Premium Goods Television

Evisu Relaunches, Re-imagines

2009-11-16T04:44:00.000-08:00

Evisu over the years and like any other company, made changes to their icon and their identity, but the way in which they make jeans always stayed true to form.

Form over function.

Function creates identity.

Re-Launch of Evisu
Evisu is now re-launching its brand with a new collection for men and women (from $150 to $700 a pair). The collection pays homage to the unsung, forgotten roots of the brand, along with the quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity that made them the standard in denim in the late-90s, back when there were waiting lists for the 12 pairs that Barneys New York received each month. Evisu was also the first denim brand to sell mainstream for over $100 a pair.

Source:SOJONES.com

Premium Viewpoint > Lou Dobbs has finally been deported from CNN

2009-11-13T06:41:00.000-08:00

Lou Dobbs announced that he is resigning from CNN

On November 11, the incendiary news anchor and host of "Lou Dobbs Tonight" announced that the evening's broadcast would be his last. He said that "some leaders in media politics and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN, and to engage in constructive problem solving, as well as to contribute positively to a better understanding of the great issues of our day, and to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible."

During his tenure at CNN, Dobbs was neither constructive nor positive in dealing with the nation's issues. He used his program to engage in race baiting, to scapegoat Latinos and immigrants, and promote the most outlandish conspiracy theories. And his abuse of the airwaves - not to mention journalistic standards - resulted in a campaign by civil rights groups that called for him to be ousted.

Source:TheGrio.com

Dobbs will fit right in with Fox News and their "Teabaggers."

Premium Viewpoint >Mike Tyson: I Was Defending My Wife and Child

2009-11-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

By RAQUEL MARIA DILLON, Associated Press Writer – Thu Nov 12, 1:39 pm ET
LOS ANGELES – Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson and a photographer are being investigated for misdemeanor battery after an airport scuffle that injured the paparazzo, police said Thursday.
Tyson and Tony Echeverria, 50, made citizens' arrests of each other after a confrontation at about 4:30 p.m.

Source:AP

I believe Mike was protecting his family and was extra sensitive after the recent death of his child. I would have done the same to protect my family.

PPR Sales Miss Estimates as Gucci Touches ‘Low Point’

2009-11-12T04:29:00.000-08:00

(Bloomberg) -- PPR SA, owner of the Gucci brand, reported sales that missed analysts’ estimates after demand weakened across the French company’s markets, from luxury to furniture and African goods distribution.

Gucci Group’s figures are worse than those posted earlier this week by the company’s largest rival, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA. The Vuitton brand had “exceptional” demand for its handbags in China, LVMH said, helping boost revenue from fashion and leather goods 5.3 percent in the third quarter and offset weakness in smaller labels like Fendi.

Source:Bloomberg.com

Louis Vuitton Computer Sleeve Now Available In Classic Damier Canvas Design

2009-11-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

The Louis Vuitton computer sleeves are now available for 13″ and 15″ notebooks in the House Classic Damier Canvas design. A few months ago they released the same sleeve but with the classic LV monogram design. The contsruction is made of microfiber lining, golden brass pieces, a foam-lined protective laptop compartment, and the Louis Vuitton inventeur signature embossed inside the case. As always, luxury doesn’t come cheap and the 13″ version of this case retails for $670 and the 15″ retails for $715. For that price, I don’t suggest leaving this on the backseat of a Taxi

Christies South Kensington to auction Hermes handbags

2009-11-10T04:24:00.000-08:00

Fashionistas and lovers of exquisite handbags get set to bid for your favorite accessory as Christie’s South Kensington is holding an auction of historically important handbags on November 19. Bid for a stylish Hermes Birkin that is known to have a waiting of more than six years or go for the Kelly handbag. An auction for every bag lady, these vintage and stylish bags are sure to appeal to one and all. Besides Birkin’s the auction house is also offering a selection of vintage jewelry to ogle and possibly bid on.

Premium News > Former NYC-TV Official Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy

2009-11-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

A man who helped run a city-owned television network for four years pleaded guilty in Federal District Court in Manhattan on Wednesday afternoon to conspiring to steal tens of thousands of dollars in advertising revenue from the station.

The man, Trevor Scotland, who served as the chief operating officer of NYC-TV from 2004 until his arrest in April 2009, stood in front of Judge Paul A. Crotty and pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
“I did knowingly conspire with another individual to defraud NYC-TV,” Mr. Scotland said, adding, “On at least one occasion I did communicate by e-mail with a co-conspirator.”

Although Mr. Scotland, 39, had initially faced up to 20 years in prison, a plea agreement between Mr. Scotland and the United States attorney’s office said that “the defendant’s stipulate sentencing guidelines range is 12 to 18 months.”

for more info.

Premium > Focus

2009-11-04T04:41:00.000-08:00

Focus on successl.

Limited Edition Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal timepiece bonds ceramics and Liquidmetal

2009-11-03T05:38:00.000-08:00

Timepieces from Omega’s Seamaster line have never ceased to impress watch connoisseurs and collectors. The latest addition in this line too promises to follow in the footsteps of the earlier models and mesmerize lovers of fine timepieces everywhere. The newest watch launched by Omega is a limited edition piece known as the Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal Limited Edition and is the world’s first watch to bond ceramics and Liquidmetal. Swatch Group researchers worked with Omega’s product development team to create a striking ceramic diving bezel whose numbers and scaling, made of the Liquidmetal alloy, appear in stunning silvery contrast to the black ceramic background. An aesthetic timepiece, the color of the ceramic dial perfectly complements the color of the bezel. The Liquidmetal is a unique alloy comprising of five elements: zirconium, titanium, copper, nickel and beryllium. The intricate process in which this timepiece is made is definitely breath taking. First, ceramic rings are formed. The numbers and the fine lines of the minute scaling are then engraved into these ceramic bezel rings and polished. The alloy is heated and pressed into the cavities in the ceramic material. The Liquidmetal numbers and scales are then satin brushed. The use of the Liquidmetal along with ceramic makes this timepiece resistant to scratching and corrosion.

The exquisite timepiece with a stainless steel case and bracelet is driven by OMEGA’s revolutionary Co-Axial caliber 2500 movement. The beautiful watch will be launched in a limited edition of 1,948 pieces in honor of the year OMEGA launched its popular Seamaster watch line. A watch connoisseur’s delight, this timepiece is definitely a class apart.

“Living The Lights” BMW M3 Film

2009-11-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

I'll admit I love BMW's.

Premium News> Here we go, again!

2009-10-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

NBA player Antoine Walker the former Celtics star forward has had a rough year has lost most of the $110 million that he earned while playing in the NBA and is now being chased by creditors. Walker was arrested in a Lake Tahoe casino for writing bad checks to cover $1 million in casino markers in Las Vegas.

The Boston Globe found that Walker has been pursued by multiple financial institutions for unpaid debts totaling more than $4 million and has been named as a defendant in three recent debt-related civil cases in Florida and Illinois. Walker is from Illinois and also played for the Miami Heat. Earlier this year J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, Wachovia Bank, and American Express Centurion Bank all won decisions against Walker for failing to pay off promissory notes.

Antoine needs to get in touch with the National Black MBA Association.

for more info.

Ralph Lauren Penthouse furniture collection complements the urbane lifestyle

2009-10-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

You can always count on Ralph Lauren to add style to your home or office. After impressing us with the sleek Brigham desk, the great designer has created a line of furniture solely for a Penthouse.

The Penthouse furniture collection is a unique combination of classic and contemporary lines with pieces made from lacquered woods and black leather. Each piece exudes class and luxury that will surely complement the urbane lifestyle.

An array of classy, chic and extremely beautiful pieces, you will be spoilt for choice with this range that includes Roark Hurricane candle holders, a leather wrapped table lamp and many more luxurious pieces. Have a look at this collection and pick one or all the pieces that fit your needs.

Limited edition croc skin bags from Rodd & Gunn for $55,000

2009-10-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

Animal skin products don’t appeal to me much. But for those of you who love croc skin products, New Zealand’s luxury brand Rodd & Gunn has something for you. The luxury brand has produced two exquisite croc skin bags that will surely appeal to you. 150 hours of craftsmanship and the skin of as many as ten crocodiles were required to create these bags. The bags are the most expensive bags ever produced in New Zealand. With only two being produced, these bags are definitely exclusive! The matching pair of bags is priced at $55,000! The price for the large bag set at AUD 27, 500 ($24,800) (AUD 30,250 ($27,500) including GST) and the small bag at AUD 22,500 ($20,310) (AUD 24,750 ($22,340) including GST).
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Michelle Obama's expensive vegetable shopping trip

2009-10-19T02:35:00.000-07:00

I enjoy stepping out in evening to pick up some fresh greens to stir up a healthy meal. Guess Michelle Obama too enjoys doing the same. However I just spend for the stuff that I pick up and she makes the tax payers pay for all the security needed when she is out to buy some food. When the First Lady decided to hit the local farmer's market, just a short block or two away from the White House, her armored limousine was accompanied by a troop of Security Service and Police.

About three dozen vehicles swarmed the place and H Street, Vermont Avenue, two lanes of I Street and an entrance to the McPherson Square Metro station were shut down. Barricades were put up to keep the public out, and bomb-sniffing dogs checked for anything that could probably blow up the First Lady’s plans. Also a special-ops modified Apache helicopter, hellfire-stinger-sidewinder-equipped and with upgraded A-10 Warthog-class 40mm gatling gun was swarming over the crowd. Following all this, Mrs. Obama stepped out and filled her straw basket with Asian pears, cherry tomatoes, multicolored potatoes, free-range eggs and two bunches of Tuscan kale at the "Farm at Sunnyside" tent. Though the cost of the products didn’t total up to a scary bill, it’s the entire security stunt that also accounts up to the whole trip of grocery shopping.

The September Issue: André Leon Talley's Tennis Fashion

2009-10-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

André Leon Talley, US Vogue'sEditor-at-Large, has shown how important style is to him. A newly released clip from the upcoming movie, The September Issue shows the style crazy editor playing tennis as Anna Wintour inaugurates him to health. He says, "She (Anna) saves my life in a long term coz she intervened about three years ago that I go to lose weight". But being the flamboyant guy that he is, he made sure he carried his style and fashion to the tennis court as well. The editor showed his loyalty towards luxury brand Louis Vuitton, as he refused to wear Shorts and a T-shirt opting for a Ralph Lauren shirt with a Louis Vuitton towel in tow, a Louis Vuitton cap, Louis Vuitton case, and Louis Vuitton tennis case instead. The September Issue releases this august 28th.

Amosu $240,000 BlackBerry Curve

2009-10-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

Amosu is claiming to have the World’s Most Expensive Blackberry. The handset is a BlackBerry Curve 8900 encrusted with 4,459 diamonds and coated in 18 carat yellow gold. Amosu will give you the option of customizing the blackberry with your name or company logo. It’s also the first Blackberry to come with a 24-hour global concierge service. Only three of these diamond encrusted Blackberry 8900 will be made and will run $240,000. One has already been sold to a client in the Middle East.

Nordstrom Guide To Men’s Style

2009-10-14T05:18:00.000-07:00

The Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style is a easy to use handbook for dressing well. It helps men identify their personal style and shows them how to incorporate that style in shirts, trousers, suits, sportcoats and tuxedos.

Louis Vuitton Sunglasses collection

2009-10-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

Chloé Bowler Chain Handbag, Handbag of the Week

2009-10-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

The Chloé Bowler Chain Handbag is a fabulously retro bag which will compliment this fall's speakeasy styles perfectly.

The Chloé Bowler Chain Handbag is available from Intermix for $1,795.00

Premium Business:"I'm not a businessman/I'm a business, man."

2009-09-30T04:23:00.000-07:00

With nearly 40 million albums sold and a business empire that includes clothing, fragrances, the New Jersey Nets, sports bars, liquor, and hotels, Jay-Z has transformed himself into one of the most potent brands in the world
By: Anthony DeCurtis; Photographs: Nino Munoz; Clothing by: Tom Ford
Published: April 2009 [ Updated: March 2009 ]

"With education comes refinement," Jay-Z observes late one Friday afternoon. He's lounging on a couch in a studio at the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment complex on the far west side of Manhattan and speaking between nibbles of a takeout salad in a plastic container and sips from a bottle of water. In his everyday speech, as in his raps, Jay-Z is inclined toward aphorisms, the compressed expression of complicated ideas, delivered with rhetorical flair. It's hard-earned wisdom, graced by a poet's touch.

He is relaxing after a typically jam-packed day that included a photo shoot, an interview, and a meeting about his potential involvement in a forthcoming video game. He celebrated his 39th birthday the night before with the staff of his Rocawear clothing line, so a mild fatigue has set in. Slender and six feet three inches tall, Jay-Z is an imposing figure, even in relative repose. He's wearing distressed jeans that hang loosely from the middle of his hips, black sneakers, and a long-sleeved black T-shirt that has replaced the pristine short-sleeved white one he wore before changing for his photo shoot. The look is studiously casual...until you glance at his left wrist and notice a diamond watch so thick it could pass for a weight band.

The winter sky is growing gray in the bank of windows behind him as the sun sets over the Hudson River. Jay-Z returns to the narrative of what, in the 19th century, would have been called his sentimental education, the education of his emotional life. That journey to refinement began in the rugged Marcy Projects in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant district, and now continues in arenas and boardrooms, in posh homes and VIP hideaways, around the world.

Jay-Z feels comfortable in all of these realms. "I've never looked at myself and said that I need to be a certain way to be around a certain sort of people," he explains. "I've always wanted to stay true to myself, and I've managed to do that. People have to accept that. I collect art, and I drink wine...things that I like that I had never been exposed to. But I never said, 'I'm going to buy art to impress this crowd.' That's just ridiculous to me. I don't live my life like that, because how could you be happy with yourself?"

Staying true to yourself might stand as a succinct summary of Jay-Z's philosophy of success. The notion goes back to Shakespeare's "To thine own self be true," and further back than that to the Greeks. But for Jay-Z, it has an urgently contemporary meaning. Even, or perhaps, especially, in recessionary times, amid the thousands of entertainment and lifestyle choices consumers have available to them, what separates winners from losers is a commitment to a single proposition: You are the product. If people believe in you, they will believe in what you create. Jay-Z understands this and is down with it.

By selling nearly 40 million albums and building a business empire that extends far beyond music into clothing, fragrances, the New Jersey Nets, sports bars, liquor, and hotels (to name just a few of his seemingly innumerable investments), Jay-Z has transformed himself into one of the most potent brands in the world. But that brand retains its power only if people remain convinced that the product they are purchasing somehow genuinely reflects Jay-Z and his tastes. As he famously put it in one of his raps, "I'm not a businessman/I'm a business, man."

Chloé's exotic Paraty python tote

2009-09-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

Have a special dinner date coming up and if you are looking for an elegant outstanding bag to match with your favorite black dress then maybe this is the perfect piece for you. This black python skin tote from Chloé is a luxury to carry to every party. The bag is a result of perfect tailoring and adds to your beauty. The cost of this exotic bag is $ 3,732. Paraty python tote has black python skin medium tote with gold-tone hardware. Other specifications of this bag are press stud, piped panels, rivet detailing on the two straps and a small zipped pocket on the inside. This bag is fully lined from inside.

Source:Net-A-Porter.com

Hermes Acreau Ebony Chronograph is an exquisite timepiece

2009-09-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

The Arceau model elegantly expresses the original source of inspiration of the House of Hermès: the equestrian world. A steel stirrup prolongs the case with its integrated asymmetrical lugs securing a strap fastened by a folding clasp. The evocative design of the sloping numerals lends a unique cadence to the beautiful hours depicted on the dial. Telling a long-established love story and expressing a wealth of expertise, Arceau makes its way through time with the understated boldness of a great classic.

Arceau Ebony Chronograph

The new Arceau Ebony Chronograph pays a vivid tribute to Hermès’ first companion, the horse, by combining aesthetic elegance, impeccable precision and refined harmony. Against the ebony-colored 43 mm dial backdrop, time trots, canters or gallops around the étoupe-colored numerals and hour-markers. The large central seconds hand with its brand-signature orange shade sweeps smoothly over the dial, revealing the presence of the mechanical movement beating at the heart of this chronograph. The harmoniously integrated simple date window and counters provide eminently readable functions as well as enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the model. Echoing the refined touches on the dial, a generous ebony-colored barenia calfskin strap accentuates the distinctive nature of this latest addition to the Arceau range.

2009-09-25T04:47:00.000-07:00

The business woman of today is not just a winner in the corporate field but in the fashion department as well. So if you are a corporate chic looking for the perfect briefcase, we suggest you opt for the limited edition Pineider Alligator Women's Briefcase.
The beautiful black alligator leather briefcase is formal yet stylish. The exclusive bag will beautifully complement your corporate lifestyle. The chic briefcase with 2 gussets is definitely a must buy for the woman on top. Exclusive, exquisite and simply stylish, the Pineider Alligator Women's Briefcase is priced at $16,900 and available here. What is more, for an additional $30 you can also get your names or initials engraved on this bag.

Source: Pianki.com

Mary J. Blige on October Issue of Essence

2009-09-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

On the new October issue of Essence which displays Mary J. Blige on the cover, she answers questions from fans regarding her career.

Do you feel any pressure to keep pumping out hits because of the younger artists?—Angie Kyles, Los Angeles
MARY J. BLIGE: I feel no pressure. I pump out hits for my fans. They just want to hear from me. I don’t compete with the young generation, I learn from them. I listen to what they’re saying, so I can get a little bit of that, so we can cross, so we can have an understanding and hear each other.When I listen to your music I can’t help but feel the emotion, whether it is joy, pain, anger or bitterness. How do you control and channel your emotions to give us these great performances?—Adina Oubre, New Orleans
Every lyric in my songs is real to me, so I channel the words and the feelings. Whatever those different songs are, they really are relatable to me. And then the fans give me the energy back, because they’re basically saying, “It’s us too Mary,” so I just take it to the next level.

I always wondered why, and I’m not hating on Faith Evans (I love her too), but were you to be the First Lady of Bad Boy?—Erica Neal,Columbus, Ohio
If I wasn’t signed to MCA, it could have been me, which I believe Puff would have wanted. But I understand Puff is a businessman, so he had to go get his First Lady, which I understand. It took me a couple of years to understand, but you know, after a while I was like, “Oh, okay. He had to do that,” because he didn’t have a female artist over there.

Will you ever sing “I Don’t Want to Do Anything Else” [her duet with Jodeci's K-Ci] live again? Angela Ervin—Greensboro, North Carolina
No. I mean, if I sing it with someone else, yes.

Do you feel any pressure to keep pumping out hits because of the younger artists?—Angie Kyles, Los Angeles
I feel no pressure to pump out hits because of the young artists. I pump out hits for my fans. They just want to hear from me. I don’t compete with the young generation. I learn from them, I listen to what they’re saying, so I can get a little bit of that, so we can cross, so we can have an understanding and hear each other.

Source:Essence.com

Video: Bentley Mulsanne At 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show

2009-09-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

Source: AutoBlog.com