InsideLux – The Luxury News Authority

Adding to the Olsen twin’s already established clothing brand, a nine-piece handbag line will grace the shelves of Barney’s, New York, in August. Complete with a doctor bag, day tote, shoulder bag and backpack, the 25-year old fashion team aspired to balance new ideas with previously recycled trends of the past. Ashley explains,” There are important style contributions from almost every era. Drawing on the right references at the right time is the key.” Addressing the ever-repetitive market, Mary-Kate comments “My problem is not with the trends themselves, but the fact that trends are constantly repeating themselves.” With both inspirational attributes set, Averyl Oates, buying director for Harvey Nichols, attributes the ever-growing success of The Row (Mary-Kate and Ashley’s line) to the “timeless generational appeal while still remaining directional.”

When Elizabeth Taylor passed of congestive heart failure on March 23^rd, she left behind not just an estate, but a collection of tangible memories from her iconic 79-year life. Before being sold off at the New York City Christie’s Auction house, the actress’ collections of jewelry, fashion, accessories, memorabilia and art pieces will go on a world tour, beginning in September. Fans around the world will be able to visit Liz’s personal belongings in Paris, Los Angeles, Dubai, Moscow, London, Geneva, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

The auctions will take place at an evening gala on December 13^th, two bidding sessions on December 14^th, and an online-only Christie’s LIVE sale throughout the 10-day exhibition. With her full estate valued between $500 million and $1billion, there is no telling what kind of revenues will be made.

Mouawad, a Dubai based jewelry designer has set another Guinness World record in the “most expensive” accessory category. Famously known for their collaboration with Victoria’s Secret, Mouawad created the $11 million “Fantasy” bra, setting the world record for the most expensive diamond encrusted bra in existence.

Now, after ten artisans invested 8,800 hours of work, Mauawad is proud to announce their next Guinness World Record for the world’s most expensive purse, “1001 Nights”. Handcrafted from 18kt gold, the heart shaped clutch dazzles with 4,517 diamonds. An assortment of 56 pink, 4,356 colorless and 105 yellow diamonds, the record-breaking bag weighs in at 381.92 carats and is priced at an incredible $3.8 million dollars.

WhyteGold, the online private members club has notched up its online boutique to include everything from Picasso paintings to private jets.  However, its latest addition is slightly more affordable and some might argue a little more tasteful.

A selection of limited edition handbags such as a Blue Marine Birkin in shiny porosus crocodile with palladium hardware by Hermes is advertised at $60,000 and personal delivery anywhere in the world can be arranged.  Other items include a pink version and an ostrich skin equivalent for considerably cheaper.

If you really have some cash to spend, consider making an offer on a 200 acre estate with opulent French style chateau in North Carolina, currently being advertised by a member at $12 million or a Wally Power 118 priced at £17.75 million.

To join the network and become a member, please request an invitation from WhyteGold.

Keeping the retro chic, always classy, timeless stigma Coco Chanel birthed with her first fashion store opening in 1912; Karl Lagerfeld keeps the tradition alive with this see-through cassette purse. In the era of iPods, iPhones, iPads, mp3 players and free downloadable music, Lagerfeld has reminded us of simpler times. Just as the never fading designs of Coco have re-walked the streets years passed; Lagerfeld has translated the brands enthusiasm for classics into the 21^st century with musical technology. Channeling the days of manual “fast-forward”, “rewind”, “pause”, and “play”, Karl has memorialized those days in his new cassette handbag.

British luxury brand Mulberry have declared that their profits look set to surpass previous projections.
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For the conscientious handbag lover Purisme soft-carbon bags combine a deep black snake-skin texture of soft-carbon surfaces with the finest inner lining of goat velour. These are surely the turning point for those who thought that carbon fiber bags may have a masculine feel, these prove differently, with every design in the line designed to be a prized fashion possession perfect for every occasion from business to pleasure. Purisme also feature carbon bracelet, yo-yo, pipe and letter-opener, but this collection gives carbon fiber a new angle of elegance.

Louis Vuitton has released their Fall 2009 campaign in full swing with pictures of Madonna as their model of choice.  Steven Meisel was responsible for photography following the success Read the rest of this entry »