InsideLux – The Luxury News Authority

Chanel’s latest jewellery line takes its inspiration from all things Russian. Coco Chanel was fascinated by the Russian spirit in the 1920s, and Karl Lagerfeld has channelled this into his designs for the Pre-Fall 2009 Chanel Collection.

The jewellery line features numerous Russian icons, including Matryoshka dolls, red stars and objects inspired by Imperial Russia. One of the main pieces designed for the collection is an enamel Matryoshka bracelet bag, made in the likeness of a Matryoshka doll. Pop star Lily Allen has already been spotted carrying one.

The accessories for this year’s fall collection are big and bold – not for the shrinking violets out there. Black and red dominate, with chunky necklaces, thick bangles and huge statement head pieces standing out. Wear with pride.

It’s not only the sparkling things in life which cost a bomb, but surprisingly, the dirtiest of things as well. The pricey potatoe goes by the name of La Bonette and is the most expensive in the world. Its rarity determines it’s value, as it only grows on the Isle of Noirmoutier in France and is almost extinct. It must be harvested by hand in order to preserve it’s condition and flavour. It is available in many a Fine dining restaurant in France, and has been sold for up to 500 Euros per Kilo. Ultimatley, Luxury is found in the taste as well as by the eye.

The picture you see is not a floating board, but the most expensive bed in the world. Architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars dedicated 6 years of his life to create this suspended slumber slab which hovers solely in the air by magnets. I think it was worth the time and effort considering it retails at $1.5 million. Ruijssenaars only needs that one luxury buyer wishing to impress his guests with this rare and intelligent piece of Architecture, to become a millionaire.

Sergei Polonsky is the head of the Mirax Group and he was worth £730 Million in 2008. The company have reportedly stopped construction works, such as the Federation Tower in Moscow, which was set to be completed in 2010. The halting of the company’s assets occurred after a failed payment of  $242 million which was loaned to Mirax. He has resorted to selling his luxurious hotel for a bargain, as it’s worth $340 million,  in order to steady his financial situation. It appears the economic crisis is more serious than the billionaire brushed off , as speculation suggests Mirax’s current debt is $700 millon. Ouch.

Absolut Vodka have been inspired yet again by another designer, Natalia Brilli. The company are renowned for their quirky and creative bottles, and have gone all rock and roll on us with their soon to be released Rock edition vodka. They have previously wowed customers with their disco and Masquerade bottles, and are sure to get the same response with this bold, studded leather design. It is being launched September 1, 2009 in Selfridges for £19.99. Rock On…

For most of us our crayon days are behind us never to be thought of again but thanks to sculptor Herbs Williams, crayons are hot again. His new Crayon Skull Sculpture is setting internet blogs on fire as the new hot thing; this spooky yet funny Crayon Skull Sculpture is made from cut silver, multicolored crayons, wood and two-part epoxy resin.
The Crayon skull sculpture measures 16″ x 10″ x 4″; it is signed by the artist, dated and titled with edition numbers on verso. This beautiful and fun sculpture is cleat mounted for flush wall hanging and is priced at $3,600. Other sculptures by Herbs Williams include a $14,000 crayon bull sculpture and a crayon dog sculpture for $18,000.

Despite financial difficulties, Bentley is cruising back into the luxury limelight with the unveiling of their latest model the Mulsanne. The new flagship model was revealed in California, although it has been designed in Britain, and is reported to be worth over £200,000. It is to go on the market in 2010, and is expected to secure the company financially, for the foreseeable future. Long live Luxury.

It seems company Cineworld are benefiting from the credit crunch blues, as people are choosing to catch a film more often. Ironically Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire made Cineworld millions, as it made £31million nationwide. Admissions increased profit by 13%  creating a total of £16million.  Other money makers were Harry Potter, X-men 2 and the Terminator. Clearly, a day out at the pictures is a luxury we just can’t give up.

Girls may want to keep those sexy new stilettos in their bags and walk to the club in flip flops this fall. 2009 shoots us into the future with architectural undertones and geometric shapes embedded into our shoes.

Nicholas Kirkwood perfectly projects this idea in his 2009 fall shoe collection. Harsh edged lines and organized shapes contrast the smooth arch of the foot and balance out the sexy mile-high stiletto heel.

The worlds of fashion and technology rarely mix, but when they do they can create something beautiful. This is certainly the case with the recent collaboration between Sony Ericsson and Dolce & Gabbana, a union that has resulted in a truly fashionista-worthy mobile phone.

This is the fashion house’s second foray into telephone design and follows on from their hugely popular gold Motorola RAZR. Their newest offering has been christened the “Jalou” phone, derived from the French word for jealousy, and it is certain to raise some envious glances.

Following a jewel-like theme, the phone’s design has been inspired by the multiple facets of cut gemstones. Normal versions of the telephone will be available in onyx black, aquamarine and amethyst, but any fashion follower worth their salt will be clamouring after the exclusive and much coveted D&G edition. This comes in Sparkling Rose, will be trimmed with 24-carat gold plating and even has its own special wireless headset.

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