Dubai has emerged as the ultimate hub for luxury retail and several designers are paying homage to that notion this holiday season. Prepare to paint the town purple. Or python.

Both Gucci and Ralph Lauren are launching exclusive bags in Dubai that are certain to impress luxury seekers in the Middle East.  The Gucci “Dubai Exclusive Marrakech” handbag is constructed from blue and taupe python, with tassels and “G” ornaments.  The nappa leather lined interior features a “Dubai Exclusive” metal plaque and retails for Dh17,550 ($4,777).

As for Ralph Lauren’s offering to the people of Dubai, the brand launched a lavender version of the iconic Ralph Lauren Ricky bag.  The structured bag is fitted in this lovely shad of crocodile skin leather and embellished with rose gold hardware.  It retails for Dh88,000 ($23,955).

Supply is seriously limited. ‘Tis the season, Dubai.

Cedric Gervais spins at Lavo.

On Tuesday night, pros from “Dancing with the Stars” took in the sounds of DJ Cedric Gervais for All Night Tuesday at Lavo at the Palazzo. Mark Ballas and Derek Hough first dined on signature dishes at the Italian eatery with friends before heading up to the nightclub where they were joined by Cheryl Burke. The group commanded a VIP table stocked with vodka and tequila and Hough even took to the dance floor to show off some ballroom moves.

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Luxury launches

In the glamorous streets of New York, you never know what you’ll run into while taking a stroll in the park.  In the next two years, you might even see all kinds of dogs roaming through TriBeca’s Hudson River Park, as Manhattan gears up for the upcoming “luxury dog run.” The $6.5 million renovation to the park will showcase an oval-shaped dog run, paved with gray-blue pavement, a dog-sized drinking fountain, along with separate areas for dogs of all sizes.

Not to mention, an amazing water fountain located at the base of Pier 26 at Hubert Street. This centerpiece will be ideal for a playful summer day and can be operated by just one hop on a bollard, which makes it a dog’s dream. Besides the luxury of having fun in the sun with your four-legged friend, many have yet to warm up to the idea of the need for the “luxury dog run,” however, only time will tell once the park is in full swing.

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Photo: iyangoo.info

The stunning villa for rent, Villa Tre Ville, is an exclusive member of The Haute Hotel Network.

Among recent renovation on the Villa Tre Ville, the soothing ambiance of its various themed suites has been perfected to radiate individual culture and charm.

ROMEO AND JULIET SUITE

Roused by the passion of Shakespearian plays, the Romeo and Juliet Suite is one of the most romantic corners of Villa Tre Ville.

With a privileged view of the island of Li Galli, this suite is decorated with vases from Vietri and works of art by different hands, including photographer Daniele Patriarca and painter Natalya Goncharova.

AIDA SUITE

Within the Aida Suite, a wide variety of light-blue tones mimic the tranquil beauty of The Mediterranean. Arabic decorations typical of Positano style embellish this suite, as well as a unique ceramic sculpture by Lucio Liguori.

TURANDOT SUITE

Pure Oriental style has been adopted for the Turandot Suite. An unusual alcove with drapes and fabrics is adorned in typically Oriental colors and 19th century Indian collages showing love scenes.

CARMEN SUITE

The yellow and orange fabrics of the Carmen Suite evoke the spirit of Naples. This suite is decorated with works of art by Paolo Sandulli, including one entitled Le Tuffatrici (’The divers’), and other pieces by craftsmen of the Amalfitan Coast.

NORMA SUITE

The Norma Suite offers original furnishings, fine fabrics, miniatures and tools to create a marine atmosphere.

Read up on Villa Tre Ville to find out more about its rooms/suites, private pools and gardens as well as other exclusive members on The Haute Hotel Network.

My dear friend and designer Jannik Olander’s fabulous new store opening is Thursday, December 1st.  Nialaya, founded by Danish-born designer Jannik Olander, is the name of his brand and company based in Los Angeles with offices in New York City and Copenhagen.  His jewelry includes precious and semi-precious stones, beads, materials and bracelets and necklaces and other items that you can see in Nialaya’s collections- all beads and materials are handpicked by the designer on his travels around the world.

Please visit their new online store www.nialaya.com/shop/shop-by-beads-list/ or in the new LA shop at 7922 Melrose Ave.

A portion of the proceeds of the opening event will go to the Citizens Interested in Arts, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to preserving the visual and performing arts in South Florida.  I am to receive the 2012 Champion Of The Arts Award this year dear friends so remember mark your calendars for that too, March 22, 2012.

With Gratitude,
Sonia

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Hublot, the official watchmaker for Formula 1, unveiled the F1 King Power Interlagos just in time for the final round of this years FIA Formula One World Championship in Brazil.

The timepiece–which sports the same cobalt blue found in the Brazilian flag– is a tribute to “the land of samba and the famous Sao Paulo circuit” .  It is available in a limited edition of 250 numbered pieces and its design and composition is inspired by Formula One racing. It features a ceramic bezel, a circular grained finish, and a strap made rubber and Nomex; the material used in Formula One drivers’ outfits.

Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone was present for the unveiling.

Source: Formula One

Derek Hough, Cheryl Burke and Mark Ballas were at Moon Nightclub last night.

Cheryl Burke, Derek Hough and Mark Ballas from “Dancing with the Stars” hung out last night at Bang! Tuesdays at Moon Nightclub inside the Palms. The cast had a VIP table on the dance floor and enjoyed the sounds of DJ Melo D.

Burke and Hough will be presenters at tonight’s Fighters Only Mixed Martial Arts Awards at the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms. With 22 categories up for grabs, the Fighters Only World MMA Awards 2011 will feature a night of celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment in a black-tie celebration. The night will be hosted by UFC middleweight star Chael Sonnen. With an overall record of 27-11-1, Sonnen is a rising star and one of UFC’s most talked-about athletes.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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The exotic animal look is back and Burberry is following suit. Or skin.   The British high-fashion brand released an alligator skin tote, exclusive to Harrods.  The tote boasts polished gold-tone metal hardware and is fitted with top handles as well as a detachable cross body strap.

The tote comes in both a tawny khaki leather and a black leather. Harrods is the exclusive European stocker of the black version and the only place in the world to find the khaki “Bright Caper” version. Price is available upon request, but the Harrods description does clue us in that it is an “investment piece”.

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On October 14, 2011, Ippolita opened her first in-store boutique at our very own San Francisco Neiman Marcus.   The retail space reflects upon the Ippolita brand DNA, showcasing the natural materials with a sculptural touch.  She now returns to San Francisco to make a personal appearance on December 2nd from 11AM-3PM.  Most excitingly she brings with her visit, special exclusive pieces that travel only with Ippolita during her appearances.  Adding to the holiday gift giving spirit of things, with any purchase over $3500, one would receive a pair of hammered 18k gold earrings as seen in the picture below.

“Feminine, fashion forward and wearable is what I wanted for myself and believed others would want as well,” Italian born jewelry designer, Ippolita Rostagno explains as the motivation for her namesake jewelry collection.

From growing up amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany to graduating from the esteemed Istituto D’Arte in Florence with a baccalaureate in sculpture, Ippolita has always been immersed in culture, art and beauty.   After developing a special shade of gold that flatters all skin tones, Ippolita debuted her signature handmade bangles, chandelier earrings and delicate chain link necklaces in 1999.  She sought to adorn women with everyday fine jewelry.  Beautifully made, beautiful pieces of art but with the effortlessness of everyday.  Since then every woman, from Cameron Diaz, Giselle Bundchen to your fabulous Marin mother has found the iconic raw edged jeweled bangles on her arm.

The Ippolita Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus is on December 2, 2011 from 10AM until 5PM on the 1st floor, fine jewelry and with a personal appearance from 11AM-3PM by Ippolita herself.  A perfect time to pick up something haute for someone special this holiday season while also getting a little gift for yourself.

Neiman Marcus – 150 Stockton Street

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John Brevard, the architect, artist and designer is hosting a three day preview event during Art Basel Miami Beach. December 1^st will launch the series of events with a special VIP gathering, followed by the designer’s official launch party and shoe collection unveiling on December 2^nd.  The launch party will include cocktails courtesy of Cavoda Vodka and musical entertainment by DJ Sal Morale. All of these events begin promptly at 8 p.m. and continue on until 11 p.m.

“The creative process is always a reflection of the individual’s state of consciousness. In my design and artwork, I create pieces in a one of a kind series.” -John Brevard

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