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February 25, 2009 | Contributor: Carly Zinderman
 Home Decor: Miami-based designer Facundo Poj is taking his multi-discipline background to new levels with eco-friendly and architecturally forward furniture collection Facundo Poj Design.
Originally from Buenos Aires, Facundo studied Architecture school and also has Masters Degree in Urban Affairs and Environmental Problems. As a result, his handcrafted furniture designs are a complex combination of old and new environmentally friendly materials with a very innovative look.
Facundo Poj Design is a collection of environmentally friendly materials including Plyboo. Facundo explains, "I choose Plyboo as my medium because it is manufactured in large enough sheets, it is strong, durable, sexy looking and non toxic. Bamboo is also a fast growing grass and this helps prevent forest depletion."
The Plyboo takes on a sensuous feel because in Facundo's capable hands, it does not have the sharp lines and edges of most modern designs. Instead, it curves and rounds, giving it a simple, sophisticated and touchable appearance that stems from Facundo's unique design method. "I always start conceptualizing my pieces from a single line. Put the pencil down, give the paper a single stroke, pick the pencil up. I emulate the infinite freedom of the line of the snake. Structural strength, stability and ergonomics must all be solved with this one line; a minimal solution."
Another unique feature of Facundo Poj Design is the lack of nails and screws. Instead, Facundo uses a combination of non-toxic glues and oak dowels, before being clamp pressed to create sold pieces of furniture. Facundo describes his unique construction, "I do not use nails or screws. All layers are glued with a non-toxic glue, threaded together with oak dowels and clamp pressed. The result is structurally solid."
In addition to the Plyboo collection, which includes tables, like the curvaceous Athena Book Table, and chairs built for aesthetics as well as use, Facundo Poj Design also has a "re-incarnated" collection, made from things Facundo has rescued from junkyards.
Using unusual scraps from airplane parts, antique bathtubs, and other finds, Facundo finds use for historic objects in modern mediums that have been overlooked by conventional manufacturers.
One of his more creative pieces is the 727 jet lounge. The lounge chair utilizes 2 aluminum Boeing 727 emergency exit doors and other materials to create a modern, eco-friendly and completely unique piece of furniture.
Most recently, Facundo is adding a home accent collection to his online store, made of re-claimed cardboard and transformed into useful objets d'art for the home.
Each piece of furniture in Facundo Poj design, whether it is made from Plyboo, found materials or other sources is built to last a lifetime, using advanced technologies to hold it together.
Facundo Poj Designs have been featured not only in art exhibits, but also at luxury events from brands like Louis Vuitton to Veuve Clicquot.
For LxM Carly Zinderman
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February 15, 2009 | Contributor: Katherine Sutton
 Home Decor: It's one thing to travel to the most over-the-top, lavish hotels and resorts (like I have by some fortunate fate), but it's another to enjoy your home as much as a favorite luxurious retreat. So I have, thanks to my discovery of a gem company, Cesar's Exterior Designs, which decks out the exteriors of historical homes, private residences, posh hotels, and stunning commercial areas. If you've seen the Ivy Hotel in San Diego, The London in LA, or any number of estates listed for sale in the Southern California area, then you know Cesar's Exteriors has graced the grounds. From custom glass fire-pits to mosaic-style bubbling hot tubs, Cesar's Exteriors' team of 60 skilled craftsmen designs and builds nearly anything, precisely to your order. Right now, I'm gazing at my custom BBQ area and solar-powered lighting system that makes my home look right up there with the Playboy Mansion. An extra bonus to love: green design is what Cesar's Exteriors lives for. They even recycle marble from your outdoor kitchen top to use it in your sultry fire pit.
Katherine Sutton
Freelance Writer
JustLuxe Contributor
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February 12, 2009  Home Decor: The latest innovative "project" from Florian Kräutli is his magnetic curtains.
Florian Kräutli is a Swiss designer, studying in The Netherlands. His background in the arts, including graphic design, interaction design and communication make him one of the most interesting innovative artists.
The magnetic curtain can be shaped into any form. Its incorporated structure, along with the innovative use of magnets, allows the curtain to be pushed and pulled into any shape and maintain it.
Used in multiples or singly, the magnetic curtain is a 3-D functional work of modern art.
Although the curtain is not yet in production, it will be available through Droog Design.
For LxM Carly Zinderman
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February 02, 2009  Home Decor: T. Anthony, the Manhattan luxury luggage and leather goods company with a history of illustrious clientele, has come out with the ultimate in luxurious desk accessories. Their genuine Louisiana alligator executive desk set is available by special order only, with a production time of 8 12 weeks. The price fluctuates depending on the market for the exotic leather, but when we last checked it clocked in at $13,000. Available in brown with polished gold fittings or black with polished nickel fittings, the set consists of a document tray, blotter, letter opener, scissors, memo pad holder and pencil cup.
The firm was founded in 1946 by Theodore Anthony, who had designed luxe cosmetic cases for Elizabeth Arden and decided to open his own shop on Upper Madison Avenue and expand his repertoire. He gained immediate success with a commission from the worlds most stylish couple, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who ordered a set of custom luggage. Then Marilyn Monroe did likewise in the 1950s, commissioning a set of luggage in bright red, followed by Jackie Onassis in the 60s (bright blue), and even President Richard Nixon in the 70s who went with plain black.
For LxM
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January 26, 2009  Home Decor: Famed French luxury house Hermes has come out with an ultra-luxe update on its classic Pippa folding chair, finished in the world's finest matte black crocodile skin. The limited edition campaign-style chair is made of ebony finish maple with nickel plated hardware and sells for $24,000. The Pippa chair was originally fashioned in pear wood and leather 20 years ago by architect and designer Rena Dumas, principal of the Paris-based design firm Rena Dumas Architecture Interieur and wife of Hermes President Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes.
The Pippa chair, which has since evolved into a line of foldable indoor and outdoor furniture, was in turn inspired by the leather furniture designed by Jean Michel Frank and Paul Dupre-Lafont for Hermes in the 1940s and 1950s, which has since become something of a holy grail in design circles. Dumas furniture is sleek and contemporary with references to Hermes saddle making tradition in the use of leather and stitching. Besides the furniture, Dumas has also designed accessories in silver, such as picture frames and candlesticks, as well as the interiors of several Hermes boutiques.
For LxM
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January 22, 2009  Home Decor: Vikki Smyth, Inc. and her line of food-presentationware have taken the hospitality industry by storm, and the owner/designer has only just scratched the surface.
With the sole goal of "Revolutionizing the Art of Food Display," Smyth's food serving trays are elegantly gracing buffet tables everywhere as more and more Food and Beverage Directors are "getting rid of silver" and moving toward her innovative, clean and contemporary, food display designs.
Dazzling in appearance, Smyth's acrylic serving-ware trays reveal uniqueness in food presentation, great sense of style, and sophisticated taste. Her designs allow the Chef to present their delectables the best possible way they can. "Not only will my platters enhance the Chef's creativity, but also allow the Chef to showcase his food-art most fashionably different every time. Stunning buffet stations and versatility- it doesn't get any better!" Smyth exclaims.
And spectacular it is. With an impressive client list from the W to Ritz Hotels, Smyth has been working with properties, both designing and collaborating on food displays that are consistent with their brand, just like the she did with MGM Grand's sexy new pool, Wet Republic, which she exclusively designed the tappas platters for.
Once the hospitality aspect of business took off, retail came knocking at Smyth's door as she is now custom designing a seven foot glittery wall guitar for a famed rock star. Additionally, Smyth was invited to design an exclusive bath line for Steve Wynn's brand new 5-Star Las Vegas property, Encore. "I'm honored to be involved with such a prestigious Hotel," Smyth proclaimed.
Similar to the clientele of that 5-Star property in Vegas, Smyth's wares are for those who value the extraordinary. Individuals who appreciate table art, functional art, luxury gifts, entertaining, individual style, luxury living, alluring displays and most of all, desire the unexpected. Vikki Smyth Designs to Live For is, at the very least, a reflection of refined and cultivated taste.
With this in mind, Vikki Smyth's focus is to consistently develop new products to satisfy the fundamental luxury-living need to keep designs exclusive, distinctive, fresh, stimulating, and lastly, to live for!
For LxM Michael Ashby
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January 19, 2009 | Contributor: Merilee Kern
 Shopping: Mary Jurek Design, Inc. - a company renowned for its magnificent works of hand-hammered stainless steel for the kitchen and home décor - has introduced a new artisan piece your gal is sure to fall in love with. I sure have.
New to the company's illustrious collection is the Amore Heart Tray, which can literally serve as a shining example of how much you adore the lady in your life. Made of magnificent hand-wrought stainless steel polished to a high luster, this Amore Heart Tray may also be engraved with your professions of love to give this gift of - and from - the heart even more impact.
Even when Valentine's Day is long gone, there are many useful ways she can continue to enjoy this elegant artisan stainless steel Amore Heart Tray, which is also surprisingly durable - it's even dishwasher safe!
She can use it as...
... a sophisticated office accessory for business cards, mail, or a tray for bottled drinking water and glassware on a desk, executive credenza or conference table
... a decorative bathroom vanity tray for perfumes, jewelry or cosmetics
... a cake tray to celebrate a beloved family member or friend's special day - birthday, promotion, retirement...whatever
... a serving tray for cookies and snacks when gal pals come over for a soiree
... a bridal shower showpiece with sweets or hors d'oeuvres when hosting
... a cocktail or accoutrement platter when entertaining neighbors, friends, colleagues
... a father's day serving tray filled with steaks, ribs and other fare Dad loves
... a foyer or entryway catch all tray for mail, car keys, cell phones, iPods and the like
... a romantic candle base
The possibilities of how, when and where this Amore Heart Tray may be used are endless, as are the emotions are this steel heart will evoke. "Heart shapes are timeless and always sentimental," notes designer Mary Jurek. "The soft rounded top and the broad upper width symbolize the tenderness of romantic love. I like the contrast of the strong durable stainless steel fashioned into this stylized shape. It is a very good metaphor for the emotional core of everyday life."
For my part having received this lovely tray sans a romantic overture, it just makes me happy.
Mary Jurek Designs' Amore Heart Tray comes in two different sizes, 9" x 9" or 12" x 12", with respective retail prices of $90 and $150. Visit www.MaryJurekDesignInc.com for more information.
The Luxe List product review editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury goods marketplace for new and innovative must haves. Product submissions accepted via e-mail at Merilee@JustLuxe.com.
- Merilee Kern
JustLuxé.com's "The Luxe List" Product Review Editor
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January 05, 2009 | Contributor: Carly Zinderman
 Home Decor: Since the successful launch of its home collection in 2000, the Armani Group has been adding and expanding the Armani/Casa website, including its latest addition, luxury kitchen systems.
The Armani/Casa website gives customers and users the ability to easily interface with the home collection line. The site is another branch of the Armani brand experience, giving visitors a complete vision of all of Armani.
"I have been inspired by the challenge of creating a website that brings the values and sensibility of Armani/Casa to the virtual audience," said Mr. Armani "as well as its solid and articulated commercial reality. Today, the Armani/Casa collections are available in 80 stores, in 45 countries. Therefore, with the new website we would like to inform our international audience of this significant growth and give updated information about the rich Armani/Casa permanent collection, about services, events and communications. A new bridge towards the global public and a further window on the heterogeneous Armani world."
On the Armani/Casa website, visitors can learn about the philosophy of Armani's designs, as well as explore the large catalogue of home furnishings from textiles to furniture and lighting. Not only that, but the site also offers a contacts section that enables visitors, including design professionals to ask questions as well as connect them with valuable information about the collection's offerings.
One of the most intriguing sections of the site is the interior design portion where visitors can browse homes, including those of Georgio Armani himself, and see how magnificent a home can look when furnished with products and furnishings from the Armani/Casa range.
Other features of the site include the stores feature, which enables visitors to locate their closest Armani/Casa retailers in order to purchase products.
The impressive Press section ensures that visitors can be up to date on the latest events, innovations and pieces being offered by Armani, including their new kitchen design.
For their kitchen systems offerings, Armani group has joined with the Molteni Group. The new line is being distributed under the name Armani/Dada and marks a long time collaborative effort that will ultimately result in a long-term effort of creating and distributing systems for both the residential and contract sectors.
Dada is a group within the Molteni Group that since 1980 has been creating and producing functional and elegant kitchen systems.
The new partnership will bring about the second kitchen system designed by Armani/Dada, from the Salone del Mobile 2009 line. It follows on the heels of the world renowned "the Bridge" system.
Design and comfort, elegance and functionality are the main focuses of the alliance, of which Mr. Armani says, "I am delighted to have such a well established new partner as Dada backed up by the Molteni Group, to develop and produce kitchens in the perfect Armani style. The original Bridge model has already delivered excellent results, in prestigious private homes and now in the Armani Residences in Dubai."
Carlo Molteni, President of the Molteni Group, adds: "It is with great pleasure that we announce this partnership with the Armani Group. The excellence and total perfection that we have admired for so long in the Armani style will definitely present us with a challenging reference point for the development of new models."
Armani/Dada Systems will be available from single brand Armani/Casa outlets as well as the most appropriate concept stores belonging to the Molteni Group.
For LxM Carly Zinderman
Luxury Insider
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December 29, 2008 | Contributor: James Rothaar
 Home Décor: The Gessi Private Wellness Luxury Shower pours forth flowingly with a design that is artistically and holistically optimal. The Vercelli, Italy-based designer of premium bath and kitchen fixtures, and brassware accessories has electrifying award-winning designs. Gessi's light spewing luxury shower has a built-in hydro message therapy and chromo-therapy lights.
The spa-quality luxury shower makes everyday use a luxuriating event that is always replenishing, relaxing, and entertaining. The elaborate private wellness collection offers an array of shower setups with touch-screen technology. Each rendering is thoughtfully plotted to complement the decorum.
Gessi designs are found among some of the world's most prestigious surroundings, such as the Guerlain Spa, in Milan, and in yachts made by Pershing and Azimut. Gessi products and designs also have been used in the restorations of grandiose European estates castles that were built more than 1,000 years ago.
The highly regarded Gessi is at the forefront of Italy's home décor designers in kitchen, bath and private wellness products. For more information, visit company Web site at http://www.Gessi.com.
For LxM James Rothaar
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December 26, 2008  Luxury Beds: Fans of the classic Stanley Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey can already envision the floating bed that inspired a designer to bring the science fiction fantasy to life.
After his graduation, architect Janjaap Ruijenssenaars decided to try to create something that goes against the laws of gravity, which confine the built environment. Through years in research and development, the floating bed finally made its debut in 2006, earning a mention in Time Magazine as the Invention of the Year.
Debuting at the Millionaire Fair in Kortrijk, Belgium, the first eye-catching model was presented at $1.5 million. The bed hovers 16 inches above the floor and is strong enough to support 2,000 pounds.
The magic that allows the bed to float comes through the science of magnets. Permanent magnetism is the force that lifts the floating bed. Although the materials do wear down, the loss in force is so negligible that the bed will remain in levitation for thousands of years.
Through the use of repelling magnets, one in the floor and one in the bed, the bed is able to float, and is constrained only by four thin cables that come out of the floor to help the bed remain motionless.
Although the bed is perfectly safe to be slept upon, it can also serve for other functions, including a sofa, a Japanese dining table or display table as well as anything else you can dream up, even a base for a floating pavilion.
Due to its uniqueness as not only an unusual bed, but also a functional piece of art, the company will install one bed per state, regardless of its function. This extra measure of exclusivity, not to mention its price point, make it a truly luxuriously item.
For LxM Carly Zinderman
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December 10, 2008  Luxury Furniture: Comfort and style are hard to find in the same piece, but FurnitureMade has managed to perfectly complete the difficult task.
FurnitureMade specializes in high-end, comfortable office chairs that are also very ergonomic in function. Top designers create the beautiful chairs while integrating the leading industry methods of ergonomics. The ergonomics of each luxurious product is designed to fit all body types and sizes and sets the bar high for comfort, creativity and quality.
Like most ergonomically designed chairs, use of the chairs are to prevent workplace related injuries. Ergonomic chair users are less likely to miss a day of work due to common injuries and also be more productive while at the workplace. The comfort and functionality of these superior chairs makes them the perfect fit for any office or home-based work area.
When you take the comfort factor and the affordably priced product factor into consideration, you can see what makes FurnitureMade an industry leading company. The dedication to complete ergonomic support, high quality materials, and elegant designs makes FurnitureMade truly luxurious office furniture.
An added bonus about FurnitureMade is that by having the most comfortable and ergonomic products, you will also have some of the most stylish and well-designed office furniture available. Any office that utilizes furnishings from FurnitureMade is sure to stand out amongst offices filled with drab, uncomfortable chairs. Comfort is the key to the success of the FurnitureMade products and ergonomic design is the key to comfortable chairs.
Affordable prices for top quality, industry leading ergonomic office chairs makes FurnitureMade a one of a kind product that is perfect for any office.
For LxM Carly Zinderman
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December 07, 2008 | Contributor: Merilee Kern
 Shopping: Here's a gift idea that's warm and fuzzy...literally. Robbie Adrian luxury organic cotton fleece throws, trimmed in rich natural silk, will allow you or your lucky gift recipient to snuggle up in style this season. A combination of lush materials, fine craftsmanship and eco sensibility, these incredibly luxurious and cozy blankets epitomize Earth-friendly elegance.
A premier manufacturer of luxury organic blankets, Robbie Adrian's exquisite fleece throws, all American-made from 100% certified US grown, organic cotton, are available for adults, children and babies.
The Robbie Adrian adult throw ($132) is 45" X 60" and offered in a neutral palette - natural fleece piped in matching natural silk. Soon the company's adult line will be available with piping in six other silk colors.
For those who prefer healthy, eco-friendly fibers wrapped around their bundles of joy, Robbie Adrian's organic baby blankets (starting at $44) are just the ticket. I'm told that many celebrities, including Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Christina Aguilera have chosen Robbie Adrian luxury organic baby blankets for their children, and with good reason. The incredibly plush fabrics and rich hues work well with the latest trends in nursery baby and toddler bedding. They can also be machine washed and dried!
Robbie Adrian luxury organic blankets are available for purchase at www.RobbieAdrian.com, or in over 150 select stores nationwide.
The Luxe List product review editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury goods marketplace for new and innovative must haves. Product submissions accepted via e-mail at Merilee@JustLuxe.com
- Merilee Kern
JustLuxé.com's "The Luxe List" Product Review Editor
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