Friday, December 31, 2010
TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887
In 1964, the pre-TAG Heuer era Ed. Heuer & Co. released their original chronograph. Marked by an iconic design that has effortlessly moved with the times, a recent release saw the latest iteration of the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre series. Featuring an updated 41mm dial (versus the predecessors 35.5mm dial) and a slightly thicker case, the watch’s 1887 designation represents the use of TAG Heuer’s own movement which is surely to be a mainstay of the brand for years to come. The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 is currently only available in select markets with a U.S. release slated for sometime in the spring of 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
BAPE STORE Beijing Opening Recap
A Bathing Ape recently made its latest inroad into the Chinese market with a new BAPE STORE in Beijing. Located at the ground floor of the I.T Beijing Market within the VILLAGE shopping district, the store’s interior maintains a familiar theme courtesy of Wonderwall’s architectural involvement. A full selection of A Bathing Ape lines are offered with some limited edition opening items such as T-shirts, Bapestas and Shark hoodies.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Joey Roth Ceramic Speakers
The Joey Roth Ceramic Speakers make the most of just a handful of materials as the natural beauty of them such as porcelain, cork and Baltic birch makes for a stunning set of speakers. Custom-made drivers ensure
that the full range of dynamic sound can be captured and will make for new listening experiences even with old tracks. They are available for direct order via Joey Roth.
Senner Tuning's 499bhp Audi RS5
We already know that the newly launched Audi RS5 is a pretty fabulous car. Actually, it is pretty fabulous driven in isolation as if you try one against its smaller sibling, the supercharged S5 (cabriolet), it doesn't gain much ground as all of its power and torque comes in high up the rev range. Usually a 4.2liter normally aspirated V8 is stupendous but a supercharged 3.0liter V6performs just as well due to the torque it produces. And so, to avoid embarrassment, a RS5 owner can head over to Senner Tunning for their latest RS5 tuning package.
To fend off other Audis, Porsches and other Uber-wagens the 4.2liter FSI V8 gets an ECU upgrade and a valve controlled stainless steel exhaust system. From more precise monitoring and fuelling, as well as that freer flow exhaust system the RS5 now makes 499bhp instead of 444bhp and more importantly 478Nm of torque. Up from 430Nm previously. It should make the RS5 hustle slightly faster than before. It does, as the RS5 gets to 100km/h from zero in 4.2seconds. Down from 4.6 seconds. The maximum speed is also increased as the limiter is lifted from the usual German 250km/h limit to 280km/h. 300km/h is another option that could be had with a tire upgrade.
So after the 50bhp power upgrade, Senner Tuning shoves 20inch wheels under the arches of the RS5. 9.5inch x 20 up front and 11inch x 20 at the rear. Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tires are the rubbers and the tires are 255/30R20 fronts and 295/25R20 at the rear. The 20inch alloys come in the Spider SC1 design and the Varianza T1S design. The display car featured the Spider on the driver's side and the Varianza on the passenger side. I suppose Senner Tuning were a little lazy for the photo shoot. Do note that the car is a left hand drive model, and the driver's seat is in the 'wrong' side of the car.
The Senner Tuning RS5 package is rounded up by carbon fiber side mirrors, a front grille and windo frames in their Black Edition trim. The interior gets the usual carbon fiber bits and pieces as well as the usual leather trimming for the seats, steering and door panels.
So the RS5 gets 50bhp. The S4 gets about the same from a tuning package and more torque. It usually is the case for blown engines to make more power than a normally aspirated one. Even one as good as the RS5. However, the one very important thing I have to add it the V8 makes a stonkingly marvelous sound that no supercharged V6 can every dream of achieving. Its all about the whole experience, not only all out power. But the 50bhp that the Senner Tuning RS5 makes is very much appreciated for RS5 owners who wants to play Top Trumps with the guys at the golf club.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Nissan has unveiled an all new Sunny at the China Motor Show in Guangzhou, and the company intends to sell the car in 170 markets worldwide
The car was shown at the China International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, and replaces the Chinese-market Sunny that has been sold since 2003. However, Nissan claims it will market the car in over 170 countries worldwide, under various names, and the car will be produced at its partner Dongfeng Nissan's Huadu factory in Guangzhou, and go on sale in China from January.
The new car has conservative styling, with its prominent shoulder line and swept-back headlights, and taillights mimicking the Teana luxury saloon. Inside, the Sunny features a circular theme, with round shapes used for the air vents, door handles, and climate control system.
The new Sunny is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 108bhp and 148Nm of torque, mated to an Xtronic continually variable transmission (CVT) that promises to deliver "superior environmental performance." The Sunny also has MacPherson struts suspension up front and a torsion beam for the rear suspension.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
NEIGHBORHOOD × Porter BAND / L-WATCHBAND
Overall several different collaborative releases involving Hamilton watches, a special Porter watchband was produced courtesy of Porter. The original was seen in a shiny black finish and was largely unavailable aside from the purchase of the actual watch. However NEIGHBORHOOD and Porter have extended their offering of the BAND / L-WATCHBAND to a wider audience and through several colors as seen here. The band will be available starting January 2nd at NEIGHBORHOOD TOKYO.
Bad Girl Taylor Momsem Loses Job As Model
Taylor Momsem, whose style evolved from girlie cute to messy rock, has lost her modeling job with IMG. Representatives from the agency do not comment on the situation but it’s not hard to understand why they decided to terminate the contract.
The modeling agency IMG spotted the girl at the age of 14. Since that time Taylor Momsem has done campaigns for Madonna’s Material Girl collection as well as the British clothes chain New Look.
Now being just 17, Taylor Momsem loses the job with one of the best modeling agencies that also work with Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen. And all this due to Taylor’s controversial behavior. By the way, her actions have already become the reason she was dropped from Gossip Girl. But she definitely doesn’t want to change.
Instead of Taylor Momsem Dakota Fanning has signed up with IMG. And she will definitely be a better choice.
Talking about her way of dressing Taylor Momsem said:
I dress for myself. Clearly, it’s provocative, but it makes me feel good. And if the only reason it makes someone uncomfortable is because I’m 17, then that person’s a scumbag because it shouldn’t matter. I really just put on what’s clean. The easiest thing to find in the morning because I’m usually running late. It’s just turned into style – I just don’t bother, I’m just too lazy.”
The only person who openly revealed her regret on what has happened was Taylor’s GG on-screen mother Kelly Rutherford.
She told HollywoodLife.com:
I think she’s young and is exploring her world and she’s exploring being an artist. I think it’s important to be fully expressed. She’s intelligent and she’s beautiful and it’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is for her, to be doing what she’s doing especially at her age and with her talent.”
Brits Buy Bikinis To Get Rid of Depression Caused by Cold Weather
I know how ridiculous it sounds but people in Britain do buy more bikinis as temperature drops lower and lower. Debenhams bosses can’t find reasonable explanation why this is happening. But there are at least two suppositions. First, the amazing tendency is inspired by photos of celebrities frolicking on sandy beaches in warm countries. And second, the British are just trying to get rid of depression caused by unprecedented cold winter.
Either way, figures released are shocking. While in some parts of Britain temperatures fall down to -27C, department store Debenhams has seen bikini sales increase by 20%.
Designer Elizabeth Hurley, who’s recently launched her first ever swimwear range also discovered a boost in sales.
She tweeted:
Interestingly, bikini sales are UP! Girls must be fleeing to sunnier climes for the holidays.”
Carie Barkhuizen, spokesperson for Debenhams commented:
With temperatures feeling colder than Antarctica the last thing you would think people would be buying was swimwear. The figures are even more remarkable when you consider the huge increase we saw at this time last year when the weather was also bad.”
Saturday, December 11, 2010
COMME des GARCONS “Merry Happy Crazy Colour” Collection Perfume
In continuation of their “Merry Happy Crazy Colour” series, COMME des GARCONS recently created these limited edition perfume bottles. Housing their popular COMME des GARCONS 2 and for the WONDERWOOD COMME des GARCONS fragrances, the papier maché covers have each been handmade. Perfectly styled for Christmas, as per the remainder of the series the colorways have been inspired by the manic colors found in the work of performance artists “assume vivid astro focus” (avaf). Both products will soon be available at select COMME des GARCONS retailers including number3store.
Prada “Private” Customizable Glasses
Italian fashion house Prada has now created a way for its fans to customise its sunglasses. Entitled “Private”, the glasses feature moveable arms that are capable of personalisation. Fans can choose the color of the frames before choosing from a selection of letters, numbers and symbols to modify the glasses and identify them as their own. The character insertion process can be repeated by simply removing the arms and replacing the symbol, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve changed your mind as to the way in which you wish to have your pradaprivates decorated. The pradaprivate glasses are now available at Prada boutiques worldwide.
maharishi x London Undercover Bamdazzle Umbrellas
London Undercover has teamed up with maharishi to produce two striking umbrellas. The pattern on the fabric has been inspired by the dazzle paint scheme used on Navy ships during World War 1. The complex geometric shapes were designed to confuse a German torpedo operator as to the direction the ship was traveling, the distance away and how fast it was moving. With DPM’s aim to detach camouflage from its military associations and promote its national roots and artistic influences, the Bamdazzle pattern incorporates multiple contrasting Bamboo stems, interrupting and intersecting each other. The theme is continued in the make up of the umbrella with a special natural Bamboo/Whangee handle. Available in 2 variants, the umbrellas are made in allied France with a traditional metal frame and runner attached to a natural beech wood shaft. The premium umbrellas come with a special collaboration label and engraved metal plate. Available now through the maharishi store as well as online via maharishistore.com & londonundercover.co.uk. Retail is set at £120.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
AMG adds a new family member - The CLS
On the eve of the LA Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the 2012 CLS63 AMG, the bi-turbo V8 version of the second generation original four door coupe.
AMG's mighty 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is finding a home in nearly every new Mercedes product. Fitted to the CLS63, the blown mill is good for 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque in standard form. Customers can opt for the AMG Performance Package which will tune up the boost from 14.5 to 18.8 psi, resulting in a rise in output to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of twist.
Equipped with AMG's seven-gear "Speedshift" MCT automatic tranny, the CLS63 takes an estimated 4.4 seconds for the century sprint in standard guise and 4.3 seconds with the AMG package. Top speed also rises from 155 to 186 mph with the performance upgrade.
In addition to the reworked engine and transmission, the front axle has been widened by nearly an inch. AMG also fitted its independent adaptive suspension with electronic damping complete with three-stage traction control system. The footwear for the CLS63 AMG comes in the form of 19 inch five-spoke wheels wrapped in 255/35 tires in front and 285/30 at the back. The brake discs are 14.2-inch in size, drilled and ventilated.
A special "Launch Edition" will be available when the CLS63 goes on sale this coming summer. It has a matte grey exterior while the interior has a mix of carbon fiber and piano black interior trim. It also comes with alcantara headliner and AMG sports seats wrapped in leather.
XLarge x MEDICOM TOY BEARBRICK “STUPID FACE”
XLarge and MEDICOM TOY team-up on MEDICOM’s iconic BEARBRICK figure. The result is a collection of 100% and 400% figures embodying XLarge’s fun and casual aesthetic. Coined “STUPID FACE”, the collection changes the toy’s original bear persona to that of XLarge’s signature ape. At the end of the day, the BEARBRICK is still very much a toy and the overall design reflects this. Available starting December 10th through XLarge accounts in Japan.
Porte Monnaie Handmade Wallets
Offered here is a look into a new series of handmade wallets from Porte Monnaie, a brand based in London and produced by the finest of skilled craftsmen. Comprising innovative and traditional materials in a unique design of minimalist style, the wallets feature natural, locally sourced russet leather and the paper-like tactility of flash spun high density polyethylene form the back bone of the piece. Three new styles are shown above, all now available now through oki-ni.
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