InsideLux – The Luxury News Authority

The idea, in itself, is brilliant: instead of buying a luxurious yacht, why not buy a luxurious submarine? In fact, there isn’t any unwritten law that states that submarines should only be used for military or scientific purposes, which is proven by this innovative new concept that threatens to take the world of personal transportation by storm. The Phoenix 1000 is a huge 65-metre (213 feet) vessel that rivals the yacht, luxury and technology-wise, and that has the additional advantage of offering its passengers completely new experiences.

Read the rest of this entry »

Italian luxury brand Porzia T has released its new beachwear collection just in time for summer 2010. The line, entitled “Privata Beachwear”, brings the lingerie brand into new territory, with bathing suits, pool loungewear, and accessories.

The brand, named after the protagonist from the Shakespearean play “The Merchant of Venice”, aims to embody women’s beauty, passion, and nobility. The beachwear, keeping in true Porzia T. style, is hand-made by designer Paola Tessariol from the most delicate fabrics available.

Privata Beachwear consists of four different bikini styles, including the “Timandra”, above, a cut-out style one-piece. The designer also created dresses, tops, and sarongs meant to transition from poolside to a night out. The accessories, including a crystallized turban and oversize handbag, flush out the whole collection. See more over the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sarah Burton, a close friend of the late Alexander McQueen has been confirmed as the new head designer for the Alexander McQueen brand. This segment of the Gucci Group (also enveloping fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega and Veneta) has employed Burton as head of women’s wear for Alexander McQueen since purchasing majority shares in 2000.  Deciding to pull up an in-house designer will hopefully maintain the identity McQueen created.

Every season, Neiman Marcus releases a list of the most important wardrobe purchases for the season to come.

• Fur: With the price of fur at an all time high, designers have been flashing fur pieces as a sign of luxury and social status. Controversies aside, classy pelts will never go out of style.
• Pearls: Recycling the classics, pearls have been made over from the original single stranded necklaces and bracelets to chunky, multi-stranded, mixed-media inventions. Intertwining chains and several strings of pearls, designers like Vera Wang have given an old look new life.
• Boots of all Sorts: Keeping warm as well as looking stylish, boots will remain a style staple for years to come. This season’s trend is variety. From tall stiletto heels, wedges and flats, to thy highs, ankle booties and slouches, there is a functional boot on the market for every occasion.
• Military influences: Making a comeback several seasons ago, army print, buttons, shoulder patches and rough materials are still circulating the fashion circuit.
• Feathers: Adding feathers to cocktail dresses, shawls, shoes and purses gives an extra boost of whimsical to an ordinary outfit.
• No more Hobos: Loose, over-sized, non-structured bags are now cast aside and controlled, organized purses have made a come back.
• Lace: Last but not least, subtle sexy lace creeps up on every part of our wardrobes. Making dresses extra feminine, adding a pretty element to blouses and a special accent to shoes and booties, lace now qualifies as a fall staple.

French fashion house Louis Vuitton has unveiled a new flagship in London, which may be its most luxurious store opened to date.

“People come to Louis Vuitton stores not only for shopping but also to experience a certain way of life. These stores, named Maisons, have become our iconic landmarks across the world,” said Yves Carcelle, chief executive.

The 15,000 sq. meter Maison features a handbag “bar”, where customers can customize their choices, a two-level trunk wall (pictured above), and an ever-changing LED staircase which links the three floors. Amongst all this, there is work from artists like Gilbert & George and Damien Hirst peppered through

And of course, endless LV merchandise.

Sunreef Yachts, the leading designer in luxury sailing,  has recently launched the newest addition to their already impressive portfolio of super-yachts and power catamarans: the 70 Sunreef Power Ondin. This power catamaran features all of the amenities that Sunreef Yachts is known for and merges style, functionality and efficiency.

The 70 Sunreef Power Ondin’s exterior boasts streamlined marine hulls, deck space covered with teak with flush hatches and a massive fly bridge. The interior is equipped with a wine cellar, master suite, two VIP cabins, working office and storage lockers. Designed with the finest materials, the Ondin is composed of Macore mahogany wood, dark green leather and the luxury material alcantara.

Read the rest of this entry »

The economic climate causing the Euro to lose more than 7 per cent in May has resulted in luxury car makers such as Mercedes-Benz being able to make their cars more affordable to the Chinese market.  The car maker expects to deliver more than 300,000 cars for the 2010 financial year, making it their fastest growing market in the world.  BMW also announced that the weakening Euro has helped them reap a record profit this year in spite of the recession which has claimed other luxury car makers including Saab and Hummer.

Dieter Bock, one of Germany’s richest men died at the age of 71 after chocking on a piece of meat at one of his 5 star hotels.  It is being reported that he died yesterday, however claims are circulating that he died on 12 May and his death was not publicized until now.  Bock, was one of Europe’s most notable hotel moguls and was worth a reported $740 million.

Marilyn Monroe’s iconic pink dress from her film, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, is up for sale as a high-priced item at the Profiles in History Auction, June 10-12. The pink-satin stunner was designed by William Travilla, and it set to sell for close to a $250,000– maybe more.

Monroe wore the dress while singing the show-stopping number, Diamonds Are s Girl’s Best Friend, and setting millions of adoring female fans hearts into a tizzy about the sparkling baubles and millions of adoring male fans into a tizzy about her undeniable sex appeal.