InsideLux – The Luxury News Authority

CrystalRoc, in collaboration with Steinway & Sons, is announcing the addition of fully-crystallized, custom-built grand pianos to its collection of exclusive musical instruments.

Encrusted with over a million, individually-positioned Swarovski crystal elements, no two pianos will be alike, as the colour and design of the crystallization will be personalized according to the wishes of each individual client.

“The CrystalRoc Piano is unparalleled and will add to the elegance of any luxury private residence, penthouse suite, or super-yacht,” explains Morten Schjolin, Creator, CrystalRoc.  “The range will cater to the elite private consumer, high-end interior designers and the world of entertainment and celebrity”, he continues. “All our customers will have the ability to influence the creative process as the aim is to produce an original work-of-art that represents their unique style.”

CrystalRoc, whose clients include Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Girls Aloud, Mary J Blige, Kylie Minogue, and The Pussycat Dolls, considers Steinway & Sons to be the ideal partner for this exceptional range. Commenting on the collaboration, Glen Gough, Managing Director of Steinway & Sons in the UK, said, “Steinway pianos have always set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, and investment value. A Steinway is an instrument of rare quality and now, through our partnership with CrystalRoc, there is the opportunity to own an extraordinarily distinctive, bespoke Steinway grand piano that is the perfect blend of sophistication and glamour.”

The CrystalRoc Piano will be available worldwide in small (Model M), medium (Model B) and large (Model D) sizes. Prices start at £495,000 and any existing design (brand images, personal motifs, artist logos, family crests, franchise colours, team emblems), or an original concept, can be incorporated into the structure of the crystallization.

Ever asked “OH! I love your necklace, where did you get it?” Thanks to The Joan B. Hornig Foundation, you can answer that question with a plug-in for your favorite charity.  Founded in 2003, Joan combined her love of sparkling accessories and thirst to fix the world’s problems with an original idea: donate all profits her line, Philanthropy is Beautiful, to a charity selected by the consumer. The consumer selects which piece they would like to purchase and then follows the steps provided on the website to ensure all profits are sent directly to their choice of over 600 philanthropic organizations.

All designs, organic and earthy in aesthetic, are hand crafted of the world’s finest stones, and can add a pop to any daytime outfit, or affix an extra element of elegance to a evening gown for a special evening. Cameron Diez, Lori Loughlin, Eva Mendes, America Ferrara and Lauren Graham are a small list of celebs boasting their charitable endeavors through Joan Hornig’s Philanthropy is Beautiful accessories.  For shopping with a purpose, please visit http://www.joanhornig.com/ and join in the latest (and most fun) method of supporting the charities closest to your heart.

Opening this December, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, is the perfect get-away for a luxury ski trip.  The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail caters to clients’ every need, from a day full of skiing, to the winding down, warming up and relaxing for the next day. The Ski Concierge, conscious of its guest’s possible cold-weather shyness, is located just a short, heated walk from the Residence Club. Private lockers, complimentary fresh-baked muffins, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, a warming lounge, and all rental needs, including warmed boots are only some of the services provided by the Ski Concierge. Once all ready to go, guests and residence can enjoy a full day of skiing the slopes and know that the Four Seasons Resort and Residence Vail will be waiting to warm and relax them for the next day of winter play.

Escaping the cold has never been done better, or more stylishly, than the amenities and services provided by the new Four Seasons and Residences Vail. Jump in a heated pool or whirlpool, sit by one of the many fire places or drink in the warmth through a steaming cup of hot chocolate, the personalized 24-hour concierge services will work to make sure your cozy and comfortable. Along with the Fireside Bar & Lounge, which specializes in Latin American classics, the resort is equipped with a fine dinning facility, Flame restaurant, and features a 24-hour room service policy.

A state-of-the-art fitness center and 11,000 square foot spa are also on location to be enjoyed by guest for relaxation needs. While using these services, keep your children safe and entertained by the Four Seasons signature Kids of all Seasons Program, Children’s Activity Centre, and Young Adult Center.

Not that anyone would need to leave the resort, but with its central location, guests can have instant access to Vail’s many attractions and boutiques.

No Luxury home or office is complete without a high-end library stocked with only the greatest that world literature has to offer. When elite hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton, Marriot, W, and Four Seasons are looking to boost their level of eloquence, they work with their in-house design teams or designers like Theresa Fatino to enlist the service of Juniper Books creator, Thatcher Wine.  Thatcher goes beyond the call of duty, combining luxurious design with a personalized composition of literature pulled from all over the world.

Knowing that every client has separate needs and styles, Thatcher listens to the client’s vision and caters to every detail going even as far to match the book bindings to the space’s style.

While some designers are only interested in the aesthetics of the room, Thatcher, a Dartmouth alum, uses his extensive knowledge and background in history and art to collaborate with his literary dealers worldwide to ensure that every book is in the proper language, and has a place in the custom library.For centuries libraries have been known as status symbols, boasting the owner’s extensive knowledge and appreciation for world literature and art. Filling your personal library could take years when done alone, but Thatcher prides himself on his ability to pull contacts, and match the substance of pieces to his talented designs in just a few weeks.

His pricing ranges depending on the content of the collection requested, from general hardcover books at 35 dollars per foot, custom wrapped books at 50 dollars per foot, to antique and modern leathers up to 350 dollars.  There are generally 10 books per foot of book case space.

For more information about Juniper Books and Thatcher Wine, please visit www.juniperbooks.com.

Concierge services are designed to make the consumer feel important, taken care of, and well informed. But Red Butler Concierge takes the level of exclusivity one step further with their latest top-of-the-line personal assistant and concierge services.

The newest level of Red Butler, Red Royalty, was just released in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and will include an unlimited surplus of global virtual support, direct access to 1,250 privileges at hotels and restaurants around the world, and a personal client manager available for monthly meetings to help address current tasks and projects.

Red Butler is more than just an average concierge service; they are virtually at your side for whatever your home or travel needs may be. Their staff are well-connected with various venues that can get you into the hottest sold-out shows, their team of city experts will prepare you for any trip by enriching your mind with the destination’s culture, and the Red Butler team is even equipped to help build your business with their team of experts trained in providing marketing feedback.

Along with their top-service, Red Butler can send you flying up to 40% off and strive to get the best prices available for all other travel needs.  For more information, visit www.redbutler.com. For details pertaining to the latest in luxury services from Red Butler, Red Royalty, please visit http://www.redbutler.com/page.asp?id=19969, Memberships are available by appointment only and clientele consist of mostly Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, and executives.

UTOPIA announced the completion of successful testing of the hull and propellers for its US$1.1 billion residential ship – The UTOPIA.  The vessel will be the most luxurious ship in the world.  Its 200 residents will be able to travel to world famous cultural and sporting events in opulent style.

The Chairman of UTOPIA Mr. David Robb said “This is a technological breakthrough.  We have completed the core technical testing for this luxurious ocean liner.  The ship’s hull will be wider than hulls on most passenger vessels, which will give our residents on this ocean liner smoother sailing.  The hull was also modified to be more environmentally friendly.  As a result, we have a more fuel efficient hull and propellers that will move through the ocean more quietly and sensitively.”

The President of Samsung Heavy Industries Mr. Roh In-Sik remarked “This is a significant event in the building of UTOPIA and a significant milestone for Samsung as we further penetrate the passenger ship market internationally.  With this investment in The UTOPIA, we come closer to producing the world’s most luxurious ship.”

For several months, engineering teams from Samsung and UTOPIA worked together in Korea where Samsung owns the largest commercial hull testing facility in the world (SSMB).  The final tests have just concluded successfully.

Samsung President Mr. Roh In-Sik also remarked “Samsung selected its best engineers companywide for The UTOPIA.  There are over 70 engineers and technical personnel working on The UTOPIA.”

UTOPIA Chairman David Robb and Captain Harsheim

Overseeing the Final Hull Testing

Captain Ola Harsheim, the UTOPIA Vice President of shipbuilding commented “The successful completion of these hull tests has proven the technical viability of our ship.  These tests go way beyond any computer model or simulations because they are physical tests on water.  The completion of these tests is very exciting for our resident community.  The widening of The UTOPIA hull and the inclusion of four stabilizers make our ship unique and will maximize the comfort for our residents and guests.”

Photographs of the hull testing are available for viewing at UTOPIA’s Rodeo Drive showroom in Beverly Hills at 421 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California, USA