OneWed's Local Flavor: Look Good My Friend!

Chances are if you’re getting married, your buds are, too. If you’re heading off to a lot of weddings this summer, and want to avoid the “are you really wearing that?” look from your fiancée, here’s a quick rundown on dress code terms and what they mean.

Looking good my friend, looking good.

White Tie: This means your friends are either royalty, or snooty.

Black tie or Black tie optional: If you’ve got a tux, get it cleaned (this is key as most guys I’ve encountered just stuff the tux in the closet after events). If your tuxless, any dark suit will do.

Formal: You could bring out the tux, or if you’d rather, a dark suit is fine.

Creative Black Tie: Hell if I know. The good news is, if you’re confused, so is everyone else. If it’s part of your heritage, this is a good place to throw in a little of your own local flavor…cowboy boots with a tux, a kente cloth vest, quilt and commando, etc.

Festive Attire, Festive Casual, Dressy Casual: This means they want you to look nice, but don’t want you to show up in a tux or dressed for work.

If all else fails, just wear what your fiancée tells you to. Even if she isn’t right, you’ll score points for following directions.

 

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Jon Gosselin Purchases Diamond Ring, Secretly Engaged

There was talk of engagement in our earlier story on Jon Gosselin and Hailey Glassman, but Jon put all that to rest when he told People, "No. We're just having a cool time and enjoying each other."

Well, you know the ancient proverb: Never believe a reality star that wears too much Ed Hardy.

So it shouldn't be a surprise that we have learned the couple purchased a diamond engagement ring from jeweler-to-the-stars Edouard Nahum on Sunday. The jeweler stopped by Christian Audigier's yacht to privately show the lovebirds a selection of rings.

Naturally, there's no use purchasing a ring if it's not going to be worn on the ring finger for maximum rumor exposure, and that's just what young Hailey did at the VIP Room in St.-Tropez late on Monday night until 5 a.m.

"They're engaged but nobody is allowed to say. They've been warned to keep it secret," says a source who is close to Nahum. 

Alright, that is enough, Source. We can't take anymore. This is the longest Ed Hardy commercial ever. Or longest Jon & Kate Plus 8 promo ever. Either way, if we have to mention Christian Audigier one more time, something bad will happen.

It was just over three weeks ago when Jon and Kate officially announced their divorce; see what other celeb couples have called it quits since then in our Big Celebrity Splits gallery. We’re averaging about one a week, so good for no one.

 

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Judith Leiber's Latest in Sparkling Pillboxes

Judith Leiber has a variety of styles but one of the most notable is her penchant for cutesy objects and animals in crystal-covered handbag and pillbox form. Although the little miniaudieres are certainly unique and beautiful, it can be difficult for some women to imagine themselves carrying around a large sparkling animal or baked good (cupcake purse anyone?) as a handbag to a party. Nicely, if you like the look but aren't really looking to commit yourself completely why not go for a smaller (but just as appealing) option? Judith Leiber pillboxes are available in every shape from a bright red heart to a little dog and (my personal favorite) a "Prince Charming" toad. I wonder when Judith will upgrade to diamonds and precious stones? See the gallery below and feel free share your favorites in the comments.

 

 

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Whiteflash Has Made Me a Believer!

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

I just wanted to let you know that I picked up my diamond engagement ring from the FedEx location this afternoon and it is gorgeous! Took a little faith to order it online without seeing it with my own eyes, but it definitely exceeded expectations! Thank you so much! Again, thank you so much for the great work, fast turnaround time, quick shipping, etc... I will recommend WhiteFlash to others, for sure!

 

Lester

 

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Whiteflash Diamonds Dazzel Customers

 

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

I just wanted to let you know I picked up the diamond this morning and it's beautiful. She's going to have the be careful that the sparkle doesn't blind her when she's staring at it driving down the road :-)

Thanks so much for your help!

Nick

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Christian Dior Joaillerie 'Kings & Queens' collection screams royalty

Dior sure knows how to keep the elite on the pulse of fashion. Dior Joaillerie released their royal ‘Kings & Queens’ collection by Victoire de Castellane, which features bejeweled skulls meant to be owned as a pair. The stunning collection is made out of diamonds, opal, jade, quartz and obsidian, which along with the skulls symbolizes “eternity.” Jewels are forever, unlike those who wear them: “We are moving, but they remain,” said Victoire de Castellane. The Kings and Queen pieces even have evocative names: Queen of Jadélénie and King Opal to dazzle the jewelry-lovers.

 

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Robbers Snatch Orlando Bloom's Jewels

Actor Orlando Bloom has become the latest celebrity burglary victim. His Hollywood Hills home was recently broken into and the LA Times is reporting that thieves walked away with around $500,000 in diamond jewelry, cash and artwork. Bloom is out of town but a relative discovered the break-in on Wednesday. Bloom is far from the first star to be the victim of a house robbery. Thieves absconded with around $2 million in jewelry from Paris Hilton's home last year.

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Whiteflash WOWS their customers AGAIN!

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

I Just picked up the diamond ring and WOW!!!!!! I'm SO happy I can't even describe it, all I can say is when I opened the wood box a flash of light beamed out of there. It was like an angel came from the heavens and landed right in front of me!! The ring is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! I could not be more happy! Once again THANK YOU, you and the WF crew did a wonderful job and I couldn't have asked for anything more!, Then a WF T-shirt ;-).  I'm so happy and excited to give this ring to the love of my life that I can't wait any longer. LOL... Once my heart stops beating out of control and my smile from ear to ear calms down I'll write an outstanding review. As you can tell I am VERY pleased and would/WILL tell everyone how wonderful WF is!!

                                                                      THANK YOU!!!!
                               
                                                                       Timothy ( My smile is still ear to ear :)  )


P.s.

 I'm not kidding about the T-Shirt.  Hehe...  :-)

 

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Checklist for Choosing a Diamond Engagement Ring

Every groom-to-be needs a checklist for choosing a diamond engagement ring. Searching for the perfect engagement ring is an intimidating task, even if your fiancé has already accepted your proposal. This is one of the most important purchases you will make, as well as one of the most expensive, and you need to keep several issues in mind when making your decision. Everyone’s checklist is different, but these basic concerns will insure that you do not leave out any major considerations.

First, determine exactly how much you can spend on an engagement ring. Bear in mind that you will most likely be paying for part or all of the wedding and honeymoon costs, as well as starting a new life together, and it isn’t wise to go substantially in debt for the ring before other expenses are met. Budgeting for an Engagement Ring is a careful process and you should take plenty of time to ascertain your spending limit.

Finding the right engagement ring isn't easy. Listen to the experts at Whiteflash.com

Educate Yourself
Before setting foot inside a jewelry store, research the basics of diamonds and engagement rings. Knowing the terminology, such as the four Cs of diamond quality, as well as the basic differences between settings, shapes, and types of engagement rings will keep your search efficient without ignoring unique options.

Choose a Jeweler
After you have been properly educated, it is time for the next step in your checklist for choosing a diamond engagement ring: choosing a jeweler. It is important that you find a reputable, trustworthy jeweler. You can ask for recommendations from friends and relatives, or start with a local jeweler with a long history. Mall stores are generally reputable but have limitations, while independent jewelry stores also have risks, especially if you may be relocating. When in doubt, ask to see the jeweler’s certification and other credentials.

Choose a Metal
Most engagement rings are platinum, yellow gold, or white gold.

Should I choose Platinum, white gold or yellow gold? Don't worry guys, it's confusing to us too

Platinum
Platinum is the strongest metal and is considered rarer than gold. While it doesn’t wear, is resistant to damage, and won’t tarnish, it can be difficult to repair if it is damaged. Platinum is also significantly more expensive than gold.

Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the most common and traditional metal for both wedding and engagement rings. 24-karat gold is pure gold, while 18-karat is 1/4 alloy. The higher the purity, the softer and more flexible the metal, making it more prone to damage. Most engagement and wedding rings are either 14- or 18-karat gold. Gold Engagement Rings eventually show wear such as nicks and scratches, but are easily repaired.

White Gold
White gold is measured by the same standards as yellow gold, but is treated to retain a white, silver-like finish. This finish eventually wears off and must be periodically reapplied. White gold is an excellent choice for a unique ring that will match any other jewelry.

Choose a Setting
Selecting a setting can be one of the most confusing parts of the checklist for choosing a diamond engagement ring. There are many different Engagement Ring Settings. Common settings include solitaires and bridal sets, while channel settings, three-stone rings, and other designs are becoming increasingly popular.

Solitaires
Diamond Solitaire Engagement Rings are single, elegant diamonds that may come in a variety of shapes (heart, marquise, round, pear, oval, emerald, etc.), settings (channel, bezel, flush, prong, tiffany, etc.), and sizes. If you haven’t already determined what your sweetheart likes, you might want to take her window shopping to get a general idea. If you would like for the ring to be a surprise, however, you may want to enlist the help of a close friend or relative.

Accent Stone Settings
Accent stone or side stone settings include both a larger center stone as well as multiple small stones that embellish the engagement ring band. Many accent stones are set in channels to protect them from damage. Some people prefer a combination of round stones and baguettes (rectangles), round stones only, or trilliums (triangles).

Three-Stone Settings
Three Stone Engagement Rings are considered nostalgic, with each of the diamonds representing the past, present, and future. The stones are set in a straight line without additional accent stones. Many people prefer to build their own engagement ring by choosing each of the three diamonds.

Bridal Sets
You can purchase engagement rings with matching wedding bands. The bands can be solid gold with a matching solitaire engagement ring, or they might have side stone settings in both the wedding band and the engagement ring, with the engagement ring also featuring a prominent solitaire. For many of these Bridal Set Engagement Rings, the wedding band cannot be worn without the engagement ring and the two are frequently soldered together before the wedding.

Ask for an Appraisal and Certificate
Your diamond should be issued an appraisal of its value. You should also ask your jeweler if the diamond has been treated with any fillers or other laboratory enhancements. If it hasn’t, he should issue you a certificate of authenticity. This paperwork is essential if you choose to have your ring insured.

Warranty
You also need to inquire about the warranty of your diamond. Some jewelers will continue to warranty the ring if you visit regularly for them to clean and check the setting of the ring. These basic maintenance tasks guarantee that your ring will remain as brilliant on your fiftieth anniversary as it was on your wedding day.

No matter which type of engagement ring you ultimately buy, by following certain tasks and approaching the purchase in an educated fashion, you will be pleased with an investment that will grow in value just as your love continues to grow throughout your marriage.

 

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Swarovski-studded throne for rich pets

 

For those who dress up their fido in Roberto Cavalli, here’s a royal throne to match to your pet’s elegant attire. Wilbur from designer Julia Mai is a magnificent chair studded with sixteen sparkling Swarovski crystals available in both white and black color selection. The hand-made pet recliner is lined with soft padding for maximum comfort. The mattress cover fabric and the backrests are removable and washable. So, now you won’t be doing injustice to your little friend when you lounge on your plush Swarovski-clad sofa. Now that’s why we will say, “Dog is a God!” Now if they only made this with diamonds your pet would be a blinged out pooch!

 

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$79,000 diamond-studded lighter is a proud display of wealth

The uber-rich smokers know how to light up in style. S.T. Dupont’s gold and diamond lighter caters to those who have rich tastes. James Bond aka Daniel Craig has famously used some of Dupont’s luxury accessories in Casino Royale. And this new Ligne 2 Champagne lighter (in center) from their Prestige Collection is truly a collector’s edition. The lighter is made of solid 18-carat white gold and embellished with 468 brilliant-cut diamonds.

 

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Kim Kardashian In Africa To Tour Diamond Mines

The lovely Kim Kardashian has worn plenty of diamonds but now she's headed to Botswana and South Africa to promote them. Kardashian's visit comes at a time when Botswana's rough diamond sales are down 68 percent. The country's economy is deeply dependent on diamonds and has shrunk in recent months.

Kardashian will visit the Jwaneng mine, Diamond Trading Botswana and Motswedi Rehabilitation School in Mochudi. Her visit is on behalf of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, the organization founded by Russell Simmons. Kardashian and her boyfriend, football player Reggie Bush are traveling along with Kardashian's sister Khloe, former football player Ray Crockett and Diamond Executive Director Ellen Haddigan. Kardashian is documenting her experiences in Africa on her Twitter account.

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Jewel Thieves Strike In Cannes

The Cartier store in Cannes, France has been the latest victim of the "Pink Panthers" gang. A group of armed robbers in Hawaiian shirts converged on the store in the French Riviera on Monday. The ringleader pulled out a handgun and directed everyone to lie on the floor. His accomplices made quick work of the diamonds, watches and other luxury goods in the store and then the entire team took off on motorbikes.

The Pink Panthers earned their nickname in 1993 by stealing a huge diamond from jewelers in London's Mayfair area and hiding it in a jar of face cream similar to the method used in the original Peter Sellers movie. It is believed that members of the gang are former soldiers from eastern Europe. They are known for their feats of daring which are almost cinematic in nature. In 2005 they struck at a jeweler in Saint Tropez and made their getaway by boat. The gang is thought to be a loose network of maybe 200 or so people which has made attempts at capture difficult for law enforcement

 

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Finding Your Chic Factor for Your Special Day!

Once upon a time I was a bride-to-be. And the day my husband proposed I thought whipping up my bridal look would be simple.

If you're having dilemmas about the gown, consider your venue and overall formality of the wedding or lack thereof. Wedding dates have a lot to do with decisions too. Are you marrying in New York city mid-winter or having a country picnic in late Spring?

Since there are no rules here, only guidelines, go ahead and combine styles if you like. Blending gives your look individuality. Maybe you're a little punk and vintage all at once . . . Or cutting edge and classic. Whatever combo you fancy, your options are many. My motto has always been, "Read the rules then teach yourself the art of breaking them . . ."

CLASSIC
Grace Kelly in To Catch a Theif is your icon. Everything you touch is classic, refined, sophisticated. A Hermes scarf and cashmere turtleneck could be your everyday signature look.
Your Dress An A-line or sheath either strapless or with bateau or V-neck. You love any fabric that has understated elegance like traditional duchesse satin and peau de soie.
Favorite Designers: Kenneth Pool, Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, Amsale, Anne Barge, Peter Langner
Your Venue: A mansion, country club or sprawling estate defines your dream wedding site.
Veiled: A long drop veil tacked to the back of a bun.
Unveiled: A diamond tiara of course!

ROMANTIC
You could be the ultimate storybook bride. If you love lace, bone china tea cups and bouquets of white roses in silver vases consider yourself a romantic.
Your Dress: A storybook ball gown with lace or tulle. Ruffles and frills and layers of crinoline petticoats.
Favorite designers: Amelia Casablanca, Elizabeth Emanuel for the Art of Being, Lazaro, Claire Pettibone, Elizabeth Fillmore, Max Chaoul.
Venue: How about Notre Dame or a castle in Scotland?
Veiled: Cathedral length tulle
Unveiled: Wreath of roses

CONTEMPORARY
For you the edge is the most comfortable seat in the house and forging ahead of the fashion curve excites you. New and untried fabrics for bridal wear intrigue rather than scare you away and you're the first to try on that linen-hemp with asymmetrical drapes.
Your Dress: Any silhouette but you're intrigued by the sheath in an outside the box fabric. Shorter dresses appeal to your sense of whimsy.
Favorite Designers: Giambattista Valli, Jane Wang, Junko Yoshioka
Venue: Mostly chi-chi urban settings like an art gallery or artist's loft. A restaurant with a killer view is great too.
Veiled: Loops of horsehair crowned in netting.
Unveiled: A cutting edge hairstyle

VINTAGE
So you look into the best parts of the past to get your look, do you? Who wouldn't with such great laces and gemmies still hanging around from yesteryear? Like those satin baby-doll shoes from the forties better than brand new Jimmy Choos? Does an allover antique lace tablecloth make you think of restyling it into a gown? Then call yourself a Vintageholic and read on.
Your Dress: Mostly evening gown and chemise styles in lace and satin. You may be a 1950s retro buff who likes Candy Anthony type dresses with miles of skirt and tiny cinched waists.
Favorite designers: Pat Kerr, Claire Pettibone, Martin McCrea, Candy Anthony.
Venue: Almost anywhere that the Jay Gatsby daytime social can be reenacted. Landmark homes with acres of sprawling lawn are ideal but certain boutique hotels and B & B's work for the smaller bash.
Veiled: Grandma's antique lace or a recreation.
Unveiled: An antique piece of fine jewelry

Iosposa

Your Chic Factor- Romantic

Your Chic Factor- Contemporary

Your Chic Factor- Vintage

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Graff Superstar Diamonds Lady's Watch

There are diamond watches, and then there are diamond watches like this. Graff metaphorically knocks on the door of luxury with a resounding "bling bling!" arrival announcement. You simply don't get too much more "diamond watch" than this timepiece figuratively held hostage by the precious stones. The case and bracelet (what little of it is actually metal!) is done in 18k white gold while a dizzying collection of 176 diamonds on the case and another 94 diamonds on the bracelet that crowd the design of the watch like a bunch of too many densely packed wealthy neighbors. The entire watch has 59 carats of pure glitzy glory.

Likewise the timepiece is known as the Superstar, or GraffSuperstar. Whatever the title, this watch is certainly a statement about the woman wearing it. However that statement might be "I enjoy rubies and emeralds in my breakfast cereal." Sorry gentlemen, we will have to settle for a less diamond studded version. Stones on the Superstar watch are in trillion and trapeze cuts that gives a very modern and angular shape that is also quite cohesive. Round cut diamonds make for good decor, but these more angular cuts allow for a more tiled look that enhances the "total diamond watch" style that Graff is going for. My instincts tell me that the movement inside the watch is Swiss quartz. The dial of the watch is no testament to legibility, but should be readable - a nice trapeze cut emerald is the only non-diamond stone of the bunch and serves as the 12 o'clock marker. Not the type of watch you want to wear publicly in certain parts of the world, cost to likely be tantamount to purchase of said parts of the world.

 

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

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MLB & Swarovski designs a swarovski helmet for baseball fans

 

For the rich, New York baseball fans, who take their fan status a bit too seriously Austrian swarovski has teamed up with Major League Baseball to create a crystallized motorcycle helmet in honor of the New York Yankees. The luxury helmet in black features the legendary stamped team logo on front, and the Yankees inscription on the back, all adorned with black swarovski crystals. The helmet is available in a limited edition through Galeries Lafayette Homme, and adorn a price tag of $347. Can you imagine this helmets bling if they used black diamonds?

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Damiani Offers Travel As Gift With Purchase

Italian jeweler Damiani is pulling out all the stops to get customers buying in this tough economy. National Jeweler reports on a couple of new promotions designed to get people excited to make a purchase. Buy one of Damiani's "Gomitolo" rings shown above, and you can get a one-week vacation in Italy that includes the cost of the flight and hotel stay. The Gomitolo rings feature pave set diamonds and gemstones in ribbon-like patterns with prices ranging from $7,740 to $15,690 and each one represents a different Italian city. A minimum purchase of $6,000 of any combination of Damiani jewelry, nets the buyer a weekend stay at a suite in any Mandarin Oriental hotel in the Americas. For smaller purchases buyers receive treats of lesser value. Any buyer of a Damiani piece will get a gift certificate for a massage at the St. Regis Hotel Spa in New York, the Montage Spa in Beverly Hills, California or the Moana Lani Spa at the Westin in Honolulu. Sounds lovely, but will it be enough incentive to prompt a splurge?

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Temple St. Clair Harvest Pendant Helps The Homeless

One of my favorite jewelers, the always elegant Temple St. Clair has, for years, had a series of medallion-like pendants embellished with her three signature granulated beads. Now she's turned her style into a charity effort. The Temple St. Clair's Special Edition Harvest Pendant benefits Services and Food for the Homeless, a non profit organization providing food and assistance to the homeless in New York City. The 18K pendant is available in white or yellow gold and sells for $550. Temple St. Clair's book, Alchemy - A Passion for Jewels, is included with every purchase of this pendant.

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osu unveils bespoke luxury shirts with diamond buttons

 

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$18,000 Chocolate dessert with a diamond - A treat for the uber-rich

 

Does diamonds and chocolates combined sound more like a wish list? Here is a chocolate dessert designed with a diamond stud, reportedly a real one. The dessert is made of chocolate, topped with a blackberry that holds a 2 carat ascher cut diamond and costs $18,000. We have earlier seen diamond-studded cakes, but like it or ignore it, they created buzz yet again, right folks?

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Micheal Jackson: Remembering the King of Pop

 

With everyone paying tribute to the legend that is Michael Jackson, it only seemed appropriate to take a look back on his weddings - after all, his life was as fascinating as his career.

 

Who can forget Jackson's nuptials with Lisa Marie Presley in the Dominican Republic in May 1994? When the King of Pop married the daughter of the King (of rock 'n' roll), the whole world was stunned.

People magazine reported that a short wedding ceremony was held at a resort in the town of La Romana, with the bride wearing a tight beige strapless dress instead of a wedding gown - and the groom sporting a ponytail and lipstick.

Amid much speculation, the high-profile nuptials were kept quiet until August, when Presley released a statement saying, "I am very much in love with Michael. I dedicate my life to being his wife." Alas, the pair divorced less than two years later, in January 1996.

Later that year, Jackson tied the knot again with Debbie Rowe in Sydney, Australia, after presenting her with a 2.13-carat round-cut diamond engagement ring.

There are few details available about the ceremony, which took place at the Sheraton on the Park Hotel. But it seemed that married life was not the right fit for Jackson - he and Rowe divorced in 1999.

 

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Beckhams celebrate their wedding anniversary on a rented island

 

Football stars are known for their over-the-top spending habits. But David Beckham manages to stay at the forefront every time with his uber-rich tastes – remember we have told you about the $50,000 bed and, the £50,000 Porsche toy car his son drives or her giant diamond engagement ring? The British soccer star and wife Victoria are yet again in the news for their luxury indulgences. This time around it was to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary on the North Island paradise of the Seychelles (Southeast Africa), which cost them upwards of $200,000.

And, yes, for that sum, the couple have had the whole island to just themselves. “David and Victoria appear so in love,” a source says. “They have gone on lots of romantic walks, holding hands like a couple of newlyweds.” This high profile couple sure deserves accolades for their commitment toward each other, right folks?

Check out more pics of the couple in the Seychelles at BauerGriffinOnline.

 

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Fashion Statements: What is Luxury Now?

 

As designers march their winter haute couture collections down runways in Paris this week, one has the feeling we're witnessing the end of an era. Only a handful of women in the world can afford this level of craftsmanship and, in the throws of the most diabolical recession we've ever seen, even they are pulling in their gilded belts. More's the pity.

As a result, this may be the last of Christian Lacroix. A few days ago, the designer showed a jaw-dropping collection every bit worthy of his couturier status. But his house is in such a financial mess, it needs a buyer to survive.

Lacroix is not alone, of course. Earlier this year, I asked a CEO of a high-end Italian fabric company how he was planning to celebrate the company's anniversary. "We'll barely be able to afford a birthday cake!" he joked.

Meanwhile, New York's famed specialty store Henri Bendel has stopped selling designer clothes altogether. Beginning this fall, the store will focus exclusively on selling smaller ticket items like diamond jewelry, handbags, fragrance and gifts. It's a well-known fact that accessories sales are the bread-and-butter of retailers and fashion houses. Runway looks, especially haute couture, are more about creating publicity and brand image. But learning that H. Bendel will no longer be selling designer clothing is a little like discovering the coolest kid at school is into Dungeons & Dragons. It's just sad.

The luxury segment-particularly fashion and jewelry-has skirted trouble for years. In Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster out a few years ago, reporter Dana Thomas chronicled how the then $157 billion luxury goods industry eschewed exclusivity-a key characteristic of luxury-in order to rack up mass sales.

Still, few predicted the floor would drop out quite like this. "You can't justify premiums these days with the same old stuff," says Milton Pedreza, CEO of the Luxury Institute, noting luxury companies will be forced to reinvent themselves to stay relevant. "Many people feel like luxury has duped them into buying ubiquitous products. The main principles-great design, superior quality, heritage and service-need to be upped quite a bit."

 

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