Louis Vuitton Designs Carbon Fiber Luggage for the Revolutionary BMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid.

Buy a BMW i8 and you not only get a sleek, sexy, plug-in hybrid with gullwing doors, but also a trunk full of luxurious luggage. Louis Vuitton has teamed up with the automaker to create a tailor-made set of luggage for the new revolutionary vehicle.


above: The revolutionary BMW i8 plug-in hybrid features gullwing doors

The innovative collection of luggage comprises two travel bags, a business case and a garment bag. To ensure optimal use of space, the luggage items have been tailor-made to fit perfectly into the interior of the revolutionary BMW i8.



“BMW and Louis Vuitton share both a profound appreciation of tradition and a commitment to constant further development,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The use of CFRP in the revolutionary BMW i8 sports car is indicative of an intelligent lightweight construction philosophy. And Louis Vuitton has demonstrated a similar belief in innovation, aesthetics and lightweight design in creating an exclusive luggage collection tailored perfectly to the new BMW i8.”



The understated carbon-black of this luggage range matches the colours of the BMW i8. Its sophisticated look comes courtesy of the unmistakable checkered Damier pattern – a Louis Vuitton hallmark – and a laser-etched Louis Vuitton signature. Black and electric blue used in the microfibre lining take their cue from the trademark brand colours of the BMW i8 and bag handles are made from dyed natural leather, a sign of Louis Vuitton quality. All items in the collection come with leather name tags and the iconic Louis Vuitton padlock with the exception of the garment bag.




Patrick-Louis Vuitton, Head of Special Orders at Louis Vuitton and great grandson of the House’s founder, says, “This collaboration with BMW epitomises our shared values of creativity, technological innovation and style. Our craftsmen at Louis Vuitton have enjoyed the challenge of this very special project, using their ingenuity and attention to detail to create a truly made to measure set of luxury luggage. This is a pure expression of the art of travel.”




Inspired by the visionary design of the BMW i8, the bags and cases – like the sports car’s innovative passenger cell – are made entirely from carbon fibre. This particularly lightweight yet extremely sturdy high-tech material has been used by Louis Vuitton to create a special textile. It provides great robustness and strength, and as such is made for the rigours of travel – no matter how long and arduous the drive.



The exclusive luggage pieces created by Louis Vuitton fit snugly into the BMW i8. The Weekender GM i8, with both hand and shoulder carry straps, is custom-designed to go into the boot (trunk), while the Garment Bag i8is a perfect fit for the rear shelf of the BMW i8. The sturdy hardshell Business Case i8 which is also ideal for carrying laptops, matches the shape of the rear seats; while the small Weekender PM i8 is designed to rest on its surface.



The Louis Vuitton luggage series will be available upon request in a selection of Louis Vuitton stores worldwide (Munich, Milan, London, Paris, Moscow, Dubai, New York, Los Angeles) starting April 1st 2014.

About the BMW i8:





The BMW i8 is the most progressive sports car and is the BMW Group’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle and the second model from the BMW i brand. It is a 2+2-seater boasting visionary design and intelligent lightweight engineering. As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW i8 unites the advantages of innovative electric drive and the latest combustion-engine technology. The upshot is an extraordinary driving experience that delivers the dynamics of a sports car (0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph in 4.4 seconds) along with fuel economy and emissions figures of a small city car (2,1 l/100km / 49 g CO2/km). This means not just purely electric emission-free driving around town but also sporty performance on inter-urban routes. The athletic personality of this revolutionary sports car is patently manifest in its design: classical sports car proportions, spectacular gullwing doors, clean, minimalist lines and a low-slung silhouette all imbue it with its powerful, dynamic shape. The sporty character of the BMW i8 exterior makes a seamless transition into the interior’s future-focused design.

all information and images courtesy of the BMW press group

Your First Look At The Upcoming Peter Pilotto Collection For Target.

On February 9, 2014, the year’s most anticipated Target collaboration arrives. Teaming up with fashion brand PETER PILOTTO (designers Peter Pilotto & Christopher De Vos) Target will be featuring the London brand's innovative, complex & colorful prints. A blend of classic ideas and modern vision, PETER PILOTTO has already won over a devoted following - and this fun collection at Target will only increase it.


above: Peter Pilotto & Christopher De Vos

Looks:






The collection features approximately 70 items including dresses, skirts, cardigans, jackets, bathing suits, tops, shoes, beach totes, cosmetic bags and sunglasses. Several of the adorable pieces are exclusive to Target.com (not sold in stores) including select swimwear, dresses, and tops. The prices of the collection range from $16.99 to $79.99, with most items under $60.



"Our brand is about print, yes, but it's also about the emotional feeling you can get from color & color combinations."- Peter Pilotto

The Peter Pilotto collection for Target:










Don't forget, the Peter Pilotto for Target collection launches on February 9th and is destined to sell out quickly!

Target

Short Film Noir Features Handbags: Gucci's Bamboo Confidential

Gucci presents a fun bit of branded content with their 1 minute and 13 second short film starring two of their new handbags, The Lady Lock and the Bamboo Shopper, for the Fall Season. Spoofing Curtis Hanson's 1997 movie L.A. Confidential, the noir-like film is set to a great piece of music ("Bad Vibrations" by The Black Angels) and was shot on location in London at The Savoy.



some stills and images from the shoot:

Gucci

Shop The Gucci Bamboo Handbag Collection here

One Badass Briefcase. The $6000 Bulletproof Attaché by Tumi For Those Especially Rough Days At The Office.

Carrying top secret documents? Loose diamonds? Just want the illusion of importance? Then let me introduce you to the limited edition Tegra-Lite™ Bulletproof Attaché unique to Tumi.  At just under $6,000 USD it's trimmed in vachetta leather, features interior pockets for an iPad or other e-Reader, a file divider, accessory pockets, plus a false bottom to conceal valuables and a handcuff attachment for added security. The case weighs 12.3 lbs.



The demonstrates the proven strength and unparalleled performance of Tumi's exclusive TEGRA-LITE™ collection and is a reflection of the brand's heritage of innovation, advanced technology and precision craftsmanship.



Each of the bulletproof cases is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity:


This case is specifically designed to protect items stored inside it; it is not intended to be used for personal safety or self-defense; it is not for official use by government agencies, the military or law enforcement personnel.



The cases are created using 65 layers of Tegris® to create an anti-ballistic material that meets NIJ Standard 0108.01, Threat Level 1:


Interior pocket for iPad, Kindle or Nook:


False Bottom to conceal valuables:


Combination lock closure:


A Handcuff Attachment:


Tegra-Lite™ is a breakthrough collection that combines the highest levels of durability and impact resistance with the ultimate in lightweight ease and maneuverability. Tegra-Lite™ is made from Tegris®, a revolutionary polypropylene thermoplastic composite material created by Milliken® for use in lifesaving armor, NASCAR race cars and protective gear for NFL players; it is exclusive to Tumi for travel and accessory products around the world.

Product Details
Monogramming Available: Yes
External Dimensions (including handle and wheels): 13.25" x 18.25" x 4.25"
Construction Material: Hardside

External Features:
• Leather top carry handle
• Combination lock closure
• Handcuff attachment
• ID tag
• Protective bottom feet
• Leather monogram patch

Internal Features:
• Hidden compartment
• File divider with leather strap closure
• Pocket for iPad
• Leather media pockets with leather closure
• Leather card pockets
• Leather pen loops

Price $5995.00
Buy it here.

Over The Shoulder Boulder Holders Get Their Own Travel Case. The CupCase.

CupCases are a pretty nifty invention for those women who want to keep their bras in a place where they won't get smushed, torn or misshapen when traveling short (like the gym) or long (like across the ocean) distances.




With the price of brassieres these days, and how hard it is to find one you love, it's nice to have something to keep them from getting squished in one's suitcase or travel bag (or God forbid, the bottom of your purse).







CupCases come in the following styles:


A CupCase is not only a storage case for your bras; it can also hold jewelry, hair-ties & other small accessories while you travel!


• Durable
• Portable
• Stylish
• Protect bras from crimping, crushing and creasing
• Carry as a purse


A video showing you how they work:


Support Finding A Cure during October:



CupCases