THE GALUXIE

Manic Monday

2010-12-08T19:25:00.002+08:00

TRIED to channel Bottega Veneta's Fall/Winter 2010. Ha ha! I used a leather band instead of a string tie.

Shirt: white, Tommy Hilfiger
Necklace: brown, leather band, AC+632

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

The Weekend

2010-12-08T19:04:00.001+08:00

I came to hate going to parties during the weekend. For me, weekends should be well spent relaxing. More often, me-time! Spa day at The Palms. Best way to treat yourself after a treat of massage? EAT! (Foccacia Napoli sandwich & fresh orange juice)

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

Fanmode

2010-12-03T21:31:00.000+08:00

Justin Bieber's PRAY (Official Music Video)

As many of my friends and Twitter followers know, I'm a huge Bieber fan. Heck, I can rep him here in the Philippines. But seriously, I'm a huge fan not for the same reasons as those screaming tween girls out there. No, I'm not a fan because of his hair that has a life of it's own nor am I fan because he's so IN and so NOW.

The real reason why I'm a fan of this little kid is because he reminds me of my greatest idol of all time -- the ever-greatest king, Michael Jackson. I believe Justin Bieber is not the best singer in the world, but he can sing. What makes him different is that like MJ and all the other music icons, he's a great performer. I believe that's one thing that sets him from his rivals / colleagues. Also, like a true icon, he is an inspiration for so many people. He was lucky enough to be given a huge break in the industry from his simple life in Canada. And like a true icon, he extends his hand not just to his fanbase on Twitter but to those who are in need too.

This video (above) reminds me of Michael Jackson's Heal The World. A beautiful song and music video that inspires everyone to extend their help in whatever way possible, to make it change, or simply to just PRAY.

HOWEVER, I think Shawty Mane is better than Justin Bieber...

HAHA! Justin Bieber's alter-ego. See! He raps too!

Caffeine, Cafeteria, Christmas season COMEBACK!

2010-12-01T16:45:00.002+08:00

It's the 1st of December. Hardly the start of the Christmas season but the beginning of the Christmas month. Thought it'd be a good date to revive my beloved blog.

It's been almost a year and 3 months since I last shot a star (blogged) to the gaLUXie. There's a long list of reasons why I haven't updated and if I enumerate everything, it would take lightyears for me to finish this entry.

So... Let's just move on and hope I'd finally be able to update this as often as possible (no promises). Well now that I've just recently discovered "moblogging" or mobile blogging (yes, I'm a laggard..er more like a loser at blogging like that) I think there's a good chance! ;)
___________

Anyway, let's talk about these photos wherein I don't look so much excited but deep inside I actually was. It was just that I haven't slept a single minute and it has been such a stressful day in the Univ.

I don't know the inspiration of my look today but I've just wanted to wear this vest and tuck it in my trousers. Basically it just started from there then the stripes, then the open sleeves, then all the tiny little details that if you look really closely, you'd probably notice.

Vest: black, striped, Randy Ortiz (Filipino designer)
Shirt: blue, striped, Zara
Pocket Square: white basic handkerchief
Belt: black, Emporio Armani
Trousers: black, Topman
Shoes: black, laceups, Zara
Bag: black, nylon, Prada

All these C's, does this call for a Celebration?

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

WHY HERMES? WHY58!

2009-09-24T22:58:00.006+08:00

FROM BUZZ2LUXE:

Bienvenue à bord du Why 58. La maison Hermès a monté une société commune avec le chantier naval italien Wally pour lancer une série de yachts ultraluxe. Présenté hier au Monaco Yacht Show, ce vaisseau amiral de luxe a été conçu comme une île nomade, faisant appel aux technologies les plus avancées en matière de développement durable, a expliqué hier Luca Bassani, PDG de Wally.

Avec 58 mètres de long pour 38 mètres de large, ce yacht peut accueillir 12 passagers et 20 membres d’équipage. Sur 3 400 mètres carrés habitables le Why 58 propose notamment une suite principale de 200 mètres carrés avec une terrasse privative de la même surface, une piscine de 25 mètres, trois ponts, une salle de gym, un spa, un helipad mais aussi trois patios dont un planté d’un arbre. Un détail original et symbolique, terriblement dépaysant au grand large…

Je vous invite au voyage à bord du Why 58 avec cette présentation vidéo. Avec ses lignes, ses terrasses, ses espaces intérieurs, le navire prend des allures de maison d’exception. Principalement prévu pour une utilisation privée, le Why 58 pourrait d’ailleurs être décliné en bateau de croisière ou en hôtel flottant de 40 chambres.

Sa forme hors du commun garantit au Why 58 une haute stabilité en mer, au détriment de la vitesse de croisière. Animé par un moteur hybrique diesel-électrique grâce à ses 900 mètres carrés de panneaux solaires, le Why 58 plafonne en effet à 14 noeuds. Il sera disponible à un tarif compris entre 60 à 100 millions d’euros selon les aménagements souhaités par le client.

IN ENGLISH:

Welcome on board Why 58. The Hermes house assembled a common company with the shipyard Italian Wally to launch a series of ultra-luxe yachts. Presented yesterday to the Monaco Yacht Show, this flagship of luxury was designed like a wandering island, calling upon the technologies most advanced as regards sustainable development, explained yesterday Luca Bassani, chairman of Wally.

With 58 meters length for 38 meters broad, this yacht can accommodate 12 passengers and 20 team members. On 3,400 square meters livable Why 58 proposes in particular a principal succession of 200 square meters with a private terrace of the same surface, a swimming pool of 25 meters, three bridges, a room of gym, a spa, a helipad but also three patios including one planted of a tree. An original detail and symbolic system, terribly dépaysant au grand large…

I invite you to the voyage on board Why 58 with this video presentation. With its lines, its terraces, its interior spaces, the ship takes forms of house of exception. Mainly envisaged for a private use, Why 58 could be declined besides in boat of cruising or hotel floating of 40 rooms.

Its form out of the common run at sea guarantees to Why 58 a high stability, with the detriment cruising speed. Animated by a diesel-electric engine hybrid thanks to its 900 square meters of solar panels, Why 58 reaches a maximum indeed with 14 nodes. It will be available to a tariff ranging between 60 to 100 million euros according to the installations desired by the customer.

The beautiful escape of Hermes on a small island of luxury: The WHY 58

P.S.
The English translation is not at its best. Please bear with me. Thanks!

+++Geck O.+++

Alcoholics Anonymous

2009-09-21T01:16:00.016+08:00

This entry is dedicated to all the AA's out there...and even to the not-so but who just loves liquor!

Oh and for those who can AFFORD too!

THIS IS THE SIX MOST EXPENSIVE ALCOHOL IN THE gaLUXie!

The list is categorized of its kind. It shows only the most expensive of each type. Let's start from the cheapest - if it's proper to say it.

RUM for $54,000

The Wray and Nephew Rum

Made by the Jamaican distillers, this bottle of rum was one of the four unopened bottles at the time since 1940. The rarity is because the supply ran out following the then famous Mai Tai cocktail (1934) which used 17 year old Wray and Nephew Rum.

WHISKY for $75,000

The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare

TEQUILA for $225,000

Ultra Premium Tequila Ley .925

It was bought at an auction in Mexico city in 2006. The tequila in the gold and platinum plated bottle is triple-distilled mix of 8-, 10- and 12-year-old agave plants and is produced by Hacienda La Capilla Distillery in Los Altos, Jalisco.

WINE for $275,000

1787 Chateau Lafitteis

The bottle originally belonged to the US President, Thomas Jefferson whose initials are etched into the bottle-- the reason for its rarity and price.

VODKA for $1,060,000

Diva Vodka

Vodka=Russia...But not the most expensive! This one comes from Scotland. Every bottle of the Diva vodka contains precious and semi-precious stones, including diamonds.The vodka is triple distilled and then passed through a sand of crushed diamonds and other gems.

COGNAC for $2,000,000

Henri IV Dudognon Heritage

Most expensive ~~cognac~~ alcohol in the world! This particular cognac was aged for 100 years in barrels that were air dried for five years before use. The final product is 41% alcohol (82 proof). The bottle is dipped in 24k gold and sterling platinum and adorned with 6,500 brilliant cut diamonds. After all, cognacs are considered to be the most expensive alcohol of all kind!

Source: Most-Expensive

+++Geck O.+++

I'm back with Dom Perignon and Uncle Karl Lagerfeld

2009-09-13T02:45:00.007+08:00

It seems like several millenniums have passed since I last updated my beloved gaLUXie! It actually feels weird composing a blog again, it's like my first time. Well, I need not explain why I disappeared like a balloon that was let go by a kid. The most important and rather interesting thing is I'M BACK and BETTER! Like those chairs above-- aren't they gaLUXtical?! Damn how I miss using my terms here. Oh and of course, I GODDAMN MISSED THIS WHOLE THING! Good to be BACK where I am me...

ENOUGH OF THE CRAP!

Since this is my comeback, I wanna give you all something that is surely a COMEBACK WORTHY post. Besides, what's a comeback without a big bam boom, right?

I tagged along the classics with me...

DOM PERIGNON and our much loved Uncle KARL LAGERFELD

Not literally, of course! But through these extraordinary and amazingly beautiful pictures...

These black and white photographs were featured in Visions and a Decision, a book released by Karl Lagerfeld and Amanda Harlech in January 2008.

Claudia Schiffer, Brad Kroenig and Sebastien Jondeau all posed for this 1993 (the bottle) Dom Pérignon Oenothèque ad campaign.

Telling the Wildean tale of an old money Dom Pérignon heir on the hunt for the perfect woman (played perfectly by American model Brad Koenig), Schiffer takes on the role of the book’s femme fatale, dressing up in numerous guises – ranging from Oriental temptress and libertine Ingenue to disco queen and dominatrix – all in the space of a few perfectly formed, achromatic pages.

Like a butterfly from a chrysalis, Schiffer’s various transformations have been throughout up by Lagerfeld as a manifestation of the Oenotheque’s unique aging concept. Like the best of Dom Pérignon’s wines, Schiffer morphs seamlessly from 18th century heroin to 21st century woman, retaining her own innate personality.

These series of photos were just released online yesterday by Wallpaper Magazine.

A pretty darn great comeback, eh? What do you think?

+++Geck O.+++

Gucci's gaLUXie worthy?!

2009-08-11T04:01:00.004+08:00

I probably am the most Gucci-bag-hater person I know, next to my mom, but these new arrivals from Gucci might just help me reconsider that feeling. These new purses from Gucci are not just gaLUXtical because of the models' names (the reason why this entry was somewhat my comeback blog) but also on their own rights. I will sure not covet these ladies bags but I was really impressed with the design and rarity of their kind. Not to mention, the exotic materials used.

First off, we have the...

GUCCI Galaxy Large Hobo

Made in fine python design and trimmed in glossy patent leather. It has a single braided leather chain strap and ruthenium hardware accents. Other details include shoulder strap, 6" drop; Zipper closure; Inside cell phone and PDA pockets; and Cotton lining. Size: 17"W X 16"H X 8"D

Priced at $3,500, Saks Fifth Ave. (click to order)

And the other,

GUCCI Galaxy Medium Shoulder Hobo

Made in rich leather design, it has a single chain-link strap, a zipper closure with interlocking GG detail, crocodile trim and ruthenium hardware. Other details include: Chain-link shoulder strap; 19" drop Zipper closure; Inside cell phone and PDA pockets; and Cotton lining.

Priced at $1,390, Saks Fifth Ave. (click to order)

+++Geck O.+++

Smokin'

2009-07-26T17:32:00.001+08:00

S.T. Dupont is without a doubt the best in making the best and most luxurious lighters in the whole of gaLUXie. Not to mention, a very hefty price tag too. We have seen this Parisian designer brand and manufacturer as one of James Bond's ultimate sleek gadget.

Brief Background:

S.T. Dupont was founded in Paris in 1872 by Simon Tissot Dupont; his son Andre Dupont, who had expertise both in leathergoods and as a goldsmith, invented the first pocket petrol lighter in 1941 for the traveling case of a Maharajah. At the time Dupont's ultra-luxurious travel cases were its main line; in 1947 they made one in lavender blue leather for HRH Princess Elizabeth of York, the future Queen of England. In 1952 Dupont patented the adjustable gas lighter upon which the present model is based and created a special model for the Duke of Windsor, which was reissued in 2006. -- JustLuxe

Recently, they released another magnificent piece from their Prestige Collection. It is made up of solid 18-carat white gold embellished with 468 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Priced at $79,000, the Ligne 2 Champagne lighter is dubbed as the most expensive one in the gaLUXie. It comes with a matching fountain pen also in solid 18-carat white gold with rhodium finished trims and 502 brilliant-cut diamonds for additional $74,000 (optional).

Others from The Prestige Collection

Diamond Rain

Ligne 2 solid gold

Ligne 2 white solid gold

Ligne 2 Champagne Rose

Source: S.T. Dupont

+++Geck O.+++

$23M worth of Cartier, stolen!

2009-07-26T17:20:00.004+08:00

$23million (GBP 13 million) worth of jeweleries were stolen in a Cartier boutique at Cannes, French Riviera. This happened in broad daylight and the thieves were dressed up in floral shirts.

The Report:

A man with a deep suntan and wearing a flowery shirt walked into the Cartier store in Cannes and threatened staff with a gun.

Two accomplices wearing crash helmets then entered the store, which is near the Carlton hotel popular with Hollywood stars during the Cannes film festival.
They took jewels from glass display cases before fleeing along Cannes’ famous Croisette promenade on scooters after the raid on Monday.

Police said the total value of the stolen jewels could be as high as £13 million with some single items worth £1 million pounds alone.

They said they were investigating whether the men could be part of the notorious Pink Panther gang, which has carried out a spate of spectacular jewellery thefts across Europe in recent months.

“They were very fast, and spoke as little as possible. This was the work of true professionals,” said a source close to the investigation.

Three suspected members of the gang, thought to be based in Eastern Europe, were arrested in Monaco last month.

Top jewellers and police chiefs across the world are hunting the Panthers, a sophisticated international crime syndicate that has reaped around £100 million in jewellery heists over the past decade.

The gangsters earned their nickname after stealing a £500,000 diamond from a Mayfair jewellers in 2003 and hiding it in a jar of face cream. They were apparently inspired by the original Inspector Clouseau film in which the world's most expensive gem is hidden the same way.

The gang is believed to comprise around 200 war-hardened members from across the former Yugoslavia.

Its attention to detail led one criminologist to describe its work as "artistry."

During one raid in Biarritz, thieves applied fresh paint to a bench opposite the jewellery store they were about to rob to deter potential witnesses.

In August 2005, disguised as tourists in flowery T-shirts, gang members casually walked into the Julian jewellers in the crowded port of Saint-Tropez in broad daylight. Minutes later, they left with the stolen gems and – to the amazement of a crowd of onlookers – sped off in a waiting motorboat.

Last year armed men dressed in drag pulled off France's biggest ever jewellery theft, making off with £75 million of gems from the luxury Harry Winston jewellers in Paris.

Much of the jewellery was recovered in a police sting operation last month, and 25 suspects aged from 22 to 67 were arrested. Police said they did not belong to the Pink Panthers, as previously thought, but were from the "high class" French crime scene. -- Telegraph

+++Geck O.+++

SuperSTAR

2009-07-26T15:49:00.004+08:00

Can anything be better than this? I know I have seen, even blogged, about the most amazing watches at least for 2009. Not to mention, the most expensive. But I think this goddess of all watches makes every watch-lover bow down for her. It has been dipped in a sea of diamond heaven.

Graff Superstar boasts (drum-roll please) 59 carats of diamond. The case and bracelet are made of 18k white gold. Studded with 176 diamonds on the case and another 94 diamonds on the bracelet.

The Emerald, which works as the 12 o'clock marker, is the only non-diamond stone to contrast the shine of the timepiece.

I'm sure this thing can pass for engagement rather than the typical ring. I mean, 59 carats? Who wouldn't want to marry you? haha!

I don't think you can even use this as a watch because how can you tell the time if you've been blinded by the diamonds' flash? haha!

Source: Whiteflash Diamonds

+++Geck O.+++

LV must haves

2009-07-26T15:36:00.004+08:00

Louis Vuitton's Fall 2009 accessories collection for Men is driving me nuts! I love everything. All are must haves but I don't think I can afford even one right now since I have a long list of more important things to fund. I hate that I am sacrificing all my "needs" for the real needs. Ugh!

Oh and that Louis Vuitton LV 3D collection (last pic above) is a set to die for!! Yes, I wanna die now too!

Donors, anyone?

Source: Bagaholic Boy & Louis Vuitton

+++Geck O.+++

VC means Vogue China

2009-07-26T15:28:00.001+08:00

Vogue China August 2009 | Scientific Glamour

Shot by: Greg Kadel ft. Eniko Mihalik

I never thought Vogue China could be this good. AMAZING editorial!! Sooo gaLUXtical!

Source: Coute Que Coute
Vogue China

+++Geck O.+++

The Queen

2009-07-26T15:11:00.005+08:00

THE gaLUXie's QUEEN!

Tanya Dziahileva outside the Armani Prive Show.

Bow down to the queen!!! On the runway or in the streets, she is flawlessly stunning!

Source: Jak & Jil

+++Geck O.+++

I'm on DeLeón Tequila

2009-07-19T16:31:00.004+08:00

This ultra premium DeLeón Tequila was officially launched in an exclusive A-list event at the Chateau Marmont hotel in West Hollywood during Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican national holiday.

It comes in an elite, crafted bottle and made in black glass by one of the finest world’s glass makers with an iconic metal top that was hand-carved from a one-pound ball of sterling silver by jewelry designer – Bill Wall.

DeLeón Tequila is produced in the highlands of the Purisima del Purisima del Rincón (“the purest of the corner“), a village named after the Immaculate Conception. The location is ideal, situated in a mountainous region, rising higher than 7,500 feet above sea level.

However, this luxurious tequila will be limited to cities including Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Hong Kong, Dubai, Macau, San Tropez and Monte Carlo.

DeLeon Tequila will initially be available in two 750 ml. varieties: the Diamante ($134.99), and the ultra smooth Reposado ($149.99). DeLeón’s much anticipated Extra Añejo is scheduled for release in Fall 2009.

Source: DeLeon Tequila

+++Geck O.+++

Bubbly feeling loose

2009-07-19T16:21:00.004+08:00

The new Montblanc champagne travel box will definitely keep you bubbly anywhere, everywhere. On the go with your foie gras, caviar, glass for 2, and of course your sparkling.

Source: FWD

+++Geck O.+++

Modern Bentley?

2009-07-19T15:46:00.004+08:00

DiMora Motorcar is creating the world’s first hand-built, $2 million, sixteen-cylinder production automobile: aptly named the Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan. The Natalia SLS 2 is the world’s most luxurious, expensive, and technologically-advanced creation. -- DiMora

+++Geck O.+++

Pearl is to Ocean as Bugatti is to Lake

2009-07-19T00:51:00.003+08:00

If there are people who purposely dive to get pearls from clams and shells in the ocean, there are those who accidentally find a vintage Bugatti at the bottom of a lake.

A group of divers from Ascona City in Switzerland were on their regular routine and luckily found a 1925 Brescia Bugatti deep under Verbano Lake. The jewel was reportedly been lying there for more than 70 years.

From about 3000 Bugattis worldwide, they determined that this Brescia Bugatti had been there since April 11, 1925 and is one of the 13 Brescias ordered for Switzerland. Although the car is not restorable, it will go on sale at a charity event in favor of Fondazione Damiano Tamagni.

Source: Autoevolution

+++Geck O.+++

Dior Homme's triangles and angles

2009-07-19T00:37:00.004+08:00

I am a fan of angular things, so these latest accessories from Dior Homme autumn/winter accessory collection are no escape from me.

Now I want to own the whole collection. I love every piece! Argh! I think being a male prostitute is not a bad idea. What do you think?

Source: Dior Homme

+++Geck O.+++

gaLUXtical finds

2009-07-19T00:11:00.006+08:00

As the theme of this blog, gaLUXtical (galactical) stuff related to luxury and fashion are prioritized. And upon browsing to one of my gazillions of reads, I bumped into these 2 very out-of-this-world items.

1. Hambleton Meteorite

A rare chunk of space debris that fell to Earth near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, in August 2005. Rob Elliott, who has been a meteorite hunter and dealer for the past 13 years, says the Hambleton rock, named after the district in which it was found is classed as a pallasite, which means it has a composition of a certain stone and iron. Mr Elliott said only one percent of all meteorites discovered were pallasites, which makes it one of the rarest ever found in the UK. And, Rob says it will be a bargain even for $148,000.

The Hambleton Meteorite is expected to fetch as much as approximately $148,000 when it is auctioned next month. If you want to be a good benefactor, place your highest bid at lyonandturnbull and give the rock to me.

2. Chanel "Cometes" 18k yellow gold diamond ring

Chanel released their new collection of Jeweleries called "Cometes" and this ring is one from the gorgeous line. This ring features a beautiful circular top with pave diamond stars and center comet, the border suspending eight pave set discs with symbols of the heavens. "I want to cover women with stars and symbols of the constellation'', Chanel, 1932. I guess madamoiselle's wish came true.

Sells for $9,400 at (click)

+++Geck O.+++

MJ is a HOT TOY

2009-07-18T23:53:00.004+08:00

One of the reasons why during the time of Michael Jackson's death 'til his memorial service I haven't really been blogging is because I was painfully grieving. Not many of you may know how much of a big fan I am of the ever greatest Michael Jackson. I grew up listening and grooving to his addicting beats and moves. Ever since, I have been a fan. I was (hopefully still is) a dancer since the age of 3 and every dancer's dream is to be just like MJ. Although no one can ever dethrone him, I dreamed of becoming at least a tad bit closer. Everyday from the time I heard of his death, I mourn. Until now, whenever I hear his voice, see his face, or just remember him, I still cry. I am not even ashamed to say that. If Obama is the U.S.'s first black president, MJ is the first black president of the WORLD - of my world at the very least. This may sound too much to you but this is really how I feel.

Moving on, this post is not to talk about my mourning. It's about this.

Hot Toys, action figure maker, released their latest collection to commemorate the departed Michael Jackson and his infamous Thriller video. According to Hyperbeast, the figures of Michael Jackson “will come in a 1/6 scale, featuring all the intricate details one would come to expect from a Hot Toys release. A launch is set for December 2009 with a suggest retail price tag of $255.”

I NEED ONE AS SOON AS ITS RELEASED.

+++Geck O.+++

Do I see a future Birkin?

2009-07-18T23:41:00.000+08:00

A new label of handbags has been added to the list of coveted luxury handbags. Having said that, we can presume that these comes from luxurious materials and of great craftsmanship, not to mention a hefty price tag.

These Italian made handbags are sophisticated, classy, elegant, but unlike others like Hermes Birkin or Chanel 2.55, it adds femininity, fun, young, and energetic. It's a classic bag with a twist that can adapt to no matter what your age is.

Analeena purses are made out of crocodile, lizard, and python skins. It comes in lightweight and a range of funky colors for different personalities. The insides of their signature color - Pink - is made of top grade lambskin.

Designed by Lina Hamed, a luxury and fashion enthusiast since childhood (like me), Analeena handbags are inspired by Hollywood glamour and summers in Capri.

Why did I say that this may be a future Birkin? Well are there any luxury bags that have been sold out in Harrods, London 2 weeks after it was launched? Yes! Harrods, who do not normally take on the first collection from a designer have now put in their next order in Italy after just two weeks! There is now, similar to the Birkin, a WAITING LIST for those who have gone after the storm out.

Price Ranges from GBP 3000 to GBP 8000.

Source: Analeena

+++Geck O.+++

Of Australia, Art, and Attica

2009-07-18T17:15:00.014+08:00

Last Wednesday (15 July 2009) was a pretty long but a much needed day for me. I woke up at noon and went to the University to attend an event for my Australia class.

This "good day, mate!" was an ambassador of some sort in Australia and gave a very short message and showed a very brief documentary about what they were celebrating - NAIDOC week.

Now moving on to the interesting part of my day. After the event, I went to meet up with 2 of my very dear friends who happen to be just at the building where I live. I haven't seen them in a long time due to my busy schedule in school and the stuff I have been organizing there so it was a great idea to chug down a few bottle of beers while we update each other. After some good 2 hours, we decided to go to this Art Exhibit where a friend (of the friend I was with) will be showcasing her works.

It felt just like the old times on our way to the Exhibit, because these 2 were the usual girls I'm with on a night out in town. The wit, the humor, the bashing, the criticism, ah! the good old trio is back! haha!

Jamie Gellor & Sarah Marco (of Taken By Cars)

Mara Nepomuceno (the artist) and Jamie Gellor

TO SEE THE ARTWORKS SCROLL DOWN TO THE END OF THE POST

After the Art Exhibit, we thought of heading to Attica to lounge, grab a few drinks, and just have a plain chill bonding night. It was also a Wednesday so we knew that a good friend would be on the decks to DJ for the night. And then the rest of the night is history, as they would often refer it to.

DJ Mark Nicosia

Hit of the night:

PHOTO GALLERY OF THE ARTWORKS:

These 2 were not part of the Exhibit. They were just there for display/decoration but I actually liked them more. Probably because I am into sculpture and more solid pieces than paintings or things you hang on the wall.

NOTE: Pardon the bad photos. My camera is ancient and it was acting up the whole night.

+++Geck O.+++

MMM

2009-07-18T15:21:00.006+08:00

I have mentioned before that I am a fan of Maison Martin Margiela's eccentric accessories. Recently, I have found 2 more to add to my list of I-WANT-THIS-MARGIELA.

1. Martin Margiela two-finger ring

It is made of brass and a plain silver bar on top that gives you the option to have it engraved. Margiela logo is embossed on the inside. It measures 4.5cm across the top and the rings themselves measure 2cm in diameter.

You can purchase it from OKI-NI for $281.15 (GBP169.00) (Euro199.40)

2. Martin Margiela Wind Shield shades

I know the Banded shades were so coveted during the previous season and for sure, this one will be too! Priced at $550

+++Geck O.+++

Clutch and break

2009-07-18T14:49:00.004+08:00

I have been wanting to get a clutch/small bag because it annoys me that whenever I go out, I'd have to stuff everything in my pocket or bring an awkwardly huge bag for small items. Remember the Balenciaga SGH envelope clutch in one of my entries before? (click) Well I just found a much cooler one.

The Alexander McQueen Faithfull leather glove clutch.

Inspired by Marianne Faithfull, an award-winning English singer, songwriter and actress who became known for her pop and rock music along with her struggle with drug abuse.

Other rockin' features are that the glove handle is detachable, has two front zipped pockets, an internal zipped pocket, a fold-over flap and push closure to fasten and is fully lined.

Available at Net-a-Porter for $995 (GBP543.20)

+++Geck O.+++

Kings&Queens. period.

2009-07-18T12:47:00.004+08:00

The collaboration of luxe and fashion from Dior Joaillerie released their "Kings & Queens Collection" which were bejeweled skulls meant to be owned as a pair.

This collection by Victoire de Castellane is made out of opal, jade, quartz and obsidian, which along with the skulls symbolizes “eternity.” Jewels are forever, unlike those who wear them: “We are moving, but they remain,” said Victoire de Castellane.

What's even cooler than this is that they have names!! Queen of Jadélénie and King Opal to dazzle the jewelry-lovers.

Now, I want to be a royalty! Just as long as I don't look like those skulls.

Source: Highsnobette

+++Geck O.+++

H just can't get enough

2009-07-18T03:07:00.005+08:00

You (at least my readers) may all know how I love H. Who doesn't?! And you know when they do crazy items, I am the biggest fan who'll just end up drooling over them. In this entry, I will feature not just 1 but 2 of their recent items.

First up, this perfect for beach trips and/or just a stroll in the park (that's if you're here in the tropical side) Flip Flops!

Hermes Isolella Flip Flop comes in 2 colors, Natural or Black. What I love about it is that it looks comfortable (for sure it feels comfortable), it looks lightweight, and simple. To top it all, its reasonably priced at $330! (click to buy)

As for the second item, we'd go to the techie side. Remember those Louis Vuitton USB key in damier graphite? Well at first, I thought Hermes copied them but I was mistaken. It was actually a Bluetooth headset.

This luxuriously stylish gadget is made of super lightweight carbon fiber, aluminum and supple leather. Designed by Emmanuel Laffon de Mazeres, the Hermes Paris Bluetooth Headset comes in 6 different colors to choose from.

Elegance comes in charging this luxury gadget too, you just simply lay it on the base like the photo above and you're all set. Yes, without having to plug it in anymore.

Look at those details.

I am not a fan of bluetooth headset, in fact I have never worn/used one. Maybe because there are no rules here in the third world about it. Oh well, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't love it when someone gives me one. (ehem)

Source: Hermes

+++Geck O.+++

just beSPOKE

2009-07-14T20:44:00.003+08:00

It's been a while since I last posted an entry - a post about luxury and/or fashion. I have been preoccupied with a lot of things - things that will make luxury and fashion proud of me, at least I hope so.

Remember my previous entry about the Most Expensive Suit in the gaLUXie? (click). Well, the ultra-luxe suit maker is back once again, to make us all drool and empty our bank accounts.

Alexander Amosu, famous luxury suit designer, launched a line of bespoke shirts.

What's the sense of having an almost unbelievable to buy suits if you don't have a shirt to wear it with, right? Now you have something to pair your Alexander Amosu suit with!

These shirts come in with silver buttons but customers have an option of having it customized in gold, platinum, or diamond encrusted. Diamonds come in different colors too for more choices.

Prices start from $650 (GBP400) to $40,000 (GBP25,000)
Available at Apsley Store, 13 Pall Mall, London

Source: Alexander Amosu

Note: This is not the Most Expensive Shirt in the gaLUxie but it pairs up well with the Most Expensive Suit.

+++Geck O.+++

For Bloglovin'

2009-07-12T01:30:00.000+08:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

STYLESTAR: Pat Santos

2009-07-09T22:39:00.008+08:00

Today as I was walking with friends to grab some lunch, I saw a good old friend pass by. Actually, I saw and liked her outfit first before I noticed that she was a friend. Don't get me wrong, okay? I don't base my friends on what they wear its just that in this case, I noticed her outfit first. haha! Anyway, the problem was I didn't get to take a photo of her. So after an hour or two, I texted her if she was still around the area and good thing she was. So I went out of my class to take snapshots of her STYLESTAR worthy outfit.

Pat Santos has been my friend for years now and she's the type who doesn't really care about what she wears. I was always the one who would ask her to dress up especially whenever we'd go out. That is why I'm very much impressed how she effortlessly style herself these days. See, I always knew it was in her. Thank goodness her lazy-to-dress-up phase is over! haha

What I loved in this ensemble was how she uhmped it up with the pearl accessories. Choosing 2 different color of pearl necklaces was a great idea. Also, contrasting the preppy look with nice red patent heels and a red purse were just lovely. Good job, Pat!

PAT SANTOS (9 July 2009)

(just trying to do some retouches)

INSPIRATION: Chanel

Top: Abbey Dawn by Avril Lavigne
Pants: Custom made
Shoes: Elle
Bag: unknown
Accessories: Pearl necklaces (vintage), Earrings (hand-me-downs), Bangle (thrift)

On me:
Top: White tee, Zara
Belt: Striped, Burberry
Pants: Black straight, Romp from Malaysia
Watch: Technomarine

+++Geck O.+++

STYLESTAR: Geck O.

2009-07-06T23:12:00.009+08:00

Before I entered the world of blogosphere, I was already a big fan of the infamous works of The Sartorialist, Facehunter, and the like. I have always wanted to get snapshots of random stylish people I see around everyday. I remember I blogged something about it in the past (look for it in my previous entries) while being frustrated because that very day when I was so prepared to do it, the stylish people here in the third world seem to have vanished.

Since my inclination lean more towards posing rather than taking photos, I told myself why not start the whole style blog entries with none other than the narcissistic Geck O.?

So from this time on, I would be posting my very own style blog where I will be showcasing my outfits (not necessarily everyday) in photoshoot-like manner. I'll show not just 1 but a couple of photos. From time to time, I'd showcase random people too so as to be fair with others. haha!

From now on, this section of THE gaLUXie will be called:

STYLESTAR
-a regular column at the gaLUXie featuring real galuxtican style by real galuxtican people

Geck O. (6 June 2009)

INSPIRATION: Lanvin
Scarf: Black, Black Label Homme, Rustan's
Top: Dark blue v-neck, Zara
Pants: Grey skinny, Topman
Bag: Black nylon, Prada
Shoes: Black lace-ups, Bristol

+++Geck O.+++

Best of Men's Spring 2010

2009-07-05T02:44:00.004+08:00

Milan and Paris are just cooling off the runways they used for Men's Spring 2010 collections as we speak. Unfortunately I was not there to see the shows live (I wish I was). But thanks to Men.Style for keeping the world posted with the latest scenes and details about every show.

This is just a perfect time I release THE gaLUXie's best picks from the Men's Spring 2010 collections.

Alexis Mabille

Dries Van Noten

Gianfranco Ferre

Givenchy

Hermes

Jean Paul Gaultier

Lanvin

Paul Smith

Raf Simons

Trussardi 1911

Versace

Z Zegna

P.S.
Please excuse the photos stamped with multiply logo. I used my Multiply account to upload the photo album(gallery).

TO SEE THE COMPLETE SET OF PHOTOS click this:

Best of Men's SPRING 2010 Gallery

+++Geck O.+++

CHANGES

2009-07-04T21:06:00.007+08:00

Lately I have been changing so many things...online things. I try to reorganize my cyberworld, online accounts, and what have you. First I had to change my e-mail, then later realized that I had to change my twitter id and the latest decision I made was to move THE gaLUXie to its new home.

PLEASE CLICK THE LINKS!

New Twitter id: http://twitter.com/geck_o

THE gaLUXie's NEW HOME:
http://thegaluxie.blogspot.com

You can also reach/contact me through the following cyberspace accounts:

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/geckoluxion
(I dont accept all requests)
Multiply:
http://hottiegeck.multiply.com
(its an exclusive account for friends. But it is also a gallery for collection of photos even for non-multiply user)
E-Mail: ortizgerickdarren@yahoo.com

All these changes are not only for my own benefit but more importantly for everyone (my contacts, readers, followers, etc.) to easily contact/find me. I hope you all understand and I apologize for any inconvenience that these decisions have caused you.

Photo credit: Fotolia

+++Geck O.+++

For technorati

2009-07-04T17:52:00.001+08:00

gnfrxtu67i

Most Expensive Hotel(s)

2009-06-28T12:24:00.001+08:00

As my come back entry we go to my love for hotels. Many of you know, from my previous posts about it, that my goal in life is to be a famous hotelier. Anyway, as I was updating myself lately with the latest from the luxury industry, I bumped into several posts regarding the Most Expensive Hotel ever built in Turkey which recently opened its majestic doors to the public. When I saw the boasting price of how much the hotel cost, I doubted if it was really the Most Expensive yet in the world. According to my research some years in the past (see, I love hotels so much that I do serious research about it), The Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi cost a massive amount of more than $3,000,000,000.00 to construct. That's 3 fucking billion dollars in case you couldn't count all the zeros.

The 560 room Mardan Palace Hotel Antalya in Turkey recently held its grand opening with a bunch of A-listers on its guest list. Attendees in the said resort were Seal, Sharon Stone, Richard Gere, Paris Hilton, Monica Bellucci and Tom Jones. It was celebrated with a feast for 600 guests featuring beluga caviar, lobsters and Dom Perignon.

Built by Russian billionaire Telman Ismailov as his first ever hotel, the dubbed Most Expensive ever features 23,000 sq metres of Italian marble, 10,000 sq m of gold leaf, 500,000 crystal balusters, Hermes crockery worth 1.35m GBP stocked in the waterside Italian Restaurant, a 5 acre pool of sparkling blue waters with bridges inspired by Leonardo da Vinci with gondola rides to ferry guests across the pool for trips from one end to the other of the pool which takes 30 minutes. Also, in the middle of the pool sits a sunken aquarium with some 2,400 fish, 17 bars, a three-storied night club, 10 restaurants , a sunken aquarium with 2,400 fish, a 7,500 sq m Mardan Spa and a beach with 9,000 tons of fine, white sand flown in from Egypt.

All these were made in a massive budget amounting to: $1.5 billion or 1 billion GBP

Aquamarine Restaurant

Ballroom

Deluxe hotel suite

Events Area

Grand Hamam suite

Gym

Hotel Lobby

Seminar Hall

Natural Surroundings

Swimming Pool area

Premium Hotel suite

Sauna

Mardan Palace Antalya Hotel at night

It boasts a whole bunch of other cool features that if I tell you, you'd stop drooling and just DIE! So better find it out yourself. (I suggest, google it!)

The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi

Breaking News: I finally found the difference of the two. The Mardan Palace Hotel Antalya, which this entry is about, is the most expensive hotel in the whole of EUROPE. While The Emirates Palace Hotel, seen in the photo above, is the most expensive hotel in the WORLD! Now you know...

Source: Mardan Palace Antalya
Europe's Most expensive hotel

+++Geck O.+++

Is it too late to apologize?

2009-06-28T11:11:00.004+08:00

Before anything else, I would like to apologize to all readers (if I have any) and random visitors of THE gaLUXie if it hasn't been updated for quite some time. For more than a week THE gaLUXie was at pause due to a lot of reasons, all was my (the author's) fault. Please allow me to take the liberty of not divulging any further details of the sudden break, everything were all domestic difficulty. What's important now is that I AM BACK and all set to serve you guys again with the latest buzz about Luxury, Fashion, and everything in between. I hope you guys are still all with me. I promise you a much better gaLUXie!

+++Geck O.+++

GaLUXie's biggest Yacht

2009-06-17T12:38:00.006+08:00

The Report:

Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich’s mega-yacht ‘Eclipse’ has finally made a preliminary launch at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany where it was built secretly for more than two years.

Estimated to have cost around $500 million, the vessel is nearly 170 meters long.

It has room for 24 guests, with a crew of 70. It is 13,000 tonnes, and can achieve a top speed of 33 knots. Its cruising speed is 22 knots. There are two pools on board the yacht, a movie theater and a dance floor and it will cost up to 30 million EUR a year to maintain the yacht, Deutsche Welle reported with reference to Bild.

An engineer who worked on it said: “Abramovich wanted everything top of the range, from the toilet roll holders to the sound system. It has all been custom-built for him with a multi-million dollar defense system. Attackers don’t stand a chance.”

The body of the yacht is made of the bullet-proof steel; armored glass was used for the windows. The vessel is equipped with the German-made missile defense alarm system and has two helicopter sheds (with helicopters) on the deck.

The yacht comes complete with three boats and a mini-submarine that can submerge at a depth of up to 50 meters.

Civilian ships are not allowed to carry weapons and so have to limit themselves to defense systems, but Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz gets around this by having his 482-ft. yacht registered as a Royal Saudi Navy vessel, said to be equipped with French-made Exocet missiles.

The Eclipse will literally eclipse the recently-debuted $350 million, 531-ft. Dubai owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Emir of Dubai.

L’Eclipse was built in Germany at Blohm + Voss Shipyard in Hamburg. The company made the renowned Bismarck warship, which the British Navy sent to the floor of the Atlantic Ocean in 1941.

The 42-year-old owner of Chelsea intends to board his new boat to travel to the next World Football Championship, which take place in South African Republic in the summer of 2010.

Abramovich already owns several other superyachts, including the 377-ft. Pelorus, the 282 ft. Ecstasea and the 160 ft. Sussurro, which cost him $25 million a year to maintain, and apparently plans to keep them all. -- LUXUO

Talk about recession people! That is not some megayacht, its a motherfuckin mega SHIP! Well, if I owned the ultramegalactic yacht I can totally smile like that too (above). For Abramo~~bit~~vich, good for you! Nice hobby you have there. Just a simple collector...of not so simple things. Oh and in case you're wondering I make a good son so you can totally adopt me anytime (even my parents would not even think twice).

+++Geck O.+++

Shoe Architects

2009-06-17T03:52:00.002+08:00

If you've been keeping track of my entries and been a religious subscriber of the wonders of THE gaLUXie then you most likely saw the shoe-looking bag I was amazed about. Well that certain photo inspired me to search for some Women's shoes which are truly unconventional. Fortunately, I found several interesting ones from the fashion bible - French Vogue.

Most of the pairs are very architectural which as you all know I am a very big fan of. Anything that's architectural and full of structure - may it be clothes, accessories, buildings - is an interest of mine. From the spring 09, here are the pairs I found:

Celine
Kiraro shoe (795 euros)

John Galliano
Platform multi from blue lizard and heel out of resin and leather (1222 euros)

Alexander McQueen
Victorian boot made of Swarovski open toe (price upon request)

Giuseppe Zanotti
Platform sandal made of leather (810 euros)

Loewe
Suede black shoes, heel twists out of gilded metal (price upon request)

Gianfranco Ferre
Platforms with curve heels (1145 euros)

Moschino
Shoes made of leather (570 euros)

Balenciaga
Gray polyamide shoes (1095 euros)

Dolce & Gabbana
Describe it yourself (price upon request)

Proenza Schouler
Sandals in lizard and heel in metal. Sale at Colette for 1125 euros.

Oh! and I would like to congratulate the dynamic duo for winning at the CFDA awards as Accessory Designer of the Year. It shows (refer to the picture of the shoes above).

Source: French Vogue

+++Geck O.+++

Sunnies side up

2009-06-17T03:28:00.005+08:00

Now, let's take it to the eye essential that can spice up your whole look - Sunglasses!

Here in the tropical third world country of ours, sunglasses are really an essential item as well as protection from the striking heat of the sun. As I was strolling in the cyberworld today, I saw these sunglasses that caught my attention.

Inventor Vintage sunglasses $10 from OC shades

That is some retro sunnies! At a very cheap price tag, its a steal! I just love the flip thing about it.

Dior homme (price unknown)

Its so futuristic, I love it! I've always wanted a pair from Dior homme.

Maison Martin Margiela Banded shades ($434.95)

Now talk about futurism! I DIE! I have seen these late last year and immediately fell in love with them. Margiela's accessories never fail to amuse and attract me. Its so eccentric, its divine!

+++Geck O.+++

BAGabond

2009-06-17T02:15:00.009+08:00

I am a self-confessed Bagaholic...so as a watch enthusiast, spaholic, chocolate devotee, and (insert something here) addict. haha! I am just into everything...everything I can barely afford. I guess its just human nature to want things thats hard for you to acquire. If you don't agree with me, you better get yourself check to verify if you are really one of us.

Anyway, these are my latest finds and obsessions around the web rather blogs I have been going through all day.

Ralph Lauren (price and name unknown) -- Men's fashion&style aficionado

What I love about this bag is that it looks similar to a Louis Vuitton steamer bag / Hermes Haut A Courroies(HAC) and for sure for a much cheaper cost. But of course, if money wasn't an issue I would always prefer HAC.

Lanvin document holder ($252.76) -- Style Flavor

I have been wanting a leather document case. I was eyeing for the Louis Vuitton monogram one (like the one from Tyra Banks) but what I don't like are the handles. This one from Lanvin seems quite perfect and comes in black, brown, and white.

Balenciaga silver giant hardware automne envelope clutch ($495) -- My MANy Bags

I WANT! I need a small bag for small items I carry with me all the time and clutches are the first one that comes to mind. This one is perfect because the size is not that awkward for a guy. Speaking of Balenciaga, I saw this really nice black messenger in homme et femme, Shangri-La last month and was a bargain for Php50,000++. I want that one too.

Prada in nylon and leather (name and price unknown)

Just like the Ralph Lauren above, this one is pretty too. I love the color. But I think its a bit too formal. It reminds me of those leather document/attache hard case in red used by old executives.

Oh and here are other funny looking but rather interesting ones:

Azumi and David loop handle heel bag -- Highsnobette

Women, take your shoe fetishes to the next level!

Azumi and David hat handle bag -- Highsnobette

Azumi and David makes really interesting bags! This one is just very innovative. A hat and a bag in one!

+++Geck O.+++

Gold, Diamond, and Chocolate?!

2009-06-16T11:12:00.010+08:00

(Pardon my FUGLYness)

Like everyone else, I'm a sucker for chocolates. I love great tasting chocolates, preferably dark. I hate sweet american (no offense) chocolates because they hurt my tonsils like fuck -not to mention they taste cheap too. My top two chocolatiers are of course, lady GODIVA and Armani Dolci's.(seen above) I had to be biased with my god, Armani! haha!

Anyway, upon my regular visits to my long list of reads a.k.a. Nebuale (refer to blogroll on the sidebar) an entry over at Luxist about chocolates (duh!) caught my attention. I actually didn't realize they were chocolates at first until I read the entry, I thought they were some fancy jeweleries. Why? Because they had gold and big ass diamonds in it! And by the name, who wouldn't think it was some fancy fashion shit? CHOCOUTURE. It reminded me of Juicy. haha!

See what I mean! Aren't they beautiful I-don't-want-to-eat-them chocolates?

Those are not real diamonds and gold of course, but they're edible. Chocolatines Diamond Collection features edible gold leaf and candy diamond which is made out of sugar and set in a chocolate that is made with a single-malt Scotch ganache. Each gemlike candy is set in glassine paper inside the faux leather box. These candies sell for $105 for 16 pieces.

Yummy! I do want to try them out. I hope they sell it somewhere accessible here from the third world side.

Excuse my words, grammar, organization of thoughts, etc. I haven't slept in a day.

+++Geck O.+++

Royal Shopping Scandal

2009-06-16T10:56:00.005+08:00

The Report:

Princess Maha al-Sudairi, the wife of Saudi Arabia's Interior Minister, is holed up in a Paris luxury hotel claiming diplomatic immunity after refusing to pay a $24 million tab she ran up at the city's ritziest boutiques. Al-Sudairi, whose husband Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz is a member of Saudi Arabia's royal family and is second-in-line to the throne, racked up the impressive debt on a year-long spree at the French capital's high-end clothing, jewelry and lingerie boutiques, the London Telegraph reports. In all some 30 businesses have been stiffed including Dior, jewelry shops Chaumet and Victoria Casal, lingerie emporium O Caprices De Lili, and the famed Hotel de Crillon.

The Princess is currently holed up in a $4,000-per-night suite at the ultra-luxe Four Seasons George V hotel (above), which is partly owned by her nephew, Prince Al Waleed bin Talal. After some of those owed money initiated legal proceedings, the plaintiffs' lawyer Jacky Benazerah obtained a court order for bailiffs to go to the George V and seize the Princess' belongings. However, the Princess has invoked diplomatic immunity and will likely refuse them entry, in which case the French interior ministry and senior police officials would have to be consulted to authorize a police escort, the BBC reports.

Jamila Boushaba, owner of Paris' O Caprices De Lili lingerie shop, located directly across from the George V, was left holding a $100,000 bill for lacy underthings. "She was a very good customer for eight years, but then simply stopped paying," Boushaba tells the Telegraph. "I made a delivery of lingerie to the George V, but payment never arrived. Every time we called, we were told the bill would be settled the next day. It never was. When we contacted the Saudi ambassador in Paris he said there was nothing he could do for us." An aide to the Saudi royal family was similarly unhelpful, sniffing, "I'm afraid we can't go around settling bills for the Princess's knickers."

Jacky Giami, proprietor of luxury clothing boutique Key Largo, said the Princess stripped his shelves of some $215,000 worth of casual wear. "We know the family well – they're in Paris a lot," Giami tells the Telegraph. "She's not the kind of customer where you ask for a deposit, or to ask to see a piece of identity." Every time the Princess and her entourage visited Giami's and others' shops a representative would offer staff an embossed card stating "Payment to Follow". And of course having all those exquisite clothes cleaned cost quite a bit as well; the Princess is also said to have run up a drycleaning bill of $50,000 - per week. -- Luxist

Yet another epic example of what I have been trying to tell y'all, Class can never be bought nor taught...regardless of your title. Google the princess' name. She has been involved with numerous issues already. My take, one word for the princess: "eeeeewwwwwwww"

+++Geck O.+++

pimp+classic mercedes limos = for sale

2009-06-16T10:38:00.003+08:00

Two classic Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman limousines -a 1969 and a 1971, once owned by Hugh Hefner (yes, the old pimp pervy man), are now being sold by a collector from New Zealand.

Hef ordered these 2 classic ~~bunnies~~ Benzies of 21-ft. long with the rare 6-door configuration, of which only 140 were built, from the Mercedes factory in Stuttgart.

Both cars are painted black and feature forward facing seats at the center doors, a hydraulically operated reclining seat at the rear, curtains in the rear compartment, tinted glass, a soundproof glass center division with an intercom system for communicating with the chauffeur, and tons of chrome and wood paneling. The 1969 model is finished in black leather and features a refrigerated bar cabinet, while the 1971 has red leather and a built-in television. Both mint condition cars are priced at about $165,000.

The 600 Pullman, last of the hand-built Mercedes models, was the transport of choice for VIPs including the Pope, Coco Chanel, John Lennon, Jack Nicholson, Aristotle Onassis, and Elvis Presley, among others.

+++Geck O.+++

Million Dollar Stupidity

2009-06-15T10:43:00.005+08:00

The Report:

An Israeli woman mistakenly threw out a mattress she said had almost $1 million inside,setting off a frantic search through tons of garbage at a number of landfill sites on Wednesday.

The woman told The Associated Press that she bought her elderly mother a new mattress as a surprise present on Monday — and threw out the old one. The next day, she said, she remembered that she had hidden her life savings inside the old mattress.

“I woke up in the morning screaming, when it hit me what happened,” said the Tel Aviv woman.

She went to look for the mattress, but it had already been hauled away by garbage collectors, she said. Searches at three different landfill sites turned up nothing.
She said the money was in U.S. dollars and Israeli shekels. She refused to say how she acquired such a large sum.

“It was all my money in the world,” she said.

Yitzhak Borba, the dump manager, told Army Radio that his staff was helping the woman, saying she appeared “totally desperate.” He said the mattress was hard to find among the 2,500 tons of garbage that arrives at the site every day. The woman said the money had been stashed in a mattress because she had had “traumatic experiences with banks” in the past. She would not elaborate. -- The Associated Press

I can't think of anything to say but How can you be so stupid and forget you have a million dollar under your mattress?! I can take a bag of tylenol and not forget if I have one million dollars!

+++Geck O.+++

Baby For Rent

2009-06-15T09:51:00.007+08:00

I have been talking a lot about the global economic crisis in most of my previous entries. The luxury market was of course one of the biggest industries that was greatly affected by this phenomena. Everyone from the industry put so much time and effort now thinking of how to survive through the worst thing that happened since the Great Depression.

Bugatti Automobiles, one of the leading french car manufaturers -not to mention, makers of one (if not) of the most expensive car in the whole of gaLUXie, are no exception to companies that are in turbulence right now. One of their greatest car ever produced was the Bugatti Veyron, with a 7-figure price tag it became nothing but an impossible dream to almost everyone of us. The availability of this fastest street-legal car is another reason why not just anyone, even with the dough, can go home with it. Only 200 units are known to have been built and delivered since the production began.

Fortunately (still for those who can afford), a UK based company called Holders Vehicles Contracts thought of sharing the love for not-so commoners. They now offer car rentals of this one of kind automobile.

For $25,000 a day, you can now drive and enjoy the luxury of this baby. Still too much for you? Are you kidding me? You'll still need $160,000 for the deposit of course.

+++Geck O.+++

Stolen Picasso

2009-06-14T09:30:00.010+08:00

I admit that I am not an artiste or a big fan of art whatsoever but this news alarmed me.

A
Pablo Picasso
sketchbook worth god-knows-what gashmizillion dollars has been stolen from a museum in Paris.

There is no sign of anyone who broke-in at the Picasso Museum in the Marais area of the city, yet the red notebook containing 33 pencil drawings disappeared on Monday night, police said.

France’s culture minister, Christine Albanel, said the notebook -dating from 1917-1924 and with the word “Album” inscribed in gold on the front - would be hard to sell and called the theft “bizarre to say the least”.

There was no surveillance system in the room where the notebook was displayed, a police official said. The Culture Ministry said the notebook was removed from a glass case that "can only be opened with a specific instrument".

The sketchbook has been valued at $9.8 Million to $14 Million

+++Geck O.+++

A new Winged B

2009-06-14T03:14:00.007+08:00

I have mentioned in one of my previous entries my love for luxury automobiles and my top 2 labels being Rolls Royce and Bentley. In that entry, I showcased what's new with Rolls Royce. Here, we'll see an update from the other manufacturer.

Bentley Motors released a teaser video and photo of its newest masterpiece it plans to reveal later this summer (for those here in the third world, summer ends September 21st), most probably at Pebble beach.

The newest luxury automobile will be “positioned at the very pinnacle of the market — representing the height of British luxury motoring,” the company said. This vehicle will replace the Bentley Arnage as their top in the line-up and is designed to be “exceptional in all respects on the road.”

Bentley, however, declined to reveal any further details about the newest divine vehicle, other than to say it is being designed and engineered and will be built in Crewe, England, at the company’s headquarters.

The unofficially named "Grand Bentley" is likely to pop around the range of $295,400 (GBP 180,000)

Here's the teaser video for you to fantasize:

+++Geck O.+++

Shower yourself with Luxury

2009-06-14T01:57:00.005+08:00

One thing I really appreciate the most in a house is a lavish bathroom. I always dream of having a bathroom bigger than my actual bedroom when I build my dream home in the future. The modernist in me always looks for a bathroom equipped with state-of-the-art materials. Fortunate enough, I came across this wonderful bathroom equipments that is oh-so-techy and yet very very luxurious!

VADO, a premier bathroom brassware manufacturer based in UK, recently released their new series of five luxury showerheads (fixed, wall mounted, flush mounted, chromotherapy). All of which utilize chromotherapy (color therapy or colorology and is recognised as an alternative therapy). The heads release an ambient cascade of coloured water programmed using the removable wall mounted remote control pad. Each light emitting diode is set to awaken the senses and enhance feelings of positivity and well being.

Prices ranges:
300mm round fixed showerhead from 2269 pounds
380mm flush showerhead from 2,350 pounds
555mm wall mounted showerhead 2269 pounds

+++Geck O.+++

M&M

2009-06-14T01:41:00.004+08:00

Mercedes Benz E-class coupe

Two M's most of us would die for - MODELS & MERCEDES!

I love the latest concept of the car manufacturer. The website special was awesome. It looked more of an fashion editorial shoot for a magazine than an ad of a car. Great Job!

Check out the website special at the Official Website.

+++Geck O.+++

Little K

2009-06-14T01:23:00.003+08:00

After spotting him in French Vogue wearing nothing but a Chanel cardigan and a heels, Karl Lagerfeld immediately booked him for Chanel accessory campaign. Thereafter, he became Lagerfeld's muse and was seen in dozens of editorials, campaigns, and shows. He is also currently ranked #1 in models.com's top 50.

He is Baptiste Giabiconi

What a cool Ken aka little Karl Lagerfeld!

He accompanied Lagerfeld to a dinner held in the Kaiser's honor on the eve of Art Basel in Switzerland.

The two are always seen together these days.

+++Geck O.+++

Jaeger le Hermes

2009-06-14T00:50:00.005+08:00

No! its not a new brand. No! noone bought one from the other. No! they are not together...well sort of.

I saw this a couple of days ago too and thought is it for real? Did Jaeger le Coultre and Hermes collaborated some time in the past? Being skeptical, I did not believe it. But it haunted me to sleep like when you see stuff in Hermes and you just couldn't sleep because you did not buy them. It was the same feeling I felt, knowing how much I fancy watches, when I did not post.

So here, a Vintage Jaeger le Coultre Travel Alarm by Hermes

“From the 1930s, here is a travel alarm clock from Jaeger Lecoultre. If that wasn’t enough, this pop-up alarm clock was sold and signed by a small French retailer that goes by the name of Hermes. This item has the destinct honor of being called by two terms that we adore “vintage Jaeger Lecoultre” and “vintage Hermes”

Isn't it just sooo damn beautiful?? One of the best collaborations I have ever known.

+++Geck O.+++

A Hat or A Crown?

2009-06-13T20:37:00.005+08:00

I have no idea if you guys have seen this one already but I saw this a couple of days ago and thought it looked eccentrically ridiculous so I did not bother posting it but I realized this is a luxury blog-NOT. But seriously, I wanted to post this cause it really looked ugly and for its hefty cost, who would bother?

This..not the model, you idiot..hat is crowned as the most expensive one in the world.

Chapeau d’Amour—the “hat of love”—was created by celebrity couture designer Louis Mariette.

Made of woven platinum and covered in stunning diamonds, the hat was inspired by ivy and bluebells.

It was modeled by Alicia Witt at Christie's in London.

It is valued at $2.7 million. Unfortunately for you hat collectors out there, Chapeau d’Amour is not for sale.

For its price, it looked more of a crown than a hat to me.

What do you think?

+++Geck O.+++

WELCOME THE gaLUXie's MUSE

2009-06-13T02:13:00.002+08:00

John Galliano Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear

I have always been mesmerized by this Belrussian, ever-androgynous beauty!

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear

It's just so sad that I always forget her quite complicated name.

Versace Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear

Good thing, a fellow blogger and my fashion partner, Gerard, helped me remember who this beautiful model was.

Antonio Berardi Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear

She is TANYA DZIAHILEVA

casting

A model known for her "elfish" and "alien" looks.

editorial

She has been doing major fashion work since spring of 2006

Vogue Nippon November 2007

She has modeled, walked, and been on the ads of almost all major fashion designers/houses and magazines.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear

PLEASE WELCOME THE gaLUXie's MUSE!

Profile:

Name: Tanya Dziahileva
Nationality: Belrussian
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Blue
Date of Birth: 4 or 9 January 1991
Place of Birth: Minsk or Vitebsk, Belarus
Height: 5' 11" ; 180.5cm
Measurements: (US) 34-25-35 ; (EU) 86.5-63.5-89
Dress Size: (US) 6 ; (EU) 36
Shoe Size: (US) 7 ; (EU) 39
Agencies:

Elite Model Management - New York
Storm Models
Marilyn Agency
Why Not Model Agency

From now on until I decide to change my mind, She will be THE gaLUXie's MUSE! (w/o her consent. haha!) She is now a part of this blogsite. You will see her face from time to time in my entries. Also, she is posted on the sidebar(whatever you call it) right there--->

I LVOE LVOE LVOE HER TO DEATH!!!!!!!

Special Thanks to:
Style.com
FMD - fashion model directory
for the pictures and profile

Please CLICK to catch more of her on:

+++Geck O.+++

More Space, Less Fab

2009-06-13T00:06:00.004+08:00

By the end of last night (Thursday), I was supposed to post this one. But due to being so pre-occupied with reformatting my desktop, updating my old Samsung laptop, and doing online rituals on my Macbook, I did not have time anymore.

After a long time of soul searching... haha OA! It’s been a long time since I have been wanting to have more storage for my computer files. For some odd reason, it took me so much time to finally get an external Hard Disk/Drive.

Yesterday (Thursday) I went to Asian Hospital for a dental check-up with mom. I brought me with me my trusty old camera (its so old that if it was a person, it already died of old age) for some style hunting. I wanted to incorporate some The Sartorialist-ish here on the The gaLUXie and feature real people wearing real clothes. Also, I wanted to show everyone in the world (as if I have global readers) how stylish and fashionable people are here in Manila despite of being in the third world side.

Going back to my story, every time I go to Asian it is typical that I see people who pass my standards in being chic and stylish. Ironic as it may seem, people actually dress up whether they’re for medical check-up or to be confined. Good for them! I appreciate that a lot. Apparently with yesterday’s visit, there were none. Sure. there were a couple of designer bag-toting bitches who probably don’t even know those designers they are carrying. Bitches who equalize the logo LV to being stylish. It was a quick visit so probably I had missed the good ones out.

After the dental check-up, mom wanted to drop-by A.T.C. to get some stuff from Rustan’s. I agreed since I did not catch anyone in the hospital, perhaps the fashionables are all in the mall. For good 2 hours of strolling, there were none. Its as if I was Will Smith in the motion picture I am Legend and mom was the dog. Seriously, all I saw were rich, Louis Vuitton-toting, fugly people who dressed like they were about to go to the toilet and have a blast! I wanted to go to the customer service paging counter and scream “WHERE DID ALL THE STYLISH PEOPLE GO?”

I felt so much dispirited and thought maybe its because of the financial crisis. Yeah I was going through my psycho-analytical world and connecting what an unfortunate experience it was with the swine flu and Lindsay Lohan’s getting into the House of Ungaro.

And because of the delirium, I went to the top floor of Alabang town center to check Octagon (a computer/techy retail store). I remembered that I have been wanting to get an external hard disk/drive for more than a year already. So I did see one, it was on sale for Php3,990. I told my mom and the conversion went on like this:

Me: Mom, I saw an external HD on sale for three nine something.
Mom: ah.. (thinking what the hell is that)
Me: yeah.. (expecting her to say go get it, ill pay)
Mom: expensive, no? (hinting buy it if you want but I wont pay for it)
Me: well, kind of..but its actually on sale already because that’s 320GB.
Mom: Okay. Where do I pay?
Me: (thinking: finally she got my point)

I went to the sales clerk and told him I’ll get one but while he was getting it I asked if it was the cheapest. Surprisingly, it wasn’t. There was another one, a little smaller but same capacity and looked better. So I got that instead for Php3,600. See! I am a smart buyer too!!

Moving on, we went home after that. Though still half-disappointed that I wasn’t able to spot anyone good enough to be featured for my blog, I was glad that I finally have an additional 320GB of space for computer files because having a desktop, an old Samsung laptop, and a Macbook are just not enough for me. Don’t ask me why, I can’t figure out either!

Oh shit its already Saturday morning (time: 0:10). Anyway, I was also busy last Thursday night because I finally found out the name of one of my favorite model. Thanks Gerard, my fashion partner! Watch out for her on my next entry.

+++Geck O.+++

Featured @ THE EDGE

2009-06-11T03:53:00.004+08:00

It is an honor to have been featured over at
THE EDGE
to give my very own
10 Rules of Style.

THE EDGE is your one-stop blog on Men's Style and Fashion. It gives you guidelines, as well as the latest buzz, on being a trendy, chic and EDGIER man. It is where, as it describes, men are separated from the boys.

THE EDGE, under Team A&C's umbrella of fashion blogs, is also an esteemed blog-friend and a religious read of The gaLUXie.

My utmost gratitude to THE EDGE's editor and my very own fashion partner, Gerard Gotladera, for giving me the opportunity to share what I think are the essentials of a stylish man.

THE EDGE
(click)

+++Geck O.+++

Reuters Global Luxury Summit 2009

2009-06-11T00:54:00.009+08:00

Reuters Global Luxury 3-day Summit which ended ~~today~~ yesterday (timecheck now: 1am), revealed and discussed what the businesses under the industry are doing now. Interviews with chief executives and chairmen of the luxury brands have shared the actions they are taking now and will take as the world undergo to economic turbulence.

Luxury's best from all over the world- Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, Dubai- are united in fighting and staying strong amidst the difficulties, not to mention their strong optimism about it.

Here are some of the highlights from the summit:

Hermes breeds own crocs to meet bag demand - "It can take three to four crocodiles to make one of our bags so we are now breeding our own crocodiles on our own farms, mainly in Australia," Patrick Thomas told the Reuters Global Luxury Summit in Paris. Hermes already faces a major challenge producing 3,000 crocodile bags a year, Thomas said, adding: "The world is not full of crocodiles, except the stock exchange!"

Burberry says can beat recession - British luxury brand Burberry does not feel threatened by shoppers seeking value for money in the recession, though it thinks so-called "aspirational" consumers are unlikely to return to buying expensive coats and handbags any time soon."There's two parts to consumer sentiment (at the moment). One is price, but the other is a return to things that are timeless and lasting and where there's a return -- a long return -- on the investment you're making," Chief Executive Angela Ahrendts told the Reuters Global Luxury Summit in London

Japan pearls in peril amid recession, competition - Japan's akoya pearl industry, which began in the 1890s when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world's first cultured pearls, is facing collapse due to plunging sales and stiff competition from China.

Fashion Yachts says financing sales tougher - "The bigger problem now is not finding the client, it's finding the leasing for the client," Fabrizio Politi told the Reuters Luxury Summit in London.

Adler designing holiday "adorableness" - Adler, who designs high-end home goods from sofas to salt shakers, expects his 2009 holiday sales to increase 15 percent after a similar rise in 2008 holiday revenue -- a period when the overall retail industry suffered its worst hit in nearly 40 years.

Swiss watchmakers mark time for upturn - "We only supply 60 percent of demand. We always said never deliver what people need. Only give them half, then you keep them hungry," Jean-Claude Biver of Hublot said.

New Rolls-Royce model to double sales - British luxury car firm Rolls-Royce has received around 1,500 serious expressions of interest in its soon-to-be-launched 'Ghost' model -- a figure that would more than double the group's annual sales.

Japan's traditional dolls defy recession - "They're calling this a 'once in a century' economic slump, but it turned out our situation wasn't so bad," said Yagi, the third-generation owner of a 76-year-old shop in Tokyo's Asakusabashi district, home to many such doll stores.

Investcorp expects growth in Mideast luxury market - The Middle East mass luxury goods sector is set to grow 10 percent a year and its market share in a $300 billion global industry is likely to rise from 5 percent now, Bahrain's Investcorp.

Dubai luxury hotelier to resume hiring, expand - Dubai luxury hotelier Jumeirah -- famous for managing the sail-shaped Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai -- expects to unlock a recruitment freeze by year-end ahead of new hotel openings in 2010, and is aiming to operate up to 30 hotels by 2013, its executive chairman said.

Estee sees easy-on-wallet holiday items - Estee Lauder Cos Inc is working to put more affordable products on store shelves for the 2009 holiday season and expects seasonal sales to be similar to those of a year earlier, the cosmetics and perfume company's COO said.

Saks sees 3-5 new outlet stores a year - Upscale retailer Saks Inc expects to open three to five outlet stores per year but sees little need for additional locations for its core stores, as the U.S. economy remains mired in recession.

Luxury sales will grow in 2011: Julius Baer - Global sales of luxury goods will likely fall again in 2010 but return to growth in 2011, an industry expert.

Bottoms up, not bottom line, says Taittinger CEO - "I am a happiness producer. Figures do not interest me," Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger told the Reuters Global Luxury Summit in Paris.

China to overtake Italy for Lamborghini: CEO - China will overtake Italy as the second-biggest market behind the United States for iconic sportscar maker Lamborghini within three to five years, the group's chief executive said.

It's all about distribution. luxury execs say - Luxury goods groups with their own network of shops are weathering the downturn better than those relying on wholesalers or third-party distributors, executives told the Reuters Global Luxury Summit in Paris.

Luxury groups use movies, dinners to boost image - Luxury groups are turning to films, the Internet and private dinners to attract customers as they search for more cost-effective ways to advertise to fight falling sales, executives told the Reuters Global Luxury Summit.

Roberto Coin sees jewellery pickup in 2011 - "I see a (2011) pickup around the world because the damage cannot go any further than in 2009 ... (2009) is the worst," Coin told the Reuters Luxury Summit in London. "(There will be) certain improvement (in 2010), but not that much." Jewelry brands have not been spared by the global economic crisis which has sapped demand for pieces and even well-heeled clients have cut back.

Dubai to build arts and fashion districts - Dubai Culture plans to create a neighborhood dedicated to fashion, high-end design and gastronomy. The authority is also developing legislation to allow foreign artists residency rights if they have only part-time or non-profit work, which is currently not possible.

"The era of big spending is not over. People who know and enjoy luxury hotels do not trade down. They might on an airline ticket but not on a hotel."
(Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of JUMEIRAH Group)

Source: Reuters

+++Geck O.+++

Hermes' downturn

2009-06-10T00:50:00.005+08:00

The Report:

Hermes believes turbulence could hit the global luxury goods industry for the next two years and has put some expansion plans on hold, the French fashion and leather goods group said on Monday.

Watches and jewelry will take at least two years to recover from the current luxury spending downturn but fashion sales could pick up faster, Hermes Chief Executive Patrick Thomas told the Reuters Global Luxury Summit in Paris.

“In my opinion, turbulence will last rather long, maybe two years,” Thomas said.

The world’s second-largest luxury goods group in terms of market value behind LVMH said it had postponed the opening of two shops in China and two leather goods plants in France.

As a result, it cut its investment budget to 160 million euros ($221.3 million) from 180 million initially, Thomas said.

But Hermes, known for its chic handbags and silk scarves, would still open eight shops this year, including in Dubai, Denver, Las Vegas, Istanbul, Brazil and two in China.

To help keep costs low, Hermes introduced a hiring freeze at its headquarters.

While in the past it hired up to 200 leather goods craftsmen, it would hire between 50 and 100 this year to help meet demand, Thomas said.

There are waiting lists of several years for certain types of bags. Hermes handbags, which are all handmade in France, start at around 1,500 euros and can fetch more than 30,000.

LONG-TERM CONFIDENCE

Thomas said its stores continued to perform well, except in Japan, and that the wholesale business, which made up 20 percent of turnover, continued to suffer, particularly in the tableware and watch units, as retailers kept inventories low.

But the wholesale perfume business was starting to recover, he said, as stocks were starting to run out.

Thomas reiterated the group’s target of flat sales for the current year at constant exchange rates. In turn, this would lead to a drop in the operating profit margin of “between 0 and 1 percentage point,” compared with 25.5 percent last year.

While he expressed caution about the short-term, Thomas said Hermes remained confident it would return to its historical sales growth level of 10 percent at current exchange rates.

He said Hermes had not changed its advertising strategy but it had raised its budget by about 10 percent to over 100 million euros and planned to spend slightly more in China than in other countries.

Advertising represents about one-third of total communication costs, or 300 million euros.

Thomas added that the group was not looking for acquisitions as it was satisfied with its current internal growth rate. ---Reuters

I seriously hate and at the same time feel bad about what is happening to the luxury industry because of the global economic crisis. The luxury industry is undeniably suffering really hard because of the world's status now. I hope it gets better soon.

People, just because its recession it doesn't mean you cannot buy luxury products anymore. Remember, those products are more than pleasurable items, they are also investments. At times like these, you really need good investments because you never know how the world will turn the next day.

To Hermes and to all luxury brands out there, just hold on. Don't easily give up. This is just a phase.

Damn! All the more I want to be part of the industry already...

+++Geck O.+++

WANTED: Benefactor

2009-06-09T23:16:00.006+08:00

I WANT TO DIE NOW!!!

Not because its for sale now but precisely because its the most impossible thing for me to buy it! (even stay in it)

As I have desperately showed my ultimate dream for Hotels in my previous entry, this one exaggerates it even more...

One of the oldest luxury hotels in the entire world, the famed Hotel de Crillon in Paris, situated at the city's best location to own a hotel- on the foot of Champs Elysees at the north end of Place de la Concorde -has been put up in the market for sale by its American owner Starwood Capital. The luxurious hotel is priced at about $420 million.

The Hotel de Crillon boasts its luxurious features beginning at the marble lobby and into the adjacent grand restaurant Les Ambassadeurs filled with crystal chandeliers and decorated in seven different marbles. The hotel's public salons are filled with 17th and 18th century chandeliers, furniture, fine pieces of sculpture, and Louis XVI chests and chairs. Its Leonard Bernstein suite, on the top floor with a wrap-around terrace gives a spectacular view of Paris, and also contains one of the maestro's pianos.

The five-star hotel, with 103 guest rooms and 44 suites, occupies one of two identical stone buildings, divided by the rue Royale, were constructed in 1758 as originally the palatial edifice commissioned by Louis XV.

It has become a favorite of famous clientele such as royalties and a-listers of the world then and now. Famous personalities include Marie Antoinette, The Kennedy's, King George V of UK, Emperor Hirohito of Japan, Hassan II of Morocco, Shah of Iran, Winston Churchill, Jackie O, Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Roger Federer, and many more.

The hotel is likely to be sold to a high net-worth individual (supposedly me. haha!) or a property investor rather than one of the large hotel chains, according to the Times of London. Starwood Capital took over the Crillon in 2005 as part of its 2 billion euros acquisition of the world famous producer of champagne Taittinger.

TASTE, FEEL, HEAR, SEE, AND SMELL MY DESPERATION...Any Benefactor out there? With this one, I'd give anything, even my soul to the devil.

+++Geck O.+++

WANT: Luxury Living New York

2009-06-09T14:17:00.006+08:00

All those who know me quite well are familiar that my ultimate goal in life is to build my own Luxury hotel...a chain if it permits. Fashion is indeed my passion but Luxury is my life, so it comes first. That is why my blog, as you can observe, is more inclined towards Luxury and just incorporates Fashion in it. But the combination of the two is EUPHORIA to me.

Going back, its a hotel...so inclination to fine architectural details and elaborate interior design is a given fancy too. I prefer ultra modern with a dash of minimalism. Ahh sweet!

Anyway that was just an introduction of what this entry is all about.

I am a fan of coffee table books and teNeues is one of my favorite publishers because they bring just about anything. Not only that, the items they have are so great you'd really want to collect them all. Speaking of which, I want to collect their Luxury Series. (But I'd have to sacrifice a year out of college to do so)

One of their latest volumes from the series is this (above), Luxury Living: New York. It features the best of what the Manhattan penthouses, upper east side apartments, and Hamptons' country style houses have to offer. Masterpiece by masterpiece; Page by page all from the superb photography of Reto Guntli.

DAMN! I really want the book!! Will someone please send me one? or if you're the most charitable person in the world, the whole series? I AM DESPERATE HERE!

You'll get a warm, juicy, mouth-watering THANK YOU in return + there's more!!! If you give it to me personally, you'll get an additional hug absolutely free!

+++Geck O.+++

A leaf that fell off the tree

2009-06-09T13:29:00.005+08:00

We have all heard the news about Christian Lacroix's bankruptcy. Personally, it pains me to see a fashion legend, avant-garde genius, and grand couturier to just stop and shut down because of financial issues.

Christian Lacroix both haute couture and pret-a-porter are shutting down because of its losses that totals to 10million euros.

Recently, the man himself talks about it emotionally in an interview for Le Monde(its in french though). He talks about what happened and why it happened which all led to the proceedings of bankruptcy.

It is so heartbreaking that its another loss from the already limited number of haute couturiers that the fashion and luxury industry have.

I just wish this may be the last of the losses in the fashion industry due to the financial crisis. We all know how much the industry is shaken with the economic issues thats happening lately.

As for Christian Lacroix, I hope he can find an investor that would back him up in bringing the label back to business sometime in the future. Bye for now...

+++Geck O.+++

Rolls Royce's new feature

2009-06-09T11:27:00.008+08:00

I only have 2 dreamiest dream cars, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Bentley Arnage. Dreamier than that is collecting all models for each brand, which I know is the most impossible and stupidest thing I ever thought of. 2 cars I probably can buy if I starve myself and not spend a single cent 'til I'm 80 years old (if I'm not dead yet).

Having those 2 as top most in my list, I also have gazillions of runner ups. This list is updated as often as anyone updates their status in Facebook.

The last of update is not quite new but rather an upgrade.

Having problems where to put your purse while you savor the luxuriousness of your Rolls Royce at the back seat?

Now here's a solution:

Rolls Royce's 200EX concept model boasts a new feature, an Auto-Adjusting Purse Holder. A purse pop out holder/rack of the back seat complete with wings to support the width of the purse, and as soon as it senses your purse, it automatically has a piece that slides up to give it a little squeeze and hold it in place.

The concept model will start production in 2010, so get your purses and wallets ready!

+++Geck O.+++

Fashion is SWEET

2009-06-09T02:17:00.010+08:00

Louis Vuitton watermelon slice

Gucci juicy pomegranate & YSL caramel

Chanel luscious lilac

YSL wild cherry & Chanel green apple

Some of you might have seen them a few months ago, these Designer logo inspired lollipops have scattered everywhere in the internet (I'm not sure though if these lollipops made their way out and had been sold in real life). The man behind this creation, together with the help of these powerhouse labels, was photographer Massimo Gammacurta. He is known for almost-fashion related photos that tell stories with a lot of twists. Truly a mind-boggling genius!

Given those deliciously looking designer labeled candies, I can definitely say

LET ME LICK THAT LOLLIPOP!!! haha!

Now adding to these new craze for fashion sweets are fashion cupcakes!

Christian Louboutin & Louis Vuitton

Betsey Johnson & Chanel

Shot by a fashion, beauty, and still life Swedish photographer, Therese Aldgard, who is another enthusiast of almost-fashion related photos and styled by prop designer Lisa Edsalv. Although Aldgard doesn't have Gammacurta's ability to mind-fuck, her photos lean towards fashion more.

To Filipinos(those) Cupcakes by Sonja's lovers...What do you have to say about this? haha!

I think these sweets are the keys for my unending dilemma of gaining weight. Watchathink??

+++Geck O.+++

Brioni, what happened?

2009-06-08T02:45:00.009+08:00

This is actually not an entry about the Italian fashion house that specializes in impeccably hand made suits, not to mention the maker of World's Most Expensive one.

This was the case for Brioni until

Alexander Amosu

topped everyone in the luxury bespoke suit maker industry.

Designed by a UK-based Nigerian entrepreneur, Dr. Alexander Amosu, the now Most Expensive Suit in the entirety of the gaLUXie comes from the recently launched line bearing his name.

If Brioni suits patronized by business tycoons like Donald Trump and actors like Daniel Craig, ranges from $6,000 to $46,000, Alexander Amosu's cost a whopping (take a deep breath and keep it at that) $103,000 (70,000 pounds). I kid you not.

Here's why:

The one-off creation has taken in excess of 80 hours to complete and is made from vicuña, a rare wild South American animal related to the camel which only produces enough wool for shearing every three years, qiviuk, the world’s most expensive wool, gathered from the Arctic muskox. When blended with pashmina from the high mountain plateaus of the Himalayas they create Vanquish II, one of the world’s most luxurious cloths. The suit features over 5,000 individual stitches equating to £14 (approx. $20) per stitch. And no price for guessing that the suit features diamonds to justify its six-figure price tag. The suit features nine 18-carat gold and pave set diamond buttons to make it worth every penny.

Being treated like an Oscar winning actor, the suit was escorted to Pall Mall for the event in its very own top of the range armoured range rover, built to withstand even the most extreme attack.

Amosu also launched his new luxury line for men and women, with prices starting from $7,300 and rising to $103,000 for the suit. Exquisite platinum and gold suits are featured in Amosu’s collection made from the finest wools in the world such as Qiviuk. It’s gathered from the Arctic Musk Ox, which only sheds its coat once a year.

What makes it different from the other expensive brands is its rich make and the number of hours slogged in to give shape to this formal garment.

If you wanted to purchase one of Alexander’s creations, part of the service is that he and his tailors will travel to clients anywhere in the world in order to take measurements and fit the suit.Nine carat gold and pave set diamond buttons complete each suit and customers of Alexander Amosu will definitely enjoy the rewards of the luxury lifestyle that accompanies their purchase. A few of these perks include a 1 hour flight by private jet to anywhere in the world by Cloud9, 1 year free wealth management from Cheviot Asset Management and a 24hr Global Concierge service.

Alexander Amosu is a highly trained tailor with over 20 years experience and will craft each suit by hand. Bespoke suits are available for both men and women alongside luxury bespoke shirts. He explains – “Buying an Alexander Amosu suit is the ultimate in luxury. We create the finest bespoke suits using fabrics which emphasise character, style and individuality. I firmly believe that in the wake of the recession, there is still a demand for uncompromising quality. We might not be catering to everyone, but the people who buy Alexander Amosu want to wear the very best suits in the world.”
Customers of Alexander include business Tycoons Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan, as well as Formula one driver Adrian Suti.

Oh THE suit has been sold to a mystery buyer for the mentioned price tag.

+++Geck O.+++

Gucci gone chinese

2009-06-08T02:20:00.005+08:00

China is, without a doubt, a booming power nation these past few years. I cannot possibly think of anything that China has not made yet. Their versions of mobile phones, automobiles, even germs (yes! there are Chinese germs already. Scattered everywhere) haha!

Luxury brands have been shifting to east and the vast land of China is their main target. Gucci just opened their 28th store in China and their CEO, Patrizio Di Marco, said that Gucci wants to have 40 stores in China within the next few years. Gucci seems not affected of the global economic crisis because of their sales that continue to rise.

My take, well I'm not Gucci kid... I was never one! I never owned any Gucci in my entire fashionable existence. I have liked a couple of collections they have made in the recent years but it did not bother me not owning one. Probably because I grew up in that way. My self-confessed Glamazon Mother LOATHES Gucci. Considering the label-whore that she is, she doesn't own even a perfume that carries the name of Gucci. There's a long, funny, and, interesting story behind her hate for the label and I don't blame her at all. She always says: "Gucci are for old people." The brand is even banned in her eyesight and which therefore includes our house. haha!

I never hated Gucci so whatever it is that they are doing right now for the brand's growth, I am glad!

**This entry is actually a sign of my pissness to someone. Just connect the dots you find in this entry. You Gucci person, DIE!!!

"At the end of this day, one shall stand and another shall fall."
(Optimus Prime, Transformers, 2007)

*can't wait for the sequel this month!

+++Geck O.+++

Reality in Wall Street

2009-06-05T23:34:00.003+08:00

Poverty is a choice, Luck and Miracle is not.

This is one of the best sayings (I think) I ever made. I have always believed that choice is inevitable in life. Poverty is there not because of the system of government you have in your country, regardless if you're in a first or third world, nor because of the officials you have. It is within the citizen/person's choice that is why he is in the whatever situation he is.

I read in someone's blog (I think its my fashion partner, Gerard's) that he hates it when he is given reasons such as (eg. you are so privileged already that you have a comfortable life, some people (wherever slums that is) don't even have food/shelter/etc) Well, I too hate it so much when given such excuses! Excuses such as that's why I can't buy that new Balenciaga I have been craving for for months now is because its too much already, we should share our blessings. (making parinig) haha! I mean its bullshit. Its not my fault they are poor. Don't get me wrong here I have a humanitarian side. I give to charities too. But come on, its not my problem anymore that some people are as poor as rats.

You are poor because you choose to be! Everything you do is your choice. Why are there stories of people who came from rags to riches? Its because they dreamed and persevered to make it happen. Some people lack that! Its either they blame other people such as the government or worse, depend on them. In life, you can't deped on anyone but yourself. Anyone can let you down no matter how intimate your relationship is. There is no assurance that that someone you are depending your life on will give you a taste of heaven. Strive hard for yourself. You are given a pair of hands, feet, and a brain regardless of its size so USE it! This is why I believe that SLOTH is one of the greatest sins. You cannot just lie around and wait til a basket of gold fall right in front of you. You need to do something.

It annoys the hell out of me to see people like these and here in the country it seems so normal. Filipinos tend to do that. Poverty level is growing not solely because of corruption, in fact I think its the least reason. The real reason behind it is that Filipinos are lazy bitches! Yes, admit it! Most of the filipinos are lazy and tend to just blame the government for everything. The government is not there to make our lives easier! Thats why I admire people who work their ass of to get their families by. If prostitution is the key then so be it, sometimes you have to really sacrifice. I really dont care about the background of what you do as long as you are doing it with integrity and with the greatest intentions. I cant blame you if thats your only skill or thats the only thing you know but at least you are trying to strive for your life to be better.

It's all just in us. Poverty..BULLSHIT!

WAKE UP EARLY, (for those who have a lot of kids or responsibilities, even EARLIER!)
WORK YOUR ASS OFF THE WHOLE DAY (do whatever it is to earn)
DONT BE A ONE DAY MILLIONAIRE
YOULL SEE, ITLL PAY OFF!!

Enough of sermon, I'm tired! I just needed to get it off my chest. It really bothers me. I know what I said is not substansial enough and its not organized but at least I tried getting the message across.

So I found this article in wall street last June 2nd. I was really shocked when I read it. I've seen myself being in the busy wall street and having that lifestyle --in my dreams. But this article woke me up to reality....

Carlos Araya used to order lobster, filet mignon and $200 bottles of red wine at the Palm Restaurant in midtown Manhattan.

Now, he seats customers at its Tribeca branch.

Mr. Araya, 38 years old, lost his job in 2007 as a crude oil trader on the New York Mercantile Exchange. After visiting dozens of headhunters with no luck, he applied in August 2008 to be a host at the Palm to support his wife, two young daughters and mortgage payments. His salary has plunged from $200,000 to $25,000.
If the financial crisis was the flood, then the Arayas are one of the families standing in the stagnant waters left behind. Some former Wall Street employees, highly trained and accustomed to comfortable salaries, are having trouble translating their specialized skills to other fields that pay well, and instead find themselves forced to accept low-wage work. Now, Mr. Araya is on the brink of losing it all and is doubtful that he will ever return to Wall Street.

And he isn't alone. Nearly 25,000 jobs have been lost in New York City's financial sector since August 2007, according to the New York State Department of Labor. The finance industry in New York is expected to lose 56,800 jobs from the end of 2007 to the beginning of 2012, according to projections from the Independent Budget Office, a publicly funded information agency.

John Carbonaro was let go as a floor clerk by Bank of America in January 2009, and despite his job-hunting efforts, remains a "Mr. Mom." Joe Morrone, a laid-off trading clerk from Prudential, has been unemployed for two years and struggles to support his daughters and grandson. He has had stints as a deli worker, a doorman and a bouncer. "I used to have three cars," Mr. Morrone says. "Now I share one."

The result is an unlikely stream of erstwhile Wall Street pros need help.

"I've got 'em all -- Lehman, AIG, Citi," says Bob Townley, head of Manhattan Youth in Tribeca, an organization that gave the Arayas financial assistance to pay for childcare while they are working. "I can hear it in a parent's voice when there's trouble. Others are too proud to ask for help."

Many of these parents once made donations to Mr. Townley's program. Now they are asking for aid to pay for their kids. Mr. Araya's daughters, ages 6 and 7, are in an after-school program at Mr. Townley's center.

Nowadays, during Mr. Araya's late nights at the Palm, reminders of his old life crop up when former colleagues come in. Some are encouraging and offer hugs. Others sneer, he says. "The way they look at you, you know they're thinking negatively," he says. Some are laid-off like him, and ask if the restaurant is hiring.
As a host, Mr. Araya wears a suit and tie. He's on his feet most of the day, either escorting guests to tables or manning the podium at the front, answering phone calls, managing reservations on the computer and fielding orders from wait staff and managers.

Although he's thankful for the work at the Palm, paydays can be bittersweet. "At the end of the week, I get my paycheck," he says, "and I think, 'I used to make this much in a day.' "

Mr. Araya's wife, Dennise, has gone back to work as an administrative assistant for a construction company and leaves home at 6 a.m. Mr. Araya often works until one or two in the morning and on weekends, leaving little time for the family to be together. He calls his daughters every night during his break at the restaurant on his cellphone to say good night.

Mr. Araya now is the one who gets his children ready for school. He's learned to tie pony tails, inadvertently shrunk sweaters in the wash and knows which grocery store has the best price on milk.

The Arayas stopped dining out, pulled their daughters out of ballet and tumbling classes, and dropped cable television -- even though the flat screen he bought when they first moved in still sits in the living room.

Last month, for the first time, the Arayas didn't make a mortgage payment. Their savings are almost depleted. The mortgage, taxes and fees for the family's condo cost $6,200. Combined, he and Denise bring in $4,000 a month. Three months ago, he and his wife applied to restructure their mortgage. The bank told them it is still processing the request. They fear foreclosure and bankruptcy.

Recently, their oldest daughter asked Mr. Araya if the family would have to move. He told her he didn't know. She countered: "How much money do we need?"

"The way she looked at me," Mr. Araya says, "I could tell she was counting the money in her piggy bank." He went into the bathroom and cried. After a few minutes, he dried his eyes and walked back into the living room.

Mr. Araya, the son of a cab driver, grew up in a working-class neighborhood in nearby Queens. Like thousands of New Yorkers, he used a Wall Street job to vault into a comfortable lifestyle that included his apartment -- bought for $960,000 four years ago -- in Manhattan's Battery Park City neighborhood and family vacations to Cabo San Lucas, Disneyland and Las Vegas.

The Arayas purchased the condo in 2005 with a 20% down payment and a pre-construction price. The proximity of the two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment to the trading pit allowed Mr. Araya to spend more time with his family and less time commuting. Ms. Araya diligently managed the family budget with Excel charts to ensure that they had no credit card debt, good credit histories even an emergency fund saved over five years that is now depleted. Mr. Araya says he would be lucky to find a buyer and break even on the apartment now.

Mr. Araya dropped out of college in 1992 to work in the pits, where he quickly advanced from runner to trader. He shifted between large firms like J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and smaller shops like Aren Brokerage Service, the firm that eventually laid him off.

A wrestler in high school, Mr. Araya was known for elbowing his way through the loud commodities pits. Nights were late; mornings began at 4:30 am, fueled by coffee.

"You'd clock in and just try to kill each other till the bell rang," Mr. Araya says.

He had a knack for the Merc job. He could gauge from the roar of traders' voices how the market was faring. He gained loyal clients, and was confident enough to engage in profane shouting matches with them on the phone. Mr. Araya still has dreams about the hand signals traders use to indicate orders. His trading jacket hangs in his closet.

Every day lately, he spends two hours online, trolling job Web sites like Monster.com and e-mailing former colleagues. The leads have dried up, since some of them are laid off themselves. He's contacted headhunters, been on a dozen interviews in the last year and a half, but nothing has come of them.

"It was a hard reality at first," he says. "I used to see unemployed people and think they were lazy, that it was all on them. Now it's happened to me." --- Wall Street Journal

WOW! Okay so Araya did not choose to have ended up like that but rather the other way around. At least, he's doing something about it... That's what I've been saying earlier, do something about being poor!

Anyway, shit! I hope it all gets better up in wall street before I step in.

+++Geck O.+++

Journey

2009-06-04T01:06:00.008+08:00

We have all seen and been amazed with Sean Connery's and The Coppolas' ad campaigns for Louis Vuitton. Now, adding up to the team is Louis Vuitton's Core Values 2009 ad campaign, the one seen above.

When I first the saw the ad, I got goosebumps all over my body. Its more than falling in love. I couldn't express it in words but I was just stunned by the ad campaign. I am not trying to overact here or anything but I never had this experience in a long time. My heart was beating fast too. It was one of the greatest feelings I ever felt in a couple months, maybe years. It was just so beautiful and breathtaking for me.

It was shot through the lens of the world renowned photographer and who has shot all the previous Louis Vuitton Core Values ad campaigns, Annie Leibovitz. Whatever it is that she did in this enchanting photo, it sure was a Magic!

Louis Vuitton Core Values 2009 ad campaign celebrates the greatest journey of all and commemorates the 40th anniversary of man's conquest to the Moon.

Louis Vuitton is proud to have brought together three exceptional figures whose own remarkable personal journeys have taken them into space: Buzz Aldrin, who in the course of the historic Apollo 11 mission with Neil Armstrong on 20^th and 21^st July 1969, became the second man to set foot upon the Moon; Jim Lovell, the commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission in 1970, who - as the world watched with bated breath - heroically guided his crew back to the safety of Earth; and Sally Ride, who in 1983 became the first American woman to venture into space as a crew member on Space Shuttle Challenger.

The new visual, photographed once more by Annie Leibovitz, was shot on the high plateaux of the Californian desert, from where, on a clear night, the Moon takes on an almost supernatural intensity. The three astronauts are portrayed quietly surveying the sky from the battered pickup truck in which they have undertaken this journey together, each no doubt reliving an extraordinary memory. Beside them on the truck is Louis Vuitton’s Icare travel bag in Monogram canvas, an allusion to the mythological hero who also dreamed of flight. The tag line, in an echo of Neil Armstrong’s famous words in 1969, states: "Some journeys change mankind forever."

Antoine Arnault, Head of Communications at Louis Vuitton, says: "With this latest impressive execution of the award-winning Core Values campaign, Louis Vuitton and its advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather have proved their ability to push the boundaries once again. Space represents the final frontier, and the Moon is the destination beyond which no man has yet travelled."

Simultaneously, in its first integrated press and digital advertising campaign, Louis Vuitton is launching a dedicated website - louisvuittonjourneys.com – on which Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell and Sally Ride discuss how the experience of space changed their lives, offering a fascinating insight into Annie Leibovitz's print visual. The site attains a degree of interactivity that is unprecedented for Louis Vuitton, enabling internet users to view the interviews as if they were actually present by, for example, playing them in any order they want, zooming in on an individual astronaut, or viewing the reactions of one astronaut to what another is saying. The interviews, which were filmed with three separate movie cameras to create a strange, gravity-defying ambiance, as if the astronauts were indeed in space, can also be downloaded to a computer, MP3 or mobile phone. Also featured on louisvuittonjourneys.com is a making-of video of the interviews, as well as a focus on The Climate Project, spearheaded by Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore, to which Louis Vuitton is making a donation on behalf of the three astronauts.

The new Core Values visual will appear in the July 2009 issues of international titles, while louisvuittonjourneys.com will be launched by a video teaser on 3^rdJune and will go on-line for a press preview on 10^th June (louisvuittonjourneyspress.com) ahead of its worldwide launch on 2^nd July. It can also be accessed via the Louis Vuitton corporate website louisvuitton.com. --- BusinessWire

Today June 4th, I went to the website (louisvuittonjourneyspress.com) and saw the spectacular video. Much more I felt stunned when I saw the video teaser. I was seriously about to cry. I loved every second of it! I'm sorry but I really can't express my feelings out in words. Just please visit the site and watch the video. Perhaps, you might understand why.

Maybe because the theme of the ad campaign has something to do with "The gaLUXie." Isn't travelling through space, just like the experiences of the three wonderful people featured in the ad, very much related to "The gaLUXie's" theme? What a great coincedent!

"Some journeys change mankind forever."

God! I'm still in awe of the ad campaign!! I love it so much I think its worthy to be "The gaLUXie's" header. What do you think?

+++Geck O.+++

the capital "H"

2009-06-03T14:38:00.016+08:00

A brand that has long been a master of luxury and exclusivity.

A symbol of elitism and class.

A high fashion house that specializes in impeccable quality and workmanship.

HERMES

Something I know everyone would want to get a piece of (Don't fool yourself, I know you want to). If money was not an issue, you would see it everywhere you turn.

This blog is a special feature of the eccentric ideas of the World of HERMES. Yes! How did Hermes lose their mind and produced the weirdest things? What happened to them? To the exclusivity? To luxury?

I know I have been praising them at the start but what are these things I found out?! It's madness!!

These past few days, as you can see in the gaLUXie's Space Station (chatbox), my fashion partner Gerard and I have been talking about the high end fashion houses' take on producing fashion mobiles! It started with my recent entry about the Chanel Fiole car that has been designed but has not been produced. I mentioned about the blog I made last year in my Multiply account (which I transferred here) regarding the collaboration of HERMES and BUGATTI. That, reminded me something I have not posted. I know they were big news last year but allow me to still talk about it now.

As we all know last year was a great year for Hermes, with their take on the automobile and the bicycle. Their collaboration with Bugatti producing the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes was sensational. When they produced the two-wheeled iconic bicycle, in partnership with Batavus, everyone talked about it too.

Furthermore, late last year Hermes teamed up with two more automobile manufacturer and produced one impressive car for each.

Citroen 2CV by Hermes

For their 60th Birthday Celebration, Citroen celebrated their seniority with Hermes as they created a special edition of the 1989 Citroen 2CV6. Hermes' created the made-to-measure design of the leather interior. With their reputation in leather work, we are assured of how such a masterpiece the car turned out.

According to the Press Release:

The 1989 2CV 6 Special, repainted in brown, gains a natural leather trim on the door facings, interior rearview mirror, gear knob, steering wheel and driver's sun visor. For an even more elegant finish, the two seats are upholstered in Hermes grey-beige cotton canvas and natural leather. As a finishing touch, the bonnet and interior trim at the rear of the vehicle also feature Hermes cotton canvas.

The 2CV celebrates its 60th birthday during the Paris Motor Show, on the 7th of October 2008.

My verdict, BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the classic look as well as the excellent stitching and leather work. Truly a vintage, classic, fashionable, automobile! I would die to have one! If the Bugatti is for the ones after speed, this one is for classy.

Hermes Special Edition Smart ForTwo

For their 3rd collaboration with car manufacturers (hopefully their last), Hermes together with Smart ForTwo Cars came up with their special edition.

Again, Hermes showed their workmanship in creating the best of leather interior for this state of the art car. Mixed with the leather interior, a special canvas called Toile H wraps around the whole of interior including the car's tridion safety cell.

Oh and guess what? You can choose between 10 different colors of the interior which includes Hermes' signature orange, gold, lime, indigo, and they even have (drumroll) pink!

Priced at $48,500 or 38,000 euros

Available in either hard top or convertible

(Tell me, reasonable or overpriced?)

Oh and I forgot to tell you, there's a bonus free standard umbrella!

+++Geck O.+++

SEXY & HORNY

2009-06-02T18:42:00.010+08:00

Little do everyone know that I am one of this rapper's biggest fans.

People perceive me of being such a party boy so most of them think that all I listen to are electronica, trance, house, and such genres of music. Sure, I admit that I am a big electro fan but actually I listen to r&b, hip hop, and rap music too!

Before I became an alleged party boy, I was a hip hop kid! Growing up with uncles who are not that older to me, I was influenced with these 90's kids in my family to be familiarized with the voices, skills, and style of rap music's classic such as Tupac Shakur, Bone Thugs & Harmony, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, and the list goes on.

In addition, I was engaged in all sorts of dancing too but mainly in street style. You may not imagine it but I wore those hip hop clothes too before being the sophisticated chic that I am now. Of course, I was still fashionable and did not follow those super baggy attires that I could be considered as a clothing hanger.

Until now I still carried with me the love for those genres of music. I still get myself updated as often as possible with (pardon me, but the N music) (no offense). I still get the feeling as a kid listening and grooving to the beats of hip hop and r&b. I find it hella sexy when I listen to them for some weird reason. Electro, on the other hand, will of course be forever a part of me. Its just that I listen to it when I'm feeling uhm-WILD! haha!

Going back to that big B sign above, as I mentioned I am a big fan of him. I've listened to his songs way back when he was still Lil'. I have followed even his love life throughout the years. He is, in short, my favorite rapper! or artist for that matter!!

Last May 30, he released the much awaited video from his latest album NEW JACK CITY PART II through his youtube account. As a subscriber of the said account, I was really waiting for the video. When it was finally released for the public to yell and be shocked at, I fainted! haha!

THIS IS BY FAR THE SEXIEST AND HORNIEST MUSIC VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE FASHIONABLE EXISTENCE!!!

BEST "BENGGA" SONG EVER!!!

Lo and behold,

(This video is not suitable for minors so you need an account in youtube confirming your birthdate)

It may not be related to Luxury nor Fashion but hey Bow Wow is fashionable! Just look at his watch in the video, isn't that such a dazzling diamond encrusted Cartier Santos 100?!

Oh and here's another cool video, "SHE'S MY", also from his latest album NEW JACK CITY PART II. This video features his Louis Vuitton "Stephen Sprouse Keepall 50" bag, Louis Vuitton "Evidence" Sunglasses, and his diamond encrusted Cartier Santos 100 again.

+++GECK O.+++

THEY DON'T STOP!

2009-06-01T21:07:00.009+08:00

STOP it, will you!!!!

Today, while I was updating myself with whats going on with the world (I haven't been out in 2 weeks!) through the cyberspace I saw something that shocked the hell out of me...

Immediately after seeing this, I screamed (in my thoughts)...

NOT AGAIN YOU M*$#&^(@F&($&RS!

Remember my entry about "WHO are you driving?" & "Bugatti Veyron par Hermes"

You got it! There are new additions to the team of luxury fashion brands taking over the ~~world~~ wheels industry!!

To the world of Fashionable Luxury Bicycles...

WELCOME,

FENDI ABICI AMANTE DONNA
(such a fashionable name for a bike)

Adding to what Hermes, Chanel, and Gucci started, Fendi recently released their own version of bicycle.

Oh! And it comes in two versions

One comes with Fendi’s Selleria leather accessories (a key and bike chain cover, leather gps navigation holder and a detachable Fendi case)

Overpriced @ $5,900

The other, which is more expensive, comes complete with everything like the first one plus removable fur saddlebags
Overpriced @ $9,500

You can purchase these overpriced, horse-like, bicycles exclusively at any Fendi flagship stores.

Oh and you are probably thinking, WHO THE FUCK WOULD BUY THESE UNNECESSARY OVERPRICED (but wonderful) BICYCLES??

According to Women's Wear Daily, four bikes (2 of each version) have been sold during a celebration event at Fendi's Fifth Avenue flagship.

I am not sure though whether this is a good thing or a bad thing at recession times like these. Good, because instead of cars lets just opt for luxury bicycles! Good for the heart and for the environment!! On the other hand, why release such a fucking gorgeous bicycle when the rest of the world are in a bad economic status! Especially here in the third-world side!!!!!

Here's another one, and this time I know its a BAD thing!
(well we tend to like to BAD things in life)

After the bicycles, let's take it to automobiles... Just like what CHANEL did!!

Watch & Drool:

Now, WIPE THAT GOOEY SALIVA!!

Created by Jinyoung Jo, a car designer from Hong-ik University in South Korea, who named it Chanel Fiole (french for Vial)

This, literally, is the Chanel of Cars!! It boasts a diamond encrusted double C logo in front and on the rims, as well as state of the art designed body. Let's just hope a car manufacturer is willing to spend A LOT to produce this and give Bugatti Veyron's Hermes a kill!

Source: Manchic, Luxuo

+++GECK O.+++

The WILD LIFE

2009-06-01T00:54:00.010+08:00

There have been numerous issues about the extinction of a lot of species. So campaigns about animal welfare and conservation have worked hard in letting the world know how important these things are...

Good enough for the fashion industry, its the other way around! There's no extinction of fierce animals at all! The fashion's wild life, fortunately, is drastically getting better and better!

The Philippine's fashion grounds, specifically the SHOE industry, have been shaken as if an intensified earthquake just passed by(if not) when 3 fierce style huntress gave their own contribution...

...the rumbling arrival of

WHERE EVERYTHING IS BOLD ENOUGH TO MAKE A STATEMENT

The ZOO is a multiply-based online shoe store that brings your fetishes gazillions of notch higher. They sell only the swankiest, in vogue, and fresh off the runway shoes for women to die for.

I swear, women would literally kill for these sensational shoes because there is EXCLUSIVITY in purchasing them. Yes! Just like how exclusive luxury brands do it. The ZOO only releases a limited number of models for their collection each season. And they have LIMITED STOCKS. per item. Some customers had to reserve for their pair(s) even before the collection comes out. That's LUXURY right there!

"We want our customers to feel secure, whenever they purchase their latest ZOOs, that they won't see any other wearing the same pairs as them," the creators' take on the limiting of stocks.

ZOO

SPRING-SUMMER 2009 COLLECTION

MALIBU

SAHARA

TAHITI

ELECTRIC EEL

DUST

PHYTON

CHECK OUT THEIR OFFICIAL SITE & ONLINE SHOP FOR MORE INFO:

THE ZOO SHOP @ MULTIPLY

(click)

Not to mention that these 3 having the same initials, K.Z., are sisters. Just imagine the creativity in their genes right there! Such a Powerhouse!!

ZOO
created by:
Kat, Karla (the partylista), & Kim ZuLueta

The ZOO will definitely give Stella Luna a run for their career and money!! haha!

+++Geck O.+++

iCANNES!

2009-05-29T23:37:00.017+08:00

I'm sure this year was quite memorable for my fellow countrymen because of a Filipino Director, Brillante Mendoza, who won Best Director for his film "Kinatay."

Yes! The much awaited film festival each year and also dubbed, by some, as the best film festival happened last week. So what about Oscar's? Personally, I think Cannes is better! Probably because I am being biased that Cannes is a much better place than Los Angeles. Duh!

Anyway, we are not here to talk about which place is better (its already obvious enough). What's the beauty of a film festival without the red carpet, right?

This year, there were a lot that wow-ed the hell out of me while some should have just been a commoner if not for their acting skills.

Let's begin the criticism...

Brangelina in Versace and Tom Ford, respectively.

I think the couple looked, its hard to say, but SO-SO! They could have done better. Just like the previous years. Angelina looked old for some weird reason and for Brad, there's something wrong with the tailoring of the suit. I know its Tom Ford but it doesn't seem like it. Plus the fact that he looked dirty. Look at the bush in his face!

Penelope Cruz in Marchesa

Look at that fresh-looking Penelope! Did she grow younger? Well she doesn't look like 35 to me. The dress did a miracle! The colour is so fresh.

Hilary Swank in Giorgio Armani

What can I say? My God does wonders!!! I like the very architectural structure of the dress. The asymmetrical and the colour was amazing! I am a big fan of architectural dresses. My all-time favorite designer/god + my favorite design/cut of a dress = my BEST DRESSED!

Juliet Binoche (center) in Lanvin

Honestly, I had to google her because I have no idea who she is. I had a clue that she's a french actress because of her last name. True enough, she is! She actually starred in the movie, Chocolat! I liked that movie but I am too dumb to remember it was her. Anyway, her dress is another architectural masterpiece from one of my favorite labels. I loved the little flower headdress.

Abbie Cornish in Toni Maticevski

What do you expect? Australian actress in an Australian designer dress. Although both are not that much of a big name when it comes to film and fashion industries, they sure did make a statement in Cannes. She looked beautiful, neat and fresh just like Penelope. Which reminds me, don't you see the similarity of their dresses? The colour in some sort. Both were beautiful, nevertheless.

Diane Kruger in Marchesa

PERFECT! I love the dress and the editorial-like shot...WOW! such a perfect picture in Cannes Film Festival's red carpet. The dress fit Diane perfectly. She doesn't look like a goddess but she'd pass as a royalty. I am speechless!!

Guillaume Canet in Yves Saint Laurent, with Marion Cotillard.

Partner much?! Its cute to see such couples in complimenting outfits on such a social gathering. I love the choice of color in Canet's YSL suit. But I really think he shouldn't have left Diane Kruger for Marion who was so simple yet sophisticated in her blue dress. Canet and Kruger could have been the best dressed this year.

Sophie Marceau in Yves Saint Laurent, with Monica Bellucci.

Another complimenting couples?! haha! Well they were like twins. And they blended well with the red carpet! Now who do you think was better? I'd go for Monica.

Aishwarya Rai in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Now this is a goddess...more than a beauty queen. I love how the dress flows through her body. And whoever did her hair and make-up is a genius! Aishwarya exudes elegance and femininity in this wonderful creation by Elie Saab.

Lily Cole in Alberta Ferretti

Alberta Ferretti sure did make a success with the fringe dresses she made for her spring 09 collection. But worn in Cannes Film Festival, I don't think its worthy or rather appropriate. Sorry Lily, I know you have astonishing legs but you should have worn a full length gown instead.

Michelle Yeoh in Versace

Good job, Michelle Yeoh! Not with your famous stunts but with how you wore this emerald green dress by Versace. Absolutely perfect for you! You looked like hollywood-ish than hong kong-ish. haha! Oh spot the watch, you shouldn't have. It kind of ruined the look a bit.

+++Geck O.+++