This year’s Louis Vuitton Fifth Avenue holiday façade display is inspired by the city stamp artwork which was design for the Louis Vuitton City Guides by Ruben Toledo.

Louis Vuitton’s Fifth Avenue store is an iconic building in and of itself, and each year the fashion powerhouse conjures up artists to create inspiring façade’s for the store front. Last year the entire façade was covered with Takashi Murakami’s beautiful Monogram Multicolore print, but this year Louis Vuitton has chosen a design very close to their hearts; city stamp artwork designed by Ruben Toledo originally designed for the Louis Vuitton City Guides.

The inspiration behind this year’s holiday façade comes directly from the city stamp art that Toledo created for the New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Tokyo, Rome, and Mumbai editions of Louis Vuitton’s City Guides. In addition to the eye-catching façade, Louis Vuitton has created special season display windows, which feature a “Home for the Holidays” theme and have been installed to evoke the spirit of travel and excitement of exploration that has become a signature for the Louis Vuitton brand.

Daniel Lalonde, President and CEO of Louis Vuitton North America says, “We are thrilled to have renowned artist, Ruben Toledo, working with us again. Toledo’s sketches and illustrations have been an integral part of our city guides for years and we are delighted that his artwork is the center of our Fifth Avenue Maison display for this holiday season.”

The “Home for the Holidays” window displays were conceived by two students of the central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design in London, England, Naoemie Goudal and David Stienhorst. The displays feature authentic flap boards similar to those found in train stations around the world. During the holiday season onlookers can enjoy departure and arrival cities, seasonal activities, inspired quotes regarding the marvel of travel, and personal sentiments displayed across the boards.

On November 23, Louis Vuitton started a website where participants can submit answers to the question “Where will your journey take you?” Submissions are accepted throughout December, and a selection of inspiring answers will be posted on the flap boards in the Fifth Avenue Maison display windows.

Via: LuXuo, Nitrolicious

Eyeglasses are not only a way of improving vision—they can be a fashion statement. And if you are one of those lucky people who has 20/20 vision, don’t count yourself out; Nader Zadi’s CustomEyes shop does customized sunglasses as well, ensuring everyone is uniquely accessorized.

 Located in New York City’s Upper East Side, Nader Zadi’s CustomEyes is where people go to get the best vintage and personalized glasses.  CustomEyes features a wide range of tailor made eyeglasses as well as rimless, and semi-rimless, antique frames in white and yellow gold, some dating back 200 years, as well as full frame from the early 19^th Century.

For customers who can appreciate an antique pair of spectacles but prefer a more modern and modified pair made exclusively for them, Zadi can do that too. After selecting your frame and bridge preferences, he will take your measurements and handcraft a unique set of eyewear formed perfectly to fit your face. Every component of Zadi’s work is handmade, even the lenses which are ground and shaped by hand, meaning you really will be wearing a one of a kind.

Appointments at CustomEyes are necessary, so plan head. Zadi does his best to accommodate all customer’s preferences and schedules by offering mutually convenient appointments at your office, residence, or hotel should you request so. CustomEyes provides clients with “royal treatment”, expert and individualized private consultations, and the “promise to create and dispense the finest eyeglasses, made by hand, without compromise, for a unique client.”

CustomEyes was founded in 1995 by Zadi. As an eyewear collector himself, he appreciates the quality and rarity of antique spectacles and, in fact, his own enterprise actually grew out of his personal frustration over the use of technology and mass production that had “abandoned craftsmanship for a robotic approach to eyeglass manufacturing.” Zadi proudly embraces the beauty of vintage frames while preserving and translating them into modern designs for current fashion trends.

Zadi is an Optician certified by The American Board of Opticianry, and is licensed by The University of the State of New York to practice as an Ophthalmic Dispenser.

Via: Luxist, CustomEyes

Hommage is offering a great set of holiday gift ideas for any man looking to keep an haute appearance through the season, including the Achieve Face Mask, the Awaken and Rejuvenate eye system, and the Shanghai Shave Set.

Instead of sharing your luxurious face creams with your man over the holidays, why not give him the gift his own personal items from the new Hommage line?

The deluxe brand is offering The Achieve Face Mask for $75. The mask is a charcoal peel-off mask made from bioactive fresh water silt and blue green algae. For those of you who enjoyed watching American Psycho’s main character Patrick Bateman peel off his mask in one easy move, yes, this mask does the same thing. Quick, easy, and great for your skin. Plus, Patrick Bateman likes it. That’s enough to convince a few guys I know. After using the mask, results include glowing skin and increased cell turnover, resulting in a strong base for a smooth shave.

The Awaken and Rejuvenate eye system is priced at $100 and it is truly all your man will need to get rid of those pesky crows-feet and other skin problems related to sun damage. Awaken is applied in the morning to brighten and firm skin around the eyes, while Rejuvenate works while you sleep to effectively repair cellular damage.

If your man enjoys a spa experience as much as you do, book him an Hommage Gentleman’s Black Diamond Face Sculpture at Sense Spa at the Carlyle Hotel. The treatment costs $225 and is designed to essentially reinvigorate muscles on the face, neck, shoulders and back through acupuncture massage. The treatment uses the above mentioned products as well as the Hommage Face Exfoliant, which scrubs and cleanses.

Is all of this making anyone else want to go treat themselves to a spa treatment?

Moving on…Hommage is also offering a beautiful and elegant Shanghai Shave Set that was designed in Germany and features magnetic technology to secure the brush to the chrome stand. The brush is made from silvertip badger hair and the entire set has been crafted with a red finish. It is scratch resistant and corrosion free and is prices at $400.

All Hommage products are scented with cologne and are specifically created for men, but don’t be surprised if you’re dipping into his stash at some point, these products are irresistible.

Via: Luxist

The talk of iPhones and iPhone cases is reaching unimaginable heights, but this iPhone by Stuart Hughes certainly takes the App-friendly cake.

Acquiring the title of the world’s most expensive phone at $3.15 million, Stuart Hughes’ new Apple iPhone 3GS Supreme is an almost unbelievable way for people to stay in touch. The high-priced phone took 10 months to make and its entire sleek case was created with 271 grams of 22 carat solid gold.

The front of the phone has 136 flawless diamonds totaling 1 carat in weight. In addition, the front navigation button features a single cut, very rare, 7.1 carat diamond. The luxurious phone comes in a Kashmir gold chest that has been made from a single block of granite and is lined with Nubuck top grain leather.

Well, it’s one solution to making your iPhone stand out from the rest, that’s for sure.

Via: Luxury Launches

A one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe watch was produced in support of a Swiss charitable organization named Children Action.

Combining a charitable cause and pure luxury, Patek Philippe has produced the Calatrava 5180T. The timepiece is cased in titanium and made to support the Swiss organization, Children Action, which runs under the concept of helping children who are not helped by life. The organization believes that the most “fundamental of all human rights is the right to a childhood.”

The Calatrava 5180T was produced for the Children Action 2009 fundraising event which was held on November 23. It features a skeleton titanium case that measures 39mm in diameter and it is powered by a Caliber 240 self-winding movement with 48 hours power reserve. The elegant watch wraps around your wrist with a black alligator strap with matching titanium buckle.

As an indication of the watch’s exclusiveness, Patek Philippe rarely uses titanium or extensive skeletonizing in its collections. But don’t be fooled—these watches are as authentic as any other Patek Philippe, evident by the Calatrava cross, the unmistakable sign of Patek Philippe.

The production of the 5180T was not the first time Patek Philippe lent itself to supporting Children Action. In 2007, the divine Swiss watchmaker produced the 5000T, another titanium Calatrava styled watch whose proceeds went to supporting Children Action.

Via: Perpetuelle

Parisian perfume publisher, Frederic Malle, is set to open an Upper East Side boutique and atelier and it is bound to be as fragrant as it is beautiful.

Frederic Malle is the Parisian perfume publisher responsible for Les Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, a brand which commissions fragrances by the most knowledgeable noses around. While scents may be Malle’s forte, for the past two year his whole world has been dedicated to interiors, and now he is finally bringing it all together and releasing scents for the home this month. Malle says, “Most of the home stuff is a bit wrong because it’s a home version of a woman’s scent,” so to solve this dilemma, Malle found perfumers to develop nine new fragrances that, to him, “either smell like home or things that I think embellish life.” The result: realistic scents, “portraits” of flowers as possible for the home.

His new Upper East Side boutique and atelier is set to open soon along with the release of his home style fragrances. The collection will of course include candles (in hand-blown, logo-less red glass) in addition to Rubber Incense made with 100 percent recyclable plastic, a 21^st-century take on the French lavender sachet, and Fleurs Mecaniques, a sleek, silent wireless red cute that diffuses pure scent through your desired room.

The Fleurs Mecaniques will be used in Malle’s first New York location, which will be a grand yet somehow intimate space on Madison Avenue elegantly filled with his own furniture and art.

Here is a quick list of the nine new scents coming from Malle:

Un Gardenia dans La Nuit
Available as a candle, or as a Fleur Mecanique. For the Gardenia lovers.

1er Mai
Available as a candle, or as Fleur Mecanique. A cluster of Lily of the Valley.

Rosa Rugosa
Available as a candle, and as a Fleur Mecanique. Inspired by wild rose bushes

Rhubrum Lily
Available as a candle and as a Fleur Mecanique.

Jurassic Flower
Available as a candle and as a fleur mecanique. Floral with citrus top notes.

Saint des Saints
Available as a candle and rubber incense. Analyses of Indian temples lead to the
creation of this mystical fragrance.

Coffee Society
Available as a candle. This candle attempts to recreate that ephemeral odor of the living room after the end of a Parisian dinner.

Russian Nights
Available as a candle. Notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, iris and sandalwood.

Santal Cardamom
Available as a candle. Reconstitution of the scent of Sandalwood.

Via: Vanity Fair

Just in case you’re still one of those non-believers (commonly known as transplants to LA), the LA Times’ Culture Monster blog has published a list of theatre productions in LA that have recently announced they’re extending their run through the holiday season.  This really is the season that proves you can experience a thriving, live theatre scene in LA.

On Culture Monster’s list, you’ll find The Blank Theatre’s “The Santaland Diaries,” adapted from David Sedaris’ broadcasts on NPR now running through December 20.  The Pasadena Playhouse makes the cut with their production, also running through December 20, of “Baby It’s You!.” Culture Monster didn’t leave out “A Big Gay North Hollywood Wedding,” playing at the Crown City Theatre through (guess when?) December 20.  Also in North Hollywood, they’ve recommended “Just Imagine,” which is a tribute to John Lennon’s music at the Noho Arts Center.

Earlier this week, we set you straight on “Arias With a Twist,” on now at REDCAT and if you haven’t yet bought your tickets to the Geffen Playhouse’s “Equivocation,” you should run, don’t walk – both shows made CM’s list.  If the La Jolla Playhouse isn’t too far of a jaunt for you, their production of “Bonnie and Clyde” looks like a sure thing.  One show that was just overlooked by CM hasn’t opened just yet – the supposedly hysterical Jane Austen Unscripted coming soon to the Broad Stage in Santa Monica.  That’s one we won’t miss for anything.

If you still think your city’s theatre scene trumps LA’s, you’re just too stubborn to see all the cultural advantages around you.  It’s all good, that’s more seats at the theatre for us!

Baseball’s Dodgers team owner, Frank McCourt, and his soon-to-be ex-wife Jamie aren’t taking this divorce sitting down. It’s been a back-and-forth battle of the McCourts, and now Frank is claiming he is “behind on his mortgage payments and essentially lives from paycheck to paycheck.”

According to filed court papers, Mr. McCourt’s financial assessment is indeed bleak to say the least. Mr. McCourt continues to claim he is the sole owner of the Dodgers, while Ms. McCourt says they are co-owners. The seemingly endless dispute could not only get incredibly tedious, but it could also require one of them to buy out the other—or sell the team all together.

While many have been perhaps fooled into believing Mr. McCourt is dripping in income from the baseball team, apparently it isn’t so; at least according to the latest filings. According to his papers, Mr. McCourt won’t see any significant income until next year—potentially even as late as March—when he is expecting a quarterly payment of as much as $1.25 million from the partnership that owns the Dodgers. Mr. McCourt claims these payments from the partnership are his “only source of personal cash flow” other than checking-account interest.

How is this possible after the couple were able to purchase the Dodgers for a reported $430 million? Mr. McCourt claims it’s because his liquid assets recently fell to $167,000 after paying approximately $700,000 in expenses for his wife, who was the one that filed for divorce.

In stark contrast, Ms. McCourt allegedly has more than $3.5 million in liquid assets and an additional $1.8 million coming from an investment account.

Over the years, the McCourts have established a reputation for lavish spending with mansion purchases such as a Holmby Hills home for $20 million which they renovated for an additional $14 million. Later, the couple spent a reported $46 million to buy adjacent Malibu beach homes, which were financed by around $28 million in mortgages.

Ms. McCourt says, however, “Frank has access to the vast monetary resources of the Dodgers and other McCourt entities. I do not believe it is appropriate that I should be required to invade savings to pay for living expenses while Frank receives (or has access to) millions of dollars.” Her reported estimate for living expenses were $489,000 a month. She includes things like upkeep of the McCourt houses, salaries for a household staff of eight, tuition and living expenses for the couples four sons, private jet travel, accommodations at five-star hotels, security escorts when traveling, and house calls from her hair stylist and make-up artist in her list of monthly living expenses.

Ms. McCourt has estimated that her and her husband’s net worth is at more than $1.2 billion, including approximately $800 million from the Dodgers. The initial divorce filing by Ms. McCourt states that Mr. McCourt “has failed to pay a number of their living expenses since at least July 2009.” These include home mortgage payments, property taxes, utility bills and staff wages.

And the battle of the McCourt continues.

Boston-born Frank McCourt and Baltimore-born Jamie McCourt met at Georgetown University, married in 1979 and have four adult sons. In 2004, the soon-to-be divorced pair bought the Dodgers in 2004 for approximately $430 million.

Via: The Wall Street Journal

Plans are ready to be submitted to the city to build an $89,950,000 mansion with 10 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms in Beverly Hills in 2010.

The proposed 28,000-square-foot mansion, which is allegedly to be built in 2010, has hit the Beverly Hills real estate market with an incredible asking price of $89,950,000. The new home will be custom built with 10 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a theater with a mezzanine level and sound studio, a gym, sauna/spa, and dance studio.

The Mediterranean-style home has detailed features of ancient stone from the streets of Rome, Italy and multiple detailed fireplaces that are up to 500 years old. The mansion also includes two offices, two maid quarters, a grand ballroom, formal and informal dining rooms, a large game room, a wine cellar in the grotto, an Italian-styled cheese tasting room, innovative smart home technology including security system, a gated security entrance with a gate house, and a beach pool.

As if all of that wasn’t enough to satisfy any potential home buyer, depending on permits granted, the home may also feature a tennis court, and a helicopter pad. In a very private and seclude location, the lot where the home is set to be built is only a few minutes away from Rodeo Drive.

To see other high-priced luxurious homes featured on Haute Living’s blog, click here.

Via: Homes of the Rich

What sophisticated man doesn’t want beautiful new limited edition cuff links for the holidays? Luckily for you, TMB Art Metal have launched a limited edition set of cuff links handmade from metal taken from the Aston Martin DBR1 race car which I’m pretty sure will get you plenty of “original idea” points this holiday season.

United Kingdom-based TMB Art Metal has just released a limited edition set of cuff links that are hand crafted from metal which was taken from the Aston Martin DBR1. The DBR1 is the renowned race car that won Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championships in 1959, and now the special man in your life can carry a piece of that victory with him while he heads to work.

The exclusive Aston Martin DBR1/2 Essence of Form links are constructed using original pieces of aluminum body panel which was removed from the infamous winning car driven by Carroll Shelby followed by its victorious 1959 driver, Sir Stirling Moss. The cufflinks are classic, beautiful to look at, and come with a history; a winning combination that speaks volumes about their appeal.

There are two versions of the limited edition cuff links, with arms and mini drivers made of solid 18 carat gold. Each pair comes with a certificate of authenticity signed personally be either Shelby or Moss. But don’t wait too long to get your hands on these, there are only 50 pairs world wide of each version.

The cufflinks are priced at approximately $3,000 for a pair. The winning Aston Martin which lends it’s name and precious metal to the cufflinks is one of the most famous cars in the world to this day, and it is thought that the car is worth approximately $25 million.

Via: Luxist