Swiss Army Toilet for People with the Space Crunch: Vertabrae

I can't help it if I have a small bathroom. I'm living one of the highest rental cities in the world! Ulgh... Would love to have something like this. A vertical toilet, where I can store my toiletries... and NO, I don't happen to have space for that in my bathroom.

My bathroom HAS to be clean, I get paranoid if it isn't, thus I store my creams, masks, makeup, etc... OUTSIDE my bathroom. For those who have visited would know exactly what I'm talking about. Paul Hernon took into consideration the small sizes of most apartments while designing this. The Vertabrae includes a toilet, a sink, water cistern and two showers. $16,000USD for this whole unit. Not too bad if it includes everything, as most of these together would probably be about the same, minus the clutter. I must say, what a good design.

Utilizing the vertical space instead of horizontal floor space the stack looks impressive and easy to maintain. Of the two showers included one is meant for adults and the other for children. Both rotate 180 degrees however all the other units rotate a full 360 degrees.

All the piping work is concealed in the steel column, and each part simply pushes out when it is required. The Vertebrae is expected to hit the shelves next year. Bespoke versions will be available with shaving mirrors, lights and other additions.

Petite Coeur Wine Glass

I can't seem to figure out whether this is a decanter or a wine glass. On most websites, it's described as a wine glass, but wouldn't it be rather hard to sip out of? You'll have to be chugging it! The Petite Coeur(little heart) is designed by Etienne Menueau, a French designer who brought us a series of unusually-shaped carafes.


This work of art is an abstract reinterpretation of the human heart, complete with its atriums, ventricles, and an aorta for a spout.
This is 20 cm tall, thus it does seem a little too tall for a wine glass, and boy, seems like it's gonna be one bottle of wine per glass. This unique glass made of borosilicate glass. only 12 (eight numbered and signed and four artist proofs) were made and they cost a shocking €1,500 ($2,000).
Kit, don't walk into the wall with one of these, it could rack up some dollars there!

Zaha Hadid creates the Most Futuristic Bar so far

This futuristic bar is designed by architect, Zaha Hadid. This bar is different from anything that's been created before, looks like it just stepped out from a Star Wars film and designed FOR their spaceships, finished with a metallic surface. It looks like a race car crossed with a piano to me.

"Dynamic fluid grids," said Hadid, defining her design expression and explaining how the shoe will expand and contract as it wraps around the foot, allowing the landscaped pattern to come and go.

Italian Police Get New Lamborghini Polizia

Holy crap.. much better than the Porsche Cayenne Ambulance! I mean we've all seen the occasional Subaru STI or the souped-up Civic SIR or even a Mustang or Camaro cop car running around town catching drag racers. But being an Italian Police, getting to drive around the brand spanking new Gallardo? That's just insane. I wonder what rank you have to be in order to drive one of these around.

The LP560-4 is all decked out with the usual police decals and lights, plus they managed to squeeze in all the high tech police equipment like radio and video equipment, gun racks, and even a cooler (for body parts?!).

It's not Italy's first law enforcement Lamborghini (Rome has had one for awhile) but still! Pretty awesome.

Lux Driving Tip

Want to drive a luxury brand automobile but can't afford it? You might be surprised to find that many luxury brands (like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lincoln) offer vehicles that start in the low 30s. Just by foregoing a few extras like a bigger engine and built-in GPS you could be driving a new luxury car for about the same as you'd expect to pay for a nice Toyota or Honda. It really comes down to deciding if the term "fully loaded" is really that important to you -- do you have to have that gas-guzzling V8? If the answer is 'no' then you suddenly have a lot more options.

Briefcases

I had a friend ask me yesterday what briefcase he should get. He is looking for something that would hold his laptop securely and will last him for a while. He originally suggested a hard-cased briefcase to protect his laptop. In reality, most briefcases these days already assume that you would have a laptop, so just for your information, not only hard cases are capable of protecting your baby. Did some research, and this is what I came up with. Hope this helps you narrow down your options. (Click for larger images)

These ones here are a little bit more casual, can be used for everyday, travelling or school:

Samsonite Black Label by Alexander McQueen Computer Bag $630 - Constructed using the same croc-print leather and fine accents used elsewhere in the collection, this Computer Bag is ready for business with PDA, cell phone and laptop compartments (up to 16”). Also available in black ostrich print leather.

Samsonite Bayamo Laptop Attache $865USD - Manufactured in Europe, and using the best materials nature has to offer including high-end leather and saddle stitching, this Laptop Attaché Case is elegant and practical with many key features that mean business, including capacity for laptops up to 16”.

The Glace'-Folding Soft Briefcase by Prada $2,430USD - Prada revamps the tired boxy briefcase design, by giving it a softer shape and a more rugged look. The Glace'-Folding Soft Briefcase also doubles as a travel bag, it can be used for the office or a weekend get away... a must for the distinguished man on the go. Features include adjustable double buckle closures on both sides, and one center front push-lock closure. The inside has separate compartments with zipper closures to keep you neat and organized.

These ones here are more formal, classier, suitable for high-powered business meetings and meeting important clients:

Tom Ford Computer Bag - The Tom Ford Computer Bag is part of Tom Ford’s ever expanding line which now includes leather accessories. The Tom Ford Computer Bag is made of leather and features a single padded compartment for a laptop with multiple for accessories such as the charger and other peripherals as well as pens. The case comes with a lock designed to resemble a lighter which comes with a case. The Tom Ford Computer Bag is available from Tom Ford stores.

Zero Halliburton Carbon Fiber Attaché Case $ 2,250USD - This attaché case is made in the same way as Zero Halliburton’s renowned aluminum cases with the exception that it is made of carbon fiber. The use of carbon fiber allows it to be lighter then aluminum yet retain the strength of its aluminum counterpart. The case features a leather interior and a three digit combination lock concealed beneath the handle

.

Samsonite Bayamo Briefcase 1 gusset $775USD - Manufactured in Europe, and using the best materials nature has to offer including high-end leather and saddle stitching, this single gusset briefcase is elegant and discreet with many key features that means business.

Samsonite Signat Medium Attache A4 $89.99USD - Pop-art prints and vibrant colors create modern art. The medium attaché includes a removable portfolio and pencil case. Handy divider panel helps keep contents organized with cell phone and PDA pockets on the inside. Exterior features a key holder that discretely protects two color-coordinated keys. Luxurious leather handle wrap makes it comfortable to hand carry.

Salvatore Ferragamo Revival Laptop Briefcase - This laptop briefcase made by Salvatore Ferragamo is part of their Revival collection which goes back to basics, the collection is made using the same techniques and design as those pioneered by Salvatore Ferragamo over eighty years ago. The Laptop Briefcase features one large padded main compartment for a laptop. The bag is made of coarse leather and comes with a removable shoulder strap.

Rimowa Aluminum Nylon Lined Attache Case 5.3 lbs. - Rimowa's Topas aluminum cases are among the lightest and sturdiest cases in the world. The grooved aluminum-magnesium shells will protect against severe humidity and extreme temperature changes and stand up to the stresses of frequent travel. With first-class quality and fine interior details, Topas has everything required by the demanding traveler.

Rimowa Topas Aluminum Attache Case

And these ones are ones that are not as fun but practical:

Tumi Alpha - This new T-Pass soft attache case is designed to meet TSA checkpoint friendly requirements, which allow you to go
through security without removing your computer from the case*. The case, which is made from Tumi's signature ballistic nylon, must be packed appropriately to ensure an unobstructed scanning of your computer.

Tumi Townhouse Broadley Leather Document Case - Broadley is a classic, triple compartment, flap briefcase with a padded computer section. Made from Tumi's luxurious full-grain leather, it features interior zip pockets, organizer panel, key ring, carry handle and removable shoulder strap.

Samsonite Opto Laptop Briefcase $300 - This laptop briefcase expands to provide plenty of room for files and other accessories. Zippered compartments reveal cell phone and PDA pockets, key hanger, laptop protection, and DVD holder. Smart Sleeve slides over Upright/Spinner handle for carrying convenience. Zippered outside pocket provides easy access to essentials. Gel infused shoulder strap for comfort.

Finally, briefcases for the high rollers:

Schedoni Carbon Fiber Suitcase $4,400 - Italian luggage makers Schedoni have created a unique briefcase made of carbon fiber. Schedoni are the official luggage makers for Ferrari and created a number of lines designed specifically to fit in the luggage compartments of different Ferrari models. The Schedoni carbon fiber briefcase is lined with suede and features an aluminum locking system with a leather handle.

Bottega Veneta Noce Fumé Soft Alligator Suitcase Set - This Bottega Veneta suitcase collection is made from very supple Alligator skin. The collection includes several different case sizes as well as several bags. The alligator skin is protected so that it is very easy to travel with and minimises damage. The suitcases are sold individualy or as a set and are available in Bottega Veneta stores worldwide (some require ordering before hand).

Tod's Alligator Briefcase - This briefcase from Tod’s is designed to work as either a document case or an overnight bag. It features a large central compartment which can fit documents or clothes, it is also padded so it can carry a laptop as well. The briefcase also features side compartments which can be used to store travel documents so they are on hand, it is made of supple alligator skin which is very durable.

Hermes Carbon Fiber Briefcase $16,000USD - Hermes is known for their beautiful items from scarves to handbags, gloves to clothing, and this briefcase is no different. With a carbon fiber outercase, leather lined interior and handle, and 18K gold plated locks and classic styling, this is a case with a certain air of sophistication. Two sizes to choose from and an option for engraving your initials it is a sure way to arrive at the office with style in hand. Priced at $16,000 with only 500 cases made, the Hermes Carbon Fiber Briefcase is a chic career carrying case for CEO's and cardiologists alike.

Too Early... need... sleep....

7:49AM, and at work already. Yes, I'm tired. I'm sleepy. I need sleep. Takes me just about 45 mins to get to work, and yes, I'm just complaining. Can't help it when a person is tired right?

Good time for me to think about going to bed. Or just beds in general.
Andrea Fogli created what she calls a "Love Boat Bed" for the OM edizioni. The boat is kind of abstract, but I do like the thought of placing that bed in the middle of a irregular shaped bedroom, with Roberto Cavalli-style rug and a plain Egyptian cotton bed sheet.

The bed will be presented at Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2008.

Lamborghini Unveils 4-Door Estoque Concept Car

At the Paris Motor Show,Lamborghini just unveiled its highly-anticipated four-door concept car, the Estoque (above). Designed for everyday use with seating for four adults and a roomy trunk, it's expected to sell for about $200,000.
The 500 h.p. sedan is expected to hit a top speed of about 180 m.p.h. "We looked into the entire market and we saw what was missing was a limousine which is at the same time elegant but very sporty," Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann tells the IHT. Its release date will depend on "the reaction and on the developments in the market," he says.