-bit processor, and a 160GB hard drive. There are also 12 direct access keys. Available for sale later this summer at Selfridges for about £10,000 ($20,000).

Aston Martin One-77, the world's most expensive car, defies financial crisis

2008-10-13T18:30:00.003-04:00

More than 100 people have applied to buy the One-77, the most expensive road car in the world, even though only 77 will be made.
The 200mph car was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this week, and Aston Martin said that the growing financial gloom had not hit sales.
"The interest is incredible," chief designer Marek Reichmann told The Sun newspaper.
Aston Martin has been reluctant to release details about the One-77, but it is known to have a 7.0 litre V12 engine, carbon fibre chassis, and aluminium body.
"One-77 fuses advanced technology with stunning Aston Martin design to create possibly the world's most desirable automotive art form," the Warwickshire-based carmaker said.
It will "deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning customers", the according to the firm.
The first few the cars are expected to be delivered to their super-rich buyers – who each have to pay a £200,000 deposit – in autumn next year.
Mr Reichmann explained that the 77 in the car's name did not have any technical importance.
"The number 75 just seemed way too obvious and normal," he told the Inside Line car website. "The number 77 was just two lucky sevens."
The One-77 takes the title of the world's most expensive car from the Bugatti Veyron, which was on for sale for around £800,000.

A collection of stylish Fireplaces to cozy up

2008-10-13T18:26:00.005-04:00

Cooling off in an air-conditioned room, I came across this hot list of 16 Creative and Sophisticated Fireplaces at Home Interiors Zone. A well-organized list that it is, it covers the best of the fireplaces that have rendered some warmth to Bornrich too. Luxurious dens aren’t complete without a stylish, attention-grabbing fireplace! And with an abundance of options up there, it becomes interestingly tricky to zero down to just a few of the best fireplaces. The Table Top designed by Carl Mertens doesn’t demand any extra space while the space-consuming Glass fireplace can only find its way in palatial houses. Vauni’s burning globe fires up with green ethanol and the Cyclone mesmerizes with its spinning tower of fire. My personal fave is the Greed for Quiet fireplace. It is fantastic adaption of campfire for indoors. A complete set with chairs to perch on, Jan Brauer’s design has actually made me greedy.

Most expensive champagne from Boërl and Krof

2008-10-13T18:23:00.003-04:00

Barely had the crown of most expensive champagne settled on the special edition Perrier-Jouet champagne, it’s time to revive the decision as Boërl and Kroff is out with a stiff contender. In general, champagne is believed to be the costliest wine to produce. However, companies like Boërl and Kroff are augmenting this luxury drink’s exclusivity by launching the first print run of champagne millésime 1996. Not much is yet revealed about this pricey drink except that you can have all of 1.5 liters in one bottle of the most expensive champagne in the world. The product page also reveals the elegant packing in lacquered wooden box.

Diamond Dreams

2008-10-12T17:34:00.002-04:00

Sotheby’s set a world auction record when it sold a 6.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond for $7,981,835 at its Hong Kong sale.
It expects to create the same bidding frenzy when a 72.22 D-color, pear-shaped diamond hits the auction block at its Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Sale on April 10 in Hong Kong. Bidding will start at $10 million for the exceptional-quality stone that is described as the size of large strawberry and is the largest pear-shaped D-color flawless diamond to date to appear at auction in Asia.
The sale also presents a rare 3.47-carat fancy vivid blue heart-shape diamond, with an estimated value of $3 million to $3.8 million, and the world’s largest graded intense purple diamond, a 3.02-carat radiant-cut stone, with an estimated value of $1.5 million to $1.8 million. When it comes to the price of rarified diamonds, clearly the sky is the limit.

Worlds most expensive bikini

2008-10-12T15:29:00.004-04:00

Designed Susan Rosen & Steinmetz Diamonds teamed up to make the most expensive bikini out there.

Featuring over 150 carats of D flawless diamonds, along with a 51 carat flawless pear shaped diamond; a 30 carat emerald cut diamond; two 15 carat round diamonds & a pair of eight pear shaped diamonds which were all set in platinum, this bikini was basically rock-solid.

The infamous bikini made its debut on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition back in 2005, with supermodel Molly Sims enjoying the shoot & suit of her life.

TAG Heuer MEIDIIST

2008-10-12T15:19:00.003-04:00

The TAG Heuer MERIDIIST represents the Swiss watchmaker’s entrance into the world of exclusive, high luxury communication devices. The MERIDIIST is crafted from 316L stainless steel–the same material employed in the creation of TAG Heuer’s watches.

Featuring 430 individual components, and a virtually unscratchable sapphire crystal displays, the TAG Heuer MERIDIIST places a unique combination of style, functionality, and finely engineered sophistication in its owner’s palm. Key technical elements of this exclusive instrument include a front independent time unit with 28 days power reserve, and a talk time reserve of 7 hours.

The TAG Heuer MERIDIIST is scheduled for release in September 2008, and will be available at TAG Heuer boutiques and select TAG Heuer authorized retailers.

A $1000 sushi roll

2008-10-12T15:17:00.004-04:00

the High Roller sushi roll that sells for $1000 will be ll be served at Koi restaurant in New York : It starts with marinated and poached fois gras that is covered with succulent Langoustine (lobster). Then the roll is brushed with saffron/vanilla bean butter and encrusted with caviar. Finally, when the roll is served the Chef comes tableside to shave white Alba truffles and drizzle them with 100 year balsamic.

BMW designs luxurious Boeing 787 interior for Russian tycoon

2008-10-12T00:11:00.004-04:00

Lavishness has no precincts. One of the hottest trends with the uber-rich is to be in possession of more expensive jets. We have earlier featured the lush BMW interiors of Airbus A350. Lately, Boeing contacted BMW’s DesignworksUSA group to create for them a conceptual interior for the already sumptuous Boeing 747. You can imagine the resulting design yourself.

All this has been done for an unnamed extra-rich Russian mogul who is in his mid-thirties. DesignworksUSA is all set to make the Boeing 747 a second, luxurious home for the client. The interiors of the luxury jet features a bar, scores of couches, beds, meeting rooms, stairs, and even enough space to fit in your BMW. Did I miss something? I don’t think so.

Veuve Clicquot Traveler Boutique intoxicated with luxury

2008-10-12T00:03:00.004-04:00

Tasting intoxicating success with its traveler set, Veuve Clicquot is gearing up to woo all the wine buffs with its latest Veuve Clicquot Traveler Boutique. Exclusively designed by Julien Ceder, this showcase also brags of a gold award for cleverly integrating all elements listed for the contest. The elegant trunk dressed in black leather dazzles with glowing interiors. Ideally meant to carry a range of high-end wines and champagnes, this trunk also features high-tech fittings like an LCD screen and a small refrigerator. A complete bar-on-the-go, this designer chest is a must-have for those who want to flaunt their collection. Estimated at $7,600 (€5,300), it stands tall at 2 meters and is more than just a bar.

Grab attention on the court with the Nike golden boots

2008-10-11T23:49:00.005-04:00

Not sure how many of the pro basket-ballers would want to wear these Nike Dunk Shoes, dipped in gold, but, the amateurs would sure grab some attention with these. They would, however, have to be wealthy enough to spend $5,405 to own one of these. Who knows, it might eventually up the commitment on court, for you would have something to draw inspiration from! For the love of the game, you shouldn’t bother about how much they cost, for I am sure just the mere existence of this pair in the cupboard, will be enough motivation for you to run to the court every morning, consistently!

Too Hot to Handle: Diamond encrusted earplugs

2008-10-11T23:44:00.005-04:00

Possessing a top-end cellphone or a must-have portable music player isn’t the end of it. You also need to accessorize them with chic USBs, wireless headsets, streamers and earphones to complete the package. You might have bought the 3G iPhone or the iPod to match technology hand in hand, but the next time you want to make an investment, it has to be these earphone covers from London-based DEOS to make you go one up.

Now, depending on how much money you’re ready to spend, you can choose from the three options available - diamond studded, if you are running high on your earnings, Swarovski crystals, if you are just about there and the aluminum encrusted, if you wish to spend enough to be in the race. The diamond-encrusted one is obviously the most expensive with a price tag of $60,000, but yes, things get easier with the other two

Luxury Credit cards..

2008-10-11T13:27:00.004-04:00

For quite some time the American express Centurion card or commonly known as the American black was a highly coveted item. For users of the American black there is no such thing as credit limits ordinary folks have to put up with.

The estimate is that at the moment there approximately 17,000 black cards in circulation. However to be eligible for the American express black you must charge 250,000 per year. The initiation fee will set you back for $5000, while the annual fee is $2500.

But apart from the no credit limit there are many added perks – a personal concierge service that will score tickets for events and make your reservations for you. Then there are the private shopping services that will open doors for you at all the major fashion houses.

However recently a number of cards has been launched that are supposed to offer same if not better perks then American express Centurion card. The Bank of America, Citigroup and Merrill Lynch have all launched versions of credit cards similar to American express black.

But the most coveted is the Stratus Rewards Visa or also known as the White card, which can be obtained through nomination by another member or invitation only. The annual fee will set you back $1500 and the perks are many — from discounts on private jets, discounts on luxury goods to travel insurance up to $1 million.

Luxury Clinic For Russian billionaires

2008-10-10T17:58:00.005-04:00

Caviar for patients recovering from a blood test, psychoanalysis at 10,000 dollars (6,360 euros) per hour: nothing is too much for ailing billionaires at the Neo Vita clinic in Moscow's swishest suburb.

For the clinic's founder, Artyom Tolokonin, ensuring good health for the capital's super-rich inhabitants is even better for his pocket book.

The 33-year-old psychoanalyst says that about a dozen residents of the Rublyovka neighbourhood -- dubbed Moscow's Beverly Hills -- are paying for year-round treatments costing as much as a million dollars (636,000 euros) a time. [...]

Visitors pass a police post and surveillance cameras, before having their street shoes clad in clean overshoes, and entering a hallway gently illuminated by liquid-like jets of light.
Multiple flat TV screens broadcast images of the countryside along to specially composed anti-stress music.

Everything at Neo Vita is done to pamper not only the bodies, but the egos and reputations of patients. Examination room doors remain unmarked "so as not to advertise our clients' problems," as Tolokonin explained.
Clients even more keen on privacy can use a discreet side door. One, a well known businessman, according to Tolokonin, has even paid 200,000 dollars (127,000 euros) to reserve the entire place to himself when he visited his doctor.

"People able to pay 10,000 dollars (6,360 euros) for an hour of psychoanalysis are a very specific sort," said Tolokonin, who has practised in the Rublyovka neighbourhood for six years. [...]

However, Natalya, [...] said she and her husband, "who works in the gas sector," visit Neo Vita every week. "Basically we pay a little less than 10,000 dollars (6,360 euros) an hour," she said. "But health is more valuable than money." [..]

Tolokonin said the extraordinary prices were justified."The rich go to London for a dentist or a popular dietician in Switzerland, but their soul can only be healed here."
Russian billionaires have the same problems as their counterparts elsewhere -- fatigue, insomnia, substance abuse, impotence -- but "Western psychoanalysts don't know the Russian mentality," Tolokonin said.[..]

Eco Friendly realestate

2008-10-09T19:00:00.010-04:00

So we all know the world is heading towards being green. Solar, wind, hydro, electric energy. Check out the commercial real estate below, these buildings are the future of realestate.

Last but not least, green trophy buildings are all the rage, and like cars, they offer a fun, almost indulgent starting point for anyone trying to spruce up their ECO-ICONIC offerings. Consider the exhibitionist glee with which these buildings expose their vast green roofs, towering windmills and glimmering acres of solar panels.

The Bahrain World Trade Center is the world's first commercial building to incorporate large-scale wind turbines into its initial design. It has three massive wind turbines that measure 29 meters in diameter and are supported on bridges between the BWTC’s two 240-meter-high towers. The turbines generate approximately 11–15% of the BWTC’s total energy needs.

The Castle House, a 42-storey apartment tower under construction at Elephant and Castle in London, will feature a roof with an array of integrated wind turbines, each nine meters in diameter.
The Lighthouse is currently being designed by international consultants Atkins (who also designed the aforementioned Bahrain WTC), and is envisioned as a 360-meter, 55-storey luxury low-carbon office tower in Dubai. Quite a lot of the structure’s energy will be gained from three huge 225-kilowatt wind turbines and 4000 photovoltaic panels. Plans are still in the development phase, but the building is slated to be completed by 2010.
The 309-meter-tall Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, aims to be one of the most environmentally-friendly buildings in the world. Slated for completion in 2009, it too features turbines that turn wind into energy for the building's heating, ventilating and air conditioning.

More Dubai: the 370-meter, 92-floor Wave Tower, designed by the Spanish architectural group A-cero, will be located right on the water. The “seascraper” is designed to be a green building: interior gardens or 'sky gardens' will be located in common zones, improving the air quality and working as natural temperature regulators. The building's silk-screened glass skin will assist with controlling heat from the sun. Wave Tower will also contain a water purification plant, which will desalinate and purify the surrounding sea water to be used as drinking water and for landscape maintenance and sewage.

The Solstice on the Park, a 26-storey residential tower in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, to be completed in September 2010, is literally shaped by solar access. Its surface is designed to precisely the optimum angle for 41.5 degrees north (Chicago), which allows the sun to enter the apartments during winter for passive solar warming and keeps it out during the summer to reduce air-conditioning usage. The saw-tooth design creates balconies that block direct midday sun, decreasing the need for power-hungry air conditioning. In winter, when the sun is lower, rays pass through the windows to warm the interior. Quote from the architects: “By making latitude into a visible feature for the façade and its reason-to-be, the project challenges the current notion of pure iconography and symbolism in tall buildings."

The Agro-Housing concept by Israeli Knafo Klimor Architects is a combination of housing and urban agriculture. The building is composed of two parts: an apartment tower and a vertical greenhouse. The greenhouse is a multi-level structure for cultivating crops such as vegetables, fruits, flowers and spices. It's equipped with a drip-irrigation system, heating system and natural ventilation. Knafo Klimor Architects developed this concept with concern for predictions that 50% of China's citizens will eventually live in its cities, a trend mirrored in many developing countries in the world.

South Beach is a planned commercial and residential complex to be located on Beach Road in downtown Singapore. The development will feature two new towers, 45 and 42 stories tall, which house two luxury hotels, offices and apartments. Designed by British architectural firm Foster + Partners, a key feature of the design is a large 'environmental filter' canopy that covers open spaces, providing shelter from the elements and drawing air currents to cool the area beneath it. The two towers will have slanting facades to catch wind and direct air flow to ground-level spaces. The buildings' facades will also incorporate photovoltaic cells. Rainwater will be collected off the towers and the canopy and flow into a holding tank underground, instead of being wasted. South Beach is scheduled for completion in 2012.

And last but not least, expect many more green roofs and walls to add to the ECO-ICONIC landscape. From GAP’s headquarters in San Bruno, California, to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco to the Ann Demeulemeester store in Seoul, to the ACROS building in Fukuoka, Japan. And yes, green roofs will increasingly appeal to households, too

what would you pick? the car or the girl??

2008-10-09T01:20:00.001-04:00

i am usually a man of few words..but these pics have left me speechless. find out why ??

Sickest pools all over the world!

2008-10-08T16:46:00.001-04:00

Check these out guys..i wish i had one of these in my backyard.

350 million dollar yacht with missile defense.

2008-10-08T15:11:00.001-04:00

When you have a personal fortune of £11.7billion, you can perhaps be forgiven for feeling the need for protection.

In Roman Abramovich's case, the solution is to order an armour-plated mega-yacht with missile detection system to offer early warning of attack by pirates or terrorists.

At 550ft long, the vessel, costing more than £200million, will be the largest private yacht ever constructed.

It is being built secretly at the shipyard in Germany which produced the World War II battleship the Bismarck.

The yacht will include radar equipment designed to warn the crew of incoming rockets, together with bullet-proof windows and armour plating on the bridge and around the 41-year-old Russian tycoon's cabin.

There will be twin helicopter pads and anti-bugging equipment, while the crew of 70 will include former SAS and Special Boat Service personnel.

If intruders make it on board the Eclipse, named because it is intended to overshadow all other private boats, Abramovich and his girlfriend Daria Zhukova, 26, could escape in a yellow submarine which can dive to 160ft.

The tycoon's other yachts - the 377ft Pelorus, 282ft Ecstasea and 160ft Sussurro - are not believed to have missile defence systems or submarines.
And with a growing number of pirates operating in the world's oceans, the Chelsea Football Club owner does not want to take any chances.

Should he decide to sail to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, he will be prepared for an attack by gangs such as the Somali pirates who seized a Ukrainian cargo ship loaded with Russian tanks before demanding a large ransom less than a fortnight ago.

According to the International Maritime Bureau, pirates attacked 269 vessels last year, took nearly 300 hostages and killed five people.

Even the Mediterranean, where Abramovich usually keeps his yachts, is becoming less safe.

In August, a gang boarded a £20million yacht off Corsica and robbed guests and crew of £100,000.

Under maritime law, non-naval ships are banned from carrying firearms. Some yacht owners are adopting high-powered water cannon, earsplitting klaxons and lubricant foam intended to make boarders slip.

Diane Byrne, editor of Power and Motoryacht News, said pirates and terrorists were an increasing worry for private yacht owners.
'Piracy isn't a problem limited to Somalia,' she said. 'It can and unfortunately does happen around the world.'

Abramovich's yacht will also have cabins for 24 guests as well as a cinema, aquarium, disco and hospital.

coolest apartment block on earth

2008-10-08T13:43:00.001-04:00

Viennese artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, has designed what has become one of the more unique and visually stimulating buildings in the world. With over 1000 unique windows, individualized handles on windows and doors, a living roof, café, parking garage, restaurant, bar, playground, and a running stream, the Waldspirale in Darmstadt, Germany is an architectural wonder. Upon first glance, second and third, one is simply enchanted and astonished.

The apartment building contains 105 apartments, with no two windows alike. The overall design follows Hundertwasser’s dogma ‘gegen die gerade linie’ (against the straight line), and its off-center placement of windows is aptly described as ‘aus der reihe tanzen (dancing out of line). Each of has a personality of their own, and no two are alike.
The U-shaped building is 12 stories at its highest point; onion gilded domes placed at random points along the roof, and multi-colored earth-toned stucco about the façade and the absence of sharp corners and straight lines all reflect elements often attributed to Hundertwasser’s personal style. The outward appearance makes one fondly think of a child with a box of crayons, and no ruler with which to draw lines – designing only what is inspiring.
A ‘green’ roof, including varied plant species, beech, maple and lime trees, a grand selection of deciduous shrubs and a bed of grass, crown this organic architectural masterpiece. And, within the courtyard, a running stream gently trickles through a children’s playground.
nspiring design, whimsical detail and a sense of responsibility to the environment, the Waldspirale is an enigma in the design world. Hundertwasser’s view on the incorporation of the environment in his design is simply expressed by the artist himself: “If man walks in nature’s midst, then he is nature’s guest and must learn to behave as a well-brought-up guest.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

SICKK PICS of the world

2008-10-07T14:23:00.002-04:00

Photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand will bring his work back to the United States - to New York City for the first time in 2009. Aiming to inspire people to think globally about sustainable living, Arthus-Bertrand has been photographing unique views of our planet, seen from the sky, since 1994 - and has produced an exhibit of over 150 4-ft. by 6-ft. prints which will be on display in New York City at the World Financial Center Plaza and along the Battery Park City Esplanade from May 1, 2009 to June 28, 2009. When completed in New York City, the Earth From Above exhibit will also move on to California in 2010. Photographs and captions all courtesy of Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Dubai is going nuts

2008-10-07T13:19:00.001-04:00

It seems like Sheiks in Dubai are bored and excessively rich. Everyday there are INSANE skyscrapers going up. This is the latest one check it out
Plans to construct what could become the world's tallest building, at more than 1km high, were unveiled today.

Dubai developer Nakheel - the company that created man-made islands in the shapes of a palm tree and the world - said the structure will be the centre-piece of an inner-city harbour set to become the emirate's new, unofficial capital.

It would not comment on exactly how high or how expensive the Islamic design-inspired Nakheel Tower will be. The building will have "more than 200 floors" and be part of "a multi-billion pound development", the company said.

But "tallest building" claims are notoriously difficult to make. Debates about what counts as a candidate include whether buildings under construction should be considered and whether roof-top antennas count.

What is certain is that the tower will climb above what is said to be current holder of the "world's tallest building" position - the emirate's own Burj Dubai.

Speaking at a press conference today, a cautious Nakheel chief executive officer, Christopher O'Donnell, said: "From our perspective, we are building a tower that's going to be over 1km in height. This is a complete iconic development. It may be the tallest. Someone may build something taller."

Hollywood power couple Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas also attended the press conference.

The Nakheel Tower will have around 150 lifts and be built with some 500,000m3 of concrete. If the reinforcing bars planned were laid end to end, they would stretch from Dubai to New York.

The building will have enough cooling capacity to air-condition more than 14,000 modern homes.

It will be so tall that it experiences five different microclimatic conditions over its height. The temperature in the atmosphere at the top of the building could be as much as 10 degrees cooler than the bottom.

Planned high speed shuttle lifts will allow people to see the sunset twice - from the bottom and again from the top of the building.
Asked if Nakheel was concerned about embarking on such a development during a banking crisis, Mr O'Donnell said: "It was always going to be a project that would take 10 years-plus. When you go about trying to fund a project like this, you have to take account of the economic cycles."

The tower and harbour project will take more than 10 years to complete.

Catherine Zeta-Jones looks on during the presentation of the Nakheel Harbour & Tower project

Apart from the landmark structure, there will also be another 40 towers, ranging in height from 20 floors to 90 floors. The entire development will be home to more than 55,000 people and a work place for more than 45,000 people.

Nakheel executive chairman, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said: "There is nothing like it in Dubai.

"Nakheel Harbour and Tower is located in the heart of 'new Dubai', where we have focused on creating a true community, a location for living, working, relaxing and entertaining, for art and culture.

"All of this is concentrated in one area."

Nakheem said the designs of the planned harbour and tower were inspired by landmarks of Islamic design - including the gardens of Alhambra in Spain, the harbour of Alexandria in Egypt, the promenade of Tangier in Morocco and the bridges of Isfahan in Iran.

"With the Islamic influences governing its design, Nakheel Tower has been able to reach its height of more than a kilometre," said His Excellency.

"This inspired approach has enabled us to achieve a number of amazing feats of engineering, for example the tower will be the world's tallest concrete structure."

Nakheel's other developments in Dubai include the Palm Jumeirah and The World - man-made island communities for the wealthy.

word up!

2008-10-06T16:08:00.001-04:00

Check this out everyone..

sick cars

2008-10-06T15:14:00.001-04:00

some of the sickest cars on this planet