On March 22, Why Did I Get Married Too? premiered at the School of Visual Arts Theater in New York City. The red carpet event featured cast members such as Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, Sharon Leal, Richard T. Jones, Tasha Smith as well as Michael Jai White. Numerous celebrities were in attendance as well, such as editor-at-large for “O, The Oprah Magazine” Gayle King, Ice-T, and Nicole “Coco” Austin.

The star of the event was the sexy and stylish Janet Jackson, accompanied by her sister, Rebbie Jackson. The singer/actress reprises her role as the character of Patricia in this film and looked stunning in her dark blue, satin blouse, accentuated with a black bottom and huge smile.

The film portrays four close couples sharing intimate details regarding their personal lives as well as relationships during an annual reunion in the Bahamas. The film is scheduled to debut nation wide on April 2, 2010.

Check the Haute Living events page for more scenes from the evening:  http://ny.hauteliving.com/index.php?page_id=5394&gallery_id=451

The Jewel of Padaro Lane. There is really nothing quite like it anywhere on the coast. A veritable estate on the sand. A private paradise of 1.7 lush, almost tropical acres, manicured lawns, pool, 2-bedroom Guest House, 4-bedroom Main House, walls of uninterrupted glass, breathtaking views up and down the beach, amazing Exercise Room, Yoga Room, ocean views even from the Guest House and Pool. A spectacular, magical private family compound will surprise and seduce you the minute you enter the gates. One is swept away to Hawaii, Bali, or some equally exotic seaside oasis – right here in Santa Barbara. Property also available for lease.

Offered @ $29,995,000

Contact Randy Solakian @ 805.565.2209 or randy@montecitoestates.com. Or visit www.montecitoestates.com.

The hottest address for fashion in Vegas resides at CityCenter. Crystals, the 500,000-square-foot retail center, opened last December with some of the biggest and best in runway fashions. While some labels went for bigger digs, others landed with a Vegas address for the first time.

On the new side, look for the fashionable bookstore Assouline, lingerie designer Kiki De Montparnasse and fashion icons Carolina Herrera, Tom Ford, Lanvin, Marni and Miu Miu. Tiffany & Co., Prada, Roberto Cavalli and Ermenegildo Zegna call their new addresses flagships.

From a design standpoint, Crystals stuck to the environmental inspiration found throughout CityCenter. Studio Daniel Libeskind and David Rockwell conjured up an abstract 21st century park as the setting for this shopping extravaganza. Hanging gardens and flower carpets change with the seasons while the two-story Treehouse houses Mastro’s Ocean Club.

Academy Award nominee and designer extraordinaire Tom Ford opened his  first freestanding location on the West Coast at Crystals with a view facing The Strip. The 7,700-square-foot store features Ford’s menswear collection as well as ready to wear, footwear, accessories, eyewear, fragrances and beauty products. Ford, who designed womenswear for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent and conjured sexy couture before creating his own line in 2005, is rumored to be toying with a women’s line as well.

Lanvin just opened its second U.S. location this spring. This couture house has become coveted by Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Aniston. Designer Alber Elbaz favors cocktails dresses, often in asymmetrical designs with cascades of volume and Duchesse satin. The creative mannequins are reason enough to window shop.

Marni, designed by Consuelo Castiglioni, favors upbeat, artsy looks. Look for innovative materials in its women’s, men’s and children’s collections, as well as shoes, handbags and eyewear. Bright colors and geographic designs make this line in a 2,500-square-foot store stand out.

Miu Miu, the kid sister to Prada, features fashions favored by the younger set, such as celebrities Kirsten Dunst and Kate Bosworth. Designer Miuccia Prada leans toward sexy silk dresses and mod prints in this quirky line. The Crystals store will carry ready-to-wear, bags, footwear, accessories and eyewear collections. The store, along with the Prada flagship store, opens later this year.

Roberto Cavalli’s largest store in the United States combines the looks of its boutiques in Paris and Dubai. Since Cavalli first opened in 1972, he’s been known for glamourous rock star looks in animal prints favored by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Jennifer Lopez. This, his seventh store in the United States, features women’s, men’s and children’s collections, accessories, fragrances and for the first time in the United States, the Cavalli pet line.

Kiki de Montparnasse designs intimate apparel for those with a romantic imagination. You can find loungewear and lingerie along with jewelry and bath and body lines at the boutique.

The Louis Vuitton flagship store is not only the largest in North America, but the fifth largest in the world. When designer Marc Jacobs jumped on board in 1997, he added a line of covetable clothing adored by Madonna and Rihanna. Be sure to see the store from Las Vegas Boulevard. The facade facing the Strip (another first for the store) turns into a dazzling light show at night thanks to 4,000 LEDs that cascade into different tags from the line’s infamous luggage and handbags.

Also along The Strip just steps away at Mandarin Oriental but still part of Crystals sits Carolina Herrera, which opened its fifth free-standing boutique. The 5,000-square-foot boutique finds comfort in macassar wood details with upholstered couches and club chairs in signature Herrera brown and ivory satin stripe. The store carries the Carolina Herrera New York collection, Carolina Herrera Bridal collection, sunglasses and fragrances as well as accessories by Judith Leiber, Nancy Gonzalez, Kotur, Manolo Blahnik and Faraone Mennella.

Assouline takes the fashions and puts them in book form. The 2,200-square-foot store features more than 25,000 volumes, a collection of rare vintage books and exclusive items such as gilt-edged leather notebooks. The store has the feel of a contemporary home library.

For more information on Crystals, visit www.crystalsatcitycenter.com.

The hipster (and newly migrated Manhattan-moneyed) population of Brooklyn, New York will soon be getting luxury retailer Barneys as a neighbor – or more accurately, Barneys cooler, younger sibling, Barney’s Co-Op. Set to open in September 2010 in Cobble Hill, an area known for its many family run shops, meat markets, and quaint yet chic restaurants, the retailer is a seemingly perfect fit as it offers less expensive but just-as-coveted brands such as Alexander Wang, Rag and Bone, and Marc by Marc Jacobs amongst others. The store is the first in Brooklyn and the first opening in five years.

For the past few months The Core Club has been a regular name drop location in Manhattan, recently entertaining the likes of NBC President Jeff Zucker, former New York Jet Quarterback and CBS Sports Commentator Boomer Esiason. Even more intriguing than their powerhouse clientele, is the the novel idea of four star quality food at a midtown Manhattan club house, which is certainly not always the case.

When the opportunity to enjoy a visit to The Core Club to meet and dine with the President of Japan’s most famous luxury hotel presented itself, I was certainly not one to say no. Clearing my schedule for the afternoon, I journeyed to midtown to enjoy an intimate feast of the senses and a fix of ultimate luxury.

Mr. Peter Shaindlin and Mr. Tetsuya Kobayashi

The luncheon celebrated the recent alliance of two legendary hotels, the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo and the Halekulani Corporation in Oahu. Upon entering the the presence of Mr. Tetsuya Kobayashi, President of the Imperial Hotel and Mr. Peter Shaindlin, Chief Operating Officer of Halekulani Corporation, I was set at ease by their comforting poise and demeanor. It is clearly evident they are the masterminds who understand true quality, refinement in the details, and how to make luxury a reality. Their alliance is certain to set unprecedented levels of excellence and service in the luxury industry.

An intimate gathering of 12 people, we entered a simply elegant rectangular dining room. Fresh white orchids placed carefully in shades of green foliage were on the parameters of the room. A long rectangle of orchids in tall blades of green grass served as a centerpiece for the dining table. Finding my place card, I sat graciously in my chair. Unfolding a crisp white napkin, a waiter softly poured Domain Dominique Guyot into stemware. We raised our glasses for the remarks of the new collaboration.

Conversation during the luncheon settled on visits to the highest rated luxury hotels in the world, light conversational topics, and highlights from the of the legacy of the Imperial Hotel. Through 120 years, historic moments at the Imperial Hotel included a visit by Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio on their honeymoon, an earthquake survival of the Frank Lloyd Wright wing, and entertaining representatives from 32 countries for an Emperor’s funeral.

We enjoying course after course of food and wine. Most notable was the third course Black Bass, which had the perfect amount of foam carassing the layers of the medium bodied fish.  When the final bubbles of Veuve Cliquot settled to the bottom of their flutes. the luncheon commenced with Mr. Tetsuya Kobayashi’s stating, “To see it is to believe it.”  We departed with a box of delightful chocolates courtesy of the Imperial Hotel. After the first bite on my train ride home, a trip to Asia in pursuit of finding these chocolates on my pillow might very well soon be due.

A Lunch Menu fit for A Luxury Junkie…

Tuna Tartar
Bartlett pear, mint, ginger & lime

Domain Dominique Guyot, Pouilly-Fume, Loire, France, 2007
—
Beet Salad
Goat Cheese, beet tops, marcona almonds & balsamic

Flaca, Cafayate Valley, Torrontes, Argentina, 2008
—
Black Bass
Crushed fingerlings, shrimp, celery root & vanilla sauce

Louis Jadot, Bourgogne, France, 2007

—
Seasonal Fruit Salad
Champagne & citrus granite

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Yellow Label, N.V.

The golfing world has just become more luxurious. Sure a state of the art luxe golf car is nothing new. In fact, there are plenty of places that can customize your golf car to your taste, but the newest sensation in golfing transportation is about to debut and it is turning out to be an expensive and chic ride.

The Garia Edition Soleil de Minuit was designed exclusively for the Top Marques Monaco 2010, the world’s greatest luxury show. The big reveal is scheduled for April 2010 in Monaco. The Garia Edition Soleil de Minuit is regarded as the most expensive golf car ever made by a manufacturer.

So what does the world’s most expensive golf car consist of anyway? Let’s start with a carbon roof, two-colored hand-stitched luxury seats, alcantara roof lining, and a number of hand-made details to spruce up the vehicle. For a mere $17,499 the Garia Edition Soleil de Minuit also has a double wishbone front suspension designed like those Formula One cars. Arrive in style to the green in a car with a drive train built by the same Italian company that makes those Ducati gearboxes, and the aluminum profiles in the frame are made by the same people that supplies the aluminum profiles for Aston Martin, Jaguar and Volvo.

The golf car will be on display from April 15-18 at the Top Marques Monaco, so grab your jet and get ready to sign that check, this is one item you are going to want to have on the green.

Ride in the same elevator as the ordinary folk? Not you. Welcome to the United Center’s 200-level Lexus Club, the most exclusive floor of the stadium club. With the Bulls and the Blackhawks both closing in on Playoff hopes, it’s time to get your ticket to the big game.

Lexus Club seating is dedicated to delivering extraordinary convenience, comfort, and enjoyment, offering the ultimate in prestige and satisfaction. Whether entertaining family, friends or business associates at a pivotal playoff game, an exclusive event or the hottest concert, Lexus Club Seat members will enjoy the privileges that are only associated with suite ownership.

The Bud Light Legends Lounge is the largest Super Suite, combining five penthouse suites and accommodating 80 guests. With two full service bars, 10 LCDs, a concierge and housekeeping, is there really any other way to watch a game?

With an initial investment of $30,000, you will receive a $35,000 credit towards the use of any Day-of-Event rental penthouse and super suites at the United Center for a one-year period.

You choose the game or event, the size of the suite (20-person penthouse or 40- or 80-person super suites), the food package and along comes all the standard benefits- tickets, parking, refreshments, suite attendants, private entrances, scoreboard recognition, and luxurious accommodations. Ohhh the suite life.

The splendor of a Caribbean paradise surrounds the Ocean Club Residences & Marina, with its miles of white sand beaches and vistas of turquoise water. Every element of Ocean Club Residences & Marina has been carefully designed to ensure your undisturbed relaxation. The Residences provide access to a private beach club, situated on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and an on-site marina. Family and adults-only swimming pools, a fitness center, underground parking and storage lockers add to your recreation pleasure, while 24-hour security with reserved underground and surface parking enhance privacy. Each home at the Ocean Club Residences & Marina is designed and built to the highest standards of quality.

Homeowners enjoy full access to gourmet dining and spa facilities at the exclusive One&Only Ocean Club. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Dune restaurant serves innovative French-Asian cuisine in a dramatic setting overlooking the beach, or residents can savor afternoon tea or vintage cognacs in the elegant Library. One&Only Spa offers a range of relaxing options within the tranquil setting of its Balinese-inspired, private treatment villas. Residents may also acquire a membership to the Ocean Club’s championship golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf. And the nearby Atlantis resort welcomes residents to its complete array of dining, haute couture shopping and entertainment.

A large balcony at each residence overlooks the deepwater marina that is the centerpiece of the development. The dramatic backdrop of Nassau Harbour frames this hub of social activity and offshore adventure. The slips accommodate a variety of sport and pleasure craft, including seagoing vessels up to 120 feet. The immaculate marina is fully illuminated at night and offers electric and water connections. It lies sheltered behind a sturdily constructed jetty leading to the harbor and sea beyond.

This exclusive penthouse on the 6th floor offers a spacious floor plan with four bedrooms, four ensuite bathrooms plus a powder room. It is an amazing opportunity within the exclusive community of Ocean Club Estates & Golf Course that will not last long.

Offered @ $12,000,000

Contact Gregory Graham @ 242.356.5030 or gpgraham@grahamrealestate.com. Or visit www.grahamrealestate.com.

With no expense spared, this home is truly a one of a kind, magnificent estate. Features of this spectacular waterfront residence include wonderful oversized (15 ft) wrap-around verandas circling the house, old growth reclaimed long leaf pine floors throughout the house, and exquisitely detailed custom millwork in every room. In addition to six bedrooms and seven baths, this home features a mahogany paneled media room and library, a state of the art gym, a 5,000 bottle wine cellar with tasting table, a full attic children’s playroom, and a poolside game and party room. There is a mahogany-paneled private office, a poolside Cabana, 5-car garage, and separate guest cottage apartment. There are extra closets and storage everywhere. The marvelous eat-in chef’s kitchen is a masterpiece, and the heart of this traditional home. The kitchen features Cathedral grained antique pine cabinetry, granite countertops, a six burner range with grill and griddle, commercial hood, two ovens, two dishwashers, two microwaves, two warming drawers, an ice maker, wine cooler, deep fryer, a separate 25,000 BTU Wok burner, two refrigerators, and additional crisper drawers. There is a full walk-in pantry, custom storage for everything, and trash chute to the garage garbage bins. Adjacent to the kitchen is a comfortable family room with a full wood burning fireplace and a media center, all of which overlooks the beautiful Verandas and gardens. The entire house has been hard wired with CAT 5 data, cable, stereo, and telephone. There are 6 incoming telephone lines, and the home is surrounded by a wireless internet route. The estate has a resort-type heated outdoor pool and patio overlooking Snapper Creek, and beautifully designed gardens and outdoor entertainment areas. Many of Miami’s most celebrated theme parties and charity events have been hosted in this versatile and unique setting. There are over 130 linear feet of Ipe-planked dock, featuring a private slip, floating dock, 30/50AMP shore power in three locations, and reinforcing for three lifts. There is a dedicated generator room with a 125 KVA generator and automatic transfer switch capable of running the entire property off the grid for up to two weeks before refueling is required. This magnificent home was built with every thought and detail, including the beautiful electric gates and brick work that surrounds the property. The reinforcing walls and the front gate are modeled after the University of Virginia. For evening entertaining there is an abundance of outdoor lighting that illuminates both the home and gardens.

Offered @ $12,500,000

Contact Judy Zeder @ 305.960.2475 or Judy@allmiamirealestate.com. Or visit www.allmiamirealestate.com.

Features of this spectacular waterfront residence include wonderful oversized (15 ft) wrap-around verandas circling the house, old growth reclaimed long leaf pine floors throughout the house, and exquisitely detailed custom millwork in every room. In addition to six bedrooms and seven baths,this home features a mahogany paneled media room and library, a state of the art gym, a 5,000 bottle wine cellar with tasting table, a full attic children’s playroom, and a poolside game and party room. There is a mahogany-paneled private office, a poolside Cabana, 5-car garage, and separate guest cottage apartment. There are extra closets and storage everywhere. The marvelous eat-in chef’s kitchen is a masterpiece, and the heart of this traditional home. The kitchen features Cathedral grained antique pine cabinetry, granite countertops, a six burner range with grill and griddle, commercial hood, two ovens, two dishwashers, two microwaves, two warming drawers, an ice maker, wine cooler, deep fryer, a separate 25,000 BTU Wok burner, two refrigerators, and additional crisper drawers. There is a full walk-in pantry, custom storage for everything, and trash chute to the garage garbage bins. Adjacent to the kitchen is a comfortable family room with a full wood burning fireplace and a media center, all of which overlooks the beautiful Verandas and gardens. The entire house has been hard wired with CAT 5 data, cable, stereo, and telephone. There are 6 incoming telephone lines, and the home is surrounded by a wireless internet route. The estate has a resort-type heated outdoor pool and patio overlooking Snapper Creek, and beautifully designed gardens and outdoor entertainment areas. Many of Miami’s most celebrated theme parties and charity events have been hosted in this versatile and unique setting. There are over 130 linear feet of Ipe-planked dock, featuring a private slip, floating dock, 30/50AMP shore power in three locations, and reinforcing for three lifts. There is a dedicated generator room with a 125 KVA generator and automatic transfer switch capable of running the entire property off the grid for up to two weeks before refueling is required. This magnificent home was built with every thought and detail, including the beautiful electric gates and brick work that surrounds the property. The reinforcing walls and the front gate are modeled after the University of Virginia. For evening entertaining there is an abundance of outdoor lighting that illuminates both the home and gardens.

Offered @ $12,500,000

Contact Judy Zeder @ 305.960.2475 or Judy@allmiamirealestate.com. Or visit www.allmiamirealestate.com.