One of the best things to do in Europe during the Summer, besides tanning under the sun, is to make sure you do not miss what’s going on in the upcoming Fall/Winter fashion trends. While you were chilling out, many magazine editors, photographers, models, stage setters and style experts have been working extremely hard for to give you the right feel of what should be the next new look.

My advice is that you start by buying some heavy magazines along with your morning espresso. Those of you traveling by jet can shed the extra weight (and not get into trouble with your baggage allowance) by tearing the pages you are most attracted to for later. Your next shopping is about the how you want to be renewed in your life, children, and home.

This is the reason why in Porto Cervo, Capri, Montecarlo, and Ibiza, you’ll find the latest in fashion, luxury and home design before it appears in the large cities like New York, Paris or London. Don’t be lazy.  “Oh, I do not feel like working now. I am on vacation and for nothing in the world I am going to try on heavy clothes and boots”especially as I will only use them in November and December in the snow. I have all the time on the world!”

Wrong! If you want that powerful feeling of being a trendsetter, style dictator, a glamour enchanter, a global Bohemian example of nonchalant understatements such as: “Oh, I just got those boots on my way to the beach before my flight. The kids ski outfits? I bought those in Capri, I am too busy now to shop.” These are the places and time of the season you should shop.

And while your friends in New York or London are trying to find last month’s sold out edition of Vogue Italia where the fashion trend is ‘black mourning‘, you’ll be peacefully having breakfast at Tiffany with your LTB (little black dress)  bought last month in Anacapri. “Gosh, it was such a long time ago that you have a feeling you’ve had it for years!”

One of most luxurious boutiques in Italy believe it or not, is in Anacapri. Founded right after the war by Tonino Cacace’s mother a daughter of second generation hotelliers. Although the only shop, at that time  in Anacapri it was very much visited due to its privileged location near the magnificent Greek Villa San Michele a place of great of magnetic attraction belonging to a well-known Swedish  physician, author and humanist ( 1857-1949 and to be lover of the queen of Sweden) Axel Munthe.

In 1950 the boutique was moved to a different location and to today’s size of 1,200 square meters by a visionary man called Mario Cacce, whose passionate encounter with Rita resulted in a marriage and a long lifetime partnership. One of the offsprings of such union, after ten years was the Europa Palace Hotel adjacent to the boutique, transformed  by their son, the entrepreneur Tonino Cacace into a five stars luxury hotel, the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa.

As I enter the Mariorita boutique after a long day at sea in the hotel’s  Capricorn boat , I notice the existence of different departments: mens, womans, sea and luxury. I am told that the amazing selection of its products is personally chosen by the owner himself, well- known to be an elegant man with a touch of personal Italian classic-casual style. At his right arm is a smart, quick young lady named Valentina Prezioso. Her surname already states it: ‘precious’  and preciosity is what Valentina is able to bring after her precious sourcing to the boutique.

Most of the fashion, luxury and home accessories items are exclusive to the Mariorita boutique. More important certain brand launch their products in anteprima, (beforehand) at the Annacapri boutique before any other  in Italy and sometimes due to the staff excellent relationship with the brands and the boutique exclusive elite clientele , worldwide.

This is the reason why I decided pick through my camera macro lens, a few of the items around the several department including the kids boutique, Aquamarina and the Pop Gallery so that you can enjoy the ride and visit with me.

The Man’s department holds Versace Collection, Hugo Boss, Armani Collezioni, Armani Jeans, EA7, Ice Iceberg, Tru-Trussardi, Trussardi Jeans, Maserati and Paul & Shark. My favorite are the Maserati leather jackets–sexy, very, extremely sexy . (Photo below left)

The women’s department also carrirs mostly Made-in-Italy exclusives with brands such as Armani Collezioni, M Missoni (my favorite black and white–see photo below far left),  Armani Jeans, EA7, Ice Iceberg with funny Walt Disney striped icons, and wonderful ski outfits in fluorescent lilac. Swarovski crystal engravings and fur, very dans-le-vent this winter, Tru-Trussardi, Trussardi-Jeans, Valentino Roma by the ” The Sheik of Chic’s” new creative director Alessandra Facchinetti, the collection though, with a lot of white lace and black velvet remains still very Valentino.

In the Sea department we have the Milanese brand Miss Bikini, the Israeli Gottex, Chloè, Atlantique, Vilebrequin for both fathers and sons.

The luxury department, founded in 2007, englobes stunning hand picked pieces most of which are limited editions.

The Bentley pens are one of example. The prestigious house offers the possibility of engraving the number of one’s Bentley engine in the roller or ink pen. Tibaldi Da Vinci Code Limited edition, is an opulent and precious work of art engraved with high precision on yellow gold and a touch of intrigue reproducing Leonardo Da Vinci’s Man Vetruvio, a series of the movie ’s sites, several codes and symbols.

Deciphering the code formed by letters and symbols decorating the pens cap will result in the combination of  the two words that in history consent the opening of the Cryptex. It’s price is 17,798 euros in case you decide to keep yourself busy. The boutique is the first global retail representative also from Tibaldi Giorgio Armani’s pen collection as well.

Another very special item, is the woman’s wrist watch from Chopard in white  gold and 1.58 karats of diamonds with a mother-of-pearl background belonging to the ‘Happy Spirit’ Collection the bracelet in satin or leather, the color you pick up. It’s price is 19,000,00 euros. Among the jewellery  Chopard introduced this year, for the first time in the market, leather line of handbags which in already a few months a high success. Mariorita is among the few worldwide stores to carry the 2009 collection in avant-premiere.

Among many types of jewelry, my favorite is the local Gioielli Di Luca.  Hand crafted and encrusted with cameos, corals, and precious woods. The owner, Gino Di Luca, is the president of Oro Mare association of jewelers and coral and cameos handicrafts.

Cartujano, a company from the Italian region of Puglia, specializes in leather accessories dedicated to smokers. Cigar pocket humidors made out of Cedar wood, portable pen, ties and individual watches cases luxurious for your elegantissmo man.

Memento, an Italian company specialized in home accessories, mainly vases and ashtrays.  They are produced out of glass and covered with a hand crafted embroidery of resin. Contemporary and decorative at the same time.

Carlo Moretti excellent maestro in craftsmanship of  hand-blown Glass from Murano. In exclusivity for the L’Olivo restaurant at the Capri Palace Hotel and designed by Tonino Cacace himself, dedicate a special collection of tableware and glasses. At the boutique, the client has a choice of having its name engraved or pick a  exclusive custom designed color also signed by Cacace.

Jewels Sandals by  Enrico Lugani, can be ordered and produced in nothing less than two weeks  after expressly picking the semi precious stones,  model, size, color with personalized name  of you man on the hill or a phrase such as: ” You can step on me dear whenever you wan my dear… always yours ” .  The box comes in black velvet and the lock in Swarovski  crystals as if it were a jewelry case. ( Picture above)

The Pop gallery, the most recent inaugurated this season and latest grand passion of Tonino Cacace. It involves a sponsored space with works of pop art mainly from artists and craftsmen of the Italian region of Campania. All the exhibits are the result of a thorough search of talented and gifted individuals with personal and original inventive creativity.

Aquamarina is the children’s boutique. The most successful of all featuring blue wood floors and a cloudy light blue ceiling makes you feel like Alice in Wonderland — what a trip!

Even with the current world economic and financial crisis, it looks like parents still need to spend time with their children–especially in Italy and worldwide.

The Made-in-Italy brands including Armani, Dolce & Gabbana Junior, Dolce & Gabbana shoes, Dior, Ferrari, Iceberg, Miss Bikini, and Vilebrequin are to die for. Cashmere sweaters with flowers and striped cotton Doppio Petto ( double breasted) for small and Junior boys nurture you a fantasy of acquiring immediate parenthood.

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy: D&G baby sneakers, Baby Dior wool small pink dress for little princesses and at last…

The motto on an Armani baby girl penguin sweatshirt: “I want to become an Eagle”  …

I have nothing else to add..

And enjoy the rest through the view of my camera lens!

When Marc Jacobs found himself in a meeting on a recent Monday morning to brainstorm about Louis Vuitton’s next fashion advertising campaign, inspiration struck. “I just blurted out, ‘I think we should do Madonna,’” said the designer, Vuitton’s creative director, mentioning he’d attended a concert by the pop icon the night before in Paris. “I was totally just blown away by it, and moved by her performance, by what she had to say, and her energy.”

As the meeting went on, Jacobs tapped out a message to Madonna on his BlackBerry, and within about five minutes came the reply: “I’d love to.”

The result is six atmospheric pictures of a smoldering Madonna by Steven Meisel that will break in a range of fashion magazines this February. “It’s a big change from what we were doing. It tells a story,” said Antoine Arnault, Vuitton’s director of communications. “This I think is an amazing coup, but more than that, there’s real logic behind it. It’s very linked to Marc’s fashion show.”

Although Arnault declined to give figures, he said media budgets for the fashion campaign would be on par with a year ago. And he dismissed as “absurd” reports pegging Madonna’s fees at $10 million. “It’s very far away from that,” he assured.

The campaign marks the end of Vuitton’s six-year collaboration with photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, with the parting characterized as amicable, and another reunion for long-time collaborators Madonna and Meisel. Jacobs last worked with Meisel in his Perry Ellis days. (Arnault noted it’s “very probable” Vuitton’s association with Meisel will continue.)

The campaign takes the very Parisian theme of Jacobs’ hit spring Vuitton collection, with a smoky French bistro the setting, and the sepia-toned images evoking a Brassai atmosphere. “As cliché as they are, I love all these French references,” the designer said. (Although the restaurant, Figaro, is on North Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles).

“I still feel it looks like beautiful, gorgeous Madonna,” Jacobs said about the images. “Excepting the references and excepting the clichés, this still feels very today. And it didn’t feel so much like a fashion shoot, it feels like portraits.”

The shoot wrapped up in less than a day and without incident, although Jacobs said hordes of paparazzi literally “appeared out of the bushes” the moment Madonna arrived. “It went from a quiet street to complete chaos,” he said.

The designer also marveled at the singer’s incredible fitness that allowed her to recline, her back arched, on bentwood chairs, or shoot a leg straight up in the air, no sweat. “She’s so sure of herself as an icon and as a woman. It was her idea to do the fishnets,” Jacobs said. “What fascinates me the most about her is her never-ending energy, and the idea of becoming and changing. She’s an artist who’s unafraid to use her voice.”

Arnault said the fashion campaign would appear “very strongly” in February and March issues and with few changes in media placements. “We’re staying on target,” he stressed.

The first visuals will spotlight slouchy bags in monogram canvas and monogram-embossed leather, along with ethnic-inspired sandals, bangles and sexy ready-to-wear. In tandem, Vuitton will continue to run its “core values” campaign, with spots featuring Sean Connery, the latest celebrity spokesman, continuing into next year. Analysts have estimated Vuitton spends more than $250 million annually on advertising, most of it print-driven.

Joelle’s Picks:
The Video

The Cafe: Figaro Bistro 1802 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90027 – Tel +1 323.662.1587

Photos credits: Steven Meisel for Louis Vuitton All rights reserved

Though consumers are slowing their spending, when the global economy stabilizes, luxury online retailers may be the first to benefit.

That’s because, though late to jump on the e-commerce bandwagon, luxury goods companies cater to the growing number of ultra-affluent shoppers who prefer to buy their Dolce & Gabbana dresses, Louis Vuitton handbags and Hermès ties online.

That’s according to a June 2008 study released last month by Google in conjunction with Stevens, PA-based luxury-market research firm Unity Marketing. Both aimed to determine the impact of the Internet on shopping behavior.

And as a company that relies on revenue from search ads, Google also wants to prove to luxury retailers that advertising online this holiday season is worthwhile.The study says that those who prefer to shop online are richer, younger and spend more on luxury goods overall than those who prefer to shop in brick-and-mortar stores.

This is key to online retailers that rely on the rich. Though the Dow Jones Industrial Average has dropped below 10,000 the ultra-affluent are still expected to spend.

Still, spending—both online and off—is about to drop. On Oct, 8, Discover Financial Services released the results of its U.S. Spending Monitor, which dipped for September. Of the 15,000 Americans surveyed, 56% rated the economy as poor, and nearly 70% think it’s getting worse. And 51% are expecting to spend less on discretionary purchases in the next month. Those surveyed were chosen randomly.

Although the Google/Unity Marketing survey was conducted before the stock market’s historic slide, those behind it believe it still reflects the agenda of the ultra-affluent, or those with a net worth of $1 million or more, plus a yearly income of $250,000 for married people and $175,000 for single people. The study surveyed 1,000 people, aged 24-64.

They were then divided into two groups: those who made their last luxury goods purchase on the Internet and those who made their last luxury purchase in-store.

Somewhat surprisingly, those who last partook in Internet shopping earned more per year on average—$1.3 million, compared with $460,000 for in-store shoppers. Their average net worth was also much higher: $21.7 million for online shoppers, compared with $3.4 million for in-store shoppers.

They were also younger—40.3 years old, on average, compared with 44.3 years—and they spent more on luxury goods within the last year ($114,632 on average for online shoppers, compared with $23,000 for in-store shoppers).

Luxury goods expert Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing, says the disparate numbers have a lot to do with efficiency. Presumably, the richer you are, the less time you have to spend shopping. Doing it online is more convenient. “Time is the ultimate luxury,” says Danziger.

Department store Saks Fifth Avenue is so confident in its ability to grow online that it has signed a deal with New York-based E4X—a company that develops easy-to-use Web systems for brands that want to begin selling goods in countries other than their own—to launch a Saks e-commerce site in Canada.

Other luxury retailers on the forefront of e-commerce, according to Danziger and her partners at Google, include Christian Louboutin—designer of those coveted red-bottom shoes—and knit suit maker St. John. Louboutin recently moved one of his personal appearances–very popular among devotees–to his online boutique run by SaksFifthAvenue.com. And St. John keeps its followers busy with an online store run by Neiman Marcus, and also includes lots of insider knowledge on its Web site, ranging from runway clips to an online lifestyle magazine published four times a year.

As Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, says, it’s hard for those making $60,000 a year to cut back on consumption that much. But for those with a salary of $1 million a year or more, they have the ability to trade down: from business class to economy, Louis Vuitton to Coach. “They have room to fall.”

Joelle’s tips:

The source: Why Spending Online May Bounce Back First Lauren Sherman, 10.08.08,

Related Articles: This Holiday Season Luxury Shoppers Will Take the Lead in Internet Shopping

On Line Luxury Websites:   Net-a-porter /  Vivre / Blue Fly

The annual Victoria’s Secret fashion show kicked off on last week starring a host of angel-winged supermodels at the newly renovated Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

Victoria’s Secret veteran Heidi Klum led the glamorous event which included  Miranda Kerr, Karolina Kurkova, Marisa Miller, Doutzen Kroes, Selita Ebanks and Marks & Spencer face Noemie Lenoir.

Adriana Lima wowed in a $5 million Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra, encrusted with rubies and black and white diamonds, designed by jeweler Martin Katz.

This exclusive, one-of-a-kind creation for Victoria’s Secret is set with 3,575 black diamonds, 117 certified 1-carat round diamonds and 34 rubies, with a piece de resistance of two lavish black diamond drops totaling 100 carats.

Designed for maximum cleavage enhancement and adorned with nearly 3,900 stunning gems, it’s the ultimate fantasy gift.  Total carat weight: 1500ct. Price: $5,000,000.

While Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio returned to the catwalk after giving birth just three months ago! She shed an unbelievable 45 pounds to be able to squeeze into the skimpy lingerie and swimwear.

Artist Usher sang for the 35 beautiful models. Themes in the show included glamorous goddesses and bold colors with geometric designs influenced from the 1920s. Professional dancers wore one-piece bathing suits for one segment.

Wing designer Martin Izquierdo made seven pairs of wings for the show. He said he turned to Greek mythology, butterflies and even designed a pair with spiderwebs on rose branches that are composed of crystals.

For the finale, Klum stepped onto the catwalk in a red bra, underwear and sparkling, red wings, which were made to resemble a bow on a present.

Madonna might be the face of Louis Vuitton’s spring 2009 campaign, Style.com reports. Rumor has it the ads have already been shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

And this qualifies as news we never saw coming. Louis Vuitton and Madge aren’t like Chanel and Madge, Christian Dior and Madge, or even Dolce & Gabbana and Madge. .

She regularly romps around in Chanel (who could forget her famous gun-heel pumps?), she’s worn her Dior Blue Angel pumps repeatedly,

and Dolce & Gabbana sponsored the premiere of her directorial debut in New York. But Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs also attended that premiere and told us he was “close to a very good friend” of Madonna’s.

Later we saw them getting chummy in a booth, so maybe such a pairing was inevitable? However it came about, it’s a fine distraction from a giant divorce. We wonder if she’ll have to give up all her favorite non-Louis shoes now.

Joell’s Tips

The Source : New York Magazine Via  “Vuitton’s Best Star Ever? Style.com ”

The Store in New York: Louis Vuitton: 1 E. 57th St., New York, NY 10022  at Fifth Ave. – Tel: + 1 212 758-8877

I finally arrived in Capri. It’s a nice afternoon. I only brought a few summer dresses; as I do every year, I like to pick up my accessories in this charming island of style.

After a long refreshing shower, I put on an exotic kaftan and decide, before my friends unpack, to have a quick walk on Via Camerelle near the grand hotel Quissisana and breathe the scent of jasmine of Via Tragara gardens overlooking a deep blue sea.

Wearing my gold Jimmy Choo gladiator sandals, I am totally ready to face the Caprean arena of glamorous shopping

While I pay for my traditional Rocher and Fragole (strawberry) ice-cream at the Embassy bar, I keep on walking wandering about which must-have fetish I will be catching this summer

There he is, standing at the door of the family legendary boutique, tanned with a large smile on his face, his head shaved, young Costanzo the Italian grand son of Amedeo Canfora the three generation house of hand made sandals looks at me straight in the eyes. His grandfather Amedeo Canfora in the 1960’s dressed the feet of famous women like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn.

I have a feeling I know why he is smiling…He must hide this year new creations and he knows for a fact that I am going to be once more, this summer another of his family fashion victims ” Come stai Joelle ? ” he asks.

I thank him and inquire about his mother and aunt, Amedeo’s daughters Angela and Rita whose magic and experienced hands have crafted sandals with love, devotion and perfection in detail for more than 30 years ” turning womens feet into portable works of art ” as once stated on Elle Magazine.

Costanzo says -Tutti bene grazie- and invites me in. To keep tradition, since 1946, several women fill the busy small but unaltered boutique talking lively with each other. Among them, piles of amazing styles and an infinity of colored sandals all handmade with real leather and fabulous applications of costume jewelry take over the tiny shelves.

Suddenly, my eye catches a piece of Amber stone hidden between leather gold straps and a white box. ” What is this?’ I ask.. Without taking away that smile on his lips Costanzo plays around, “All right Joelle “Amore a prima vista ” (love at first site) I knew you would catch those!-They are called Emily, bran new and part of our fall collection not yet in production though…”

“I don’t care – I say- I strongly have the need for those , now ” – ” Now? he asks the smile vanishing on his lips? ” He looks at his mother who without a smile of her own replies with a not-possible-look , then at his aunt Rita, at the moment working on large order for Middle East royals, who simply avoids his looks altogether not to compromise with the busy sister.

Costanzo looking back at me, realizes he is in a difficult situation; trapped between the powerful looks of three wordless Italian women whose personalities and character he’s too tired to know by now, will definitely interfere in a way or the other, with his dinner plans. He excuses himself and asks his father a minutes to reflect.

You must know that it takes at the boutique in Capri approximately 10 minutes for one of the family experienced members to produce a limited pair sandals of such quality (average of 25 a day) . Third party suppliers though, located in the peninsula regions of Campania, Lombardy and Toscany, are responsible for assembling and custom creating with the Canfora family the magnificent encrusted semi-precious stones and legitimate Swarovski crystals designs. These would take sometimes more than six months depending on the complexity of the style to deliver the well researched and formatted prototypes.

Among the unforgettable Jacqueline Onassis many others famous customers like Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart and Grace Kelly, Caroline of Monaco, have appreciated Canfora’s creations over the years.

At the beginning small motifs like stars, butterflies and hearts encrusted on natural leather were the signature sandals. Within the years according to avid and demanding niche of international clientele, models like Naomi Campbell and Hollywood stars, the luxurious quality to the sandals and the continuous research for exclusive design within its styles without a doubt reached its peak this season.

Costanzo finally comes back from his walk with his father, ” Is it ok for tonight at 9 after dinner ? Rita, who heard without a word, prepares the glue on a board, the Emily Amber detail, their own production water resistant artfully stitched sole, the wood mold and the luminous gold leather strings.

Through their recently installed e-commerce worldwide, and their website reaching sometimes 500 hits a day, Americans, Brazilians, Swiss, Greeks and Indonesians now wear at their feet among many others Botticelli Venus, Gioia, Mimosa, Vanessa, Gianna and Maddalena. The prestigious hotel Sandy Lane in Barbados and the world most famous department store Harrods in Knightsbridge London, represent the historical tradition this family of craftsmen who understood long ago that glamour is nothing more than luxury applied to simplicity.

Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s nine o’clock.

Like the divine Ava Gardner in the Barefoot Contessa I must go to an appointment where I will find a jewel especially adjusted to be worn freely at my feet….Ah and the name of that jewel? Emily.

Joelle’s Tips:

The handmade sandals:

Canfora Via Camerelle
80073 Capri (Napoli)
Tel. +39 081 8370487

Fax +39 081 8370487

www.canforacapri.com – To order wholesale : info@canfora.com

The Bar:

Ambassy Via Camerelle, 16 – tel. 081 8377066 A must for those who love gelato. .

It all started  at a dinner. I was invited to a friend’s house and was wearing a black custom jewelry bracelet with a pearl in shape of a flower. My friend who works at Bochic looked at it completely outraged and almost insulted!

“How can you wear such a bracelet when we have the best of your taste in jewelry at the office?” The next Monday, on a rainy afternoon, I went to meet David the owner of the company, at his New York Fifth Avenue showroom. My friend was there and she was wearing a stunning gold bracelet in a shape of a snake that absolutely captured my attention. Completely enchanted by that piece, I realized I did not pay attention to David who was saying it was pleasure to meet me.

David Araon Joseph born in England, had been in the music, film, screenplay and production , diamond business. Representing jewelry designers in his own gallery without finding in the market something he had been missing for a long time. That something happened to be his wife, Miriam Salat, a former civil engineer and fashion jeweler who started her career selling her designs in the streets in Soho, New York and then at Barney’s to pay her PhD studies in Psychology.

The time Miriam and David met, they both seemed to identify with the archetypes of bohemian life paradoxes. Adventurous mountain biking in the desert sands of but also relaxing in the glamorous Positano with a shopping break in Capri. Living both contradictory experiences was very inspiring and motivating to them.

David Joseph is a romantic, a classic aficionado of the La Dolce Vita archetype of living. Miriam pays attention to the technical detail, the ancient tradition of craftsmanship, the creative innovation in modern living.

While looking outside on the falling rain, David tells me that not everything in their collection is totally designed. Sometimes they are just observers, they watch tantrums, body language, fashion statements, or limit themselves collecting vintage jewelry. Their source of inspiration are the Mediterranean and colorful countries like India and Turkey. In their wanderings, they could be attracted by an object, stone or pendant and will after that recreate together a new meaning to that piece.

I realize after wearing a wood bracelet together with luminous Citrine earrings, and a bone ring, that their creations never have a single and unique element to them. Materials are intelligently, elaborated and carefully integrated with one another. At Bochic, they are not afraid to dare, reuse, recycle, reinvent, reconstruct, or recreate. Like in Bohemia, it is all about the atmosphere, a way of life, a mental state of mind. Just like poets, painters, absinthe drinkers, or dandies, their work is timeless in movement where ethnicity and classical elegance blend in with natural nonchalance.

Bochic has become the collection of choice among Hollywood’s red carpet celebrities such as Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Eva Mendes, Hilary Swank, Penelope Cruz and Rihanna. On magazine covers, they show off bold Bakelite cuffs and over-sized rings, all hallmarks of the collection. At the primere Pat the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, Angelina Jolie chose a pair of rose cut diamond earrings and a matching diamond bracelet.

Talking about trend setting, the Art Deco ‘ Noir ‘ collection for Fall 2008 mostly in bakelite and vintage diamond pieces is presented in Europe this month by Bochic as an intrepid innovation with a classical comeback in the world of jewelry design.

The sources, precious gems, rose, slice, single and rough cuts diamonds are not about the quality. Without a doubt Miriam and David Joseph are connoisseurs of color, texture and sensation, but more about the vintage look, and a typical infusion of Mediterranean ‘terres d’ailleur ‘, a well-known and enduring Bohemian mainstream starting in the 70′ by the precursor Yves Saint Laurent (may he rest in peace) and his muse Thalita Guetty in Marrakech. The exotic flair of the Old Orient collection, Morocco-Egypt-India, is the Bochic inspiration and its counter-culture, their modern and globalized fusion with the West.

Bochic plans to merge the splendor of the Old Spain, Moorish style, Flamenco, and mosaics (immortalized by Goya) in future creative pieces of treasure.

Pay attention because you’ll see them coming!

Joelle’s Tips:

The Jewelers: Bochic

More evidence today from the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie that the watch category has become a focus for innovative thinking in the luxury industry.

First comes the announcement from luxury watch brand Vacheron Constantin that it has employed the skills of a passport printer and a Swiss banknote designer to develop new security features in its fight against product counterfeiting.

Laser engraving without inking, for example, is used for the words ‘Swiss Made’ and ‘Automatique’ on the dials. Laser engraving with inking, on the other hand, is used for some of the numerals, the date and day of the week and ‘Vacheron Constantin Geneve’. Meanwhile, the surface of the dial is also covered with fine white gold in the so-called metallisation process. — Via Agence France Presse

Then, a story that perhaps captures the imagination more, and speaks strongly to the evolving definitions of luxury. The watch so luxurious that it doesn’t even tell the time…

Swiss watchmaker Romain Jerome’s “Day&Night” watch — which does not tell the time, only whether it is night or day — sold out within 48 hours of its launch earlier this year as watch fanatics snapped up the $300,000 timepiece. — Via Reuters

A new Cartier watch was also introduced at the show in Switzerland this April. The Cartier Perles watch is part of the Cartier Libre watch collection which also includes Cartier’s Crash watches. The Cartier Perle is done in 18K white gold with 389 diamonds (a total of 2.9 carats) and highlighted by two pearls. The movement is a Swiss quartz module. The style is very striking but it looks like might be awkward to wear.

In 2005, Omega spent $350,000 on the Ultra Thin Omega watch that belonged to President John F. Kennedy. Now they are making the most of their investment with the launch of a limited-edition timepiece that will be virtually identical to the “Ultra Thin” Omega that Kennedy wore during his January 20, 1961 inauguration and throughout much of his presidency. Via Luxist

There will be 261 numbered commemorative timepieces available for purchase this spring. The watches will have the same 18K gold casing and black leather strap as well as the gold stamp of the word “Omega” and the company’s symbol both on the original.

Each wristwatch will retail for $8,250 and was available for purchase in time for Father’s Day. Given the recent comparisons between the two in the media, it would be the perfect gift for Barack Obama.

At the next Cannes Film Festival, Your VIP Services is offering to its important clients a prestigious package during AMFAR Event 2008 being held on May 22 at Le Moulin de Mougins.

It’ is called the Ode Saint-Lys Diamond Package, this is what it consists of, as you or your company might be interested :

Global Media exposure for you or your client

One page at the official AMFAR event program

10 luxury tickets for the AMFAR event

Premium gala dinner with exclusive seating for 10 guests at the AMFAR event

Very exclusive travel and lodging package for 10 guests ( May 21- May 26) including flights, 5 nights/superior suites in an outstanding luxury hotel and chauffeur service.

Company name included in all press releases,promotional materials

Invitation of Ode Saint-Lys regarding the AMFAR event

One complimentary luxury hospitality suite for special functions

Celebrity accessibility for private company functions and special autograph sessions

One 18 karat gold ring ( Sunflower value 30.000 Euros) of Ode Saint-Lys by Sandra Berete

One special night out with VIP treatment, in one of the most prestigious nightclubs in Cannes

The selling price everything included for the exclusive package : 395.ooo Euros

Check your bathing suits it’s spring time, after all do not feel guilty even if it’s sunny in Cannes you will be still working to the call of duty!

Joelle’s Tips:

Informations and reservations:

Richard Tripodi

SAS YOUR VIP SERVICES

Tel: + 33 60 90 81242