Fashion

Designer imposters have been around as long as the designers themselves, it seems.  It is one thing to intentionally purchase a designer knock-off because you cannot afford the authentic version, but it is quite another to be duped into spending your hard-earned money on a fake Louis Vuitton handbag that you thought was the real deal (or a real deal).  

Yes, whether the item in question is jewelry, handbags, or how to spot a fake Rolex watch, we have seen it all here in Miami.  Here are some helpful ways to decipher the key differences between an authentic Louis Vuitton and an imposter:

Each year, football season comes to an inevitable climax with the NFL Super Bowl Championship Game.  Suddenly, all of the regular football season events are dominated by an excitement and series of sexy commercials and even the Lingerie Bowl.

With the big game just 3 weeks out, Miami and all of South Florida has been busily preparing itself for the onslaught of football fans, visitors and excitement.  Here are some of the ways Miami is prepping for Super Bowl XLIV:

•    Hotels altering arrangements
•    Restaurants creating special menus
•    Clubs booking high-profile entertainment
•    Exotic rental cars booking up
•    Boutiques and shopping options stepping it up

In a surprising move, Italian luxury powerhouse Gianni Versace SpA has announced intentions to close its Japan locations.  It seems the high-end fashion leader and industry presence is indulging in a makeover of sorts.  Sorry, could not help it.

W Hotels Worldwide is already renowned for being both an industry leader in luxury accommodations and a category blaster, now they can brightly add fashion leader to the mix.  The luxury hotel chain is breaking into fashion on a global level, what else is to be expected from a global and forward-thinking company?

For some it is the finer things in life, Italian leather, exotic cars and high-end accessories.  Take for example the Panerai Ferrari  This bejeweled masterpiece showcases the bliss the classic Ferrari emblem provides, especially when one can simply glance at their wrist to enjoy it.

South Florida is famed for its diverse and bustling culture, and with that comes a wide variety of international couture.  If you are planning a trip to Miami, whether it is your first time or a regular event, you have already heard all about, and perhaps partook in, some of the world’s finest shopping.  This city is bursting at the seams with designer duds, do’s and deals.

Locals, tourists and visitors blend this impeccable city into a plethora of opportunities.  Retailers in South Beach provide stunning ensembles that capture unique vibes and attention.  Vacationing in South Beach is one of those must-do’s in life, from the international cuisine, luxury accommodations, luxury rental cars, and of course-the high-end shopping experiences!

Praised for the unique and high quality options available on its sun-drenched walkways, a trip to South Beach is something you will want to do annually.  Tailored, quality pieces from South Beach’s luxury shopping districts are a specialty that belong in a sporty, flashy, luxury rental convertible exploring the beachside city and being seen, fashionably.
 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

As one of the three major protégés of Baron de Gunzburg, the others being Bill Blass and Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta is a design force to be reckoned with. Launching his own luxury label in the late 1960's, de la Renta has been awarded, honored, acclaimed and even does philanthropy. Oscar de la Renta holds the key to a classic sophistication that has majorly been lost on generation X. Adored by all, de la Renta is ever-expanding his empire. Encompassing accessories and beyond, his pretty designs cost more then a pretty penny. Take for instance, his new Alligator Bow Clutch which retails for $8,690. The Bow Clutch has a leather lining, inside side pockets and an optional chain strap. The classicism we love from de la Renta for day or night, ladies if you can afford this clutch then go for it. This is one bag that will last forever!

Post By Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

Louis Vuitton has taken to the business of technology and office equipment, for the luxury minded and rich. Not only does the luxury goods company upped its image with a fully functional website and cyber shopping, but now Vuitton is working to make your technology and work space fashionably acceptable. Going beyond LV designed messenger bags and calendar covers, now you can get your own Louis Vuitton USB key in LV accessories department or online.  The USB come with a key ring so you can attach the storage device to your bag like a Louis Vuitton bag charm. The USB is Louis Vuitton engraved and is designed after Vuitton’s iconic Damier Graphite line. The LV USB costs $450 and can only hold 4GB of storage, but therein lies the fault of fashion.

If you're all good with USBs then look to another latest offering, the Louis Vuitton Computer Sleeve. The signature monogram canvas computer cover has a protective foam layer and microfiber lining. Plus, each has a “Louis Vuitton Inventeur” logo inside. The sleeves feature classic LV brass hardware and double zip enclosures for your laptop. Made to be carried under your arm, the glorified computer cases come in both 13 and 15-inch sizes. The cost, probably more then your actual laptop but we wouldn't expect anything less from Louis Vuitton. What's next LV?

For an accessory with some summer pop, look to the Floral Box Clutch by Fendi. The Fendi clutch is flirty fun for summer. The flower detailing is cotton, hand stitched and painted onto a satin bag. The Floral Box Clutch sports a Fendi-double F-clip clasp and the shoulder chain is detachable. Giving the Floral Fendi Clutch the distinct ability to go from day to night flawlessly and empowering you with more fashion freedom!  In short: feminine flirty by day and sophisticated romance by night, all for $1,498 at Fendi. Flowers are a big deal right now and this Fendi clutch is a steal, comparartively speaking. Guys don't buy your girls a bouquet buy them a flower bag!
 

Louis Vuitton isn't taking the price of luxury down but rather putting luxury underground. Translation: Louis Vuitton opened an /underground/ concept store last weekend in the Seibu department store in Ikebukuro, a district of Tokyo, Japan.

The famous fashion house has taken luxury to an all new low (pun intended), with latest LV store made to look like a warehouse.  The launch party for the un-luxurious-looking, luxury label was May 30th and featured American rapper Kool Keith. Looks like Kool Keith got his big break, he didn't even show up on our radar before Louis Vuitton. Kayne must have been booked.

It's one thing to not flaunt wealth or parade around buying luxury garbage right now, as the gap between rich and poor grows. LV took the "understated luxury" trend and ran with it, literally, into the gorund. The concept store will be open for a limited time, so if you feel the need to buy a $2,000 bag in a place that looks like Costco, now is your time. Please remember this is a concept, an image, Louis Vuitton happens to be part of the largest luxury conglomerate on the globe. Long live Louis Vuitton! And go buy luxury garbage, it helps the economy.

German born model Julia Stegner was featured in the Pirelli tire company's 2005 calendar. Since then, the blonde bombshell has exploded onto fashion magazine covers, the Victoria's Secret runway show, and ad campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Hugo Boss and Chloé. Now in 2009, Stegner is the new face of Mercedes-Benz. This is not the first time that Mercedes-Benz and the high fashion world have collided. Mercedes has received much fashion recognition and attention for being the predominant sponsor of fashion weeks around the globe.

As such, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin 2009 debuted Mercedes-Benz's new campaign featuring Julia Stegner, shocking. The glam shoot, shot by photographer Michelangelo di Battista co-starred the fresh 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI Grand Edition. The 2009 Berlin fashion week was the perfect outlet to push the new Benz with some serious sex appeal; as Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI Grand Edition sales started in January 2009 and the market launch was in March. Stegner dominated the photos, obviously, but take note that the Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI Grand Edition features 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design, designer leathers and a matte finish.

In the official press release the new Vice President of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars, Anders Sundt Jensen said,  "with Julia Stegner as brand ambassador, we have given our long-term, international fashion activities a fascinating and world-famous face.  She particularly represents the connection between German origin and international flair. That’s why in our key visual we have very consciously placed Julia Stegner together with the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition." This is all relevant, well, because the campaign is hot and worth taking a second look at! For your pleasure only, here is some behind the camera action via the eMercedesBenz site.

We have to wonder why Mercedes-Benz didn't use the the more famous German and, also, Victoria's Secret model, Heidi Klum? Maybe Klum was pregnant again, booked or just too mature to revive the Mercedes-Benz marque.

The Burberry sign has officially joined the Manhattan skyline. Installation of the five-foot high Burberry lettering was lit up last week to mark the opening of the Burberry Headquarters at 444 Madison Avenue, New York, New York. To Burberry's opening, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that "by placing its new headquarters for the Americas in midtown Manhattan and opening new stores here, Burberry is investing in the future of New York City, a worldwide hub for retail and fashion." Plus, Burberry promised half a million dollars to be donated to the Robin Hood Foundation, to support public education and job training for underprivileged New Yorkers.  As thanks to the British-based design house, Bloomberg gave Burberry an official "Burberry Day." To cap "Burberry Day" off, a party at the Palace Hotel followed the signage light-up. Stars and Manhattan socialites showed up to celebrate Burberry in Manhattan. In attendance, decked in Burberry was Orlando Bloom, Penn Badgley, Justin Long, Blake Lively,  and Claire Danes. Burberry's new campaign and revamped designs will keep the classic name in tact. If the name fits then wear it and, with that, we officially say welcome to Manhattan!

Fendi is making moves, following right behind Chanel and Hermes they have just done their take on the bicycle. The Fendi bike is named Fendi Abici Amante Donna and is available in two versions. The cheaper version comes with Fendi’s Selleria leather accessories which includes a key and bike chain cover, leather gps navigation holder and a detachable Fendi case. It costs $5,900. The upgaded version costs $9,500 and comes with all the above, plus, a removable fur saddlebag. The Fendi Abici Amante Donna bicycle will be featured in Vogue's Last Look page for June. And upon first look, Fendi just held a launch party at its Fifth Avenue Flagship store. Notable attendees included Helen Schifter, Maggie Rizer, Jessica Joffe, Zac Posen and Nina Griscom and four bikes sold.  Both models will be available at the Fendi flagship store, talk about riding in style. We applaud the very green form of transportation and the growing trend among high fashion design houses like Fendi. An added perk, if you actually use the Fendi bike you'll be getting some good, healthy, old-fashioned exercise which does the body good!
 

Luxury brand Louis Vuitton is stepping it up on cyberspace. Although the company has had internet presence since November 2007, Louis Vuitton has finally realized the massive market potential of the world wide web. While internet promotions may take edge off the exclusivity factor, it is vital for Louis Vuitton to boost stagnate sales and profit. As part of the fresh internet campaign, LV has released its first designer bag that is online before it's even in stores. The 18.5" x 13.4" x 8.3" Monogram Tote retails for $1,100 and will only be available online until June 1. In all honestly the tote is nothing special, very boring actually.  We have seen much better bags come from Louis Vuitton, we don’t understand the blandness but, at least, we can say welcome to the 21st Century. LV has additionally jumped on the Twitter craze. A Louis Vuitton press release promised that the Vuitton Twitter feed would inform followers of new product information and upcoming events. If Louis Vuitton isn’t on facebook yet we are sure they will have a page up there soon enough. Good luck cyber surfing Louis Vuitton!