Fur garments are still the rage with many affluent people who desire the look, feel and warmth they provide. But now that the brutal winter is behind us, many need to plan for the proper way to store and preserve them.

The owner of Central Fur Storage is Barry Kirsch and he is offering up some helpful tips to protect your fur coat and help with cleaning and storage suggestions.

– Can furs really crack and mold?
Barry says “yes.” If a fur is not properly kept in the ideal setting, that includes both temperature and humidity, then it will crack and tear. Barry states, “Ideally, climate controlled vaults should maintain a 34-50 degree Fahrenheit temperature and a humidity of between 45 and 50 %. After the extreme winter we’ve experienced, with back to back Polar Vortices, personal fur garments have definitely been exposed to harsh conditions and elements.”

– Watch out for bugs.
Bugs are always an issue with storing any type of garments but is especially critical for your fur. Various dust mites, vermin and moths love an unprotected fur coat. It’s important to maintain the proper temperature and humidity control during the long, storage period. Cedar closets have long been described as the best place for your fur coat. Although it can help keep deter moths and other critters away, the cedar wood also pulls in moister from the surrounding air and can speed up the drying and therefore cracking of furs. Not a good thing.

– Furs can attract and hold dirt like a magnet.
It’s important to properly clean and remove the built-up grease and dirt on your fur coat. Left unattended, the result is it will reduce the life of the garment and leave the fur skins looking both matted down and dull. By having your fur professionally cleaned, the process will soften and bring back the luster. For people who live in snowy climates, the salt and de-icing products can do damage to your fur coat so get them cleaned.

– Importance of routine repair and maintenance.
A fur coat can receive minor damage and should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. By leaving your fur in a professional storage facility, these repairs can be easily spotted by the pros and repaired.

Central Fur Storage was founded in 1947 and contains storage of around 130,000 garments including leather, furs, suedes, shearlings, fur trimmed and various fur lined items.

To keep up with other helpful tips and the news in the world of fine fashion, please follow our luxury blog.

Adam Levine is the lead singer of the popular band Maroon 5 and continues to expand is empire by launching a new womenswear fashion line for retailer Kmart.

A menswear collection launched last fall by Adam Levine was successful for Kmart, so the sexy celebrity wanted to try and bring to market a women’s collection. The new fashion line for women includes a stylish collection of both dresses and separates.

When questioned about his level of expertise in womens fashion, Levine replied, “I don’t know how to read music, but I can still play. So I don’t really give a (expletive) about formal training or going to school. Levine continues, “You don’t have to be trained in everything to be good at it.”

Adam Levine is a busy guy these days. Of course, he’s still the frontman of the musical group Maroon five plus Adam is popular in his role as coach on NBC’s smash hit show “The Voice.”

(Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Kmart)

Whether Adam has formal design training or not, he feel that is not important. He was quoted, “I kind of know what I like for both men and women. I think that it’s a little more difficult and challenging when you’re not, it’s not something you can conceptualize, or it’s not something you can conceive of wearing,” he said of designing for the opposite sex. “So I needed to get a little bit of help.”

The new womens fashion clothing line collection by Adam Levine will retail for $30 or less. The goal is for the new clothing line to feature colorful, casual printed T-shirts, patterned maxi dresses, mini crop tops, plus both twill and jean shorts.

Of course getting a little help from his stunningly beautiful fiancee doesn’t hurt either. Behati Prinsloo is a Victoria’s Secret model and helped Adam draw creative inspiration by allowing him to look through her clothing closet for ideas.

Adam Levine is taking this next endeavour very serious and said, “I didn’t want it to just be something that I phoned in. So I was really involved in the process.”

At age 34, Adam Levine drives many women crazy with his looks and vocals and late last year was awarded PEOPLE magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2013.

Be sure to follow this luxury blog to follow all the latest news by celebrities and the world of luxury fashion.

Luxury Swiss watch maker, Alpina has introduced its new “Alpiner 4” luxury watch collection. Alpina is recognized as the inventor of the modern, Swiss sports watch when they developed the iconic “Alpina 4” back in 1938.

The stunning new Alpiner 4 watch is dedicated to the world of Alpine sports. The goal of this new Alpina 4 watch collection from Alpina was to merge the four primary features of a sport watch into a single watch case – antishock, antimagnetic, water-resistant plus stainless steel.

This lofty goal by Alpina founder Gottlieb Hauser was successfully achieved with the original Alpina 4 Swiss watch. This led to Alpina targeting the whole vertical Alpine sports environment market, covering everything from mountain climbing to alpine lake diving.

The new Alpiner 4 watch collection features the Alpiner 4 Chronograph model which is available in a choice of two dial options – silver of black. The watch can be fitted with either a stainless steel bracelet or an alligator strap.

The “Bi-Compax” Chronograph model is equipped with a precise, AL-860 automatic chronograph movement and an  automatic GMT model encases the new Alpina AL-550 GMT movement that features an in-house GMT/24H module.

The Alpiner 4 is also water-resistant to a depth of 100m or 330ft. Each model displays the well known “4” company logo on the watch dial. The number represents all 4 sports qualities. In addition, the Alpiner 4 features a 360 degree turning compass bezel.

If you’d like to purchase the new Alpiner 4 luxury watch from Aplina, contact The Life of Luxury. Keep up with the latest luxury watch news by following our luxury blog.

Ateliers deMonaco is a premium watch manufacturer who is based in Monaco. The luxury watch company strives to create unique pieces that draw from the passion and the creative heritage of Monaco.

The new Grand Tourbillion Xtreme Precision Oculus Petite Minute luxury watch from Ateliers deMonaco is touted as the highest precision tourbillon at this price value – found anywhere.

To commemorate the launch of their initial Grand Tourbillon Xtreme Precision watch five years ago, Ateliers deMonaco is celebrating this milestone with visually stunning – Grand Tourbillion Xtreme Precision Oculus Petite Minute.

The Grand Tourbillon Xtreme Precision was one of the most precise Tourbillons in the world, regulated with a tolerance of only between 0-2 seconds/24H.

The new luxury watch features a sapphire bridge that holds a 60 seconds Tourbillon’s cage. The watch has a classical looking Côtes de Geneve decorated dial.

The patented Xtreme Precision Tourbillon movement of the Oculus Petite Minute was developed by the company’s in-house design team. Ateliers deMonaco is proud to deliver one of the most accurate Tourbillon movements available anywhere in the world.

The iconic 18K gold watch Rotor comes with a unique Ateliers deMonaco shield, and is hand guilloché finished, and stylishly decorated both front & back.  It conveys a true, VIP lifestyle.

The watch’s case design skillfully blends both titanium and 18K gold with recognizable convex lines, producing a stunning look of elegance.

The new Grand Tourbillion Extreme Precision Oculus Petite Minute is priced, starting at E 59’000 for the 43mm Ronde d’Or 18k Rose Gold. The luxurious watch also comes in your choice of Square, Round, or Jeweled.

If you are interested in purchasing the new Grand Tourbillion Extreme Precision Oculus Petite Minute watch from Ateliers deMonaco, please contact The Life of Luxury. Keep up with new watch releases by following our luxury blog.

This stunning new luxury watch from Swiss luxury watch brand  Breguet, houses an amazing horological invention – an off-centred tourbillon in a titanium carriage.

The Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5377 luxury watch by Breguet, is fitted with a non-magnetic silicon balance spring plus an escapement that’s made of both non-magnetic steel and silicon.

The stylish watch dial features of this 42 mm platinum wristwatch include four different engine-turned patterns that are executed by hand. This function is shows note of respect for the old traditions of supreme, watch making workmanship and flawless finish.

The Breguet luxury watch is surprisingly thin with just a 7 mm-high case. The watchmaker designed a peripheral rotor in platinum that winds in both directions of spin. This cutting-edge technical achievement makes the reference 5377 luxury watch the thinnest self-winding tourbillon.

The Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5377 watch power-reserve indicator located in the 8:30 position is adorned with gorgeous engine-turned strait chevrons. The watch’s hours and minutes chapter is enhanced by a clou de Paris hobnail pattern that’s been edged with a stylish barleycorn motif.

A stunning blue sapphire is found in the centre of the tourbillon bridge and creatively draws your eyes to the watch hands. The luxury watch dial comes in 18-carat gold, silvered and engine-turned in four, different patterns.

The Breguet’s patented high-energy barrel keeps the reference 5377 going for up to 90 hours once taken off the wrist.

The Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5377 watch case is made from platinum. The sapphire caseback is 42 mm in diameter and encloses an extra-thin self-winding movement of only 3 mm with tourbillon.

The watch comes with a leather strap and a triple-blade folding clasp.

If you are interested in purchasing the new Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5377 Watch by Breguet, please contact The Life of Luxury. Keep up with luxury watch industry news by following our luxury blog.

It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, women need to take care of their skin. It’s no secret that great looking skin not only makes you look better, but also feel better. Shouldn’t you deserve the best?

The line of natural and organic Amala skin care products is designed to revitalize as well as nourish your sensitive skin. Amala skin care products are used at five-star spas all around the world.

With Mother’s Day approaching next month, a wonderful gift for your loving mom would be Amala. With Amala skin care products, it’s like bringing a luxury five star spa experience into your home! Mom gets to feel pampered plus revitalized all throughout the year.

Amala skin care products are made in Germany and well know for their ultra-premium, results-oriented custom formulas. These cutting edge formulas are derived from advanced plant chemistry. All Amala skin care products are of 100% natural origin. They work in conjunction with your own body and the result is clearly visible results and proven skin benefits.

Amala’s Rejuvenate Collection for maturing skin is a treatment system that’s clinically proven. The luxury skin care products help smooth, firm and renew the skin’s elasticity with organic Cocoa Bean. The mighty cocoa bean is known for its special ability to stimulate skin cell renewal, help promote microcirculation, in addition to helping repair your skin’s moisture level.

Here are several Amala products to consider for Mother’s Day:
• Rejuvenate Advanced Firming Complex – amazingly restores your skin’s youthful firmness and elasticity. It clearly minimizes the appearance of skin lines and wrinkles. It also improves both skin texture and tone. Price is $248

• Rejuvenate Treatment Oil – This Amala product is a powerful, concentrated blend of skin nourishing seed oils that are rich in age-fighting antioxidants, Omega 3, in addition to six essential fatty acids. You’ll definitely notice an improvement in skin elasticity, firmness and uneven tone. Get that younger looking skin you are desiring. Price is $186

• Rejuvenating Serum – It’s firming gel serum combined with high potency antioxidants and collagen- boosting botanicals. There is clinical proof that it increases both skin hydration and improve firmness. Also reducing are the depth of lines and wrinkles. The Rejuvenating Serum from Amala also repairs free radical damage, evens out your skin tone, plus and helps to stimulate collagen synthesis, producing firmer and fresh skin with youthful clarity. Price is $182

• Rejuvenate Targeted Wrinkle Treatment – This goes after the appearance of lines and wrinkles with a powerful blend of antioxidant-rich Amazon plant actives. It’s a combination of Vitamin C-infused Acerola, peptide-rich Cocoa Bean plus antioxidant Acai. Price is $116

So treat your mom to the ultimate gift this Mother’s Day with a caring gift of Amala natural and organic skin care.

If you are interested in purchasing Amala skin care products or would like to book a reservation at a leading luxury spa anywhere in the world, please contact The Life of Luxury. Keep up with the latest beauty news by following this luxury blog.

Have you ever heard of a watch made from wood? Don’t worry, you are not alone. JORD is a watch brand that offers a variety of stylish collection of wooden watches. A new fashion paradyme is now underway.

The name “Jord” is Swedish and translates into “earth, soil, land.” The company offers stunning watches made from 100% natural wood that’s found all across the world. Available wood types include maple, sandlewood, bamboo, cheery, teak and blackwood.

It seems that JORD is pushing the fashion envelop and trying to steer people away from the wide variety of traditional metal and rubber watches offered today. These unique wood watches are quite trendy and will soon be a very common occurrence as part of either a man or woman’s fashion look.

The wooden watch is surprisingly very lightweight and well made, including the stainless steel clasp and watch band links.

With a mission of creating a new line of watches, each one unique due to the nature of wood, JORD set out to push the boundaries of what is normal and break that mold.

Don’t worry about your wooden watch being destroyed by water. Jord watches are “splash proof” so you can get wet, but not meant to be submerged under water.

The glossy wood grain of each watch is a peace of art in my mind. The watch’s rich colors and wood grain make each watch special in its own right and produce a rich, fashion flare. A definite fashion statement and true collector’s item.

One of the luxury watch series I like is the Sully. It combines a professional look with a casual flare. This wooden watch series from JORD includes a 3-hand Citizen Miyota Quartz movement and is 33mm diameter in size. The wood watch band features a single action locking clasp that’s made from stainless steel.

The new wooden watch line from JORD is the 746 series. These incredibly, stunning wooden watches are limited edition. This premium mechanical series features an automatic and exposed skeleton movement. The watch doesn’t require a battery as it can be wound and remains running due to your body’s own natural movement. The 746 serious wood watch includes a hardened, scratch-proof glass face that measures 30mm x 37mm. To keep your watch safe or ideal as a gift, it comes with stained bamboo display box.

Every wooden watch from JORD comes with a standard twelve month warranty and covers any defects in either material or watch workmanship.

Wooden Wristwatch

If you are interested in purchasing a JORD wooden watch, please visit their site at http://www.woodwatches.com/ or contact The Life of Luxury. Keep up with updated luxury watch news by following our luxury blog.

Carlos A. Rosillo, is founder of the internationally acclaimed French watch company, Bell & Ross. The company has made a huge impact on the competitive, luxury watch industry since it first began over 20 years ago.

Bell & Ross is a French watch company founded in 1992. Words that define the Bell & Ross brand are: efficiency, legibility, and reliability. They had a goal of establishing a strong luxury watch brand and offer a luxury timepiece with an efficient chronometer, to meet the desired needs of the industry’s most demanding aviation user.

We wanted to get a first hand perspective from Mr. Rosillo’s thoughts about the luxury watch industry plus insight into the Bell & Ross approach to watch design, engineering and marketing.

Could you give our readers a brief summary of how you view the Bell and Ross brand today?

We created extremely precised collections that immediately categorized us as a “niche brand”! But I do not dislike this image, in a way, it describes us as a brand that “knows what it wants”, which has a clear objective, who presents a solid collection, and that is for customers that have personality.

The watch company was founded back in 1992. As you look back on your first twenty years with Bell and Ross, what have been the most significant developments?
The difficulty was the upkeep of this specificity, in its development in time, facing competitors that weren’t staying still. We had to conciliate a permanent renewing and the creation of a real collection that remains faithful to our direction.

How did you get involved with watches? Where did the interest come from?
It was a long-time dream project that I conceived with my childhood friend and associate: Bruno Belamich. We both shared a common passion for the watch industry, and a common goal to create utilitarian watches suitable for professional use adhering to strict military specifications where function takes precedence over design. In 1992, the big jump. Bell&Ross’ adventure was started…

What does Bell and Ross want to achieve in the next twenty years?
We are positioning on the professional and technical watches segment where our iconic and timeless Instrument model is ranked as the key model. Our goal for the next years will consist in staying the course and maintaining the brand’s fundamentals while innovating constantly.

Of All The Models You Currently Make, What Is The Watch That You Think Welcomes Customers Into The Brand The Best?
Our iconic timepiece: the BR01 Carbon or the simple idea to turn a cockpit instrument panel clock into a wrist watch. It takes its inspiration from the aeronautic instrumentation, an absolute reference as far as readibility, reliability and performance are concerned.

What Percentage Of Thought Goes Into Movement Conceptualization Versus Pure Aesthetics?
For the basic models we aim to maintain a good balance between quality and price.  As for the high end pieces, for which we do not have no price or material constraints, we can really create our own work of art, by developing our own specific movements thanks to collaborations with the best watchmakers. Our last collections are the proof of this trend as we use mechanisms either developed in cooperation with the best watchmakers like we did for our Tourbillon models or the Jumping Hour, either working with prestigious suppliers like Dubois Depraz or La Joux-Perret.

However, we develop our creations based on a key principle: “Every detail has its own meaning and function.” To design and manufacture watches, the designer adheres to precise specifications, focusing above all on the needs and requirements of professional users. Functionality is key, and minimalism is vital. Our motto is that the essential is never compromised by the superfluous. All our watches are therefore designed according to four fundamental principles necessary for the completion of missions under extreme conditions: legibility, functionality, precision and water-resistance.

Steve Jobs Once Said “I’ve Never Used A Focus Group, I’ve Never Used a Consultant to Design a Product,” Are Things Done The Same Way At Bell and Ross? Who Is In Mind When A New Piece Is Conceived?
Everytime we design a watch we try to think of the professional that will be using the instrument and start from there. We do not proceed with a market analysis.

Bruno Belamich’s role is to think of the collections every year. He dedicates part of his day thinking about what we want to do next in terms of design. As the Creative director of Bell & Ross, he is totally involved on all aspects of the Creative process of each timepiece. But we work as a team and this is what I call the combination of expertise. We use the combined skills and know-how of master watchmakers, engineers, professional users and designers in order to refine each watch design into something exceptional.

The Aviation collection is our favorite; do you have any plans to make any changes to the current BR models?
The BR Instrument collection had all the required qualities to become a classic: it has become an icon, it is unique, and its design is timeless. As far as the future is concerned, instrumentation is at the heart of our inspiration, but we are concentrating on the tools that are vital to piloting.

Several “High-End” Watch Manufactures Have Built Less Expensive Lines To Bring Younger Buyers Into The Brand. Does Bell and Ross Have Any Plans To Do That?
Our starting point to create a new model or a collection is always the same: does it make sense for a professional that would be using his Bell & Ross watch as an instrument?

This approach generates generally more added value and sophistication in the watch than the opposite…

Are you aware of any famous people who wear your luxury Bell & Ross watches?
We do have famous actors or sportsmen wearing our watches. But what matters most is to know that professionals or military people are using them. They are the reason why we create those utilitarian timepieces; they are therefore our best ambassadors.

There has been a lot of attention given to investing in watches as a more secure market than traditional methods. Do you think Bell & Ross offers a collector or investor the chance to have strong returns in the future?
I think that with the launching in 2005 of the BR 01 square case watch that became our iconic timepiece lots of our customers became collectors. Our impactful limited editions like the BR01 Airborne, the BR01 Instruments but also our Vintage WW1 Jumping Hours have also contributed to increase the number of collectors, all these models being sold out in no time.

But the watch that embodies all the Bell & Ross know how in watchmaking is the BR Minuteur Tourbillon. This exclusive timepiece is the proof of our watchmakers’ excellence as it incorporates four watchmaking complications: a tourbillon, a Flyback timer, a power reserve indicator and an independent small second.

At Bell & Ross we always search to produce high quality, perfect reliable and very impactful timepieces in keeping with our four creation principles: legibility, precision, functionality and water resistance, that became our DNA.  It is very important as well to accompany our customers with high quality services in harmony with the brand’s universe.

In Your Opinion, What Is About To Change In The Watch Industry?
The watch making industry is always changing to adapt to the evolution of the demand and market rules… and the current period is particularly active! One of the things that strikes me is the strong change in the clientele segmentation with the fast development of new markets such as China.

There are so many great brands out there today, assuming you weren’t the President of Bell and Ross, what would be on your wrist?
A FP Journe timepiece like the Chronometer Blue.

Who Else within the Industry Do you Really Respect and admire?
I do have a certain interest for few brands like François-Paul Journe or Jacquet Droz.

Since This Is Your First Profile With Us, Can You Tell Us More About Your Life Outside of Watches?
I am passionate with Asia where you can find serenity, a service and a cultural tradition that doesn’t exist anywhere else. I am also an architecture, and art aficionado. And I love to cook.

To purchase a luxury watch from Bell & Ross, please contact The Life of Luxury. Follow our luxury blog for the latest luxury watch news and fine watch product releases.

Designer Pavan Ahluwalia currently holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest Henna application. In a single hour, Pavan painted an incredible 511 armbands in February 2012. Each record breaking design was unique from the other.

Pavan has worked with many recognized brands and celebrities from around the world including: Harrods, Selfridges, Sky tv, and the BBC on a variety of high-profile artistic projects.

Her latest henna project involves hand painted ladies shoes, which are gold painted and raised to add depth. The gold paint plus diamantes which are also applied, last and stay on the shoes.

The stunning looking  shoes are made of patent leather and are high quality. The shoe’s heel height is slightly under 6 inches tall.

Pavan creatively transforms intricate patterns into beautiful pieces of art. What makes the work of Pavan so special is her attention to detail by integrating unique facets into her work.

The custom henna designer women shoes are available in any color scheme upon request. These truly luxury shoes are incredibly beautiful. The retail price for the luxury shoes is British Pounds 150.

For those with a strong desire to learn the art of henna, can take a course from Pavan Ahluwalia. You’ll gain the valuable knowledge of different styles of henna and body art. Pavan is looking for students who are dedicated to improving upon their own talents as a henna artist. The art courses are taught by Pavan at a central London art studio.

If you are interested in purchasing a pair of henna designer shoes from Pavan, please contact The Life of Luxury.

WaterField Designs manufactures custom-fitted, high-quality cases and bags that are available for a wide range products including: laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming devices, e-readers plus other digital gear.

WaterField Designs just announced the release of their Rough Rider Leather Messenger. It’s carefully designed to carry high tech gear—a modern bag but has a unique, Old West charm look and ruggedness.

The Rough Rider Leather Messenger bag features a clever compression strap system plus rough leather edges and clean lines. The end product is a stylish piece that combines a look to appeal to professionals, cafe regulars, as well as travelers.

The design of the shoulder strap system keeps the contents of the bag compressed, so the bag looks slim and neat. It also positions snuggly against the body for a comfortable carry. A leather handle sits conveniently at the top for a quick grab.

The Rough Rider is built of rugged and naturally-tanned leather. The interior is unlined with natural edges to reveal the leather’s top, premium quality. A hint of colorful nylon (six different colors) under the leather bag’s flap allows for organized customization.

The laptop bag has a main compartment that will hold a 13-inch laptop or tablet, in addition to other items such as files, chargers and other necessities. There are two deep, waxed canvas pockets inside the main compartment. Also, find two additional scratch-free, lined pockets underneath the flap. This is ideal for keeping either an Apple iPad mini and your personal smartphone safe.

Every detail of the Rough Rider is engineered with precision. The Rough Rider Leather Messenger is priced at $335. The bag’s dimensions are 15″ x 10.5 x 3.5″.

The Rough Rider Leather Messenger bag comes in your choice of the following colors – Distressed, “Grizzly” brown, and naturally-tanned leather with color accents in black, copper, grass, pine, flame, or pearl.

For two hundred and twenty five years, Backes & Strauss has been a pioneer of diamond cutting techniques and creative jewelry designs. They announced a new luxury watch – the Piccadilly Princess Royal Colours.

The Piccadilly Princess Royal Colours is a stunning lady’s cocktail that’s covered in a variety of spectacular stones that reflect colors of a rainbow.

Each luxury watch is created using a unique hand-picked process to select white and fancy colored diamonds. These beautiful diamonds are then individually placed to create a one-of-a-kind look. Therefore, no two Piccadilly Princess Royal Colours watches will ever be the same.

The watch creation process begins with a 18 carat white gold case. Diamonds of at least 66 different color hues and 10 different cuts (Baguette, Cushion, Marquise, Oval, Pear, Princess, Ascher, Emerald, Heart and Round Brilliant) are used on the watch’s dial, case and bracelet.

What I like that Backes & Strauss has done is use 225 stones to represent each year since the company was founded.

The Piccadilly Princess Royal Colours luxury watch dial is set with both white and natural colored diamonds – 65 diamonds with a total weight of 3.37 carats.

The Life of Luxury has access to the best luxury watches available including Backes & Strauss. Please contact us to assist you with your next luxury watch purchase.