February 07, 2012
This bike is a lot of fun and it's quick gear changes make for a great ride for thrill seekers. If you love scrambling you'll love this bike. It is billed as a barely legal race bike with lights and if that sounds like your kind of thing you can't go wrong with this.
This first aid kit from Best Made is fantastic and looks really cool with it's bright red stylings. Every home should have one.
If you're a fan of the iPhone but you're not so enamoured with the touchscreen keyboard then this might just be the solution for you. Making the iPhone much easier to use, this effectively turns it into a mini computer and we recommend it very highly for anybody looking to get the most out of their phone.
Born out of Portland, Oregon, Boxx is a quirky new way of getting around that looks like something from Star Trek. The name says it all- the vehicle itself is very box like and features surprisingly large amounts of storage space, with two cargo bays and enough room for two bags. It handles surprisingly well and is a great little get around for city dwellers.
If you find day to day computer work can lead to a nest of cables cluttering your desk, these ideas from Henge Docks are bound to be able to help you out. They are simple, effective and stylish and are perfectly suited to Mac users with their useful magsafe feature. Highly recommended.
Check out this great video from Bentley, celebrating the new V8 engine on the Continental GT.
Anon have release a fantastic new design of ski goggles that utilises magnets to hold the lens in place, allowing you to easily change to suit conditions. If you're an avid skiier, you'll love these.
This is a fantastic backlit frame that works, as they say, as 'art by day and light by night.' The effect is fantastic and it really creates a good atmosphere and mood light, perfect for any modern homeowner.
Bang & Olufsen have been regarded as one of the foremost producers of audio equipment in the world for some time, and rightly so. This is their latest idea, a fantastic portable speaker that features wireless technology enabling playback from iPhones and the more recent iPods for instance. Great sound and quality design make this a must have item.
This sailcloth bag from Psychobunny is light, strong and practical, not to mention gorgeous. We love the bold colours and lightweight fabrics and recommend this to any who love modern bag chic.
Activist Eyewear have released these incredibly cool sunglasses that stun. The design of model 10.03 feels classic and yet contemporary, and will be a hit this year. These are well worth getting hold of in time for the summer.
Moleskine offer world-renowned top quality notebooks and covers and now they have added luggage tags to their impressive range. For the regular traveller these are a perfect accessory, or even if you just travel from time to time, these will really give your luggage some style.
We're featuring Absolut once again, and deservedly so. The Absolut Blank bottle is unlike their other designs in that it is not a work of art... but it is a canvas to become so. This is a truly novel idea, the company have presented Absolut Blanc to artists to create whatever their hearts desire. We have added some of our favourite designs in the pictures here- we recommend checking out the link above where you can scroll through lots more.
Bunney have released a new silver padlock that is based upon the iconic lovelocks left attached to various monumnets by couples the world over. This is a lovely design that sums up the Bunney philosophy of re-imagining everyday items and the beauty they hold, and is available now.
The new Absolut bottle is, as one might expect, a stunning work of art. It features a label made of textile giving it an edge, and the shape is designed to catch light from every direction. This is a surefire winner on the bar and looks fantastic.
Just in time for all you royalists out there to celebrate HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, this humerous tea egg would put a smile on even the most serious face.
This is a truly great idea and will seriously please all you gadget fans out there. Playstation has delved back into the mobile gaming market with a stunning new product that adult gamers in particular are going to love- the Vita. Essentially a mobile PS3, and featuring the level of hi-end graphics you would expect, this device also has one of the most advanced control systems I've seen, especially for a mobile system. The back of the unit is fully touch sensitive and allows for all ten fingers and thumbs to be incorporated into the gaming experience, and the usual analogue sticks are present in abundance. This is a real effort at putting the quality console gaming experience you are familiar with at home into your travel bag. The best feature for me is that you are able to save a game which then allows you to pick off where you left off from your PS3 console at home. This is a brilliant application of new technology and will ensure the longevity of this great product.
It is the penultimate day of the LGB Christmas gift breakdown and we have two great items for you to look at. Who will be our top item for 2011? Check back tomorrow and find out!
1.If you're looking for something a little more daring for your partner, then you can't go far wrong with Agent Provocateur. They have added some Christmas gift ideas to their website here, but our favourite is the Flavia which we have pictures. It's a stunningly elegant and classy design bound to go down well.
2.Audemars Piguet are known for their stunning watches and the Dual Time Royal Oak is no exception. It's a wonderful timeless design and any watch lover would be delighted to received this this year.
Join us tomorrow for our final Christmas gift idea for 2011!
Three gift ideas for you today, take a look below!
1.Rubberb have the ultimate solution for Rolex owners who prefer the comfort of a rubber strap. Their series of great products can be ordered specifically for your Rolex and look fantastic. Well worth a look for the watch lover looking for something a little different.
2.This PX680 coloured polaroid film is a cut above thanks to the gold trim. It's so great to be able to take polaroid shots without the usually mandatory black background. This is ideal for Christmas time; the colours work perfectly and instant cameras will allow you to document these memories really easily.
3.Theo Fennell have created this unbelievably cool Sterling silver rocket that breaks down into a shot set. This is really inventive and a guaranteed smash hit at Christmas parties so heartily recommended.
Rejoin us tomorrow for the penultimate day of our Christmas gift run down!
Six stunning items for your perusal today, we hope that you’re really getting into the Christmas spirit now as there’s not much time left to go!
1.Givenchy are first on out list today with these fabulous women's hats that are bound to cause a stir. We love these designs, they are the height of fashion and will really turn heads this party season, with a great sense of fun and striking features. Great for the party animals.
2.Hannah Martin Jewellery have so many gorgeous pieces this year that it's difficult to know which one to highlight, but I have decided to focus on The Only Performance, the knife edge knuckle duster ring for three fingers. This distinctive design is normally associated with weaponry but this is elegant and beautiful as opposed to brutal. There are so many stunning designs available from this great brand so do check them out. Perfect as a gift for your significant other.
3.The Dolly Swarovski shoe by Charlotte Olympia is a must-have item for footwear fanatics and this will go down amazingly well for Christmas. Glitz and glamour are the order of the day, with black Swarovski crystals on the platform and a black satin finish. The only danger is that these show-stopping heels might steal all the attention in the room.
4.The deluxe poker set by Geoffrey Parker Games is a fantastic thing to have around and will be a perfect compliment to any family gathering this Christmas. This is our favourite family pastime since Monopoly and is sure to create the Casino experience in your home, possibly leaving you both shaken and stirred.
5.Sparrow and Finch have a beautiful hen house on offer that we just love. It's on wheels meaning that you can shift it around your garden sparing the grass. If you keep chickens then this is the perfect gift both to them and to yourself. If not, then we think that this is nice enough to be a good reason to start doing so.
6.Finally today we would love to draw your attention to this cool executive portfolio from Aspinal of London. This is a great gift for the professionals in your life and will provide a great looking way to organise papers on the move. It comes in a variety of finishes but our favourite is the Amazon Brown Croc and Stone Suede.
Tomorrow we'll have another 5 items in our 12 days of Christmas-themed gift roundup. They will not necessarily be gold rings though so stay tuned to learn more!
Welcome back to the LGB Christmas gift blog. If you have just joined us, we have been recommending some seriously cool items for you to look at in the coming days. Here are 7 more.
1.Today we'll begin with super-brand Louis Vuitton and this amazing chest. It's perfect for bedrooms and can store a huge amount. As you would expect, the build quality is second-to-none and it looks stunning with it's distinctive design features and LV edge.
2.Prada have created this cool rock-steady keychain that is perfect for young ones or people who like something fun. Well worth a look as a stocking filler.
3.Dominoes is a tried and tested game that can be surprisingly fun at this time of year. Our favourite dominoes set is this amazing beauty from Bronze Bones. The original design is really striking and makes dominoes so stylish. This will look great on the coffee table of any fashionable home owner.
4.Art lovers will adore this fine book on Anish Kapoor, one of today's most revered sculptors. The print is gorgeous and really showcases his work well. Great to have ready on a shelf to impress your Christmas guests too...
5.It had never crossed my mind that I would ever be writing of a brand crossover between Lego, Star Wars and Louis Vuitton. But artist Dale May has created Coco Vader and V3PO, and we love the results! This is a great example of far out ideas really working and we're sure the LV brand won't mind this extra PR one bit.
6.A gift for the family with new babies, the bugaboo bee is great for those with a busy lifestyle. It is slimline so it can easily fit into car storage as well as through narrow passageways and the like. It looks cool, plus it has the added advantage of being able to grow as your child does with various modifications that are available.
7.Yves Saint Laurent are or final pick of the day with this luxury tote bag. Simple, elegant and full of class, this is perfect for dedicated followers of fashion.
Please join us again tomorrow as we reveal the next 6 gift ideas.
Ten days to go… and 9 items to go with them. Have a look at these great finds…
1.We kick off today with these great clothing items for children. These days children's clothes are becoming increasingly fashionable and these items are up there with the best high street trends. They're ideal for youngsters and will be perfect for under the tree.
2.Kyocera knives are fantastic for the chefs amongst you and the knife sets on display here would be ideal to present on the 25th.
3.Singer Vehicle Design are one of the growing number of customisers of top end goods. In this case, cars can have a complete makeover from the Singer team, including restorative work as well as custom modifications to improve aesthetics and performance. If you have a car that's looking sorry for itself and could do with a new lease of life, Singer might just be able to help out. Perhaps a consultation would be a great gift for the car lover this year.
4.Hermes have designed these beautiful necklaces which are really distinctive and elegant. Well worth a look and our number 4 for today.
5.Confederate Motorcycles have created the Hellcat, an amazing-looking new model that will be a huge treat for bike fans. This could be the ultimate gift for those looking for something a little bolder this Christmas. It's a classic timeless look with top quality modern components and build. Another one for petrol heads.
6.The Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept is a fantastic new look at a great model and is smaller than the current Tiguan. It offers all-wheel-drive, a hybrid power system consisting of two electric motors and a turbocharged gas engine, 20-inch wheels, and a touchscreen to monitor and control most vehicle functions. For those looking to impress, this would make a superb gift.
7.Presso have created this great Espresso machine which is available in time for Christmas. Resembling a giant corkscrew, this is a 'coffee press' and allows you to make top quality espresso wherever you are, providing you have access to hot water. It's a great looking device and useful- a welcome addition to any smart kitchen.
8.If you have ever fancied a chair made from recycled refrigerators then look no further. The Dirk Vander Kooij endless saloon table and rocking chair are a creative new design updating the old-time favourite and stretching it into the 21st century. These items are made from a continuous line of recycled plastic making them unique to behold, and surprisingly comfortable. Great for the modern furniture lover or homeowner this Christmas.
9.Finally for today, we'd love to draw your attention to Sound Pellegrino and their range of apparel. The bow ties in the picture are the highlight here, the striking yellow somehow avoids being OTT and gives a stylish edge to the smart casual outfit. Perfect for Christmas parties.
Hello once again and thank you for joining us. Shopping time is running out as we speak, but fear not as LGB is here to help with these cracking finds!
1.We’ll get the ball rolling with something for the party season. This Porsche Design wine cooler is fantastic and will go down very well with car fans everywhere. The looks are classic and reminiscent of a car engine. It’s sturdy and solid and we just love it.
2. These GTO cufflinks are stunningly beautiful and our ultimate gift pick of today. They are wheel-like in their appearance with what seems like a tyre running around the outside, but with imagination could just as easily be shields. The subtle blue colouring blends effortlessly with the sterling silver making this a tasteful yet distinctive item that will make a great gift.
3.The Family Meal is a new cookery book by Ferran Adria and published by Phaidon that focuses on simple, nutritious and delicious homecooked food. The layout is refreshingly simple and makes everything seem that much more achievable. This is a great gift for anybody who’s at home in the kitchen, whether they’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran in need of some fresh ideas.
4.The Diabloms Sterling Silver Te Amo ring is a beautifully cool work of art. With a cutting edge design, this is a modern ring that exudes both strength through the bold shape and femininity with a small heart cut out of each item.
5.Next on our list today, Serena Linley have a beautiful candle set available in a variety of scents. The presentation is extremely elegant making it ideal as a gift for any homeowner. Interestingly, the glass in this set has been made specifically for Serena Linley in Murano, an island just off Venice that is renowned worldwide for its expert glass craftsmen.
6.These shoes from Charlotte Olympia are gorgeous and perfect for any Cinderella's you may know. The colours are a perfect blend and the raised platform and heel make a bold statement without losing class or elegance. If you can get hold of these before the big day, they would be ideal as a gift.
7.These gorgeous oversized plush animal toys are a great addition to any child's gift list. The lion is our favourite but it's also difficult to resist the giraffe, so make sure to check them out before it's too late.
8.Liquid Gold Baby favourites Colette have another fabulous entry here with these great card holders. The simple design is extremely attractive with a luscious blue lining and motif that really makes it stand out. A great addition to the fashion conscious individual's arsenal.
9.Guy Bourdin is a true great in the world of fashion photography and this excellent book will give you an excellent overview of some of his work. This is a really wonderful book with some fantastic images that really pull you in. I would say that this would be right at home in any collection making it today's number 9 gift idea.
10.Today we finish with pictures by Tim Walker, another excellent fashion photography book that could accompany number 9. Tim Walker's work has featured in Vogue for years and has continually wowed the fashion world. Why not bring it home to wow your nearest and dearest this year?
Welcome back to the LGB Christmas countdown. Today we have 11 brilliant products to inspire and amaze. Have a look at these beauties…
1.Minimalux has conceived this beautifully designed pen that really looks fantastic. It’s made of solid brass which not only makes this a stunning piece, but also ensures that it is not discarded like the traditional biro making it an all-round better product.
2.This Corto Maltedo bag is stylish, classy and very, very cool. It’s classic black design gives off a simple elegance and it’s also surprisingly practical with a large amount of space inside. That makes this a perfect gift this Christmas.
3.Assouline have had a gorgeous book set created for them by Chanel. It celebrates the Chanel brand ion three volumes covering perfume, fashion and jewelry. The best part of this is the quilted slip case which is a real thing of beauty. This would make an ideal gift for anybody interested in high fashion and this legendary brand.
4.What could be more Christmassy than a bright red lamp? Well, how about one with superheroes on it..? Evil Robot Designs are the creators of this cool item that will be of interest to both the young and those who refuse to grow up. This quality item would be ideal for a homeowner that likes a twist. You can even get a custom model made up with characters of your choice.
5.This excellent book is an ideal gift for the Porsche lover, or indeed anybody who has a taste for great cars. The pictures are outstanding and of top quality and take you through the history of this legendary manufacturer, featuring some of it’s most exciting designs.
6.Also for the car fan, this Formula 1 World Champions book is a sure-fire winner this year. Great images and a truly outstanding story threading through the years of this great sport.
7.The Black Dock Motors baby jumpsuit is gorgeous for youngsters this Christmas and will ensure that your baby is stylish to a T when you’re out and about.
8.If you’re a dog lover and want to treat your four-legged friend to something extra special, then you can’t go wrong with Lazy Dog Cookies. These are really high quality goods but they’re specifically for dogs so there’s no worry about making them sick. Their website is informative and cool and leads straight to an online shopping portal. It even features a tune that sounds like a relaxed Red Hot Chili Peppers jam circa 1991. Check it out.
9.Mast Brothers Chocolate is a great company obsessed with creating the best chocolate humanly possible. They source their ingredients from organic cocoa plantations and have such a love for what they do. The two brothers’ enthusiasm is written all over this and their chocolate is really top notch, so worth investigating.
10.Your son will look extremely dapper in this fantastic Canadian Jacket by Owen Cord. It’s a snappy little number that is also practical with a leather lining and fleece around the neck. Perfect for those upcoming winter months and bound to be a great addition to the pile under the tree.
11.Lastly today, we couldn’t resist drawing your attention to these para boots from Woolrich. They’re really comfortable, stylish, practical and will be well suited to anybody looking to avoid some of the faux pas normally associated with winter footwear.
See you tomorrow for 10 more great gift ideas for you from LGB.
We love Christmas here at LGB. The sights, the smells, the sounds, the luxury. So our pre-New Year's Resolution is to bring to you our list of top gifts this holiday season. Over the next 12 days, we will be focusing on products that can give you the inspiration to do some last minute shopping, beginning today with 12 fantastic items. Whatever your taste, we're sure you'll find something perfect amongst these fantastic products…
1.We start off by bringing you some real eye-candy for the watch and clock fans among you. This classic desk clock from David Linley brings a simple elegance with three beautiful clocks featured in a walnut case. This would look fabulous on any desk.
2.This P6520 Heritage is an edgy number from Porsche Design and looks like a car tyre, perfectly representing this most revered of brands. The hidden compass inside is removable and will no doubt ensure that this model is high on the intrepid explorer's most wanted list this Christmas.
3.A fantastic silver Rolex is available from Fourtane. The "Panama Canal" model is a breath of fresh air and looks stunning and modern in this colour scheme. This is well worth investigating.
4.Next up we are happy to see that our favourite customisers the Bamford Watch Department have struck gold again with their gorgeous take on the Rolex Explorer II. It's just pure class and a proper mix of style and substance. This is something we expect to hear big things from, don't miss out.
5.Officine Panerai is offering a great looking analogue watch with classic brown colouring and soft edges. This is the watch equivalent of hot chocolate; smooth, luxuriant and comfortable. The easy to read dial make this perfect for those who prefer the less flashy options.
6.Meanwhile, HD3 Complication has come up with the Black Pearl- this extraordinary timepiece for those who want something a little out of the ordinary. It is based upon pirates and buccaneers and the design is really spectacular, with a sci-fi feel coupled with flashes of the past.
7.Our next entry is a stunning humidor containing 100 cigars. This is another item by Linley who always deliver top quality goods. The box itself is a model of the Partagas factory in Cuba which is so cool and recognizable, we love this box and if you know a cigar fan this will go down a treat.
8.Trek have ushered in what we at LGB think is the next big era in cycling- perfectly designed custom bikes. From a starting point of two basic model designs, the options swiftly open up allowing you to truly customise everything that goes on, in, or with your bike. This is not just a style exercise either, Project One gives you the opportunity of choosing all components and fitting which can lead to some seriously cool designs and riding perfection. If you're serious about cycling, then hop on over to their website, you won't be disappointed.
9.Also for petrol heads, the Yamaha VMax Concept Bike is a stunning new design in collaboration with Hermes. For a motorcycle, this is about as luxurious as it can possible get, with a brown leather upholstery counterbalancing the machinery, bringing a natural feel to an elegant design.
10. This is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Whilst this is not likely to help you rescue cats stuck in trees, the Jetlev is likely to make anybody feel like James Bond. If there is a must-have gift this year for adventurous souls, this, surely, is it. Q, eat your heart out.
11.Grey Area have some fantastic pieces for art lovers to investigate, particularly this amazing AK-47 picture by Dustin Yellin. If you’re looking for intriguing and beguiling works of art then this is a must-see.
12.Finally for today we recommend this gorgeous bag from one of LGB’s favourite’s, Bottega Veneta. It is a stunning pink laced with flecks of white and will look fantastic on the arm of the fashionista in the new year.
Be sure to check back with us tomorrow for our next 11 gift suggestions!
These pad covers are beautifully simple and elegant. Nothing garish here, they have a lovely natural feel and are perfect for those who prefer something a little more traditional. If you can get your hands on them I recommend them highly.
I love this store which offers very high quality clothing. Really smart and luxurious, these items are all produced individually which really put s them a cut above some other brands. I would certainly recommend them for custom-fitting tailor made shirts.
This lingerie range is quirky and exudes a real continental humour that we love. These items are made to resemble chocolates and other culinary treats, an interesting concept and a fun idea.
It is very common these days to travel on a day to day business with an armoury of IT equipment. Whilst laptops, cameras, smartphones and the like are no doubt revolutionising the way we live, they can still weigh you down when everything adds up. This great range of travel bag options from Blue Lounge helps to redress the balance by providing some really well designed items not only allowing you to move around with your computer etc safely and comfortably, but also with style. One for the busy urban professional.
IF you're looking for a new tie for work, leisure or just the Holiday season, look no further than David Hart. Based in New York, these are highest quality neckwear and come in a huge variety of designs from formal to casual. Something to suit every personality. I particularly like the tennis player which has a great retro feel coupled with a modern sensibility.
Icon revisits classics of transportation in a modern context. I love these models, they look so bold and edgy. They're also made with great attention to detail making for extremely high quality vehicles. This is yet another amazing example of classic designs being reinvigorated by technical wizards with a massive love for a product. Fantastic.
Larger Than Life is the motto of this record breaking publication and it's easy to see why. As the Guinness World Record holders for largest magazine, and with fans including David Bowie and Karl Lagerfeld, they have a really unique spin on fashion. With such enormous reproductions the quality and depth in the images is amazing, you really can see very detail. Just make sure you have a very large coffee table handy...
These new bracelets from Miansai are very cool. They have a handmade feel to them but are great quality and are made to last. If this sort of style is for you, you can't go far wrong with this brand.
This year for Mr Daniel's birthday his namesake drink has gone back to black. Or back to Jack, if you will. Fitting in nicely with the rocker history the brand unofficially enjoys, this looks fantastic. JD has always been a great drink with iconic packaging, but this limited edition bottle ups the ante.
Superior Swedish sunnies. That's what Poc makes. Eye catching eyewear with flexible application, and that's why I love these. They are equally at home in the park, on the piste or at the beach, and they look totally cool in all of the above situations. I recommend giving these a look if you haven't already.
My Tele is going to look pretty special in this great new guitar case from Brixton. This is so much more luxurious than your regular flight case, possessing a very retro cool. They have also made an awesome Fender branded record case which is certainly worth checking out- it will satisfy the serious rocker inside you.
I'm a big fan of this new concept for Mercedes. It's a highly evolved design and looks stunningly futuristic, with tapered doors that look as though they're folded away or even concealing wings. Whether this car is likely to take to the skies is unlikely, but in terms of aesthetics, it certainly pleases the eye. The vehicle is powered from the rear like many top end sports cars, so I would expect impressive performance from this. Well worth checking out.
This is an old school ghetto blaster with a modern twist. At first glance you might think it belonged in Harlem circa 1983, but on closer inspection there is an iPod dock where you might expect a cassette deck. This is great product and well worth taking a look at in time for summer next year.
I recently caught a glimpse of this awesome new bag from Valextra and absolutely love the colour scheme. Valextra were founded in Milan in 1937 and always create really top quality items, this is no exception. This is a great addition to any fashion-minded traveller’s collection.
Rather than referring to the Russian Space Station, this Miir is a customizable water bottle that not only looks cool, but also provides money to those in need of fresh water supplies. According to their website, a single dollar from each sale can provide water to somebody for an entire year. Always a good thing. I recommend taking a look and supporting this good cause.
There is something inherently cute about robots like these. This goes beyond the trivial however, by actually serving a very useful purpose- even going as far as defending your house or office from intruders. Allow me to introduce the Groundbot from Swedish manufacturer Rotundus. Origianlly designed for exploring space, it has no moving parts and is entirely spherical, with two camera eyes to help it navigate. I love it.
The amazing thing about this robot is that it can even be a playmate for children and is the closest thing I have ever seen to a functional Star Wars-style droid. The design is really appealing and although it is not anthropomorphic or humanoid, it somehow exudes great charm. It is brilliantly designed and despite being spherical, it is able to make it’s way up ledges and out of holes.
One small step for New Mexico, one giant leap for mankind. Mos Eisley eat your heart out, now planet Earth has its very own spaceport, created by Foster and Partners. Your eyes do not deceive you- as unbelievable as it may seem, this stunning creation has recently had its opening ceremony along with Virgin Galactic.
The aim of the centre is to allow tourists to travel into space which has got to be one of the most exciting opportunities afforded mankind for years, bringing science fiction fantasies to life for the first time and maybe even ushering in a new era.
What’s most surprising about this though, is that the port’s sustainability credentials are actually very impressive; local materials were sourced for construction and man-mad lighting is minimised by the use of numerous skylights. Energy used for heating is reduced by having the entire structure dug in and ventilation is provided naturally by the wind.
Italian fashion label Lubiam have made themselves into one of the premiere places to achieve made-to-measure brilliance in both formal and informal wear. I love the attention to detail in their handmade designs as well as their desire to use only the finest fabrics.
Harking back to 1911, the label is family run and continues to set the bar high for quality custom apparel. If you’re in the market for a new tailor made suit, I recommend you take a look at their website.
This is simply ingenious. Lytro is a new camera that is able to perform what most people thought to be impossible- focusing a picture after taking it. It is amazing how this is achieved- this clever gadget captures the entire light field. That is, light traveling in every direction in every point of space. This makes for some seriously good editing options for camera enthusiasts and new fans alike, as well as instant capture as there is no shutter delay without a need to focus.
This is one of the best new gadgets I’ve seen out there and anybody would be happy to have one.
I came across this brilliantly quirky idea the other day and they have really caught my attention. Based on traditional warrior cultures from around the world, Demon Bells are reminiscent of totem pole designs and are bound to give you an extra boost in your workout.
Traditional kettle bells tend to look boring and bland, as any fitness enthusiast will know, but these ones break the mold and are particularly cool with Hallowe’en coming up.
This is a novel invention from Erik Arlen that will help spruce up and personalize your iPhone4. You can build your own case using sections that can be stacked together over the phone, giving it a good protective case as well as making it look that little bit funkier.
I really like this idea; it appeals to the creative in me and transforms a potentially generic item into something more interesting.
This new range from Adidas is really interesting, as it aims to help your feet act in the way that nature intended by promoting pure and natural movement. I often read articles that suggest that traditional training shoes can be damaging to the feet and the posture, but these new ones may just reverse that trend.
The look of them is distinctive and somewhat unusual, with separate toes making them look like a glove for your foot. According to Adidas, the posture that this will encourage is better for your entire body, from toes to vertebrae.
I would suggest taking a look at this gym-friendly product, it’s the latest in training footwear and is likely to become the next big thing for those serious about fitness.
Barton Perreira’s approach to fashion design is seriously edgy and cool. I caught a glimpse of these amazing glasses recently and they wouldn’t look out of place whilst driving, on the catwalk, or even on the red carpet if you’re so lucky. They are being favoured by LA’s A-list so you’ll be in good company should you find yourself with a pair.
With pure old-school class and a great appreciation of current trends, I would recommend these to anybody looking to make a statement with their eyewear.
I love Daft Punk. Their blend of sounds is a cool example of that modern trend of mixing anything and everything, embracing huge dance beats, screaming rock guitars and more recently epic orchestral soundscapes for the Tron Legacy soundtrack. Now they are spreading their influence to the world of Coca Cola.
The Daft Punk limited edition Coke bottle is the product of a collaboration with the famous drinks brand and the results are really rather cool… Matching the style of the crazy pairs’ signature helmets, I’m sure that these bottles will soon become collectors items, so keep your eyes peeled.
I booked myself into the new Moschino Hotel in Milan. Built on an old 1840's neoclassical railway station and one of the cities most beautiful buildings, oh my god, the Moschino hotel really is something else.
Inspired by a visionary and contemporary fairy tale theme, Moschino has 65 contemporary rooms and junior suites, located over four floors.
The hotel claims to 'inspire the mind while the body relaxes,' and I can confirm that it really is a little bit of heaven. I felt like Alice in Wonderland, and I can't wait for a chance to go back.
When you think of the world's slickest loo brush it has to be VIPP.
Now they've brought out a salt and pepper mill as part of their 'Vipp Kitchen Tool's Collection'. As expected, they look as cool as anything and would fit into any kitchen or on any table.
It's constructed with a swivel top in solid stainless steel and a ceramic grinder which has a wicked and satisfactory grinding sound! They come on their own with a cool and practical base. It also comes in a Limited Edition red colour which is fun.
The Future home is now, with one simple device called the Lockitron, a lock for your house or apartment that works from your phone. This is a great idea and one you would have dreamed of wanting to invent, as you'll never need your keys again.
Lockitron is the ultimate device in multi-person access. All you need to do is text one simple code to your friend / work mate / special 'other' in question, they then text the device with the code, and they're in! Simple yet safe.
Lockitron is a key that could shape the future in access design. Now you don't have to dream of being Bill Gates to have computerised house, as Lockitron has brought you one-step closer to that dream. How cool.
It's here.
I've unwrapped it, plucked it from its perfect little box. It's finally here, in my hands.
And..... The hype was not worth it. Aesthetically, it's exactly the same phone, and I freely admit that in these cases I do judge a book exactly by its cover, but... on closer examination, the phone has won me over.
Thinking logically, Apple was not going to radically change the design so soon, because the iPhone 4 is a slick and sexy piece of kit already. This next generation smartphone has taken a big leap forward, but as a customer, it's one you won't notice at first, until you start playing and comparing the improvements in tech and user interface.
I am more in love with this next generation iPhone than I thought I would be when i first saw it.
Men's bathrooms are a big thing, and we've found a new and very big thing belonging in the bathroom - the urinal.
Now, I know what you'll probably be thinking, but this is truly special urinal, in the shape of a giant mouth with big red juicy lips.
This mouth-shaped urinal is from the people over at Bathroom Mania, these crazy guys are not only famous for it, but they're intent on making every bathroom experience magical!
I was dragged into the bathroom over the weekend (which I thought was extremely odd) but when I saw them I was astounded at how cool they are, and had to be dragged back out, I was memorised!
'Kisses' is their name, and they change any bathroom into a true amazing men's bathroom.
This is one cool product from the guys over at Photo Jojo.
This is a 4 gb hard drive looking totally cool in the shape of a Nikon or Canon pro camera. This is a genius product that will definitely be on my Christmas list this holiday season.
This DSLR USB is going to be the ultimate photographers' companion.
A new, signature hotel brand has been launched by Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani and they've cheekily named it Mr. C.
The Cipriani family are internationally recognised for their restaurants, clubs and landmarked banquet spaces and this hotel will be their first since the late 50's, with 21 year old Maggio and 23 year old Ignazio at the helm.
Within spitting distance of Rodeo Drive, and with panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles the hotel comprises of 137 rooms and suites, all designed by the two brothers. There are also five 3,000 square foot bungalows with gourmet kitchens, private plunge pools and garden available, if you need more space!
The hotel wouldn't be complete without the inclusion of the Mr. C restaurant serving 24 hour food for your room, or by the pool.
The design house Art. Lebedev have done it again.
They've managed to design a product you really do not need, but one you'll really want to get your hands on. This is a gun that doubles as a dog leash, so when you really want your dog to sit, you simply point the gun at your dog.
This retractable dog-gun leash is such a cool product, your next dog walk is guaranteed to make you smile.
The history between Harley-Davidson and Captain America stems right back to the iconic comic book hero.
In the wake of the boom of the super hero era, this is a great American hero product with a true American hero.
It's fair to say that Harley-Davidson is a power-house brand in the U.S, it's the brand associated with everything American. Harley-Davidson make truly iconic, sexy machines and this amazing Captain America classic is definitely very cool. Do check it out!
We're all loving Darkroom, London's wicked concept store on Lamb's Conduit Street.
They've pulled together a mass of awesome bits from fashion and accessories to interiors and art exhibitions. These hand mirrors caught our eye and have also been included in Wallpaper's Design Awards.
They cost £75 and come in loads of colours.
Yes I know we here at LGB are Cola crazy but how awesome are these cups?!
Perfect for a Summer picnic of pack lunch.
Launched to celebrate 125 years of Coke, I love them! £23.99 for 50 at Selfridges.
If you're like the many millions out there in love with Star Wars and everything to do with the Death Star and want to take a look at the designs behind the Millennium Falcon, then this is your ideal book.
Star Wars: Blueprints is a book filled with the technical drawings for all of the Star Wars designs. This is going to become the ultimate in coffee table books this year and a must-have gift for any chic geek out there this summer. This book is just so cool.
I've been in Paris a few days now and admittedly, my love for this beautiful city had changed a little bit, but last night I went to La Societe, an amazing restaurant ran by the guys behind Hotel Costes making me fall in love with Paris all over again.
This is a chic restaurant in every sense. The food is amazing and the style of the place is just plain sexy. La Societe is the latest hang out of the uber chic and to be honest, I can't blame them. The staff compare with those that work in some of the best restaurants back home in NYC. La Societe has put a new stride in my step when it comes to my love of the most sexiest city in the world.
Today I awoke in Coste and went for a walk down towards Colette and into Goyard. I've totally fallen for their pink print, so terribly glamourous in every style they do. Stealing myself away, I walked on to my meeting with the amazing handbag design house Corto Moltedo and en route, discovered a fabulous beauty spot, Jardin du Palais Royal. Located in a beautiful part of Paris, Jardin du Palais Royal is just so French and completely stunning. On the square is also Corto's shop when you can happily fulfil your shopping addition.
My day trip wouldn't have been complete without a look at the Ralph Lauren car collection. He has some of the best cars in the world here in what I think is the most perfect location. I have to say, I do love it when a huge power-house brand like RL use something like a personal car collection to market a brand. Just too cool.
So, with only one day left in this city, I'm already sad at the thought of leaving, but happy to be here in my hotel room typing this to you while looking out at the sun setting in the most chicest city in the world.
I've been in Paris for the last few days and I've got loads to report. I'm totally in love with this city, there's just something so chic about Paris.
First Class on Air France was a wonderful experience. Their seats are the best I've known for the price in this class. There's definitely something a little amazing about jumping on a French plane from JFK. The air hosts are incredibly chic and stylish, inspiring the utmost confidence in the flight you're about to embark upon. Air France should be your only choice when flying into Paris.
I was invited to Paris to see a few things. First up was the new Aston Martin Colette edition. I was asked along as the last review I did for Liquid Gold Baby was not the most favourable, but ultimately, I feel the same as I did before. Why has Aston Martin re-styled a Toyota IQ into what they think is a sexy car? I'm surprised at the link-up with Colette, why one of the best trend setting shops in Paris would want to be involved in a project like this is a little beyond me.
I saw the Aston Colette edition on the street just opposite the Colette store itself, with a very elegant gentleman standing to the side of the car with the keys. I decided to put my first instincts aside, be open minded and take a closer look. After all, I'm in Paris, the guy with the keys looked fairly dapper - what have I got to lose? I sat in the car and the first thing that instantly annoyed me about this $70,000 car is that there's no inbuilt sat-nav. Just a portable device. I did think the colour combination was very cool, the silver and blue interior felt like a little bit of luxury, but it still smacked of 'pimp my ride', and do your worst on a small city car. There were a few things I loved about the car; the honey comb design sun-visor and the key chain with the Colette logo were both pretty cool, and also the two blue circles on the back of the car announcing 'Colette Limited Edition'.
Still, I'm sad to say that my first findings of Paris were a little sad, but fear not - there's more to come in my next Paris post.
1) If you had to drive only one car for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS
2) What's the most exciting thing you've blogged about this year?
Upcoming DRx watch project with George Bamford.
3) If you died and went to heaven, what outfit would you rock up in?
Khaki Anachronorm corduroys, Visvim FBT’s, RRL button up, my 1960’s G1 Flight jacket, Elder Statesman beanie, Parrabellum belt.
4) Tell us about your upcoming projects / collaborations - what's next for you this year?
DC Comics project titled DRx VELOCITY where the governments have lost the war against crime and DRx responds to the threat by designing a line of supercars, rigged with state-of-the-art weaponry and technology. The first issue is starring NASCARS Kasey Kahne and showcases the artwork of legendary Phil Frost. Dropping this summer.
A collection of DRx reconstructed Cowichins for Barneys Japan.
The adventures of DRx’s Beetle Bailey continues into the holiday season with a bunch of surprises in the pipe.
A Fraggle Rock music compilation featuring original music by a variety of artists inspired by the show.
5) What's your favourite iPhone app?
The Hipstamatic camera app.
6) You're renowned for mixing the best things from the past with the present - what first propelled you to do this?
Vintage. I’ve always been intrigued/inspired with vintage. Vintage being everything from childhood memories to classic gear. As much a I love and respect these throwback chapters in time, it sometimes can be a bit challenging to revisit them (rock them). The jeans don't fit right, the jackets have too much damage, the memories although intact seem a bit cloudy. I wanted to preserve these slices of history but flip them so they made sense for today's consumer, and myself of course.
7) What makes an amazing weekend? Where would you go, what would you do, and with whom?
I live in Los Angeles so getting outta here every so often helps to keep me grounded. My favorite weekends are spent in the mountains disconnecting from reality. Would probably say snowboarding at Mammoth Lakes CA and or Jackson Hole WY with a couple of buddies.
8) As a kid, what first did you want to be when you grew up?
A Director.
9) If you were stuck on a remote desert island with five celebrities from both the past and the present, who would they be?
Brigitte Bardot, Jim Morrison, James Dean, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Marilyn Monroe.
10) What's the worst popular fashion trend there's ever been?
Socks with sandals is a definite no.
(All photography by Masa Inoue)
The Aga Total Control is the absolute ULTIMATE in stoves.
The Aga has been brought firmly into the 21st Century with a smart phone app allowing you to control your Aga from your iPhone.
Whilst looking like a traditional cast-iron range cooker, this Aga has electrical elements in the ceilings, walls and doors which means a baking hot oven in just 22 minutes, slashing electricity bills and making it so much more practical to use on a daily basis.
Marrying state-of-the-art technology with the advantages of cast-iron cooking The Aga Total Control costs £9,595 / $15,500.
Back by popular demand, the formula to create Polaroid again.
This is called The Impossible Project. A project by an underground, very cool bunch of guys that are still in love with Polaroid are making it happen again. This is a happy day for the photographer and amateurs alike, with an instant image in your hand - not stuck on your digital camera waiting to be printed off some day.
Welcome back Polaroid, thank you to The Impossible Project for bringing back this iconic brand.
This is a new book on the amazing English spy James Bond, written not by the deceased Ian Fleming but by Jeffery Deaver. This limited edition book was produced in collaboration with another great English brand, Bentley, by the amazing publishing house, Hodder's.
Entitled 'Carte Blanche', this book is only going to be published in a limited edition run of 1000, so if you want to be a part of Bond history, this is the book that should be on your shelf or in your man cave.
With this stunning Bentley GT ghosting on the case of this book it looks just fabulous. Bond has moved back to Bentley, reminiscent of James Bond in 'Thunderball'.
It's going to be one of the next great books written post Fleming.
I know you're an intrepid traveller, where is your most favourite place and why?
It's hard to choose favorites when there is so much left in the world to see. I absolutely love the countryside of Japan, specifically an area called Hakone. And Tokyo is an unbeatable city.
What item can't you travel without?
Curiosity. Travel doesn't work without it. But I guess you're looking for a more concrete answer. I don't leave home without Melatonin so I can fight jet lag. Or my Blackberry– that thing has more miles on it than anything.
Where in the world do you call home?
I call NYC home, even if I haven't actually had a home there for nearly a year. I've been fairly nomadic, so I have a good selection of hotels that I call home (and they call my home) when I'm in NYC. Home is where the heart is, and luckily I've figured out how to carry that feeling with me wherever I go.
What's your most cherished item?
I have some pretty incredible pieces of art I've collected over the years– some early Takashi Murakami. I also love my watches. But my most cherished items probably are my health and freedom– so I can keep this crazy schedule up.
What would you consider to be your greatest achievement and why?
Figuring out early there was something I am good at, that makes money, and makes me happy– all at once.
If you had to choose a favourite modern day car, which car would it be?
Fisker Karma. Henrik Fisker designed the DB9, and now he's making a DB9 to save the world.
In your opinion which fashion line do you consider to be unrivalled and are there any particular individuals shaping the future of fashion?
I'm at odds with most of my favorite fashion lines right now. I used to be a die hard Yohji fan, and a big buyer of his Y-3 line– but they seem to be having quality issues and just not quite getting it. Dior Homme is a favorite, but they sometimes seem to push into the obscure rather than continue with the modern classics.
I like what Thom Browne is doing and how his pieces are mixing the future with the past– and what he did for Moncler was fantastic.
What's the best shop in the world?
Colette in Paris probably. Although Japan has a couple rivals– one of my favorite for clothing is Edifice and of course United Arrows is a mecca. Dover Street Market in London is classic.
You're famous for spotting the next big thing - what's exciting you most this year so far?
Technologies impact on how we alter behaviors and empower communities of people to share, change, and create a better future. I travelled to Sub-Saharan africa last year with a friend working on a project there and I couldn't believe I had 3G cell service in the middle of nowhere, a thousand miles to the nearest city. That's going to change everything. Everything.
Has there ever been a trend or a craze that has made you cringe?
I wasn't ever so fond of people wearing Crocs in public, despite their comfort and functionality they really should be left in the garden.
LGB has a large base in the States - tell us about the set up over there, where can we get hold of your products?
Bamford Watch Department has a few dealers in the States, we're in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Hawaii. We also have a service centre in the States and we have just set up our new offices in London as well.
We'd love to know a bit about you, who are your three ultimate style icons, who excites and influences you?
James Dean is one of my style icons, he's so cool without having to try. Terence Young is the man that gave Bond his style; Young was the director of Dr No, the person that made Sean Connery a style icon. On this list I could mention Steve McQueen, a definite style icon, but his name has been trampled on too much by commercialisation. The other person I think is amazing is Cool Hand Luke, also known as Paul Newman. How cool that a certain Rolox Daytona is now in his name. He's an amazing racing guy, a fantastic actor and also has his own food range. Paul Newman is an one of my biggest influences and icon - he really does tick every box.
We've heard you're a massive film lover - if you could be any character in fiction, who would you be and why?
I would love to be Batman, the man in black with the coolest gadget car, not to mention his wonderful day job and those fighting skills. Truly every man wishes he was Batman, to be able to fly but with no other super powers besides those amazing gadgets and his strength to take on the world. He is so cool.
Your favourite film of all time?
Well as I have just blest Batman then I should say Chris Nolan's Batman. There was a time when it would have always been any Bond movie, but the last one put me off all of them. I feel more excited about going to see the new Batman flick much more than Bond 23. I do feel so sad about it, but Batman has definitely taken the role of the coolest action hero along side Jason Bourne.
Where is your ultimate weekend getaway and what would the weekend involve?
Wow, that's a question that's made me think. . . However, I'd have to say Paris on the Eurostar to stay in a very chic and sexy hotel. There's something very sexy about Paris. From shopping at Colette and Finger in the Nose for my son, to dining out and experiencing fine cuisine. The city is just wonderful.
I also love going to Paris as you can avoid those annoying airport delays due to frogs on the line etc etc... As a weekend getaway, Paris is just the place - from London you can be so quickly in the centre of an amazing city.
What are your five must-have items to take with you around the globe?
A good pair of headphones. I love the B&O ones. A good notebook - I like writing down my ideas and I am in love with my moleskin notebook, they alway make me feel special when I write in them. I always have in my bag a picture of my wife and baby in a small old school sliver picture frame. I cannot live without my iPad, I feel as though it can do everything for me, both entertainment and work wrapped up in a neat device. Lastly, a good pair of shades. I am in love with my Hogan's sunglasses at the moment.
Being a watch designer you must have a passion for gadgets - what would you say is the latest and coolest gadget out there?
Well, when you think of gadgets, you now only think of Apple. I love their products but I personalise them as I think personalising products that are made for the mass market is just so much cooler. You can create an individual look for already cool looking products.
What's your favourite watch?
My favourite watch is one of my own personalised watches, a Bamford Watch Department Rolex Daytona Paul Newman dial. This is a truly sexy watch that I've not taken off my wrist, it pays homage to the original but being cased in a modern watch it's from the best of both worlds.
What's your oldest and most treasured item of clothing?
An over coat that was worn by Peter Sellers. It's a black over coat with fur around the collar. It's totally falling to bits but this winter has just gone on and on, I did not want to take it off. I absolutely love it and love to think that it's a truly vintage piece.
This new book is amazing in showing how great the city is around us.
New York Roof Gardens is from the amazing publishers teNeues and they have produced so many wonderful books.
Thumbing through the book I just cannot believe how wonderful the city is and how wonderful the city looks with all these secret gardens. Some of you may know about the gardens, but a lot of you will have never seen them before.
This is such a great coffee table book, one that's guaranteed to make you put down your Starbucks and be totally mesmerised. This book is due out next month on the 15th so pre order it now, you do not want to miss out on such a great book.
Check out Tank Magazine, a UK based quarterly publication, a think-tank focusing on art, photography, architecture, literature, lifestyle and fashion.
First published in 1998, Tank is best known for its 'informed, articulate and original' style. Tank discovers and promotes new faces and new talent in all walks of life.
Distributed globally, you've probably already heard of Tank Magazine, but if you haven't, get your hands on their latest publication or visit their website to enjoy Tank online.
There are only 7 day to go to Christmas and if you're like me and have left things to the very last minute then Liquid Gold Baby is here for you. Here's a list of the best 7 gifts that you should get your hands on before Christmas for the lady in your life.
1. One of the super cool necklaces from Tom Binns, found at Luisaviaroma, a great online store but you'll need to hurry to get your order in.
2. The new and absolutely mad bracelets from Mui Mui - the must have this Christmas.
3. A pair of Charlotte Olympia heels. Now these are the shoes that have been crafted by the Gods to fit your Cinderella's feet.
4. A handbag would go nicely with all of these amazing accessories. We've talked about him before, but Corto Moltedo is your man when it comes to the best handbags in town.
5. Loro Piana simply has to feature on any list when it come to the ultimate wish-list. Their new red-icer ski jacket it is amazing and will make the best smile for Christmas.
6 The new Bottega Veneta watch. The BVX is like gold dust, very hard to find, but worth the hunt. It is the ultimate for the handbag lover that has every handbag in the world.
7. Sunglasses are alway a difficult thing to buy for someone else but when it comes to amazing sunglasses you should be looking at Italia Independent. These sunglasses make everyone look sexy.
If you're in London, a trip to super store Selfridges is an absolute must!
They've created the Kellydoscope, a walk-in experience if you like. The Wonder Room is always my first stop so it wasn't exactly out of my way to see this awesome fifteen times the original size cult bag with its fabulous fashion adventure in which it took me on.
This gigantic concept only runs until next Tuesday so if you feel in need of a fashion outing, get yourself down to Oxford Street quick!
LGB think you're so cool, tell us why you decided to start up a handbag business, being a male designer?
I always loved designing and initially envisioned a more expansive collection including clothing, shoes and handbags. I was brought up appreciating luxury and design, and by focusing on handbags I’m able to ensure the highest attention to quality and craftsmanship. It was something that came naturally to me.
What's the inspiration behind your brand and who is your biggest inspiration?
Maintaining the family passion and tradition for designing bags, while offering a unique and special product to my clients. I find inspiration everywhere I look; from my travels to the people I meet. I’m also very inspired by music. Ghettorap meets rock 92’
Where in the world do you feel is the best place to design your handbags, and how do you find inspiration?
I work in my studio in Florence though inspiration comes from all over: reading books, going to libraries, museums, traveling, my own curious research. I love meeting and speaking with new people, and I’m continuously influenced by art and music.
Which is the one accessory you simply couldn't live without?
My Illesteva shades.
What do you believe to be the ethos and attitude behind the label?
To offer quality with a distinctive style, always aiming to create something new and original.
What are your 5 essentials to take when travelling?
In my Corto Moltedo Zahm weekend carry-all , I always take a sketchbook, a camera, a book and, of course, my favorite chili sauce.
You've done some amazing collaborations, which do you think is your best collaboration to date, and with whom?
Each of my collaborations are enriching and exciting. I recently collaborated with Tom Binns do design limited edition clutches.
What's the most favorite thing you've ever made?
The Priscilla bag.
What's your most favorite destination in the whole world?
For 2010, it was Mexico
Members' only club Soho Beach House has arrived in Miami!
Located a short distance north of the South Beach strip on Miami Beach, the Soho Beach House has 50 amazing rooms with huge rainforest showers, king-sized beds and plasma TVs. Their gorgeous suites include stand-alone baths, ocean views and wraparound terraces, perfect for company.
The Soho Beach House comes equipped with a Cowshed Spa, 1940's Cuban bar, a restaurant and swimming pool combined. I just cannot wait to visit, this place absolutely rocks.
Shirley Fintz, I'm digging your style!
Born in Harare, you can certainly see the inspirations drawn from her life in Zimbabwe. She's a real artist and is a dab hand at most things she turns her hand to.
The things I adore most of all are her fabulous, comical necklaces which she now stocks at The Conran Shop. Each one is different and is adorned with tiny trinkets making each piece unique.
Watch this space! She's going to be huge.
London based design brand, Minimalux have just launched an amazing new collection under the creative direction of British designer Mark Holmes.
Founded in 2009 Minimalux produces modern collections of desk and table objects, accessories and ornaments that are really just divine. This new range of objects and price points are available worldwide and are split into two parts - 'Tradition and Modernity', and 'Colour and the Machine'.
They describe their ethos as 'the opposite elements of simplicity and splendor, combined to form a unique and enticing identity'. This is certainly true of their latest collection.
My favourites include the cool pen rest and dish in cobalt, and the sterling silver pill tube. They've made their products affordable and therefore accessible to a wider audience. We predict that this is a brand you'll be hearing a lot more from in months to come.
Check out their website.
When we live in an age where people seem to demand everything luxury - it's nice to see brands going one step further with personalisation and a bespoke service.
Names like Goyard and LV, who are synonymous with luxury, have been doing it for years and it's finally rubbed off on more affordable shops like Links of London.
Links have launched their 'Bespoke Friendship Bracelet' which is available in most of their big shops. Firstly, you choose between thick and thin, then choose from a dozen colours including pink and turquoise, orange and grey. You can even decide on where you would like which colours. Lastly, and this is my favourite bit, you have something special engraved on the silver toggle.
They really do make the perfect present for a best friend or lover and come in at around £480. Check out Links of London.
Have you ever had a whole row of a plane to yourself and wanted to yank the seats arms from their sockets? I've spent many a long haul flight yearning for a bed that I've debated sleeping on the floor.
Enter Air New Zealand's new ingenious Economy Skycouches, they've simply taken the hassle out of flying coach.
By upgrading from Economy to Skycouch, a row of three economy seats can be made into a giant sofa. Perfect as a kids play area, stretching out, sleeping or just watching a movie. With the touch of a button, the foot rest comes up to create a flat, flexable space.
The service will be available on selected services to and from London from April next year. Flying coach will never be the same again!
This is a present for the man who has everything.
Luxury brand, Dunhill, have gone to the enth degree with these Limited Edition pens.
The Sentryman 'Black Tie' fountain pen is totally OTT with its 18ct gold nib which looks black from its ruthenium plating and cap button made of mother of pearl. This will set you back a good 150,000 Yen which is over £1,000 so it's not the cheapest but god, it's slick!
Having said that, the one that I've really fallen for is the Meteorite ball point with a hidden USB which comes in at about £600. Why so expensive? Well, these pens have gone through a very specialised process called PVD which makes them so durable and gives the sexy, masculine colour.
You can buy these on line at http://www.dunhill.com but I would always suggest a trip to a Dunhill shop, my personal favourite being the one on London Davies Street.
Mykita make, without a shadow of a doubt, the coolest eye wear out there!
The latest collaboration with fashion designers Bernhard Willhelm and Romain Kremer is out of control! I love the 'Jungle Green' spin on Top Gun and for those Lady Gaga groupies out there, these mad red and blacks will be right up your street.
Each frame is hand crafted in Berlin and are now available in hundreds of boutique opticians and department stores worldwide, but you may have to flag your name on the long waiting list for a pair of these!
Check out their website for stockists and their cool look book.
The new super bike from Puma.
This is a great looking bike from a odd company that make sneakers. The Puma bike has an 80's throw back feel, the colours used provide a retro look for the bike. This is a bike to be proud of, even just as a piece of art.
There are 5 different types of bike on offer and in our opinion, the funky one is the 'Funk' bike! This is a fixed gear bike that has a retro race vibe to it. The other bikes are slightly a little bit form following function but also have a great look to them.
This is another company that allows you to part customise your new Puma bike. The bikes also come in more subdued colours, such as black but if you are getting a funky bike then I think this is going to be the bike of your choice.
Check out these delightful glass display cabinets - 'Vitriini' in Finnish, at Iittala, by Anu Penttinen.
There's a colour to match your every mood and they come in all sorts of sizes and materials, they really are divine little creations. What a great and fun way to display your things!
I love the sweet pink and turquoise blue.
Check them out at Iittala.
Wall paper seems to be having a bit of a come back and I think Cole and Son's take on old goblets is pretty cool.
They have hundreds of themes to choose from and these cups come in several different colours. They're not taking themselves too seriously and it's not at all stuffy or what you would imagine from wall papers. I'm thinking of using the black and colour in my downstairs loo but it would also work well in a dining room.
Check out their website for all their new ranges
Super cool brand Colette are doing a shop swap with the KK Outlet in both Paris and London this summer.
Both stores offer a really cool range of products from artists all over the world, with many items especially designed with this event in mind.
5 - 31st July Swap Shop at Colette, Paris
1st July - 28th August Swap Shop at KK Outlet, London
If you are like me and have fond memories of growing up with the iconic brand Lego, now is the time to let your inner kid free and express your love for lego.
There are two great salt and pepper shakers, just a little nod to the past and then there are these fab shakers - with the actual head of the lego men, well, a jumbo sized lego head! They look so great, as I am writing this I have hugh smile on my face.
Then, there is the ice tray, another nod to your childhood but this will make you look super cool. The ice tray and the salt and pepper shakers are just great ideas and another reason to retain our brand loyalty for even longer.
Thank you, Lego for making these products as they are just awesome.
The boat market is so saturated with concept designs of super yachts but this one that has blow me away. Strand Craft have designed an amazing concept yacht, taking a leap from concept to production as you can order this mega yacht from them.
Strand Craft 122 is going to have a top speed of 43 knots, so very fast, and with the length of 38 metres it is not all about the speed, unlike many power boats the Stand Craft 122 is also about comfort.
The interior has a wonderful art deco design that so complements the exterior. The yacht will have a super car as a tender that will be stored in the belly of the car for the super cool getaway.
Once launched, Strand Craft will be far ahead of its competitors. The design is so sexy and the yacht is guaranteed to make you feel like James Bond.
This is from the amazing knife maker, Deglon.
This is Deglon's solution for small apartments or houses, or for those who simply enjoy having the must-have in ultimate designs. This is the only knife you'll need in your cooking set.
Deglon has paired up with designer Mia Schmallenbach to create this futuristic knife, revolutionising the knife market - similar to what Wally boats did to the yachting industry.
I think that Jean Deglon who started Deglon in 1921 and created one of the top chef knifes in the industry would be very happy to use this great new knife. This is a super knife from a super brand if you are looking for the piece of art that is a present for you or for your kitchen look no further.
Sky are celebrating the World Cup in HD with the releases of a wicked set of Limited Edition boxes.
Three footy crazed artists were commissioned by Sky to design a unique box. The boxes have a whopping terabyte of storage so you can save up to 240 hours.
The cherry on the cake is that the boxes cost the same as the boring old ones - £249.
Shop fast to avoid disappointment! http://www.sky.com
Aquariva is a spectacular limited edition collection of 22 boats designed by Marc Newson for Riva - launching in September 2010.
These boats are seriously sexy. With 2* Yanmar 6 LY3/UTP engine power, 380hp / 279kW at 3300rpm the boats reach a maximum speed of 41 knots, with a cool cruising speed of 36 knots. The range in nautical miles is 130nm maximum speed and 150nm cruising speed.
The boat's main dimensions include an overall length of 33ft, a hull length of 32ft, and a waterline length of 27ft, carrying a maximum of 8 people. Check out the cool and colourful interiors; my favourite is the turquoise, but the orange and yellow look pretty hot too.
This is pretty hard to grapple with, but captivating in many ways.
No Man's Land, by French artist Christian Boltanski has opened at the Park Avenue Armory and is similar to the installation he did in January at The Grand Palais in Paris.
The exhibition is centered on a 25 foot mound of salvaged clothes and a 5 story crane in the middle of the gigantic hall. Every minute or so, the giant crane's claw plucks, at random, a few pieces and then releases them and you catch yourself holding your breath to the sound of heartbeats.
He's captivated with the sound of people's heartbeats and there's an area in the hall where you can go and record your own - adding to the 40,000 he already has registered.
This one is not for the faint hearted!
There is a new child in the Bang-Olufsen household and this is it.
This BeoLab 11 is the new super subwoofer. With an elegant design this is a piece of audio art that would happily fit into any apartment or house. The sound that comes form this great sub will astound you.
Bang & Olufsen is a company that have managed to design the most stunning system for home use. For some time now, B&O have also been working with some great car companies such as Audi and AMG, and it seems that the car companies have started to influence B&O in their designs. It's really quite amazing.
These are the best looking super yacht designs that have come out for a long time.
Todd Selby is a portrait, interiors, and fashion photographer and illustrator. This book, The Selby, shows people in their personal spaces with his eye for detail. It all began in June 2008 as a website, www.theselby.com, where Todd posted photo shoots he did of his friends in their homes and before he knew it he had a cult following and everyone wanted in. The Selby’s website became so famous with up to 35,000 new visitors a day that soon everyone wanted a collaboration.
Last week he camped out in the window of Paris' Colette as an art instillation, using it as his bedroom for the launch of this new book.
Situated 200km north of the Arctic Circle lies a little village in Lapland. Every year, a team of snow builders, architects, designers and artists gather from all over the world to create a giant igloo world that becomes the Ice Hotel.
This Christmas I'll be spending a night under The Northern Lights in The Abanico Suite, which is being sculpted by Rob Harding an his son Timsam. But don't forget with temperatures inside the hotel of -8, the reindeer rug you're given on arrival will need to be supplemented by good cashmere thermals!
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step." Confucius
We think that this quote best describes what we are doing here at LGB. We are here to not perpetuate the norm on blogs but to be innovative on news. We want to show and to write about travel, cars, movies, architecture and fashion in a different way. This is a place that should be your one-stop for the news on all the luxury items that surround our lives.
We have multiple writers at LGB and they are divided up into three groups:
l@liquidgoldbaby.com This group focuses mainly on travel, cars, movies and architecture. Now, when we say that, we mean that we are looking at new travel destinations or ones that have been forgotten, yet still amazing.
Cars: We are looking at the cutting edge of car technology and also looking at what has shaped them to this point.
Architecture: We are going to be looking at revolutionary design, what has lasted and why it has lasted for so long. We will be looking at designs that take your breath away.
Movies: We are looking at what is coming out, but also jumping back to cult classics. We will show trailers that we like and will write short reviews of the movies that we think you should see.
G@liquidgoldbaby.com This group is all about women and what they really want. It’s going to be your black book, your one and only source; a place you can come to for what’s really moving and shaking in the women’s fashion industry. It will include products that are needed for the busy glamorous life and where to go to get them.
B@liquidgoldbaby.com This group is all about men and the life that surrounds them. We are looking at what is hot, everything from watches to the latest in technology. We will look at what has moved us to where we are today, also looking at trend forecasting to see what and where we think trends will be heading.
We cannot wait to show you our world and would like to leave you on a great quote that we think is our motto here at liquidgoldbaby.com.
"I am easily satisfied with the very best". Winston Churchill