Bang & Olufsen B&O Play Beolit 12 Portable Music System

This week the very luxurious brand Bang & Olufsen has announced its new sub brand, going by the nameB&O Play. The first product to come from the new collection is the B&O Play Beolit 12. The portable sound system comes with AirPlay, allowing you to stream your music from a series of devices to the speaker system. Priced at 800 USD, it will come to stores in a series of colors February 2012.

Timekeeping: Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days

With the annual watch trade show, SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) about to get underway in Geneva, now is as good a time as any to revisit one of the stars from last year’s show, the Officine Panerai PAM00372 ($10,400). For those who are new to the game, Officine Panerai was originally founded in 1860, and later went on to gain fame as a gear-maker for the Royal Italian Navy, providing divers with watches, compasses, depth gauges and torches. A rediscovery of the brand by none other than Sylvester Stallone in the mid-90′s sparked a renaissance that has since seen this vaunted Italian brand become a full-fledged purveyor of masculine, vintage-inspired timepieces that can be found on the wrists of celebrities, wannabes and die-hard collectors alike.

Liquipel

Even if you turn your phone into a brick by putting it in one of those impressive Otterbox cases it still isn’t going to be completely invulnerable. Neither is the fantastically awesome real wood case you just picked up at a steal on a flash sale site. What’s going to protect your precious technological lifeline when it hits a large porcelain bowl filled with water? Liquipel. The same goes for when a full beer hits it, or when you forget to take it out of your shorts before you jump in the pool. Don’t bastardize the design and usability of your phone just to protect it from the elements—Liquipel it. Send them your device and they’ll apply a nano-coating that’s approximately one bazillion times thinner than a human hair. Thanks science! $59+

Read more: Cool Material - Men's gear blog featuring the latest trends in watches, gear and gadgets. http://coolmaterial.com/#ixzz1jLhoH9AU

The Thursday Cocktail Recipe…for the Weekend

Smokey Local

Ice

1½ ounces whiskey, preferably Russell's Reserve 6-Year-Old Rye
¾ ounce manzanilla sherry
½ ounce Sangue Morlacco Luxardo
½ ounce Scotch, preferably Ardbeg 10-Year-Old
Lemon peel

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the whiskey, sherry, Luxardo and Scotch. Stir. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with the lemon peel. Serve.

IWC Top Gun Miramar

Starting off the New Year in proper form, IWC has released a new Top Gun collection as part of the Pilot Watch family.  Inspired by their 1940s Pilot’s Watches, the new Top Gun Miramar is the first line to incorporate a military style design.  Naturally, this new design is coupled with all the precision, movement and materials typical of IWC.  Each timepiece is fitted out with a zirconium oxide case, and uses titanium for the controls and back.  The movements are IWC-manufactured calibers with 168 hours of power reserve and considered one of the “most advanced and robust chronograph movements ever produced”.  Visit IWC for the full specs and details on the latest Top Gun collection and the rest of the Pilot Watch family.

Hasso Spring Summer 2012 Accessories

We take a look at Spring Summer from Hasso. Based in Bogota, Columbia, the line has been going strong for three years. Nicholas Hurtado and Andrés Niño  “wanted a label with a strong focus on design, top quality materials and accurate craftsmanship”. Ipad cases, totes, messenger bags and backpacks, they describe “We create sophisticated, cleverly designed and refined products, yet durable and convenient for the present urban needs. All of our products are remarkably crafted by master artisans in Bogotá, Colombia.” The Significant Other tells us more.

Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2012 lookbook

Lovely Art Nude by Alisa Verner

LOUIS VUITTON’S MAROQUINARIS ZOOLOGICAE

I don’t know what’s harder—chopping up heaps of Louis Vuitton bags or coming up with creation after amazing creation of creatures from the parts. British artist Billie Achilleos had to do both of these when she was commissioned for the luxury fashion house’s Maroquinaris Zoologicae, celebrating their 100th anniversary in the small leather goods game.

The Sunday Drive...mastermind JAPAN x Mercedes Benz G55

Japanese brand mastermind has teamed with luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz on a one-of-a-kind offering of the G55 Wagon. With mastermind branding seen throughout the car, most prominently on the spare-tire cover, the black aesthetic seems to fit both companies quite well. While it’s unknown if this was merely a collaboration for Fashion Week, or if the two brands plan on rolling out further editions, it’s always nice to find two companies from completely different walks of life coming together for a project,

The Sunday Ride….Electric Bike PiCycle LTD by Pi Mobility

Pi Mobility offers us stunning electric bike called PiCycle LTD. This isn’t only the vehicle but the real work of art. Unusual frame in the shape of an arc is a central element that makes the design so attractive. Wheels PiCycle LTD can be rotated as the usual rotation of the pedals and 48-volt electric motor. Maximum speed of the bicycle when operating the electric motor is about 30 mph and the distance that you can drive at full battery charge – is about 20 miles. The cost of such luxury bike is about $5000.

No words…..

Nikon has finally unveiled the D4, the long-awaited successor to the camera maker’s full-frame D3S DSLR. It features a 16.2 megapixel sensor and an extended ISO to 204,800 at Hi-4 as well as a brand new full-frame FX-format sensor to take things next level. The D4 can also capture 10 fps stills at full resolution with full auto focus and exposure. A new 51-point AF system offers full cross-type focusing that’s compatible with all Nikon lenses, even when paired with a teleconverter. Nikon’s latest beast also features two card slots with support for both UDMA-7 CF and the recently-announced XQD format, which brings write speeds of up to 125 MB/s — enough to capture 105 consecutive RAW images at 10 fps. A release is slated for late February.

FASHION AD CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2012

Thursday Cocktail Recipe…for the Weekend

Italian Greyhound

1 cup dried Japones chiles
One 750-ml bottle Campari
½ cup agave nectar
1 ounce Aperol
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
3 fresh passion fruits (or substitute ½ ounce unsweetened passion fruit purée)
Ice
1 whole jalapeño

1. Chop the chiles roughly. Add them to the Campari bottle. Infuse for 1 to 2 days. Strain the peppers and rebottle the infused Campari. Keeps indefinitely at room temperature.

2. Mix together the agave nectar and ½ water. Store in the refrigerator and use as needed.

3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the 1 ounce of the spiced Campari, the Aperol, lime juice, ¾ ounce of the agave syrup and pulp of the passion fruits. Shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with the whole jalapeño. Serve.

Tom Ford…..

Style Forum Special from Music Guy on Vimeo.

MUSIC IN YOUR SUITECASE WITH THE BOOMCASE SPEAKERS

Mr Simo is an audio-nut, He has been making portable music machines since 2000 and drawn some inspiration from the man selling stereos and bumping his homemade Briefcase Stereo at the Flea Market in Sacramento. His latest products are the BoomCase: these beautiful vintage suitcases customized into Self Powered Portable Stereo system. Working with your iPod/iPhone or any device with a headphone plug. TheBoomCase will last 9+ hours on a single charge (Charger Included). In addition to running on batteries, The BoomCase can also be plugged in when the party goes inside. To save on weight, you can opt for a plug-in only version.

Damn Good Advice (for people with talent!)

Advertising legend George Lois has some words for all of you creatives out there:

"Damn Good Advice (For People With Talent!) is a look into the mind of one of America's most legendary creative thinkers, George Lois. Offering indispensle lessons, practical advice, facts, anecdotes and inspiration, this book is a timeless creative bible for all those looking to succeed in life, business and creativity. These are key lessons derived from the incomparle life of 'Master Communicator' George Lois, the original Mad Man of Madison Avenue. Written and compiled by the man The Wall Street Journal called "prodigy, enfant terrible, founder of agencies, creator of legends," each step is borne from a passion to succeed and a disdain for the status quo."

Illesteva Leonard Wooden Sunglasses

Illesteva answers the wooden frame trend with a stunning version of their P3-inspired Leonard glasses ($220) with a rich, dark brown wood finish and grey mirror lenses for a subtle dose of glamour.

Louis Vuitton 2012 Spring Vachetta Leather Tote Bag

As rumors circulate regarding the possible departure of Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton’s newly appointed Style Director, Kim Jones, has shown the fashion world that the luxury designer label is in good hands. With a successful runway showing for his Spring 2012 collection this past summer and the recent Designer of the Year nod at the British Fashion Awards, Jones looks to revitalize the French fashion house with fresh, youthful cuts and tributes to brands storied luggage past. One of the more popular pieces from the forthcoming collection is this leather tote bag featuring Gaston Vuitton’s – the grandson of founder Louis Vuitton and eventual successor – personal monogram, a geometric “V” print. Manufactured with thin brown vachetta leather – an untreated, special-care required leather typically seen only on handles – this tote also comes complete two size varying handles for both light and heavy loads. This tote along with other items from Louis Vuitton’s Spring collection will be available soon with additional release details on its way.

Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012 Schedule

The fashion week season is roughly two weeks away with Milan leading the way. Some of the finest designers will be on the runway and there are a select few that we’re most looking forward to. Day one has Corneliani starting things off though we’re most excited for Ermenegildo Zegna which will be showing in the morning as well. Other notables throughout the week include Jil Sander, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Moncler Gamme Bleu.

JANUARY 14, 2012
09,30 CET, 3:30 AM EST | CORNELIANI – VIALE ALEMAGNA, 6
10,30 CET, 4:30 AM EST | ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA – VIA SAVONA, 56 A
12,30 CET, 6:30 AM EST | COSTUME NATIONAL HOMME – VIA TORTONA, 58
14,00 CET, 8:00 AM EST | DOLCE & GABBANA – VIALE PIAVE, 24
15,00 CET, 9:00 AM EST | JIL SANDER – VIA BELTRAMI, 5
16,00 CET, 10:00 AM EST | FRANKIE MORELLO – VIA PALERMO, 10
17,00 CET, 11:00 AM EST | BURBERRY PRORSUM – C.SO VENEZIA, 16
18,00 CET, 12:00 PM EST | JOHN VARVATOS – C.SO ITALIA, 21
19,00 CET, 1:00 PM EST | NEIL BARRETT – VIA VALENZA, 2
20,00 CET, 2:00 PM EST | ROBERTO CAVALLI – VIA SAN LUCA, 3

January 15, 2012
09,30 CET, 3:30 AM EST | BOTTEGA VENETA – VIA PRIVATA ERCOLE MARELLI, 6
10,30 CET, 4:30 AM EST | EMPORIO ARMANI – VIA BERGOGNONE, 59
11,30 CET, 5:30 AM EST | ERMANNO SCERVINO – VIA MANZONI, 37
12,30 CET, 6:30 AM EST | SALVATORE FERRAGAMO – PIAZZA AFFARI, 6
14,00 CET, 8:00 AM EST | PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND – LOCATION DA COMUNICARE
15,00 CET, 9:00 AM EST | VIVIENNE WESTWOOD – C.SO VENEZIA, 16
16,00 CET, 10:00 AM EST | MISSONI – VIA THAON DE REVEL, 21
17,00 CET, 11:00 AM EST | TRUSSARDI – PIAZZA DELLA SCALA, 5
18,00 CET, 12:00 PM EST | PRADA – VIA FOGAZZARO, 36
19,00 CET, 1:00 PM EST | MONCLER GAMME BLEU – VIA CLERICI, 5
20,00 CET, 2:00 PM EST | CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION – VIALE UMBRIA, 37

January 16, 2012
09,30 CET, 3:30 AM EST | DIRK BIKKEMBERGS – VIALE ALEMAGNA, 6
10,30 CET, 4:30 AM EST | ICEBERG – VIA PALERMO, 10
11,30 CET, 5:30 AM EST | JOHN RICHMOND – GIARDINI DI PORTA VENEZIA
12,30 CET, 6:30 AM EST | GUCCI – PIAZZA OBERDAN, 2/B
14,00 CET, 8:00 AM EST | ETRO – VIA PIRANESI, 14
15,00 CET, 9:00 AM EST | Z ZEGNA – VIA SOLARI, 35
16,00 CET, 10:00 AM EST | CANALI – VIA SAVONA, 56
17,00 CET, 11:00 AM EST | GAZZARRINI – VIA TORTONA, 15
18,00 CET, 12:00 PM EST | MOSCHINO – VIA CINO DEL DUCA, 8
19,00 CET, 1:00 PM EST | NICOLE FARHI – LOCATION DA COMUNICARE
20,00 CET, 2:00 PM EST | VERSACE – VIA GESU’, 12

January 17, 2012
09,30 CET, 3:30 AM EST | DSQUARED2 – VIA SAN LUCA, 3
10,30 CET, 4:30 AM EST | GIORGIO ARMANI – VIA BERGOGNONE, 59
11,30 CET, 5:30 AM EST | DIESEL BLACK GOLD – VIA SAVONA, 56
12,30 CET, 6:30 AM EST | PORTS 1961 – VIA TORTONA, 58
13,30 CET, 7:30 AM EST | ENRICO COVERI – VIA BUGATTI, 9
14,30 CET, 8:30 AM EST | ROCCOBAROCCO – PALAZZO VALSECCHI