Design a Renewable Materials Dress – Win a Pre-Oscar Party with Suzy Amis Cameron
Red Carpet Green Dress
Suzy Amis Cameron is a Hollywood actress and wife of Oscar winning director James Cameron.
If you have ever dreamed of designing your own, stunning dress and having a famous Hollywood celebrity wear it, here’s your chance.
Suzy Amis Cameron is once again providing an opportunity for aspiring fashion designers a win a chance at going to Los Angeles for a Hollywood pre-Oscar party!
Last year, Jillian Granz who was a Michigan State University student, created the winning design for the “Red Carpet Green Dress” contest.
The rules for this year’s design contest is to submit sketches of a dress made of renewable materials. You need to work fast since the deadline is February 2nd.
The contest winner will be chosen by Suzy Amis Cameron and will receive:
– A free trip (with swanky hotel and flights included) for the winner and his/her model
– A “red” (actually on green!) carpet walk at an Oscar pre-party in Hollywood on February 23 – as guests of James Cameron and Suzy Amis Cameron
Proceeds from the competition will go to the MUSE schools, which Suzy Amis Cameron founded. The charitable organization helps educate kids around the world.
Another terrific thrill from last year’s winner, was Suzy Amis Cameron actually wore Jillian Granz’s winning dress to the Oscars!
U-Boat Classico Titanium Limited Edition Chronographs from Baselworld 2010
The Baselworld 2010 fair is undeniably the most important trade show for the watch industry. Within its immense confines there is one place that shines above all the rest.
Hall 1.0 is the first floor of the main building for watch brand exhibitors, and it is where important brands such as Patek and Rolex setup their impressive booths. Amongst the new-comers to Hall 1.0 this year was U-Boat.
As it is no small feat to be in this area, it is important to justify your presence by unveiling great new products. Italo Fontana, owner and designer of U-Boat watches, lived up to this expectation with several new models including the one I am about to present, the Classico Titanium Chronograph.
Three new limited edition versions of the U-Boat Classico Titanium chronograph were presented at Baselworld 2010. Two are all black models and one displays many white elements.
The case for these models is 53mm in diameter, and 17mm thick. This thickness is probably above average, but it is well justified when considering the diameter of the watch. While similar to the case of the basic Classico chronographs, several details differ.
It is made of titanium, and sports a massive crown system and robust chronograph pushers that have more demarcated and intricate grip teeth than those found on the regular Classico Chronographs.
The use of high-tech materials makes the Titanium about 15% lighter than the steel chronographs. This works together with the “left-handed” configuration of the crown and pushers to make these large watches surprisingly comfortable.
Not very noticeable until pointed out, the six structural screws that hold the bezel in place have been reworked as well. Specialized screw-drivers have been developed in tandem to be able to use these U-head screws,.
The back of the case offers a view of the U-77’s balance wheel. The U-77 caliber movement is a slightly modified version of the infamous automatic-winding 7750 chronograph movement. The markings on the back of the case indicate that each watch is one of only 200 of its kind to be manufactured.
While the white ceramic version of the Classico Titanium Chronograph offers contrasting color combinations, the other two models offer a decisively monochromatic style. Similarly colored materials, including carbon fiber, create a stealthy style that is reminiscent of the interior of a powerful race car.
Contrast is provided by the relief of the applied hour markers and hands as well as the alternating finishes of the matte metal and glossy carbon fiber. The titanium of the case is blackened by U-Boat’s in-house PVD treatment as are the clasp and the U-Boat plate on the strap.
The rubber band completes the all-black look and makes it possible to take the Classico Titanium Chronograph into water. Here the Classico Titanium Chronograps find themselves very comfortable thanks to a water resistance rating of 200 meters.
As a participant and a fan, Italo Fontana is strongly influenced by car racing. This is often noticeable on his watch creations.
The Limited Edition U-Boat Classico Titanium Series is a good example, where aspects of dashboard instrumentation collide with the same high-tech materials often used in manufacturing high-performance cars.
The Oris Flight Timer R4118 is named for famous British plane – Mark 1 Hurricane R4118.
As a tribute to the Mark 1 Hurricane R4118, only 4118 units were made.
Bell & Ross BR-03 92 Military Ceramic
Courtesy of: Bell & Ross
In the past three years, several Bell & Ross watches have been constructed using ceramic. This is not surprising considering the recent surge in the material’s popularity. Looking at the manufacturer’s past creations shows that ceramic has mostly been used for its aesthetic qualities.
Watches like the BR-S Ceramic are geared more towards the fashion aspect of watchmaking. The material’s important technical advantages took a back seat to its fine finish. The Bell & Ross BR-03 92 Military Ceramic highlights the substance’s structural benefits as much as its ability to create beautiful and desirable timepieces.
For many, ceramic may conjure visions of pottery or traditional arts and crafts, but this category of materials is actually quite general and encompasses some of the most amazing and useful technical substances known to humans. It is difficult to say what type of ceramic is used to manufacture the entire case (minus the screws and crown) of the BR-03 92 Military Ceramic.
It is certain however, that the same type of material has either lined space-crafts, stopped bullets, or tripled the lifetime of traditional steel parts. What makes ceramic so useful in high-impact situations? It is extremely hard. Almost nothing on earth can scratch it. It can even be harder then the anti-scratch sapphire crystals that are fitted onto high-end watches.
It is lighter than steel and, unlike metals, its color exists throughout its structure meaning that no damage will ever reveal a different color underneath. It is an insulator. While this has a plethora of industrial uses, for watch lovers it translates to a watch that is always warm to the touch; even outside on a frigid winter day.
The 42mm square case is the most peculiar part of the BR-03 Military Ceramic. Thanks to the material it is made of it is light, resistant, and offers a distinctive finish in a fantastic hue. The khaki color is inspired by the camouflage often applied to F15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft and adorned by many military pilots.
A subtle, green tint is applied to the anti-reflective sapphire crystal making the hour markers and hands bellow look light green. This coloring is more evident when looking at the watch from the side, and a bright green hue exudes from the crystal’s edge. The structural screws as well as the screw-down crown are made of black “Carbon Finished” steel. This product of high-end horology truly looks, acts, and feels like the Military instruments that inspired it.
The standard Bell & Ross BR-03 92 dial is fitted on the watch. It offers high legibility during both day and night thanks to bold, photo-luminescent hour markers and hands. The modified ETA 2892-A2 automatic movement is what gives all three-hand BR watches their names. It offers reliability, resiliency, and a power reserve of 42 hours. The Military straps given with the watch are more specialized and are seldom seen elsewhere.
The BR-03 Military that was released in 2007 is the only other model that comes to mind that is shipped with these bands. A khaki fabric strap with black steel buckle is fitted on the Military Ceramic and a secondary rubber strap comes in the box. As with all BR-03s a set of specialized tools is included to allow the owner to change straps at home.
Bell & Ross watches are designed using a specific set of principles. From the beginning, the company has made timepieces fit for professional use. Luckily for them, many of us watch lovers agree with the technical and stylistic repercussions of this philosophy. The BR-01 92 Military Ceramic exemplifies the Bell & Ross philosophy and therefore is bound to please the brand’s fans.
Rolex Oyster Special Edition Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Leopard
Courtesy of: Rolex
Rolex is the epitome of luxury watches. The Rolex Oyster Special Edition Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Leopard continues the famed Swiss watchmakers tradition.
The Cosmograph Daytona Leopard features a stunning design. The luxury watch has a fabulous look. It is 40mm in a 18k yellow gold case.
The end pieces are set with 48 shimmering diamonds. The bezel set includes 36 baguette cognac sapphires.
The watch face features 8 diamond hour markers.
True to its name, this watch has leopard through the cord with an 18k yellow gold, flip-lock deployment closure.
This particular Rolex Oyster model watch has screw-down push buttons.
The Rolex Oyster Special Edition Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Leopard mens luxury watch is brought to you by the Rolex Luxury Watch Collection.
The watch is definitely stylish and a sure bet to turn the heads of even the most watch purist.
In addition to being a luxury Rolex. don’t forget that it’s a Special Edition watch.
Baselworld 2010
Baselworld is the world’s biggest and most important event for watch, jewelry and precious-stone industries.
This year’s event – Baselworld 2010 -will be the 38th edition of the fair and will be held from March 18 to 25, 2010 in Basel, Switzerland.
All the of watch and jewelry’s most prominent brands will be in attendance this year. Manufactures count on the unparalleled high quality exposure that Baselworld offers them.
Although there are significant economic conditions impacting the world’s luxury markets, companies feel Baselworld is a leading marketing resource to showcase their luxury products.
This year, it’s expected that around 2,000 companies will participate and over 100,000 visitors will gather to view the world’s best luxury products.
For many years, Baselworld has been known as the primary event for major news releases on new brand launches and current industry information.
After a long day of walking the show floor, relax and unwind at Baselworld Village. It’s definitely the place to be to enjoy its many restaurants and bars.
Baselworld Village is the perfect location to talk over dinner or a few drinks. The area’s atmosphere offers an international gathering in the heart of this beautiful city – Basel.
Hermes Steel Arceau Skeleton
Courtesy of: Hermes
Luxury watchmaker Hermès, has introduced a new timepiece – the Steel Arceau Skeleton.
The Steel Arceau Skeleton is inspired by legendary launch of Hermes in the equestrian world.
The Arceau Skeleton features the Hermes trademark – a single stirrup case design.
The new timepiece utilizes a round, 41mm wide Arceau steel case. The Steel Arceau Skeleton has an AR-coated sapphire crystal and display back. The watch is water resistant down to 30 meters.
The two sapphire crystals vividly reveal the beating heart of the internal mechanism.
The dial features royal blue hands, in addition to a larger seconds hand.
The vintage looking watch features a highly skeletonized and perlage decorated Vaucher H1 automatic movement.
There’s an automatic rotor that smartly portrays the Hermes signature logo.
Around the dial rim (which come in either slate-grey or brown), small, angled arabesque numerals provide an elegant style.
The watch come with a matching colored alligator strap includes a safety folding clasp.
Dunhill Reveals Handcrafted Luxury Leather Process
Working as a young apprentice in his father’s saddlery business, Alfred Dunhill learned the necessary skills to create exceptional handcrafted leather items.
In 1893, Alfred Dunhill inherited the family business and decided to continue this commitment to excellence. Dunhill used the same traditions, expertise and technical ability of the leather craftsmen, and began creating luxury accessories such as hats, gloves and coats to bespoke motoring trunks and cases.
Now for the for the first time in over 100 years, Dunhill has allowed the general public a preview of the hand crafting process used to create their luxury Tradition leather goods.
The movie showcases the re-mastered Tradition Double Document case being cut from the best quality bridle leather, being hand stitched, and then finished by a highly skilled leather artisan.
Similar processes were originally used by Dunhill’s master craftsmen over 100 years ago.
Today, every custom piece of Dunhill custom leather is made at the Walthamstow leather workshop. The workshop is where a customer’s individual choice of skin, finish, hardware, functionalities and linings are created into a unique, quality leather piece.
The manufacturing process is unique. Just one person is responsible for constructing each individual piece all the way through to the final edge painting and cleaning.
This process ensures individual ownership and pride in each piece that is produced. The end result for the customer is a leather product built with the highest standards of workmanship.
Lastly to guarantee authenticity, a leather card is stamped with the name of this artisan and inserted into each piece of luggage.
During 2010, luxury watch maker CORUM, will be celebrating three major anniversaries:
1) 55th anniversary of the brand’s creation
2) Half century of the Admiral’s Cup collection
3) 30th anniversary of the Golden Bridge
At each of these monumental celebrations, CORUM will be displaying their 2010 luxury watch collection. Attendees will be able to view jubilee models with creative, sophisticated technical and watchmaking content.
For half a century, the Admiral’s Cup collection by CORUM has proudly paid tribute to marine and sea-enthusiasts.
To mark the 50th anniversary of this legendary collection, Corum introduced the Admiral’s Cup Minute Repeater Tourbillon 45 (see below). This luxury watch combines two of the most prestigious horological features: the tourbillon and the minute repeater.
Courtesy of: CORUM
To celebrate the legendary model’s fiftieth anniversary, Philip A. Bächtold & Dr. Soipetch Resanond along with Antonio Calce, CORUM CEO, and his team, organized a wonderful celebration evening that took place at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
The amazing event was held on January 26th. Surrounded by friends of the brand, VIP guests, celebrities and journalists, there were well over 300 guests who celebrated this new chapter in CORUM’s long standing history.
The memorable evening was also an opportunity for CORUM to celebrate its incredible success. For many years, the CORUM brand has long been positioned among the top luxury watch brands in the market.
U.K. multi-media company Which? recently conducted an undercover investigation studying women shopping for bras.
Which? sent out eleven researches between the ages of 25 to 75, to seventy stores. The outcome of their investigation, was that an astonishing 71% of the bras sold to the women were the wrong size!
Bra manufacturer Simone Perele knows the importance of wearing the correct size bra. The company has developed some helpful tips for women:
· Make sure you get fitted every 6 months.
· The center piece of the bra should lie flat against the chest to ensure good support.
· If you can pull the center piece away from the body by more than ¼ inch, the back size is too big.
· The bra back band should be the same height as the center piece.
· Adjust the straps so they are supportive without being constrictive.
· Ensure that the underwire is not on top of the breasts.
· The cup should be visible and does not cut into the breast.
· Make sure you pay attention to your cycle as your bust size changes during this time and sometimes a different size is needed.
Source: Simone Perele
Summer of Grunge by Abandon
Courtesy of: Abandon
The alternative 90’s style is making a comeback, and Abandon are borrowing elements from that era without making us all look like Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan.
Abandon has bought the Grunge Deluxe trend back up to speed again, taking inspiration from Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs using deluxe washes.
The key trend of the era, which was heavily represented on the catwalks, was grunge. Abandon is keying on this versatile trend that champions the nonchalant, layered, un-groomed casual look that is set to become popular for Spring/Summer 2010.
Layers of lattice – and strips of shredding – are inserted into jersey tops, dresses, and leggings. Rock-inspired, denim trucker jackets can be teamed with haunting acid-wash tees and shredded leggings for a psychedelic twist to the grunge-chick look.
Recreating summer grunge with a deluxe edge, ditsy carnation prints are mixed up with lashings of lace, evoking wild nights of abandon.
