Basso and Brooke Fall/Winter Collection

Oooh, I see fashion. 

The Basso and Brooke Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2012 Collection screams... well it just SCREAMS! I'm already a sucker for anything in houndstooth, but this collection goes beyond color and uses an explosion of otherwise mismatched patterns as a pallet to create these beautiful pieces. Every look appears to have a life of its own and literally jumps off of the fabric.

Even the First Lady, Michelle Obama gave the brand her official seal of approval; she rocked a piece from the designers Spring 2009 collection at the Poetry, Music and Spoken Word event at the White House and looked absolutely stunning. And surprisingly, the outfit didn't overwhelm her, it in fact made her radiate even more, which is how we feel about this new installment. 

Check out a ton more pics and video from the Basso and Brooke fashion show that took place earlier this month after the jump.

SEE MORE HERE...

Beardgang. Ask About It.

The Beardgang. Say what you will about excessive facial hair, but these guys are growing in numbers. The intimidating stare of a man with a massive beard is known to send some running for the hills. But as they say, you can either 'run with them, or run from them'. 
To wear a facial badge of such unbridled self assurance doesn't come easy to all. It's not for everyone. The sad examples of patchy, girlie man beards just go to show the lengths that some will go to achieve such stature. The fact is, that Beardgang 'membership has its privileges', among many include the undeniable fact that the ladies love their ambience.
Now, in spirit of the gang, a diamond pendant has been forged in the likeness of their bearded leader, Adam Goldston by none other than (beardless) jeweler, Jason of Beverly Hills. See more after the jump. If you have the FUR.
SEE MORE HERE...

Icehotel: Diamond Genesis

Not to be confused with ice you'd wear on your neck, but this boutique hotel is just as cold. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden is the world's first and largest hotel made completely out of, you guessed it...ICE. And a little snow. 

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by what is probably the sexiest igloo known to man. A North Pole Penthouse, if you will. 
This place is complete with ice chandeliers, a full ABSOLUT Icebar (because who doesn't like their vodka on ice?) and even features a suite aptly titled "Diamond Genesis" where you can slip into  a hypodermic coma a reindeer skinned sleeping bag surrounded by giant diamond shaped ice sculptures and the cool night air.

You had me at Ice Bar.

SEE MORE HERE...

Rihanna's £100,000 Marilyn Monroe Mosaic

My favorite Rude Gal Rihanna recently decked out her LA pad with a sparkling new piece of artwork inspired by the eternally fabulous Marilyn Monroe. The "Birthday Cake" crooner commissioned British artist Claire Milner to work closely with her interior designers for this 5 foot masterpiece made with 65,000 Swarovski crystals. The price of this piece that truly fit for a diva, is reportedly around £100,000 although the artist says that she has not disclosed an actual number.

Check out the artist Claire Milner inside.

SEE MORE HERE...

Dots, On Dots, On Dots: Damien Hirst Exhibit

Explaining to a friend why I would spend my evening staring at dots is a bit challenging. 

"They're *bleeping* dots, what's the big deal?"

I was at a loss. At the time, all I knew about the famous "Spot Paintings" by Damien Hirst was exactly that. They were just effin dots. In some cases, million dollar dots. I rushed over to the Gagosian Gallery to investigate. I needed to find out what was so special about these paintings and why on earth anyone would spend fortunes on something that you can't drive, wear or experience. Even as a Hirst fan, I needed to be able to answer with something more substantial than "it's ART".

Follow the dots inside to see more from my night at the museum for the opening of the "Complete Spot Paintings Collection 1986-2011".

SEE MORE HERE...

Neiman Marcus: The Christmas Book

Everyone had a fantasy.

The best go beyond the scope of the imagination, entering a world where there's no such thing as "excessive" and price is not a factor. 

This Christmas, make each and every one of your out-of-this-world fantasies come true by flipping through the pages of the latest Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. Whether its that one of 10 Ferrari you've always wanted, or the 45,000 ping pong tale of your dreams, this handy catalogue of opulent goodies is great for that extra "special" gift this year. 

Disclaimer: Santa's pockets don't even go this deep.

SEE MORE INSIDE...

World's (Not So) Cheapest Car: The GoldPlus Nano

They say that you can't polish a... (ehem) but you can in fact turn the world's most inexpensive vehicle into a multi-million dollar spectacle. 

Indian automaker, Tata recently unveiled The GoldPlus Nano, a shamelessly ornate version of the once popular micro-car, worth 4.6 million dollars. Unlike the original Nano, which goes for around 3000 bucks, the blinged out version sports 194 pounds of hand-crafted 22-karat gold, 33 pounds of silver and 10,000 precious and semi-precious stones. 

Not sure if it comes with additional cup holders.

SEE MORE HERE...

Liz Taylor Collection @ Christie's

"The Mike Todd Tiara, estimated at $60,000-$80,000

We told you previously about Elizabeth Taylor's fabulous jewelry collection going on an international tour before the upcoming auction in December, and now we have a up close look at some of those pieces.

Check the vid for a sneak peek inside Christie's and try not to drool over the carats.

More images and specs inside.

SEE MORE HERE...

Socialite Steals the Wedding Spotlight

She may not have a hit reality show on E! or be married to the future King of England, but Petra Ecclestone may have just stolen the spotlight with the best wedding ever.
The British heiress to the billion dollar Formula One fortune recently wed her "independently wealthy" beau of four years, James Stunt, in a jaw dropping ceremony that reportedly cost $5 to $7 million dollars. The couple tied the knot in Italy at Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, the mega castle where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes married, and pulled no stops when it came to the extravagant details, including the 6500 dollar champagne-- per bottle.
Check the video after the jump to see what a 5 million dollar wedding will get you.
SEE MORE HERE...

Banned in the USA: $1 Million Dollar Supercar

Inhale. This one million dollar, sexy beast will take you from zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds and doesn't even have to buy you dinner.

Exhale. Enough said.

However, you wont be seeing one of these babies in the US for a while. The fuzz, aka, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has stated that this beauty has not met regulatory requirements to be sold in America because they forgot to child proof the air bags. Bummer.

Not that there are many soccer moms that would actually be car pooling in this thing. Still, any kid who's parents would drop them off on the first day of middle school in a one-of-five whip is earning major cool points.

See why Junior wont be having any joyrides next year in the 2012 Pagani Huayra inside.

SEE MORE HERE...

The Diamond Bathtub

Pop the champagne bubble bath (or grab that hot pink bottle of Mr. Bubble that your kids use) and "bask in the glow of a true indulgence" with the new Diamond Bathtub by interior designer, Lori Gardner.

I can think of a few good uses for this, all good clean fun, of course.

SEE MORE INSIDE...

Eyegasim: Tom Ford Women's Collection Autumn/Winter 2011

Just another yummy Tom Ford ad...
Victoria Secret model Candice Swanepoel is giving more face than I can handle in the latest campaign for the Tom Ford Autumn/Winter 2011 Women's Collection. 
Fashion photogs Mert & Marcus, who have also shot campaigns for Gucci, Moet and countless magazine editorials, capture the line in these amazing shots colored with drama and dripping fierceness from every pixel. Gasp.
SEE MORE HERE...

Necessities for a Woman

A lady would never leave home without her cell phone, her favorite lip gloss, perhaps her AMEX, and in many cases, her mace. But a true woman of mystery conceals her necessities in style, and by 'conceal', I'm referring to concealed weapons.

Netherlands artist, Ted Noten, makes it simple for any girl to tote her bare essentials (minus the ginormous hefty bag purse we all own) all while channeling Laura Croft, Ms. Smith, SALT...

Take a closer look at Noten's "Necessities for a Woman (to Feel Like a Woman Through the Eyes of a Man)" after the jump.

SEE MORE HERE...

Oscar Gold

Any person who can proudly display an Academy Award of Merit on their mantle would say that it is priceless. In truth, I'd say that the Oscar statuette only costs around 500 to 600 dollars to manufacture, seeing as how it only consists of random metals, specifically alloy, copper and nickel and is merely plated in 24 karat gold.
That's still not too shabby, but if the Academy were to actually hand out Oscars made of pure, solid gold, they would each need their own personal security guard.
See how much the golden boy would cost if he were made completely out of gold at today's ever rising price value, inside.
SEE MORE HERE...

Jason of Beverly Hills Opens its Doors in Sin City

Where do I begin.

On the evening of December 15^th, something very special happened. As the sun began to set, there were rumblings of ground breaking new experience that was about to take place in Sin City. There were whispers of a decadent wonderland unlike anyone had ever seen. An oasis that housed the unbridled fantasies of the risk taker, the playful, and the insatiable dreamer. Inside, I heard rumors of a secret place where scantily clad Amazons guarded a treasure trove of diamonds…

The best part was that it was all true. 

Your first look at the new JASON OF BEVERLY HILLS STORE inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel in as Vegas HERE

"Serendipity 3" and the 25k Icecream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for twenty five thousand dollar icecream!

Grab your apron and some pocket change and I'm gonna show you how to make the worlds most expensive dessert according to the Guinness Book of Records. READ MORE...

Spain Wins The World Cup!!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!
I bet Spain's team wished that this was the trophy they were taking home after their victory over the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup Finals. Not so much.
The disco ball you see before you is actually a diamond soccer ball made by South African jeweler, Shimansky, made to celebrate the World Cup. With an estimated value of 2.6 million dollars, this piece is covered in 6,620 white and 2,640 black round brilliant cut diamonds (all sourced in South Africa). It is said to weigh in at about 5 pounds. Try kicking that thing around if you want to...
If you want to get your hands on one of these, good luck. However, Shimansky has also made seven crystal replicas that will be auctioned off at their regional stores with proceeds going to charity. As for Spain, the team will be going home with their World Cup rings and a pair of silver soccer shoe cuff links.

The trophy is nice too. Not 3500 carat diamond nice. But I'm sure the victory is priceless in itself.
Congrats to SPAIN!! ~vK

Kanye's 300K "POWER"

"My fur is Mongolian, my ice brought the goalies in..." POWER-- Kanye West

Was anyone else wondering what in Jesus-piece name that was around Kanye's neck at this year's BET Awards?
In true Yeezy fashion, the performer leaped light years ahead of game and rocked this ginormous Horus, God of the Sky-esque pendant and four finger Pyramid ring.
These items reportedly set him back 300 stacks. Yikes.

Me likey~ vK

Carey and Cannon's Custom Candy

The Cannon's, Nick and Mariah, celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary this Friday. Check out the video for the goods on the gifts.

This custom candy ring is just amazing. It's hand crafted white gold, encrusted with white diamonds and pink sapphire. It also comes complete with its own special jewelry box with a spinner that allows you to watch it sparkle under the light.
Mr. Cannon says its a design that he knew that Mariah would absolutely love. I remember these things from back when I was a kid and I think its an adorable gift!
Cue the Tony, Toni, Tone.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE CANNONS! ~vK

Jason of Beverly Hills- Gun Ring

Newest addition to the Jason of Beverly Hills collection.
Four carats of VVS clarity diamonds, 18k white gold and black enamel.
That's some "peace keeper"...


You'll shoot your eye out kid - vK