Louis Vuitton’s Diamond Flower Collection

Louis Vuitton have launched two patented diamond cuts based on their infamous monogram flowers; the round cut flower diamond and the pointed cut flower diamond. These stunning cuts took over three years to develop and have between 61 and 77 facets, which is absolutely amazing as a typical diamond has about 58 facets! The diamond beauties were mixed to create the collection Les Ardentes, which means “the blazing.” The sparkling collection features a bracelet, two brooches, a pair of earrings, a necklace and a ring. The collection is really beautiful and I especially love the bracelet which combines a diamond ribbon as well for the ultimate French romantic elegance.

Penelope Cruz for Mango Winter 2008 Collection

Beautiful actress Penelope Cruz and her just as beautiful sister Monica Cruz continue their collaboration with Spanish’ best Mango. The new 2008 Winter Collection is rich in warm and neutral colors to complement the winter white cold outside. Already available in stores and on their official website, the collection is both stylish and affordable offering a feminine sensuality and exotic elegance. The ad campaign is shot by prestigious photographers Mert and Marcus, who have worked with labels such as Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani and Miu Miu, among others. You can find everything from hot winter hats, sexy dresses, stunning coats and the gorgeous croc print black bag. The prices range from $29 for the hats to $319 for the bag. My favorite piece is the stunning black knitted-collar coat featured above which is priced at $225. And if you have ever shopped at Mango, you know that their clothes are made extremely well and can last for a very long time. All these and much more are available here.

Sean Connery for the New Louis Vuitton Ad

Sir Sean Connery is featured in Louis Vuitton’s “core values” campaign underlining its travel roots. The original James Bond is photographed by Annie Leibovitz on the beach near his home in the Bahamas with the waterproof version of the Louis Vuitton’s Keepall bag. “He’s sexier than ever,” said Vuitton’s director of communications, Antoine Arnault. “We had the opportunity to work with a legend… He’s been on our list for a very long time.” The photo is really beautiful both because of the sunny, exotic beach and because of Connery’s elegance and charm. The tagline of the photo says, “There are journeys that turn into legends. Bahamas Islands. 10:07.” Zooming in closer, we can see that it is 10:07 on the actor’s watch as well.

Louis Vuitton To Host a Sailing Event

Sailing and boats: this is turning to be a must for the fashion world. The French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton is set to host the new sailing event the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, in Auckland, New Zealand.

“I think the world of sailing will be really excited,” said Vuitton chief executive officer Yves Carcelle.

The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series will be held in Auckland for three weeks from January 31st to February 14th, featuring sailing teams who have previously competed in the Louis Vuitton Cup. The races will be sailed in Emirates Team New Zealand yachts and will feature from six to eight teams. A Louis Vuitton trophy will be created especially for the sailing event.

New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark said, “‘Congratulations to Louis Vuitton and Emirates Team New Zealand for organising this exciting international yachting event. New Zealand is very pleased to be hosting this regatta and Auckland with its beautiful harbour and vibrant inner city will put on a fantastic show for yachting fans and tourists.”

Marc Jacobs’ 1001 Nuits Jewellery Collection for Louis Vuitton

I was so excited when I heard of the jewellery collection by Marc Jacobs called 1001 Nuits (1001 Nights.) There is something so inspiring about creating jewellery related to the idea of the magic of princesses and fairytales, and the romanticism of the far oasis. However, I was even more disappointed when I actually saw the collection! It seems that I am not the only one as many fans are greatly disappointed as well and are “wondering if his designing days aren’t coming to an end.” 1001 Nuits is criticized as being “not just mediocre but a rather sad copy of his Daisy collection.”

1001 Nuits, launched by Louis Vuitton, includes gold rings, earrings, hairclips, brooch and pendants with Swarovski crystals studded flowers. It also includes a big gold bracelet that spells “Louis Vuitton” which I find rather chunky and truly boring, besides its “not-boring” price of $725. You can find the entire collection for purchase at www.eluxury.com.

My biggest disappointment from the collection, is that it has nothing to do with the 1001 Arabian inspiration and offers nothing new, exciting and exotic.

New Louis Vuitton Collaboration for Handbags

Marc Jacobs and Comme des Garcons founder Rei Kawakubo will be collaborating to release new design handbags for Louis Vuitton. On the latest design, marc Jacobs says, “I admire and worship her [Rei Kawakubo] and it’s the kind of thing that I think is so wonderful to do at Vuitton, where it’s such an iconic brand and that monogram and everything and, again, I’ve said all this before, but it’s so wonderful to have someone so outside of that thing take their look at it, their approach to it.” It will be interesting to see the ultimate French luxury brand Louis Vuitton under the influence of the ultimate Japanese avant-garde fashion rebel brand. Kawakubo’s six handbag designs will debut next Wednesday in Tokyo. In the photo above is a sneak preview of one of them.

Comme des Garcons will also be launching a line for H&M in November. Designer Rei Kawakubo will create a collection for women, men and children, as well as accessories and in a new twist, a unisex fragrance.

Fashion: Yachting

Going on a yacht and sailing away is becoming more and more about fashion than the sport itself. We have seen famous designers, such as Roberto Cavalli and supermodels, such as Kate Moss indulge in this hot lifestyle over the summer. Yachts are also the set for many designer photo shoots and music videos. Yachting has also inspired many design collections with its crisp whites and linen long dresses. And who can forget the never-ending nautical trend? Many designers have also made collections especially for cruising and “boat dressing.” Whether you will chose to sail from Positano to Provence or from Venice to Santorini, the sun-drenched coasts, the azure waters and the Mediterranean breeze will be the perfect combination to your upscale fashion sense. Now, here are a few tips for your yachting adventure.

Hot Bikini: Chose a beautiful and glamorous bikini. Softer colors and golden tones are preferable. You may chose bandeau, triangle or a one piece bikini. Keep in mind that the most important thing for a bikini, is to feel comfortable and sexy. You can slip into some tiny Brazilian cuts like Rosa Cha or chose from the variety of swimwear at Victoria’s Secret.

Cover-up Essential: As it gets quite windy on the yacht, you need to have a cover-up. Remember to chose wisely in order to be color coordinated with your bikini. If your bikini is neutral, chose a pattern and bolder cover-up. You can be more elegant with a Kimono-style or crocheted cover-up.

Hat Must-Have: Hats are very important and here is your chance to experiment with an extravagant hat. You may chose over sized crocheted hat with large decorations. Just remember that it should fit you well, so that you do not have to chase it in the sea.

Sunscreen: You should enjoy the sun to the fullest but be extra careful. Sunscreens are extremely important to ensure that your skin will be youthful and glowing. Remember to apply the lotions regularly throughout the day and do not forget to protect your face, lips and hair also. If you chose to wear lip gloss, be sure to apply sunscreen on top of it. As an alternative, the Balm Shelter Lip Gloss is a moisturizing, sheer gloss with SPF to protect and it comes in all shades. Aveeno offers good face and body sunscreens and Fekkai has some great leave-in-conditioners with activated UV shield to protect your hair!

Accessorize: Sunglasses are your absolute most important accessory. Remember that fashion and protection will go hand in hand. Over sized glasses are still in but you can experiment with the patterns and colors. Bags are a necessity. Louis Vuitton offers great beach bags, large but classy enough to show your fashion sense and practical side. Jewelry becomes more important as the sun sets. Chose one center piece and remember that less is more. You may decide to wear a large turquoise ring or a white pearls necklace.

Dress Appropriately: When on the yacht, fancy dresses and shoes are not needed. However, when stopping at ports and going to the fancy coast restaurants, note that cotton, linen and silk materials are impressive. White is the queen of chic but do not underestimate all shades of blue. You may chose longer or capri linen pants and short silk dresses. Shoes are preferably wedges or comfortable high slides. The materials can be colorful fabrics and even decorated with crystals or flowers for a more fancy look. Remember that gold tones are especially stunning with a golden tan during summer. If you are looking for high fashion, Chanel never disappoints with Resort wear and its Cruise Collections.

Sea Scent: When going out at night, make sure you bring your sea adventure to the inland. Eau d’Italie from Positano, Italy is a collection of shower gels, scented soaps and perfumes inspired by the world famous five-star Positano hotel La Sirenuse hotel on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This fragrance is so cultural that it is sold only at the hotel and a few London boutiques. It has a fresh and seductive scent especially for the summer months.

Bring Your Camera: You will be spending unforgettable moments at sea. The adventure-romance combo should be pictured. Explore the coasts and azure waters, and at night have some fun time in your fashion outfits and golden tan.