Prada is one of those brands that come under the “status symbols” list. If you do not own a Prada, you are probably not even closely part of the fashion circuit. Paris currently is the venue for a new and quite avant-garde Prada Contemporary Store which is temporary and surprises shoppers with graphic illusions.

The illusions within the shop and also from the outside recreate the city’s identity. Thanks to striking abstract perspective graphic illusions you could see the first bridge of Paris, the Mirabeau Bridge which was immortalized by Guillaume Apollinaire’s poem. The interiors are decorated with lilac carpeting and couches. It also recreates Prada’s first store in 1913 through chequered marble floors.

The store still does not have any products but will soon retail Prada women’s ready-to-wear, bags, accessories and footwear. The two level space was designed by Roberto Baciocchi and would be open to the public until 2010. If you are visiting Paris for Christmas or New Year, make sure you shop at Prada’s temporary store and experience Paris in an illusory manner. Prada after all is one of the best luxury houses around for almost a century.

Via: Design Boom

The Russian brand Faberge famed for its jewel-encrusted Easter eggs had been dormant since 1917 as far as its jewelry section was concerned, until now, that is. After roping in Parisian jewelry designer Frederic Zaavy, it has launched an impressive new initial coolection of 100 items at the Paris studio. We are told that hundreds and thousands of tiny gems have been used to create each of the rings brooches, earrings and necklaces. No wonder the collection has as estimated worth lying between $58,000 and $10 million.

In the picture above, you can see the Sadko Sea Horse Brooch that is worth $320,000, and the hot in-house favorite Fure Bird Brooch that will set you back by $335,000. Experts reflect that it took 92 years for the brand to go beyond its boundaries, but the lovely creations are definitely worth the wait.

Insiders reveal that Faberge took a very calculated risk by entering the jewelry market in the midst of the global economic recession. And it has also got itself former Alfred Dunhill prez, Mark Dunhill in its new management. A whole lot of people backed by the British private-equity firm Pallinghurst Resources are working to revive the glory of this huge brand.

Via bornrich

Fashion houses are finding new ways and methods to garner everybody’s interest without making it seem that they are trying too hard in the economic hard times. Prada has decided to temporarily open shop at Beauvau in Paris. This new store will be running for 5-months completely inspired by French poet Apollinaire whose poem Le Pont Mirabeau is immortalised in the Pont Mirabeau Bridge.

Trying to keep up to the legend of the poet, Prada is also endorsing the antiquity in front of the new store which shall remind you of the Mirabeau Bridge. Architect Robert Baciocchi had the tough task to create this splendid thematic store which is complete iwth a dramatic trajectory towards the stair case. Mannequins have been grouped t recreate a Parisian street scene.

The ground floor is asbtract in  nature with a rather elaborate motif. The carpeting and sofas have all been done in lilac complemented by bronzed-metal glass displays. The two-storey shop also flaunts the black and white chequered marble floor belonging to the Milanese history, which was seen in the original Prada store on 1913.

Via telegraph

The art circuit is all tensed up. Pablo Picasso’s famous sketchbook complete with crayon drawing has been reported stolen from the Picasso National Museum in Paris. The 32 drawings are estimated to be worth between $8.4 million and $14  million. The spectacular designs date back to 1917 to 1924. Being exhibited at the first floor of the building, the sketchbook was not noticed missing until before lunchtime last Tuesday. Apparently, there were no signs of any kind of a break-in. Even the alarm system did not go off.
 
The pad measures 6 inch by 9 inch and was kept in ahigh security glass cabinet which could be opened with a special key. People are raising questions on the absence of security cameras. The authorities have said in their defence that the Daniel Buren’s works were on display which included a giant mirror, and it might have blocked the view of the staff.

Sounds like quite a movie plot. Just so you know, many of Picasso’s works have been moved to oter places on loan to raise money for the museum’s renovations. Everyone is worried that the sketches might be broken up and sold indvidually on the black market.

Via source

If only looking at the Eiffel Tower could be more romantic. We only thought this was rather impossibility until we lay our eyes on the pics of the new boutique hotel that has come up in Paris. Called The Radisson Blu Le Metropolitan, this new abode for travelers is as spectacular as its name.

The new hotel boasts of ten suites, five out of them offer clear views of the spectacular Eiffel Tower in all its rich historical glory. But the room that gives the best view of the structure, as seen above, goes by the name of Eiffel Suit. There are 48 rooms too for those who like to spend their money a wee bit carefully.

Designed by the very talented François Champsaur, the new hotel has been made in stark-white so as to contrast with the 19th century building structure that inspires awe and wonder from all over the world. A 430-square foot one-bedroom suit runs for 625 Euros for a night, and gives private access to the swimming pool and hammam.

Via radissonblu

Extravagance is not new about Paris Hilton. And recession seems a distant island to her. She has just ordered a $400,000 diamond-encrusted dashboard to add some dash to her pink Bentley. It has been reported that the hotel heiress, 27, will get the dashboard flown out from the firm’s British Headquarters in Crewe to be fixed on her Contintental GT in Los Angeles.

Paris Hilton’s Bentley has been Barbie-inspired, customized in pink with upholstery, grille too in pink. Her initials have been fixed on most parts of the car. It was actually her Christmas present to herself. The pink is overdone no doubt, but Paris who confesses to being a longtime Barbie fan has said she always wanted a pink car.

Paris may have to wait though, as the Cheshire plant has halted production till early May owing to recession. As for Bentley’s staff who took the dashboard call, it was a stunner for them, the bit about the diamond encrusted order.

Via: Sun, Celebitchy

If those bejeweled gadgets fail to contend you then its time to don them within a case emblazoned with Swarovski crystals. And now if the thought interests you then read it further otherwise feel free to skip. Here comes a new pattern from the house of PORT design called the Paris, a slim black laptop case targeted to fit 15.4″ laptops featuring a layer of Swarovski crystals. The design of the bag is matched via a heart charm that makes its feminine feel look much strong.

With no word on pricing, one can be prepared it would demand a valuable sum as the rule is luxury doesn’t come cheap.

Via TrendyGadgets