Herry Lawford, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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.

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 creations. 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 details. 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.”

Patagonia lighthouse

As Christmas is just around the corner, it’s time to get serious and plan those special luxury gift idea and holiday gift purchases. You want to make each gift perfect and not end up being returned for a refund, handed off to someone else, or even donated to a charity.

If you are looking impress that special female in your life with something unique, or want to surprise your best friend with a fun gift, these classy gifts are sure to bring on a holiday spirit, while avoiding the usual cliché gifts. We love sharing luxury gift ideas with our loyal blog readers.

Here’s a list of several luxury gift ideas that are sure to impress and make this holiday season one to remember:

No matter whether she’s been naught or Nice, get playful with Good and Bad Conscience Earrings by Rebekah Lea
Every girl’s got a good side and bad side. This season discover that hidden wild side with jewelry designer Rebekah Lea’s dangerously elegant Good and Bad Conscience Earrings
<http://www.rebekahleadesigns.com/collection/forbidden-forest/ ($750) from her dramatic Forbidden Forest collection.  Gentlemen ­ get flirty this holiday and see if your sweetheart has been naughty or nice this year! Just like her, these earrings have a little bit of both sides ­ black diamonds, white diamonds, black rhodium, sterling  silver, and some rose gold plating just to spice things up!  This is the perfect gift that will show her your fun side and just how much you care. Who knows, maybe it’ll bring out her wild side!
Available at www.rebekahleadesigns.com

Travel the Mayan Calendar in Luxury with Kensington Tours
Despite people’s scaremongering that the world will come on to end on December 21st 2012, a closer look at the much talked about Mayan calendar actually shows that this is all just a misbelief. Thankfully, that means you and your loved one, closest friends, or family, have still got time to visit all those places on your bucket list – including the home of the Mayans themselves. Treat them to the ultimate luxury gift with Kensington Tours decadent The Mayan Calendar in Luxury http://www.kensingtontours.com/tours/central-america/mexico/2012–the-mayan-calendar-in-luxury, tour which will bring them to Merida, the capital city of the Yucatan Peninsula where a private guide will take them to various cultural sites around the city including the famous Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza. The city, once revered by priests and nobles for its prestigious cultural and religious significance, exists today as a testament to the success of the Mayan civilization. Then, after all that culture, they can rest along the beach in Cancun and enjoy some of the best entertainment
in Mexico. Just make sure you include yourself in the trip!
$2,089.00 per person for 7 days, available at www.KensingtonTours.com

Take your nearest and dearest to the ends of the earth with Jacada Travel
The perfect gift for the hard to please, Jacada Travel’s To the Ends of the Earth
http://www.jacadatravel.com/Holidays/500_to_the_ends_of_the_earth_torres_de
l_paine_tierra_del_fuego_ushuaia_and_the_glaciers&tab=Map  tour gives the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really explore and experience the varied and rugged beautiful landscapes of Southern Patagonia. The tour takes you down to the Moreno Glacier, across the border to the Torres del Paine national park (among the most beautiful areas in the world) before embarking on a 4-night navigation of the straits of Magellan and the Beagle Channel. The tour can also be customized to suit your every need and want. Even the most nonchalant of recipients couldn’t help but be impressed!
$5,445.00 per person for 15 nights, available at www.JacadaTravel.com

Immortalize your loved one with a custom piece by Paul Gerben
It might not quite fit under the Christmas tree or in a Christmas stocking, but a custom commissioned piece by fine artist, photographer and designer Paul Gerben is a holiday gift that will really take your loved one’s breath away. Gerben’s captivating mixed media compositions are timeless classics that will not only brighten a holiday morning, but can be treasured throughout life. His celebrity art portraits cover the spectrum, from Hollywood legends such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra to rockstars like The Beatles, and sports legend Muhammad Ali. Prefer something a little more personal? Gerben incorporates his distinct aesthetic and unique style into every custom commission he creates. La La Anthony, wife of Knicks Star Carmelo Anthony commissioned a large abstract piece from Gerben earlier this year so that she can still look at her husband every day, even when he’s on the road.
Prices available on request, for more information, please visit www.GerbenFineArt.com

Patek Philippe / Tiffany & Co

There was a recent announcement by two leaders in the luxury watch industry as Tiffany & Co and Patek Philippe & Co have teamed up.

The two luxury brands announced two new watches — one each for men and women. The announcement coincided with the 5th anniversary of the Patek Philippe boutique at Tiffany’s iconic 5th Avenue store, which was the luxury watchmaker’s first in the U.S.

The men’s version is an Annual Calendar watch that offers a masculine design. The watch features an 18-karat white gold case that encloses a black face, displaying the day, date, month, moon phases plus a 24-hour indication. The watch comes with a black matte black alligator strap.

The women’s version watch is named Gondolo. The watch offers an art deco-inspired look with Roman numerals, in addition to a curved 18-karat white gold and diamond case. The luxury watch is available in in two color options – a matte blue dial with white numerals with a dark blue satin strap, as well as a white mother-of-pearl dial with gold numerals with a cream satin strap.

Both of the new luxury watches are signed each by Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co.

Patek Philippe’s new partnership with Tiffany & Co. follows a world record for the luxury watchmaking company, which set the record at the Geneva Important Watch Auction in Geneva, Switzerland. Their “J.B. Champion Platinum Observatory Chronometer” became the most expensive watch-only timepiece ever sold, for an amount slightly below $4 million.

Source – Time

Victoria’s Secret – Alessandra Ambrosio

Sexy supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio has long been one of the most popular runway models for Victoria’s Secret, and has appeared in every Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show since 2000.

She has proudly adorned the patented angel wings but for this year’s 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Alessandra Ambrosio will add the most coveted gem to her outfit – precious diamonds.

The $2.5 million Floral Fantasy Bra that Ambrosio will wear comes with a matching belt that was created by London Jewelers.

This beautiful bra features a removable 20-carat white diamond that hangs in the middle plus includes over 5,000 amethysts, rubies, sapphires and gorgeous white, pink and yellow diamonds that have been arranged in a stylish, floral pattern.

The one-of-a-kind, sexy push-up bra from Victoria’s Secret also includes two diamond flower pins that also detach.

When asked about the $2.5 million Floral Fantasy Bra Gift Set, beautiful model Alessandra Ambrosio replied, “I felt they made it for me. It’s very romantic. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

You can see sexy Alessandra Ambrosio wear the $2.5 million Floral Fantasy Bra at The 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which airs on December 4 on TV channel CBS.

The buzz is growing as people are really looking forward to this year’s Victoria’s Secret fashion show after the sensational presentation last year during  the 2011 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Longines

Luxury watchmaker Longines is based in St. Imier in Switzerland since 1832, and has just added a new edition to its popular and luxurious Longines Conquest line – the stunning Ladies Diamond Conquest.

The new Ladies Diamond Conquest watch is part of The Longines Sport Collection, and has quite the sparkle appeal with the addition of several diamonds.

The Ladies Diamond Conquest watch models are targeted at women who enjoy sports but do not want to compromise on elegance. The elegant new timepiece features a sporty elegance and is mounted on either a stainless steel or a black or white ceramic bracelet.

This new women’s watch line is truly luxurious, thanks to Longines’ creative use gorgeous diamonds plus the innovative combination with ceramic.

The first luxury watch version comes with a bezel that features 120 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds, with either a white mother-of-pearl or a black dial set with 11 diamonds as indices. The second watch version offers utilizes the use of ceramic that’s embellished with 54 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds set around the inside of the bezel and on the dial.

The watch’s bezel and bracelet are both reinforced by the use of white or black ceramic while the matching dial – white mother-of-pearl or black. Longines also offers a special version of the Ladies Diamond Conquest watch, mounted on a steel bracelet.

Displaying the company’s iconic emblem, the watch prominently features the Longines winged hourglass.

There is no doubt this luxurious timepiece from Longines is perfect for a wide variety of occasions. Proudly display your new Ladies Diamond Conquest watch at a tennis tournament, equestrian competition, or just having fun on the ski slopes this winter. But it also exudes a touch of elegance worn either at a cocktail party or a formal dinner.

Backes & Strauss

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury watch, British diamond and watch company Backes & Strauss has just introduced a limited edition luxury timepiece – The Beau Brummell.

This luxury watch comes from Backes & Strauss’ Regent Collection. The new watch is truly a limited edition as only 50 pieces will be available for sale.

The background of watch name is that Beau Brummell was an English wit who was highly admired for his meticulous appearance and confident personality. Brummell was born on June 7, 1778 and died March 30, 1840. Beau Brummell was also a personal friend of the Prince Regent, the future King George IV.

You can see a statute of Beau Brummell on Jermyn Street in London, which is also where the current home of Backes & Strauss resides.

Backes & Strauss

The Beau Brummell Limited Edition luxury watch features 347 Ideal-Cut diamonds that weigh 5.15 carats. The diamonds are hand set into an elegant titanium case. The timepiece also features a stunning dial of 206 ldeal-Cut diamonds weighing 0.66 cts. One row of diamonds is perfectly placed in blue, surrounding diamond Roman numerals on a linear base.

The watch also offers a mechanical movement with automatic winding, in addition to a rotor with platinum segment.

Christie’s

Christie’s New York Auction featured exceptional diamonds and pearls in their fall jewelry auction on October 16. It was Christie’s first auction of the autumn season and featured a dazzling array of magnificent jewels from rare gemstones to flawless diamonds, natural pearls and signed pearls, considered some of the best to come up for sale in the last five years.

Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewellery for Christie’s America and Switzerland, explained: “Our team of jewellery specialists has spent the summer months gathering the finest gems to match current collecting tastes, including top-quality diamonds, natural pearls, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, rare vintage jewels and highly coveted, contemporary creations from the best designers.”

Stunning diamond jewels weighing more than 50 carats each and exceedingly rare double strand of large natural pearls were among the scores of top-quality gems offered from the finest makers. Diamonds in excess of 50ct each achieved in excess of $35 million from 369 lots. Selling for $3.1million, the 68.35ct fancy oval-cut intense yellow diamond is internally flawless and a magnificent sight.

Even more exquisite was a pear-shaped D-colour impeccable diamond pendant necklace going for an astonishing, $9.5million. This stunning necklace goes well with the diamond ear pendants that went for $4.7million. The stone is mounted in platinum and may be worn dangling from a necklace with a 2.28 carat, circular-cut D-color diamond surmount, available with a GIA certificate noting the stone’s exceptional polish and outstanding symmetry.

Although diamonds are a girl’s best friend, it wasn’t all about diamonds. Made up of 120 large pearls, ranging in colours from white to light creams, a rare double strand of natural pearls, complete with a 3ct D-colour diamond clasp signed by Cartier, reached its estimate of $3.5 million.

Also up for auction were a range of signed jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels … the more colourful of these were two mystery-set pieces. Tripling it’s estimate with a $278,500 sale, the “honeycomb” motif ruby and diamond bracelet uses the exclusive setting technique to great effect – the hexagonal stones create a brilliant contrast with the curve of the bracelet. A pair of ruby and diamond ear clips with matching brooch, also by Van Cleef & Arpels, in the form of a flower blossom with diamond pistils and leaves, went for nearly three times its estimate, selling for $260,500.

Rahul Kadakia commented soon after the sale: “Private collectors and dealers reacted more than positively to a 369-lot auction that was finely-tuned in terms of prices and selection of gems to current market conditions. Natural pearls, colorless flawless diamonds, and colored diamonds of high quality once again dominated the day, making for a vibrant atmosphere in the saleroom.”

Read full article: Luxury Society

My Luxury Auctions

How would you like to enjoy an incredible 4 day – 3 night getaway for 2 people and attend the 2013 55th Annual Grammy Awards? Of course you’d love to, but what if it didn’t cost you anything to win the auction. Even better, right? Now read on and make your dream a reality.

My Luxury Auctions “MyLuxuryAuctions.com” helps everyday people achieve uncommon prestige and gives anyone a wonderful opportunity to own and experience everything that is luxury – luxury vacations, cruises, jewelry, cars, yachts, real estate and much more! The thrill of online bidding is truly an adrenalin rush – become part of this exciting trend.

The Life of Luxury (https://www.thelifeofluxury.com) has partnered with My Luxury Auctions to create and provide an array of luxury products and travel packages to auction off. The first package (valued at $12,000) we offered is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend the 55th Annual Grammy Music Awards scheduled for Feb. 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

Grammy Music Awards

If you are the auction winner, two people will fly to Los Angeles, California on Friday then spend Saturday exploring the city’s  popular local landmarks and luxury stores. On Sunday, you’ll attend the Grammys then fly home on Monday. This amazing luxury auction travel package includes all airfare (first class) and hotel accommodations (five star or greater.)

As a leading provider of VIP Event Tickets, The Life of Luxury is very excited to partner with My Luxury Auctions and provide the best life has to offer.

With an ambitious goal of becoming the world’s best online penny auction service for luxury products, MyLuxuryAuctions.com offers people a chance to experience uncommon prestige.

I asked Jason Mottley from My Luxury Auctions what was the driving force behind the company’s concept?

A: “We realized there was an untapped market for a quality online venue which could hold high-end luxury auctions and most importantly – give back to the community through charitable donations.

Of course everybody is familiar with eBay but is not built for the luxury market. A lot more finesse and care is required with selling luxury items or assets that can be valued sometimes into the tens of millions of dollars.”

Auction sites like My Luxury Auctions provide numerous advantages over traditional auctions. Discover that many luxury items may be obtained at a fraction of their regular cost. By simply visiting, you’ll get an opportunity to bid and win a luxury product or vacation package for a whole lot less … literally pennies on the dollar.

Jason Mottley was asked about the large amount of interest and media coverage My Luxury Auctions has received so far?

A: “We’re not really surprised at all. We saw the need for such a niche. By creating this auction venue, we created a single place on the web to buy the best luxury products available. This levels the playing field the field by making luxury items within reach of almost anyone.

What we’re most proud of is the winning auction bid becomes our Auction Donation Value. MyLuxuryAuctions.com will donate this closing value of the auction price to one of five charities the winning bidder selects, including: American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Promise House and Loving My Neighbor.”

To begin, the process is quite simple. All you’ll need to get started is purchase your credits in advance then start bidding on any luxury item you like. Access high-end luxury products and services at extremely low prices.

Looking for a memorable tropical vacation? There are currently several terrific luxury vacation getaways available including a 9 day trip to Hawaii for 4 people. Begin by visiting The Big Island and Maui, then end up on the capital island of Oahu. Looking for a romantic getaway for 2, then you’re in luck. Enjoy time on the lush, Garden Island of Kauai, the tranquility of Lanai, then finish up by experiencing the true Hawaiian culture on magical Molokai.

If you have always wanted to own a luxury boat, then take a look at a 2009 Supra Sunsport 24V. This incredible red craft measures 24 feet long, and offers a 340 Hp engine. The boat holds up to 16 people and is loaded to ensure a fun-filled afternoon on the lake. If purchased new, this luxury boat would retail at around $80,000. Bid now and can you can end up winning it for just pennies on the dollar.

Don’t worry about getting a sub-par trip. Each vacation package offered is booked using only first class travel and the best accommodations. In addition, the winner will also receive a pre-paid debit card valued at thousands of dollars of instant cash available to spend as you wish!  This offering is an unheard of value-added reward.

Keep a look out for many other luxury products such as fine watches, jewelry, high fashion, vacation getaways, shopping experiences, and much more!

You’ll receive A+ service throughout the auction process. One of their Destination Experts will help the winner customize their vacation experience.

So what are you waiting for!  Please visit http://MyLuxuryAuctions.com and start bidding!

Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates has literally risen from the desert sands to become a thriving Middle East city.

This year marks another big milestone, as Abu Dhabi will host the debut appearance World Luxury Fashion Week and hopes to be home to this fabulous fashion event for many years to come.

World Luxury Fashion Week is the place to be to see first hand the world’s leading high-end fashion brands. This spectacular fashion event will be held at the luxurious Jumeirah at Etihad Towers between November 25-28, 2012.

This “by invitation only” event over four days begins with two evenings of BMW Haute Couture shows, followed by two evenings of some of the most prestigious prêt-à-porter brands, featuring, amongst others, the likes of Carolina Herrera NY, Hervé Léger, Paule Ka ‘Black Carpet’ Collections, and acclaimed regional designers, Walid Atallah and DAS Collection who recently returned from a successful London Fashion Week.

Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a city poised to become one of the largest luxury retail capitals of the world. The blossoming luxury fashion market in Abu Dhabi is one of the most strategically important, and indeed lucrative anywhere.

It’s been noted that most of the premium brand retailers are planning a rapid expansion into Abu Dhabi. This can be seen by the pending opening of Avenue at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi’s first true luxury shopping district and premier lifestyle destination in the city.

To bolster this superstar lineup of world fashion giants, BMW will host exclusive customer evening events where you’ll see many of the best Haute Couture designers, including Jean Paul Gaultier who is scheduled to present their latest Haute Couture collections.

World Luxury Fashion Week is supported by many top luxury companies such as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Abu Dhabi Motors, BMW, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Etihad Airways, Rowenta, and Avenue at Etihad Towers (Abu Dhabi’s first luxury shopping destination).

A lot of anticipation is building as the world awaits Abu Dhabi’s to deliver something different, something prestigious, something new for tourism and indeed to the region, in terms of recognition of the GCC collective spending power.

There will be a limited number of VIP hospitality ticket packages available. If interested in attending the World Luxury Fashion Week show, please contact us at:

Diamond Engagement Ring

For men, it’s always a stressful time to propose to a woman and find that perfect diamond engagement ring. There are lots of choices including a variety of engagement band metals, such as gold, platinum titanium, silver and more.

Searching for the perfect engagement ring is a challenge. February is a popular month for diamonds as millions of couples becoming engaged on Valentine’s Day, alone. But when love is n the air, proposing is a beautiful thing anytime of the year.

So if you are looking for some help and planning to pop the question, here are five Top Tips to Buying an Engagement Ring. Learn these important shopping tips to help you make a smart purchase.

1) Ignore the 3-Month Salary Rule
Spending the traditional two to three month’s salary is no longer the case, says Salim Shamy of LaViano Jewelers in New Jersey, a popular destination for engagement rings and wedding bands. In fact, in 2010, consumers spent an average of $5,392 on an engagement ring—or roughly, 10 percent of the average U.S. household income. These days, the purchase depends largely on one’s financial situation, disposable income and savings. “Don’t go beyond your ability,” says Shamy. “If you prepare to spend $10,000, just make sure you’re getting the best product at $10,000.”

2) Learn About Diamonds
Before walking into a jewelry store, have some idea of what you want. Learn what makes a diamond special and what kind of diamond your special someone might prefer. A diamond’s rarity—and therefore its price—is determined by four unique characteristics: the Four C’s: carat (the weight), clarity (the degree of flaws or blemishes), color (from colorless to yellow) and cut (the shape). This is the universal grading system used to objectively compare diamonds.

3) Pay Special Attention to the Cut
A diamond of a smaller carat, but with an exquisite cut, could take on the appearance of a much pricier gem. So much so that Shamy of LaViano Jewelers rates a diamond’s cut or shape—ranging from excellent to poor—as the most important purchasing criteria, because it helps to determine its brilliance or “sparkle.” The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) agrees, saying that the “allure of a particular diamond depends more on cut than anything else.” Some of the key factors in a diamond’s cut include its proportions, symmetry and polish.

4) Choose the Stone First, Setting Second
Gem experts advocate buying a loose diamond first, then deciding on its setting. The diamond, after all, is the most important and expensive aspect of the ring. You want to be able to pick the best stone that fits your budget, and when the diamond is loose, you’re better able to evaluate its 4 C’s. Preset diamond rings tend to be slightly more expensive, as well.

5) Request Certification
All diamonds should come with a stone certificate, a document from an independent third-party authority, such as the GIA or the American Gem Society (AGS), which verifies its authenticity and description. Reputable jewelers should provide this without hesitation. If not, take that as the ultimate red flag that the diamond is not all its hyped up to be. The GIA Diamond Grading Report, for example, provides technical information, such as the dimensions, quality and characteristics of a loose diamond. For added piece of mind—and for insurance reasons—you may also want to have the diamond valued by an independent appraisal specialist.

Martin Katz

Martin Katz is a renowned celebrity jeweler who designs the most luxurious and incredible jewelry pieces. As the holidays are quickly approaching, we want to share some of these unique products as possible holiday gift ideas.

What woman doesn’t love luxury jewelry? Katz’s newest collection is sure to wow!  They offer an array of exquisite, rare stones and gems that have been crafted into handmade nature-inspired pieces.

Martin Katz uses jewels like no other and creates exquisite modern and vintage-inspired jewelry masterpieces.

Martin Katz

These stunning jewelry collection features something for everyone. For example, a tulip pin with interchangeable heads, starfish earrings, and much more!

For diamond lovers, you are in luck. The brand name is well known for having the best of the best in stones. His incredible and stylish diamond rings will make every head turn in envy.