At the Victoria's Secret fashion show in Miami on Friday, some very special things were worn by some very special women in some very special places.
I'm talking about Adriana Lima in a $5 million Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra with white and black diamonds and rubies, and Heidi Klum in a sexy red bra and panty set laced together with strands of diamonds and adorned with giant red sequined wings.
As you can see, it was a glamorous show flanked with silver palm trees and many of the most beautiful women in the world. There were 68 outfits in total, each with its own spectacular theme. See our ten favorites in the gallery here.
Gallery: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show November 2008
The Victoria's Secret fashion show will be on CBS on December 3rd.
Louis Vuitton makes a case for everything. Really. If there's something you want to carry in a Louis Vuitton case, they will probably make one for you.
The only criteria-strictly enforced to honor the original spirit of the 150-year-old company-are that the item is portable and that its raison d'être is transport. "We are in the business of movement," says Patrick-Louis Vuitton, a fifth-generation member of the founding family who oversees all of LV's custom projects. "A special order is a compromise between desires and needs from the client and our aesthetic and technical requirements." - Men's Vogue
Louis Vuitton makes about 450 special-order cases every year at their Asnières, France workshop. The process of creating a perfect case for a client's needs can take four to five months, but their policy is to never exceed eight.
Over the years, cases have been created for everything from hookah pipes to a portable altar for a French priest heading to a desert archaeological dig in the 1920's.
Louis Vuitton won't make just anything, though. If they don't like your request (say, to put little LV's all over the interior of your car, a move similar to the one that ended up with Britney Spears on the losing end of a Vuitton lawsuit), they'll modify the idea and make a suggestion - their polite version of refusal.
Devi Kroell has established herself as one of the finest handbag designers in the world. In the tradition of her framed clutches, like this Satin Frame Clutch we covered in June, we bring you the Silk Explosion Clutch.
The Devi Kroell Silk Explosion Clutch comes in purple, saffron and black gold (pictured), and features soft black silk adorned with great big "What struggling economy?" jewels. The detachable chain allows it to be worn as a clutch or an over-the-shoulder purse.
The thing I like most about this piece is its versatility. It would go well with solid colored dresses as well as most prints, and could also dress up a heels-and-jeans outfit very nicely, perhaps with a crsp white shirt.
The Silk Explosion Clutch is 9" by 4.5", and can be purchased here from Devi Kroell fo $1,490.
You've probably heard of Curtis & Co. watches. They've been seen on everyone from 50 Cent to Paris Hilton, to Stuart Scott on ESPN. They list famous wearers here, on their "Awristocrats" page.
Their collections all start with the words "Big Time," and include Air (in blue with black casing at right), Ice, Hers, and Limited Edition pieces like a gorgeous rectangular watch celebrating the new golden age of Dubai.
Are these watches "Big Time?" Yes. Each watch has a beautifully crafted face, multiple first-rate functions, and there is an extensive selection of straps in different colors and textures. Curtis & Co. makes exquisite and stylish watches for gifts or to be seen wearing.
Louis Vuitton has just launched two patented diamond cuts.
These tough economic times give us few excuses to splurge on items that will be out of fashion in a couple of months. Louis Vuitton diamonds are the antidote to this problem.
You probably recognized the maker of these diamonds before even reading the heading. That's the kind of brand recognition that guarantees the longevity of Louis Vuitton.
These classic cuts, reminiscent of Louis Vuitton's signature prints, are sure to be in style forever. Size may vary, but these are the kind of diamonds you pass down to your grandchildren. They are not so much a splurge as a sensible diamond investment.
The rounded and pointed flower cuts you see at right may not be right for an engagement ring (who would brand love like that?), but for earrings and other decorative jewelry, these cuts are sure to be a hit.
The Vuitton diamonds have between 61 and 77 facets and have been set into a bracelet, a pair of earrings, two brooches, a ring and a necklace-the latter consisting of 1,001 tiny brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 15 carats, coexisting with 65 round flower diamonds (49 carats) and 79 pointed ones (44 carats), for a combined bling bang of 108 carats that retails for about $4 million.
I'd most like a pair of studs just like these. Mismatched, but recognizably a pair.
Mercedes-Benz makes holiday gifts for the whole family.
New this year, Mercedes-Benz has released a new gift collection in Brilliant White, with many items perfect for kids.
This little car will make any rugrat smile as he or she scoots around the brick driveway in style. Brand loyalty starts in the cradle, as they say, and this is a smart move for Mercedes-Benz.
"The high-profile whisper wheels fitted as standard on genuine Mercedes-Benz multi-spoke rims minimize the noise level."
The Brilliant White collection also features bicycles, hats, clothing, and a really great sled. See the gallery below for Luxist's favorite items from the new collection.
This delicious little shoulder bag by Fendi, the Pouchette Shoulder Bag is new and only available for pre-order.
The bag is small, just 8.5" by 5", and the "pouched" effect is meticulously crafted to give it dimension and style.
The strap itself is jewelry; a 7" drop with heart charm accents. This season it's all right to wear contrasting metals, so don't worry if you don't have anything to match the exact shade of yellow gold; try copper or white gold to complement it.
The bag is made exclusively in a dark blue, one of this season's hottest accessory colors. Dark blue may seem like a difficult color to manage as an accessory; it can clash with denim and look sloppy with a little black dress. Not to worry, this season, you'll find printed dresses with this color in the pattern and you can always pair it with gray. Available from Saks Fifth Avenue, $410.
Tracy Porter makes beautiful "jewelry for your ceiling."
In her video, which you can watch here, Tracy advises using a large chandelier to anchor an expansive room, then populating the rest of the room with smaller detail chandeliers. If you don't want to take Tracy's multiple chandeliers advice, a wall sconce is usually adequate and definitely the classic way to add additional light to a room where a large chandelier is the main focus.
This lovely violet clutch is the Marc Jacobs Flower Suede Secret Girl Bag.
This dainty, 9.5"x7", canvas lined purse adds softness and intelligence to any outfit. Purple is a neutral this season, and this piece can be carried with colors as well as with gray or black.
The Art Deco-inspired silver and genuine amethyst detail on the goatskin and calfskin gives this piece just the right amount of sparkle without going overboard. The bag is whimsical and feminine without being frivolous.
The Marc Jacobs Flower Suede Secret Girl Bag is available from Saks for $995.
The iPhone 3G is a beautiful accessory, yet to be properly attired...till now. Orbino Italy has designed three cases for your iPhone 3G, and each is lovelier than the last. Finally, you can protect and adorn your iPhone without cheap plastic or garish designs.
At right, you see the Strada: "The Orbino Strada Tre Case transforms your 3G iPhone into a premium Italian accessory with a case entirely stitched by hand in gorgeous Tuscan leather. The case features an open face for easy access and includes Orbino's patented spring-loaded removable combination belt clip and desk stand in polished palladium metal. Prices start at $99."
This is the limited Brown Crocodile edition, available here.
Click below to see the other two new 3G iPhone designs, as well as other elegant, Apple-specific cases from Orbino.
Gallery: Elegant Cases for Apple Products by Orbino Italy
What's more beautiful than a bottle of champagne? A gold bottle of champagne.
Here at right is Moët & Chandon's newest luxury: A limited edition, gold-cased bottle of Midnight Gold, an Imperial Crude Moët & Chandon signed by French designer Camille Toupet.
The case is gold lambskin with Swarovski crystals and gilded pearls to simulate champagne bubbles. The "neck tie" at the top of the bottle can be removed and worn as a bracelet.
Only 100 handmade Moët & Chandon Midnight Gold cases will be released in 2009. Better reserve yours today at Lavinia. We hope you speak French.
Now that's a phone. The $2,000 Motorola Aura is here, and lookalikes are bound to follow.
The Aura has the world's first circular display with 16 million colors and a 300 dpi resolution. The lens isn't just scratch resistant, it's Grade 1 62-carat sapphire crystal. The casing is stainless steel, coated with PVD coating (like on a luxury watch), and it rotates open with the help of 130 precision ball bearings.
All the usual technologies (2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, Open Source browser) are included in this sleek, attractive 47.60 x 96.87 x 18.55mm phone.
Blackberries are for assistants.
Just in time for the holidays, you can order one now to be shipped out December 4th.
Darby Scott, who previously brought us the Green Alligator Clutch, has something new and extra special.
This Green Tourmaline and Diamond Minaudière Clutch from Darby Scott's collection is generally sold around $260,000, and you might just get a chance to see it at her trunk show today, October 24th, at Bergdorf Goodman's in NYC from 10am to 5pm.
Darby Scott started designing clothes in 1994, and since then has branched into handbags, jewelry, and accessories (like belts and brooches). You can find some of her items available online here.
New items from France have been added to Horchow's very exclusive Estate Collection.
For the uninitiated, The Estate Collection is a smattering of one-of-a-kind collectibles from all over the world. The beautiful item you see at right is an iron scale from France, circa 1900. It just sold for $850.
There are still more beautiful new French items available, including candlesticks, serving bowls, and more. See the gallery below for items still available at time of post, and be sure to snap up anything you like right away; you're not likely to find items from The Estate Collection ever again.
Gallery: French Antiques Available from Horchow's Estate Collection
This is the Index of Happiness Tote, designed by artist Donald Baechler and accessory designers Richard Lambertson and John Truex.
The tote, available only to American Express cardmembers (call 1-866-558-3072), takes a classic Lambertson Truex design and adds original artwork, one of this season's most delightful and exciting accessory trends.
This artwork from Donald Baechler goes to benefit the art of others; 15% of the purchase price of each bag will be donated to the Whitney Museum of American Art's Photography Program, Collection, and Special Exhibitions.
The bag is suede, trimmed in Italian leather, and accented with plaids that complement Baechler's work. The inside of the bag features a blue leather patch signed by all three design contributors personally, as well as additional artwork by Baechler. The bag can be yours for an even $1,000.
Louis Vuitton makes a case for everything. Really. If there's something you want to carry in a Louis Vuitton case, they will probably make one for you.
Devi Kroell has established herself as one of the finest handbag designers in the world. In the tradition of her framed clutches, like this 
You've probably heard of Curtis & Co. watches. They've been seen on everyone from 50 Cent to Paris Hilton, to Stuart Scott on ESPN. They list famous wearers 
Louis Vuitton has just launched two patented diamond cuts.
Mercedes-Benz makes holiday gifts for the whole family. 
This delicious little shoulder bag by Fendi, the Pouchette Shoulder Bag is new and only available for pre-order.
This lovely violet clutch is the Marc Jacobs Flower Suede Secret Girl Bag.
The iPhone 3G is a beautiful accessory, yet to be properly attired...till now. Orbino Italy has designed three cases for your iPhone 3G, and each is lovelier than the last. Finally, you can protect and adorn your iPhone without cheap plastic or garish designs.
What's more beautiful than a bottle of champagne? A gold bottle of champagne.
New items from France have been added to Horchow's very exclusive 
