Rigel Celeste
-
Miss Russia Wears World's Most Expensive Crown
Last month a new lucky lady, Irina Antonenko, was named Miss Russia for 2010 and given the privilege of wearing what's being heralded as the world's most expensive crown. The large, white-gold headpiece features 2,358 diamonds and 14 rare pearls, and is valued at over $1 million. There was so much 'to do' at the unveiling that some wonder if the crown didn't upstage the new Miss Russia herself.
The 2010 Miss USA pageant isn't scheduled until next month (April 18th) but for a little perspective last year our crown featured 1,936 flawless gemstones set in white gold and platinum and was valued at $202,000.
Kate Middleton's Dog Swallows Expensive Gift from Prince William
Prince William gave Kate Middleton a pretty pair of expensive antique pearl earrings for her birthday this year but she didn't get to wear them for long before her black cocker spaniel Otto decided to eat them for dinner. Just days after receiving them, Kate noticed the earrings were suddenly missing from the bedside table where she kept them. After much frantic searching she realized that Otto (who was on the bed licking his paws) had eaten them. Kate was horrified but apparently Prince William thought the whole thing was hilarious, laughing and telling her she'd just have to wait for them 'to come out the other end.'And they did, in fact, come out the other end eventually but unfortunately they were chewed and damaged beyond repair. Prince William had originally found the earrings through a private dealer he'd tracked down personally, so no word yet on whether he'll be able to replace them (but I bet if/when he does Kate will find a new place to keep them!).
Via LuxuryLaunches
Limited Edition Exercise Machine: The Designer PowerPlate
Exercise machines might help make people beautiful but the equipment itself is usually anything but. Looking to change all that, however, is Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, who has decked out a PowerPlate (vibrate your way to fitness) in a vivid floral motif. The limited edition model is bright and colorful almost to the point of being obnoxious, but I'm thinking most exercise rooms could use the pop of color (whether it coordinates or not). 'Regular' PowerPlates sell for approx $4,500 but this one will cost you £9,525 (or about $14,300).
Via bookofjoe
Celestina Espasol Silver-Plated Filigree Clutch, Handbag of the Day
The Espasol Silver-Plated Filigree Clutch by Celestina has a lot of character packed into a small package, and would make the perfect accessory for your favorite LBD. Structured box styling features a cutout filigree design with a slight bohemian artisan vibe, mixed with contemporary glitz and glamor. It has a hinge on the bottom, a black howlite clasp fastening on the top, and no lining. No shoulder strap, no interior pockets, just the pretty polished beauty of silver. Oh, and a little wood-trimmed vanity mirror with the designer's stamp. $1,325
Alexander McQueen Thriller Faithful Glove Clutch, Handbag of the Day
Carry this handbag and pay tribute to both the late Alexander McQueen and his inspiration for this piece: the iconic Michael Jackson. McQueen's Thriller Faithful Glove Clutch is a black whipsnake design clutch that features two angled zipper pockets and a white fingerless glove embellished with white Swarovski crystals on the front. The glove is attached to the bag with a snap and is (presumably) removable. The interior is fully lined in purple/plum with one inside zipper pocket and has a snap closure. Certainly an accessory meant to start a conversation. $1,920Porsche Design Studio 'Emergency Illuminator'
Real luxury isn't always about glitz and glam, but about quality construction and awesome functionality. Here we have a flashlight, ahem "Emergency Illuminator," by the sleek and trendy people at Porsche Design Studio that is aiming to meet both those criteria by being super bright (180 lumens LED) and having nifty features like a USB port for charging your cell phone/MP3 player and a backup lithium battery that kicks in if the standard C ones wear out. Plus it comes with an optional glove box bracket to keep it within easy reach on a moments notice, and of course it's a Porsche so it looks awesome. $289
Vers Wood Case for iPad
When the iPad was first announced we knew the standard fancy accessories and protective cases wouldn't be far behind, but this Wood Case from Vers is actually pretty unique. Handcrafted of bamboo and hardwood it's made to protect your iPad in luxurious style without going the route of gilding or crystal encrusting. It features a top-loading slipcase design with a soft, scratch-resistant lining, openings for the volume control and 30-pin connector, 4mm walls for a solid and substantial feel, and an optional stand for vertical display. A classy and contemporary way to personalize and protect your trendy new gadget. $80
Via Acquire
Gurkha His Majesty's Reserve is Most Expensive Cigar
Gurkha has a reputation of being the best of the best in the cigar world, and His Majesty's Reserve has the honor of holding the title of world's most expensive cigar. Made from the most expensive cognac and premium tobacco, HMR consists of a secret blend of filler tobaccos from all over the world wrapped in a rare aged Dominican wrapper before being infused with Louis XIII Cognac (the process uses an entire bottle). Less than 100 boxes of His Majesty's Reserve are made each year and getting your hands on one will not only be difficult, but will also cost you $750 per cigar or $15,000 per box.Via JustLuxe
The DataTraveler 310 Flash Drive
The DataTraveler 310 Flash Drive is the king of all flash drives not because it comes all decked out in gold and diamonds, but because it's the biggest and baddest of them all in terms of data storage. Packing a whopping 256 gigabytes of storage capability it has more memory than most computers and can hold the equivalent of up to 54 full length movies. All in a package smaller than a candy bar.
Intended for professionals who have a need to transport especially large data files, like engineers, I can see people investing in them for personal use too -- as a simple way of storing music, movies, and picture files. Once you've got one of these no worries about choosing which DVDs to grab for movie night at a friend's house when you can just as easily bring your entire collection. $1,100
Via bookofjoe
Smythson Leather Passport Cover
People who travel a lot often find that their passport really takes a beating, so whether you want to buy one as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone special a protective but stylish passport cover can be a solid and worthwhile investment. This one from Smythson is the ultimate in functional but stylish minimalism in solid black with simple silver letters spelling out "Passport" on the front cover. Inside there's a slot for your passport and for a boarding pass, and the whole thing comes packaged in a light blue box for handy gifting and storage between adventures. $120
