Accessories
Accessories - Comte Des Cierges
When you just have to have the low down on all the latest luxury goods, from perfume & cosmetics to all manner of addition luxury lifestyle accessories, CDCLifestyle provide London’s definitive guide to everything that is hot in the captital right now.
The world's most exclusive business card with diamond encrustings
Black Astrum has just now launched the Signature Card range of bespoke diamond encrusted business cards and officially become taken the title of “The World’s Most Expensive Business Card” in the process.
Targeting ultra high net worth individuals across Europe, the Middle East and Asia; Black Astrum (established in 2010), specialises in diamond based product design for ultra high net worth individuals. Based in London and Berkshire the company’s small team of designers and craftsmen provide a full design service, working closely with its clients to produce a product tailored to their specification. Now they offer their clients the ultimate business card, carefully crafted to be a highly distinctive symbol of status and wealth.
“The Signature Card allows our members to express themselves in a truly unique way” said Sufian Khawaja, Black Astrum’s concept director. “Although each design is bespoke, a full set of cards can contain in excess of 30 carats. We’ve had several enquiries from American celebrities and international businessmen, however our cards are offered by invitation only, reflecting our desire to serve only the most premier individuals”.
Using precision cast Swiss made materials and diamonds of the highest quality, the Signature Card is designed to make an immediate statement. Originally produced as a one-off commission for a wealthy Middle Eastern family, the card elegantly encapsulates the pre-eminence of the individual.
For further details visit: www.blackastrum.com
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Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000 & 80
“Making a film means first of all, to tell a story. That story should never be banal. It must be dramatic and human. What is drama after all, but life with the dull bits cut out.” - Alfred Hitchcock (1899 – 1980)
Passionate craftsmanship and pioneering design are the forces behind Montblancʼs Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition, an electrifying tribute to the inventor of the psychological thriller genre. The British filmmaker and producerʼs horror classics such as “Psycho” and “Vertigo” brought cinema to a new level of artistry, technical innovation and unconventional storytelling. Hitchcock became renowned for taking audiences on a rollercoaster ride of extreme fear and anxiety.
Using multiple camera angles and engaging in a unique form of voyeurism, he would leave viewers to imagine the brutality of crimes by only showing limited graphic violence on screen. His sophisticated techniques and ingenious editing allowed him to draw audiences into his world and play with their minds. Both editions, the Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000 and Limited Edition 80 bring to life his genius and tell the story of his extraordinary contribution to the art of filmmaking.
Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000
Many of Hitchcockʼs scenes remain the most memorable in movie history, forming the inspiration for the design of Montblancʼs Limited Edition. The dark staircase featured in his masterpiece “Vertigo” (1958) influences the overall design of these pieces. In this pivotal scene, the main character races frantically up the stairs before experiencing a crippling bout of vertigo as he sees the stairs stretch away from him. The textured dark precious lacquer of the cap and barrel of the writing instrument creates a special effect reminiscent of Hitchcockʼs infamous “vertigo effect”.
What could be more spine chilling than the unforgettable 45-second shower scene from Oscar-nominated “Psycho” (1960) when a young woman is brutally murdered in cold blood with a knife? The weapon remains emblazoned in the mindʼs eye long after the screen goes dark. This sinister knife is featured prominently on the writing instrument, as the penʼs clip.
As a reminder of Hitchcock the iconic filmmaker, the Limited Edition 3000 features on the 925 sterling silver rings engraving of the notes that would have identified the original film reel of “Psycho”. The 925 sterling silver cone of the writing instrument features 53 hatch marks symbolising every movie that Hitchcock directed during his impressive career spanning nearly six decades.
Not just macabre but also humorous, the filmmakerʼs comical cameo appearances in his own works became his very own trademark, fascinating audiences worldwide. His distinctive profile remains an enduring cultural image to this day. Because it was nearly impossible for him to engineer an appearance in “The Rope” because all the action takes place in one apartment, Hitchcock placed a neon sign of his famous self-portrait sketch in the city skyline outside the window. This very sketch enriches the 18K rhodium plated solid gold nib of the Limited Editions.
As a mark of the quality and craftsmanship of these pieces, the Montblanc features at the very summit of the writing instrument. The Limited Edition 3000 is available in 146 size Fountain Pen (3000 pieces) or Rollerball with marathon refill (3000 pieces), both with 925 Sterling Silver Settings.
Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 80
Alfred Hitchcock is considered by many to be one of the most influential filmmakers of all time and a true cultural icon. Honouring his outstanding contribution to the art of
filmmaking, Montblanc has created an Edition in 750 white gold, limited to just 80 pieces. Featuring the dramatic swirling vertigo effect in black lacquer enhanced with red reminiscent of the blood-stained crime scenes of his films. In addition, the “Psycho” knife clip is enriched with diamonds.
The Edition features some additional details reflecting his mastery of fear and fantasy. Hitchcock pioneered so many techniques that revolutionized the way thrillers and horror movies were directed. One device in particular was created to add tension for the spectator: by feeding the audience information that the filmʼs characters didnʼt have, he ensured surprise and alarm in the viewer. This device is very apparent in “The Birds” (1963) when a menacing swarm of killer crows gather for an attack on a playground while the main characterʼs attention is directed elsewhere. Symbolizing the craft that Hitchcock devoted his life to mastering and re-inventing, the cap rings of the Limited Edition 80 are encircled by a stylised roll of celluloid film – a directorʼs ultimate tool. Hitchcockʼs ultimate goal was to bring his audience under his spell, allowing them to be led exactly where he wanted them to go. He challenged himself to tighten his grip on the audience to the maximum when he shot “The Rope” (1948), a film shot all in one location, almost entirely without cuts or pauses, thus capturing every possible angle and perspective. The rope sinuously wrapped around the fountain penʼs cap and barrel rings and cone, refers to the murder weapon in this unique piece of filmmaking, also Hitchcockʼs first shot in colour.
With all its intricate details and symbolic references, Montblancʼs Alfred Hitchcock Limited Editions are a fitting tribute to a memorable entertainer and an enduring legacy.
Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition will be available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide from January 2012. For further information, visit www.montblanc.com
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boutique.Goldsmiths - Glam Rock Watches - TOWIE Lauren Pope
The Only Way Is Essex star and celebrity DJ Lauren Pope tore up the decks last night at an exclusive event at boutique.Goldsmiths – Goldsmiths’ concept fashion jewellery store at Westfield Stratford City - for covetable new watch brand Glam Rock Watches.
Looking gorgeous in a glamorous red dress Lauren showed off her skills on the decks to a jam-packed store of festive shoppers and excited TOWIE fans. Last night’s event celebrated the brand new South Beach range from Glam Rock at Goldsmiths.
The new collection sees a range of interchangeable luxury fashion watches with ‘Just Click’ technology and Lauren herself was wearing the Limited Editon SOBE GR32199D style from the collection, available from Goldsmiths now for £2,995.
Glam Rock is the latest celebrity must-have watch brand that has just launched in the UK but already has a huge stateside following including Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, Fergie and 50 Cent. Available at boutique.Goldsmiths concept fashion jewellery stores and other Goldsmiths showrooms nationwide, Glam Rock watches are this season’s most-wanted watch style and showcase A-list inspired accessories with a glamorous fashion edge.
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Montblanc Writing Time – Two Centuries of Chronograph History
190 years ago, Nicholas Rieussec invented the first chronograph using two rotating discs and a drop of ink to mark two points in time. This Saturday, Sotheby’s is opening the “Montblanc Writing Time – Two Centuries of Chronograph History” exhibition, tracing the rise and development of this time measurement instrument through a series of displays of historical pieces.
Location:
Sotheby’s, 34 - 35 New Bond Street, London W1A 2AA
Dates and times:
Saturday 10th December 2011: 12:00 to 17:00
Sunday 11th December 2011: 12:00 to 17:00
Monday 12th to Wednesday 14th December 2011: 09:00 to 16:30
Admission is free
Montblanc is a sponsor of Sotheby’s 2011 Fine Watches auctions in London, New York, and Hong Kong. The next Fine Watches sale will commence at Sotheby’s in London on Tuesday 13th December 2011 at 10:30.
Infiniti collaboration with Bell & Ross
Infiniti, the luxury performance automotive brand from Japan, has unveiled the Limited Edition BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial wristwatch, engineered by the Swiss specialist time instrument maker Bell & Ross. This is the second exclusive timepiece to be revealed by Infiniti, following the launch of the special edition BR03-92 Instrument Phantom model to commemorate last year’s arrival of the Infiniti FX Limited Edition performance crossover. The elegant watch has been designed to mark the continued and successful collaboration between Infiniti and Bell & Ross, two marques renowned for exceptional performance, modern luxury, technical perfection, and a unique ownership experience. Only 200 examples from the BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial series are available for purchase from all Infiniti Centres worldwide.
The recommended retail price will be between €3,500 or $5,080.
Stylish yet subtle cues drawn from the partnership between Infiniti and Bell & Ross are clearly evident on this exclusive piece. The seconds pointer and eighth digit which sit on a matt black dial, sport a photo-luminescent finish in the same distinct purple colour employed by Infiniti across the globe. The number ‘eight’ is a symbol of luck in Asia, whilst also resembling the mathematical sign of infinity and the automaker’s badge when rotated on its side. As a reminder of just how special this watch is, the steel case back has been beautifully engraved with the Infiniti signature, discretely complementing the Bell & Ross insignia.
Andy Palmer, Infiniti’s Executive Vice President explains:
“The Limited Edition BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial wristwatch is a true celebration of our continued association with Bell & Ross, for which we are very proud. The new timepiece effortlessly embodies the unique qualities of both brands to offer discerning customers a rare and highly sought-after addition to their collection.”
For the locations of Infiniti Centres which span from Belgium to Bahrain, visit www.infiniti.com.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Movement: Automatic mechanical ETA 2982
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds (all central hands). Date with quick correction
Case: Diameter 44mm, steel with matte black PVD finish, screw-in winding crowns,
decompression valve
Back: Screw-down, steel with engraving of the Infiniti signature. Bell & Ross insignia
etched below
Dial: Black. Infiniti purple-coloured seconds pointer and number ‘8’. Index and hands
covered in a photo-luminescent coating for optimal night reading. Unidirectional internal
bezel toothed and graduated to 60 minutes
Glass: Anti-reflection sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 1,000 metres
Straps: Black rubber
Reference: BR 02 Purple 8 Pro Dial
Price: €3,500 or $5,080
Unique edition of 200 examples worldwide
'Navigations Through Scent' - Molton Brown
Molton Brown launches a new artisan fragrance range - ‘Navigations Through Scent’
The range includes five varied and distinct unisex fragrances to be equally enjoyed by men and women. To mark the brand’s debut into the artisanal fine fragrance arena, this collection was exclusively available at Harrods from August 2011 and is now available in Molton Brown stores nationwide.
Taking a timely journey into the world of fine fragrance, Molton Brown has created a collection which surprises and seduces through its promise of intriguing stories and ingredients.
The ‘Navigations Through Scent’ Collection delves into the heritage of perfume, tracing its influences back to the ancient spice route, where rarity and the high value of the ingredients made trading along this trail both exhilarating and perilous. Following key focal points along the route, the journey starts in the Ancient World, the birthplace of fragrance – Egypt, China and Indonesia, then over to England for trade, before entering the New World in Canada.
The floriental-spicy scent of ‘IUNU’ (30° 12’N, 31° 32’E) starts the journey, transporting the mind to the Nile, echoing strength, power, seduction and majesty with its lead ingredient, Egyptian white jasmine, giving an elegant opulence. ‘LIJIANG’ (25° 16’N, 110° 16’E) leads to China, with its floral-musky scent capturing the light, delicate softness of silk and crisp tea. Its lead ingredient, osmanthus absolute, brings a fresh delicacy and sophistication to the fragrance. Next to Indonesia with ‘SINGOSARI’ (07° 91’S, 112° 65’E), drawing its inspiration from the beauty of the spices and memories of tropical weather, with patchouli perfectly capturing the essence of the country, producing a spicy-woody scent.
The journey continues to England for trading with ‘APULDRE’ (51° 02’N, 0° 47’E) which, through its lead ingredient of juniper berry, conjures images of green lawns, English mischief and gin & tonics, perfectly capturing its green-aromatic quality. The journey ends in the New World, Canada, with ‘ROGART’ (45° 33’N, 63° 9’W) a juxtaposition of continental ices and heat, civilization and wilderness with fir balsam and maple making up its woody-fresh scent, inspiring the warm feeling of being inside, with the cold weather outside.
Jennifer Jambon, Molton Brown’s Principal Perfumer, spent a year travelling to these destinations and uncovered a host of unusual scent ingredients, all of which had a powerful influence on her creation process, evoking emotions and memories.
“It was my dream to develop an artisanal collection, that not only captured the essence of the Molton Brown brand, but also inimitable fragrances which resonated with the wearer, in a unique and very personal way. The ‘Navigations Through Scent’ collection has been designed to appeal to niche fragrance lovers everywhere. Each fragrance note has been beautifully and painstakingly crafted, using the finest, rarest ingredients. It took me a year of careful research, exploration and discovery to prepare these five unique scents, which I feel perfectly echo the essence of the spice trade, and the wonderful role of perfume through the ages.”
Molton Brown’s Navigations Through Scent Collection offers sensuous anecdotes of worldly destinations, unraveling personal memories and senses to capture a truly timeless experience.
IUNU - £65 (50ml)
LIJIANG - £65 (50ml)
SINGOSARI - £55 (50ml)
APULDRE - £55 (50ml)
ROGART - £60 (50ml)
Rocked - London Bespoke Jewellery
ROCKED is a London-based offering that exists to bring the work of talented, independent jewellery designers to a discerning clientele who want access to the most exciting work on the contemporary jewellery scene. Working on behalf of their clients, ROCKED sources striking pieces of fine jewellery from a diverse range of designers’ collections, or drafts in the appropriate design talent to undertake bespoke commissions.
“We’ve found our clients tend to want original or bespoke jewellery pieces, but an overwhelmingly cluttered marketplace combined with a lack of personal leisure time has meant they’ve defaulted to more predictable, traditional offerings. Our aim is to ensure that’s a compromise they no longer have to make,” says Catherine Barr, ROCKED Co-founder.
Underpinning ROCKED’s philosophy is the core belief that….
the value of jewellery lies not only its material components.
“There’s a tendency to judge a piece by the size of its gemstone and by the other precious metals incorporated in it. Whilst our designers source exquisite materials, it is their design skill that ensures you walk away in with something that’s genuinely remarkable. Each designer has different inspirations, styles and methods. What links them together is their exceptional talent.”
“Original but endlessly wearable: that is what defines the work we curate. We don’t believe in investing in a piece, to not then have the pleasure of wearing it. Life’s too short for that, ” says Zoë Hinckley, ROCKED Co-founder.
The founding partners of ROCKED - Catherine Barr and Zoë Hinckley - are ex-advertising executives with more than 10 years combined experience of working in one of the most creatively awarded advertising agencies in the world. Drawn together by a mutual passion for innovative jewellery, both are intent on challenging - and changing - the way that fine jewellery is viewed and purchased.
“We’re both huge advocates of creativity and originality in jewellery design. There are a number of talented, independent designers out there whose work is being overlooked in favour of predictable and unadventurous high-street pieces in a similar price bracket. To us, that’s criminal,” says Barr.
And it isn’t just clients buying for themselves that enlist ROCKED’s services. Choosing a piece for a partner can be both daunting and pressurised, particularly if the item in question is intended to result in that all-important “Yes”. ROCKED wants to remedy that.
“Briefings take place over an espresso or a glass of bubbly at a venue convenient to the client. We want to make the process enjoyable from start to finish and ensure that any concerns about not getting it “right” are put to rest, as we explore multiple avenues and options before recommending a designer or a particular piece. We do the research, so the clients don’t have to,” says Hinckley.
It is this highly personalised approach that Barr and Hinckley believe will allow them to offer their clients most value, building long lasting relationships that will enable them to source proactively from up-and-coming collections on their clients’ behalf.
“Personal, unusual, and a sound investment: these are the qualities
that make our work such a
compelling proposition for today’s discerning buyer.”
Website: www.rockedlondon.com
Email: hello@rockedlondon.com
Twitter: twitter.com/rockedlondon
Telephone: +44 (0) 7851 136899
Roja Parfums - 'Aoud' at Harrods Black Hall
When Roja Parfums launched in Harrods Black Hall the collection became number one in the department. Annalise Quest, General Merchandise Manager of Beauty, hailed it as “a true inspiration to the perfumery world” as the demand for Roja Parfums could not have been stronger with certain creations sold out within the first few days: and a waiting list continues to grow.
It is well known that Aoud is precious and rare. Roja’s beautiful interpretation manages to capture all of that mysterious exoticism - an Aoud so precious it is topped off by its exquisite cap created from Swarovski crystals.
Swathed in Roses underscored by Jasmine and Ylang Ylang, freshened by Geranium, Verbena, Bergamot, Lemon, and an unusual note of Rhubarb, warmed by Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Casmir Wood, Patchouli, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and a costly Saffron, all nestling on a sensual base of Ambergris, Vanilla, Musk and Leather Notes.
Aoud, and the other fragrances from Roja Parfums, are presented on a counter designed in collaboration with Lalique featuring many iconic crystal pieces; it confirms Roja’s philosophy at the heart of Roja Parfums: it has to be the best.
Price:
100ml Parfum: £495
Stockists:
Roja Parfums, Harrods 0207 893 8797
www.rojadove.com
Caviar enriched Skin-care from Switzerland
Discover a cutting edge skincare line with a range of products created to prevent and counteract the signs of aging. Caviar of Switzerland’s formulas have been developed in a renowned skincare laboratory on the Swiss Riviera by a team of biochemists known for their unparalleled research and development in the field of skincare science.
The collection, made up of an Intensive Eye Cream, 24h Regenerating Cream and a Cellular Repair Serum, contains an exclusive complex combined with high-tech active ingredients and Caviar Extract. The innovative age-fighting ingredients deliver nutrients essential to the health, vitality and overall appearance of your skin, with immediate results.
Designed to actively prevent extrinsic and intrinsic aging, the Caviar Extract intensively moisturises the skin, leaving it remineralised and regenerated. Partnered with Syn-Coll—Collagen Synthesis-Stimulating Peptide - fine lines and deep wrinkles are diminished as the skin is activated to produce new collagen. Caviar of Switzerland’s innovative complex of active ingredients is heightened by Hyaluronic Acid which works to preserve the skin’s volume, suppleness, elasticity and tone. SOD—Superoxide Dismutase—and Resveratrol further help to repair the skin and protect from all damaging effects of aging. Carefully adapted to suit all skin types,
Caviar of Switzerland pampers and nourishes skin with a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Elasticity is intensified while the skin surface is smoothed and retextualised, with a radiant, natural matte complexion. Whatever your age, whatever your gender, Caviar of Switzerland’s treasured ingredients are clinically proven to be safe and provide long-term effects.
Prices:
Intensive Eye Cream 15ml: £98.50
24h Regenerating Cream 50ml: £115.00
Cellular Repair Serum 30ml: £110.00
Nationwide Stockist: 01923 240 010 www.lenawhite.co.uk
Grossmith - Baccarat Crystal Presentation
English perfume house Grossmith (founded in 1835) is delighted to announce a special edition of their three classic fragrances in stunning Baccarat Crystal flacons, exclusive to the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, Urban Retreat, in Harrods.
This impressive presentation embodies the finest of English and French craftsmanship and encapsulates 175 years of perfume history. Grossmith has worked with Maison Baccarat to find the original moulds first commissioned for their exquisite ‘Serie de Luxe’ range in 1919.
Each Special Edition flacon is hand-blown in Baccarat crystal and etched with pure gold. Individually numbered, they bear both the Baccarat estampille and Grossmith monogram on the base. Each flacon is housed in a sumptous hand-crafted wooden ‘coffret’, lined in midnight blue velvet and opened with a golden key.
The three fragrances available in this stunning presentation are Hasu-no-Hana, created to evoke the beautiful Japanese Lotus Lily, Shem-el-Nessim, an exotic fragrance named after an Egyptian springtime festival, and Phul-Nana, a bouquet of India’s choicest flowers. They are available either individually or in a set containing all three flacons.
Price upon application.
Stockists:
Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, Urban Retreat, 5th Floor, Harrods; 020 7893 8797
www.grossmithlondon.com
Clive Christian - Most Expensive Perfume
The launch of the Clive Christian Perfume House in 1999 heralded the return of luxury perfume to the world stage.
As custodian of the British Crown Perfumery first established in 1872 and uniquely granted the image of Queen Victoria’s crown as a symbol of utmost quality and excellence, Clive Christian has revived the original values of the perfumery, creating only pure perfumes with complex formulae that use the most rare and precious ingredients in their most concentrated forms.
Clive’s connection to this perfumery began 25 years ago when he and his daughter Victoria found an original bottle from the 1800’s hidden deep in the floorboards of their family home. The Crown Perfumery was gradually finding business more and more difficult, and Victoria’s passion for perfume inspired Clive to revive the perfumery, paying fitting tribute to the rich heritage of the brand; it became the house of Clive Christian. Clive Christian’s vision of luxury perfume was ground breaking in that he drew no reference to cost in the creation of his perfumes culminating in the release of the Definitive Collection headlined by No1, recognised by Guinness World Records as The World’s Most Expensive Perfume, which, in its ultimate presentation – No.1 Imperial Majesty – is valued at £215,000. Clive Christian’s 1872, inspired and named as a tribute to the origins of the perfumery, and X, brimming with natures most powerful aphrodisiacs, complete the Definitive Collection. Clive Christian remains the top selling perfume collection at the most prestigious boutiques and perfumeries around the world. Clive Christian Perfumes have always believed in creating harmonious perfumes; one for men and one for women, two perfumes which perfectly complement each other to create a stunning medley of scent; a concept steeped deeply in the heritage of the brand. Queen Victoria is known for her love of fine perfume; she and Prince Albert expressed their love by exchanging gifts, including custom made, harmonising fragrances. Clive Christian Perfume has been commissioned for presentation to TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the occasion of their wedding and was chosen by Katie Holmes for her wedding to Hollywood ‘royalty’, Tom Cruise.
After over ten years at the pinnacle of the luxury perfume world, Clive was finally persuaded by loyal clients to release two of his favourite perfumes from his Private Collection – C for Men and C for Women – which officially joined Clive Christian Perfumes in 2011.
Stockists:
Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, Urban Retreat, 5th Floor, Harrods; 020 7893 8797
Fortnum and Masons; 020 7734 8040 ext. 2147
TW Steel watches David Coulthard Edition
TW Steel are excited to announce their collaboration with former Formula One racing driver and brand ambassador David Coulthard on a special edition watch, designed to celebrate the Scot’s stellar career, who holds 13 Formula One victories having competed for Williams F1, McLaren-Mercedes and Red Bull Racing from 1994 to 1998. Available in 44mm (CE4001) and 48mm (CE4002) executions, the design features a sleek grey dial, sporting Coulthard’s name and a grey Italian leather strap that reflects the Scot’s passion for detail, while offering a bold, sophisticated look which perfectly captures the luxurious associations that come from his involvement in one of the world’s most glamorous and appealing sports - motor racing.
CE4001 RRP: £625
CE4002 RRP: £675