nambe.twist

The Nambé Twist Cocktail Shaker is a modern instrument with edge. While I'm normally a fan of straight lines and right-angles, the curves on the shaker -- designed by Fred Bould -- are classy but simple. I had seen the Nambé Twist Shaker on many websites before it appeared in the Stanford Magazine article featuring Fred Bould as alumnus  ('95) turned successful product designer. Part of the larger Twist line, the cocktail shaker is the only product I like but stainless steel is easy to mix and match. Available from Unica Home for $145, the shaker is "made of thermal-retentive Nambé metal" which can be "freezer-chilled before mixing, transferring the cold to your favorite concoction without adding unnecessary ice." A tight fit is guaranteed by rubber rings in both the lid and removable strainer and the 10-inch shaker holds 15 ounces, just enough for two.

modern.vices

Cast of Vices fuses pop-culture, addiction, and self-medication to find the aesthetic in our favorite vices. The company claims these products -- cigarette butts, pulls, bottle caps, etc. -- will be the only remains "when our Rome falls." Crafted in the US, the necklaces feature .925 sterling silver and 14k gold with price tags between $200 and $500. Available at A+R, American Rag, and a few other retailers, the necklaces give a tinge of hipster without pushing too far.

[caption id="attachment_2487" align="aligncenter" width="494" caption="Cast of Vices - Empty But Awake"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2488" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="Cast of Vices - Beggars Banquet Necklace"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2489" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Cast of Vices - End Times Cigarette Butt Necklaces"][/caption]

lolli.memmoli

I first discovered Lolli e Memmoli in a short mention while reading about the Minotti showroom for a previous post. After some digging, I discovered their beautiful and modern chandeliers. It's practically impossible to find any price tags online but nothing this fancy comes cheap. According to their website, the only authorized retailer in the US is at Minotti in Los Angeles. Although their products aren't readily accessible, they would be the focal point of any room and make a trip to buy worth the effort.

[caption id="attachment_2508" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Ariel | 2002"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2522" align="aligncenter" width="392" caption="V-Carré | 2005"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2525" align="aligncenter" width="358" caption="Ariel | 2002"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2526" align="aligncenter" width="392" caption="CAIFA Square | 2003"][/caption]

bugatti.belt

I'm picky with my belts and view them as an accessory -- not a technological indulgence -- so I wouldn't buy the Roland Iten belt buckle made for Bugatti (pretending I could afford it in the first place) but the technology is fun and unique. Found on Luxist, the website claims the buckle is made to "preserve the life of the belt, to offer smooth operation, and micro-flexibility in size and adjustment." With 100 parts featuring 18k white gold with 18k rose gold accents, the price is TBA but other belts by Rolan Iten run upwards of $25,000, making a regular designer belt seem like chump change.

modern.furniture

Although Minotti is over 50 years old, their first flagship showroom opened in West Hollywood in 2004. With modern furniture spanning every category, their creations come from collaborations with Rodolfo Dordoni, Lolli e Memmoli, Venini, and other great (Italian) designers. Even their showrooms provide high-end experiences: Ecru provides the fur accessories and Minotti enlists Bang & Olufsen's technology to give backdrop to Minotti's elegant and modern designs.

iceberg.water

Artesian water is for poor people. Iceberg water, on the other hand, is the new Voss. Found on Lovely Package, Iluliaq water is collected from icebergs off Greenland "after more than 100,000 years" as Ice Age snow.  Voss, the preferred water of celebrities, contains 22 total dissolved solids as measures by parts per million; Iluliaq is below five. Featuring a glass cork, the water is currently unavailable on the Iluliaq website but normally sells for $50.

mercedes.g550

The Mercedes-Benz G550 is iconic, luxurious and rough, and expensive. With a base price of $105,750, the do-it-all SUV will hit the bank account with intent. The powerful machine, found on Luxist, is laden with chrome and stainless-steel. According to Mercedes, the "chrome front grille guard frames the chrome three-bar grille and headlamps. Rugged stainless-steel running boards ease your entry. And the rear-mounted full-size spare tire is protected by a chrome-trimmed cover."

The interior features 14-way power front seats and premium leather that goes beyond the seats to cover the dash and door inserts. The vehicle also comes with a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, extensive technological capabilities, heated and active ventilating seats, and a full swing door in the back for loading cargo. If you can't decide which features you want, Mercedes makes it easy: "This vehicle is equipped with all available equipment as standard. No additional packages or options available."