Category Archives: Uncategorized

Gigantic 400-Carat Diamond Discovered in Angola

The nearly flawless, colorless diamond unearthed from a mine in Angola is the largest to ever come from the southwestern African nation and the 27th-largest diamond ever recorded.

Measuring about 7 centimeters long (about 2.75 inches) and weighing a little more than 404 carats (about 2.8 ounces), the diamond is classified as a Type IIa, a category of clarity that includes less than one percent of the world’s diamonds. Australian-based Lucapa Diamond Company’s Lulo Diamond Project excavated the gem in th…

The History of Rome’s Palazzo Pitti—The Location of Our March Fashion Shoot

The English poet John Keats coined a term, “negative capability,” that aptly applies to the peculiarly Italian brand of genius we celebrate from cover to cover in this month’s special issue. This capacity for “being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason” perfectly encapsulates the Italian gift for accepting and embracing contradictory ideas and impulses—and nowhere is this national penchant for paradox more readily apparent than in the competing Italian affin…

Driving the New BMW X4 M40i Compact Crossover SUV [REVIEW]

BMW’s M brand is big business. In 2015, the German automaker saw a 40-percent increase worldwide in sales of M-badged vehicles over the previous year, with the biggest demand by far here in the United States.

It is no surprise, then, that the Bavarians are scrambling to offer high-performance versions of vehicles that heretofore did not wear the mighty letter. The latest of these is the BMW X4 M40i (starting at $57,800), a member of what BMW calls its “M Performance” lineup, which bridges the gap betwee…

10 of the Most Incredible Superyachts Ever Built in Italy [SLIDESHOW]

    Cognoscenti of sophistication and style, Italian artisans infuse beauty and craftsmanship throughout all genres of creativity, including one of their leading categories—boatbuilding. Italy, which is the world’s most prolific producer of yachts, has indeed built some of the most spectacular pleasure craft to ever grace the open seas. Here—in honor of Robb Report’s March “La Dolce Vita” issue—we present 10 of the Most Incredible Superyachts Ever Built in Italy, all of which capture the culture’s flair for dashing design. B…

    The Five Most Intriguing Timepieces from SIHH [SLIDESHOW]

    The developers at the major watch companies walk a fine line as they weigh their own visions and horological ambitions against commercial expediency. Even in the collector’s market, disciplined product managers have to create pieces that both grab the attention of a very jaded audience and cast the appropriate halo on the rest of the brand. Doing so reinforces the company’s watchmaking values in pieces that few can buy but, when worn on one’s wrist, many others will admire. Fortunately, not all developments are bound by such strict parameters and instead will grant designers the freedom to pursue truly unique…

    Bond’s Aston Martin DB10 from Spectre Sells for $3.5 Million

    As any supervillain knows, never underestimate Mr. Bond, or in this case, his car, as 007’s Aston Martin DB10 sold on February 20 during Christie’s James Bond Spectre: The Auction for $3.5 million—over $1.4 million more than expected. One of 10 vehicles to comprise the limited-line Aston Martin made specifically for the filming of the latest release, it was the only example to become available to the public and carried a presale estimate of $2.1 million. And with all the proceeds going to charity, it seems Bon…

    Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Latest Collection Presents Two Sides of Femininity

    Distinctive duality is on display with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso One collection—a feminine homage to one of the manufacture’s horologic innovations from 85 years ago. The Swiss watchmaker’s ingenious, prewar timepiece, the Reverso, featured a pivoting case that originally allowed the dial to tuck away during polo play. The latest ladies selection, however, features three elegantly elongated watches more suited to posh parties than the pitch.

    A study in minimalist style, the Reverso One Réédition displays a…

    Indulge like a Rockefeller at the Point’s Old Rip Van Winkle Weekend

    The Point—that iconic Rockefeller camp turned adults-only resort on Upstate New York’s Saranac Lake—is an opulent and adventurous retreat where lavish wooded cabins have been dubbed “log mansions” and black-tie dinners are bi-weekly occurrences. This Memorial Day, the posh property will invite whiskey aficionados for the ultimate camp-out with its Old Rip Van Winkle Weekend, a three-night extravaganza in sampling the cult favorite’s rarest reserves. Taking place May 27 through 30, the event will be led by the …

    The Best Jewelry from the 58th Grammy Awards [SLIDESHOW]

    Lady Gaga’s controversial David Bowie tribute, Taylor Swift’s record-breaking win, and Adele’s glitchy performance were not the only takeaways from the 58th Grammy Awards. From Carrie Underwood to Beyoncé, a slew of singers also dazzled the audience with their jewels. Dominating the show amidst a large field of exceptional pieces were Lorraine Schwartz’s custom, trendsetting pieces.

    Party like an Oscar Winner: Expert DIY Tips

    The Oscar telecast is the most watched award show of the year, and the 88th Academy Awards on Sunday, February 28, will be no different. But even if you are not one of the 3,400 guests seated inside the Dolby Theatre watching the night unfold, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a celeb-worthy Oscar evening in your own home. Hollywood’s top party planners show how to put together an award-winning Oscar-viewing event that will have your guests feeling like A-list winners.

    Arrivals

    “Create your ow…