Photo: Amala

Amala skin care products are crafted in Germany. The premium product line is well known for its ultra-premium, results-oriented, custom formulas, rooted in advanced plant chemistry.

The entire line of Amala skin care products are of 100% natural origin, that work in total synergy with
the body to deliver visible, proven benefits to skin and senses.

Terese Linke is global education and spa training director for Amala. With summer right around the corner, she is offering some important skin care tips to create healthy, hydrated, radiant skin from head to toe!

* Had a bit too much fun in the sun? Amala’s Hydrating Treatment Oil, infused with Organic Avocado and Pomegranate Seed Oil, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, help nourish, soothe and protect the skin against the damaging effects of a day in the rays.

* To refresh skin after a day at the beach, keep a bottle of Amala’s Rejuvenating Toner in the refrigerator. The cooling, aromatic mist over the skin absorbs instantly, quenching dehydrated skin.

* For a glowing, summer-ready complexion, regular exfoliation (twice weekly) is a must! Amala’s Brightening Face Polish revives the skin with its unique blend of Narcissus, Raspberry Seeds and Algae Extract, peeling away pigmented surface cells and revealing a smooth, even skin tone.

* Before applying self-tanner, scrub the body all over in the shower a week in advance (two to three times) with Amala’s Detoxifying Body Polish. This will clear off the dead skin cells for a clean palette to achieve even coverage with the tanner.

* To instantly soothe, comfort and repair sunburned or peeling lips, smother them with Amala’s Soothing Lip Salve. The healing and moisturizing effects of Desert Fig Seed Oil and Shea Butter work together for a quick fix!

* To rid the skin of excess shine, press a small amount of Amala’s Purifying Mattifier directly over a moisturizer, covering the entire face or the oily T-Zone area. Natural Rice Hull Powder absorbs excess oils, leaving the skin with a clear photo-ready finish that lasts all day long. Before applying makeup, apply the mattifier as a primer under make-up for a soft matte finish.

Photo: Debbie Wingham

Initially launched at the Billionaires Club, on the roof top of the Fairmont hotel in Monte Carlo, fashion designer Debbie Wingham introduced the World’s Most Expensive Black Diamond Dress.

The stunning dress features 25 two carat black diamonds that adorn the peplum. There’s also 25 two carat black diamonds that adorn the shoulder shrug.

These gorgeous black diamonds stylishly frame the shoulder line, which is the bustier part of the dress, as a center piece of five carats of black diamonds. This luxury dress weights a whopping 13kg’s and has above 6 month’s worth of hand finished detail.

Noted “Designer to the Stars,” Debbie Wingham offers a dress that’s embellished in intricate fine beading and delicate pointer white diamonds that are set in white gold. In addition, there’s a very fine chain mail detail to add a little more individuality.

Photo: Debbie Wingham

After the launch at the Billionaires Club in Monte Carlo, next the World’s Most Expensive Black Diamond Dress was displayed at The Fairmont Grand Hotel Kiev during a fashion show. Show guests included top models, socialites and uber elite from the Ukraine and Russia.

Each showcase that Debbie Wingham featured was cleverly designed and all pieces in the diamond range are built around the world’s most expensive black diamond dress with either similar adornments or signature fabrics, everything encapsulates Debbie’s vision of wear ability combined with luxury.

Holly Dyment Fine Jewelry

For those desiring jewelry that’s unique and ideally masters the bridge between bad girl glamour and luxury jewelry, jewelry designer Holly Dyment offers punk rock chic pieces that radiate the Met Ball 2013 theme & Punk: Chaos To Couture.

Holly Dyment’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection is full of both fantasy and mystery. Truly inspired by visionary creations from the likes of Tim Burton, Andy Warhol, Alexander McQueen, Cirque du Soliel and Damien Hurst, Dyment’s line of jewelry creations evoke another level of creative and inspiring fashion forward design.

Each piece of every collection is individually handcrafted by Holly Dyment herself and is unforgettable and irreverent, yet wearable, with almost any wardrobe ensemble.

The seven, distinctive rings within Dyment’s Darkside Ring Skull Collection were created using only the finest, handpicked gemstones from India plus colors that are based on ancient astrological color charts for the days of the week. A whole lot of glamour, the right level of edgy attitude, and a perfect splash of bling, Holly Dyment Fine Jewelry is perfectly punk.

The collection pieces are set in 14 and 18k yellow or white gold with precious and semi-precious gemstones and diamonds. The heart of the brand’s jewelry design can be found within the sweet spot of juxtaposition – seriously beautiful and unique statement pieces of the highest quality, with a vivaciously vibrant sense of fun and intrigue.

Prices for the Darkside Ring Skull Collection range between $6,750 and $7, 350.

Individual collections for Spring/Summer 2013 include: “Drop dead Gorgeous,” Dark Side Ring,” “Harlequin Stickpin,” “Evil Eye” and “Carnival Earring collection” and range is price from $3,240 to $11,200K.

To view all the collections by Holly Dyment, please visit: www.hollydyment.com

(Photo by Diane Bondareff/Invision for Longines/AP Images)

The recent Kentucky Derby is another memorable horse race. The recent 139th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky was won by “Orb.” Orb and Revolutionary were co-favorites to win this year’s Kentucky Derby at 6-1. Revolutionary finished the race in third place and Golden Soul took second place.

For those that do not know, Swiss watch brand Longines is the official timekeeper and watch of the Kentucky Derby. Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., which is the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products.

After the race completed, Longines awarded Orb’s owner, trainer and jockey with watches from the luxury brand’s Saint-Imier collection at the event’s exclusive Winners’ Circle Party.

Represented by tennis legend and longtime Ambassador of Elegance Stefanie Graf, Longines had a strong presence throughout Churchill Downs and other Derby-affiliated events including Taste of Derby, the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest, the Kentucky Derby red carpet and the Winner’s Circle Party.

Longines timepieces and luxury branded-clocks were also proudly featured throughout the Churchill Downs facilities. There was a digital Longines Kentucky Derby Countdown Clock displayed on Churchill Downs’ official event website (www.KentuckyDerby.com) and the luxury watch brand’s logo was prominently featured on the official Kentucky Derby red carpet, racetrack and in other surrounding areas.

In addition, Longines sponsored the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile presented by Longines on Kentucky Derby afternoon.

The luxury Longines Saint-Imier watch collection is inspired by the watchmaking heritage of the brand’s home territory, in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. To celebrate its rich history and roots within the Swiss village, the watch collection includes a series of luxurious timepieces in stainless steel and rose gold bracelet combinations, as well as rose gold and stainless steel leather band combinations.

The chronograph watches within the collection are fitted with the column-wheel movement specially developed and produced by ETA exclusively for Longines. All models are also fitted with mechanical movements whose intricate workings can be admired through the transparent sapphire back cover.

Lastly, as a result of an expanded partnership with Churchill Downs, this year the Kentucky Oaks was renamed the “Longines Kentucky Oaks.” The brand hosted the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest during Longines Kentucky Oaks Day to celebrate the elegant and iconic style of the Kentucky Derby.

Photo: Breguet

Breguet has long been a leading luxury watchmaker. Abraham-Louis Breguet initially desired to constantly improve the accuracy and reliability of his watches through numerous inventions, ranging from the perpétuelle selfwinding watch to the tourbillon.

The Classique Chronométrie 7727, packed with new discoveries and technological inventions, is a prime example as the achievement of several years of research into high frequency, magnetism and new materials.

With the patent of November 7, 2010 protecting the magnetic pivot, Breguet has set a new milestone in watchmaking history. The magnetic field crossing through the balancestaff keeps the balance stable.

These silicon parts allow the frequency of the Classique Chronométrie to be increased to 10 Hz, enabling the measurement of a 20th of a second. The Classique Chronométrie is also equipped with twin 180° symmetrically deploying balance springs, thereby balancing out their respective forces exercised on the balance-staff as well as contributing to the stability.

Herea re several of the key features of the new 7727 Classique Chronométrie 10Hz Luxury Watch by Breguet:

Case in 18-carat rose gold with a finely fluted caseband. Sapphire-crystal caseback. 41mm diameter.
Welded lugs with screw bars. Water resistant to 3 bar (30m).
Dial in 18-carat gold, silvered and engine-turned in six different patterns.
Individually numbered and signed BREGUET.
Hours chapter with Roman numerals.
Small seconds at 12 o’clock and 10ths of a second at 1 o’clock.
Breguet open-tipped hands in polished steel.
Hand-wound movement with stop seconds. Numbered and signed BREGUET. Cal. 574DR, 14 lignes, 45 jewels.
Power reserve of 60 hours with an indicator at 5 o’clock.
Double barrel. In-line Swiss lever escapement in silicon. Double silicon balance-springs at 180°. 10Hz frequency.
Magnetic pivots. Adjusted in six positions.
Leather strap with a triple-blade folding clasp.

Also available in a white-gold case: reference 7727BB/12/9WU

Holdall & Co

Raimonda Navickaite founded Holdall & Co to create a stylish and durable product, able to withstand the tests of time and to age gracefully. Rai had a love for vintage bags and hoped to introduce a new generation to the values and qualities that are embodied by the simple words “Made in England.”

Offering luxury leather under-arm folios, British company Holdall & Co uses only traditionally skilled case makers.

The folios are a unique 30s inspired, timeless and minimalist modern design; with understated sleek lines complemented by a modern snap-shut lock and a useful newspaper/umbrella loop for when on the go.

These luxury under-arm folios are designed with the modern professional in mind. They are a stylish yet functional ….. a robust bag for everyday use – whether in the office, to hand when traveling or even for drinks at the bar.

Each folio is handmade with pride and perfection to exacting standards; like its hand-sewn lock stitches, heeled corners and polished edges; all a true mark of craftsmanship, making each a unique piece of art that has been made to last for ‘life’.

The folios are currently available in two sizes – The Organised/12″ and The Professional/14″; and in two colours, Chestnut and London Tan.

For additional information, please visit: www.holdallandco.com

Zero Halliburton

Zero Halliburton has defined strength, durability and style for nearly seventy years by offering its iconic aluminum luggage collection. The luxury travel industries market is crowded with many players but put your trust in a highly respected brand like Zero Halliburton.

Zero Halliburton recently introduced a beautifully, new designed polycarbonate and nylon cases to its luggage collection.

It doesn’t matter whether a seasoned business traveler or just simply want the best for your vacation, Zero Halliburton should be your choice.

For example, the ZR-Series has an MSRP of $750 and is available in four different colors. In addition to maintaining brand identity, this premium luggage series delivers the beauty and convenience expected from Zero Halliburton.

If you are looking for a high-end briefcase, Zero Halliburton offers their Carbon Fiber model which is light in weight, yet strong on style and protection. MSRP is $2,500.

Louis Vuitton

Carrying an expensive purse symbolizes glamour and sophistication, and if you have money burning a hole in your wallet, then what’s stopping you from spending hundreds even thousands on an expensive Louis Vuitton designer bag.

Founded in 1854, The Louis Vuitton Company has employed famous models and A-list celebrities in their marketing campaigns, and for the most part, catered to the upper-class culture.

These expensive and luxurious handbags are sought after for their rarity and extravagant designs.  Well known for their luxury fashion and high quality leather, these limited supply purses make women blush with excitement and scurry to check out these status bags.

Stephen Sprouse teamed up with Marc Jabocs in 2001 and designed a limited-edition line of LV bags with graffiti written over the monogram pattern.  The graffiti read Louis Vuitton.  Some pieces featured the graffiti without the monogram canvas background, but were only available on Louis Vuitton’s V.I.P. customer list.

In 2004, Louis Vuitton celebrated its 150th anniversary. Stores in New York City were opened and its first global store in Shanghai was unveiled.  The Champs-Élysées store in Paris designed by the American Architect Eric Carlson, alleged to be the largest and most profitable store in the world, reopened in 2005.

Louis Vuitton released their most high-priced handbag in early 2007, the Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag.  The limited edition purse, made of samples of different Louis Vuitton bags, sold out almost immediately. Twenty-four numbered copies of their most expensive handbags were made, priced at $45,000.  A collection of denim patchwork bags selling for around $3,000-$5,000 followed soon after the LV Tribute Patchwork Bag.

Louis Vuitton has been named the world’s most valuable luxury brand for seven consecutive years (2006-2012).  Ranging from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes, watches, jewelry, accessories, sunglasses, and books, the LV monogram appears on most of its merchandise.

Selling their products through standalone boutiques, lease departments in high-end department stores and through the e-commerce section if its website, Louis Vuitton is known as one of the world’s leading international fashion houses.  In 2012, LV was valued at 25.9 billion USD..  Since the 19^th century, luggage is still made by hand and the manufacture of Louis Vuitton merchandise has not changed.

Philip Treacy

Women in England love to wear hats, particularly to large events like weddings or celebrations. And keeping that British culture is well known Irish hat designer Philip Treacy, noted for designing 36 of the hats worn at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011, including the infamous headpiece donned by Princess Beatrice of York.

Treacy told the Associated Press, “When people think of hats, they think of her majesty the queen.” “They’re exciting hats to make, because hats and royal weddings are both about magic, happiness and a sense of celebration.”

Treacy who was born in Ahascragh, in the West of Ireland, studied fashion at the National College of Art & Design, where his hobby was to make hats to go with outfits he designed.

When he graduated with first class honors in 1990 from the Royal College of Art, he set up a workshop in the basement of Isabella and Detmar Blow’s house on Elizabeth Street, Belgravia. The late Isabella Blow, an English magazine editor , wore many of Treacy’s hats and helped unveil himself as a well known designer. Blow continued to be an inspiration to Treacy for the remainder of her life.

Philip Treacy – Britain Fashion Week – (Jonathan Short – AP)

On five occasions during the early 1990’s Treacy was awarded the title of British Accessory Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. He has designed hats for Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan along with various films including some or all of the Harry Potter films and Sarach Jessica Parker’s hat for the film premiere of Sex and the City.

Treacy states, “A hat is a positive symbol. A good hat thrills observers and makes the wearer feel like a million dollars.”

In Britain, the tradition has stayed strong. “Hats have long denoted status,” says Oriole Cullen, curator of a Victoria & Albert Museum 2009 hat exhibit that has since gone to Australia and heads to New York in September. “Up until the 1950s, a woman wasn’t even considered properly dressed unless she was wearing a hat and gloves.”

Philip Treacy

Royals have long been photographed wearing hats. The Queen has a special liking for feathered creastions. Top hats and tails are often worn by prime ministers and lawmakers and events such as posh rowing, horse racing and cricket are patronized by royalty sporting hats.

Choosing the right hat is key and can take anywhere from hours to weeks to make. Clients often bring details of the type of event they will be attending, sketches or swatches of fabric they will be wearing, along with accessories and other dettails. Some of Treacy’s creations can cost more than $1,000.

Treacy calls hats “a cheaper form of cosmetic surgery” because a beautiful hat can transform facial proportions.

“When you meet someone, you meet their face,” Treacy said. “It’s the most potent part of the body to embellish.” “We all have a head so everybody has the possibility to wear a hat.”

Courtesy of: Quiksilver

The exciting collaboration between Quiksilver and The Standard hotels was launched in summer of 2009.

The two companies have joined forces once again and produced a new collection of four new custom Standard Boardshorts by Quiksilver and Reversible Bikini, as well as Standard Sunglasses by Quiksilver and Shiseido sunscreen.

The luxurious fashion designs were inspired by the different Standard hotel locations, their respective color identities and vintage patterns, styles and prints from 80’s archives.

The new fashion collection by Quiksilver and The Standard hotels, is available at the hotels’ vending machines, in addition to The Standard Shop at *http://standardhotels.myshopify.com/ (Shiseido Sunscreen sold exclusively in stores and machines).

Additional information is as follows:
· This collection is limited edition – only 250 pieces of each product is available.

· The scallop leg Standard Boardshorts By Quiksilver ($75) come in two lengths this year: 16” and 18”, with Quiksilver’s Diamond Dobby technology.

· Standard Bikini By Quiksilver ($88): this year, the ladies get to enjoy a gorgeous bikini in solid white convertible bandeau design that reverses to yellow, with a low-rise bikini bottom (the top can be worn with the tie around the neck, knotted and then tied around the neck, or as a strapless bandeau.)

· Standard Sunglasses By Quiksilver ($75) is a modern wayfarer exclusive to the Standard, this features a handmade two-toned black acetate frame with distortion free shatter resistant lenses and 100% U.V. sun
protection, with The Standard and Quiksilver logo on the inside frame.

Artist, photographer and film maker Cheryl Dunn has once again come on board to produce a short video celebrating the elegant fashion collection, set in the ultimate surfing back drop, Costa Rica, while the models were on an actual surfing trip.

It can be viewed on the vending machine interface and at
http://bit.ly/StndQuik10