When Gucci Isn't Luxe Enough As Is, Go To Republica

above: Republica adds a diamond and platinum buckle to a Gucci belt



If you're at all familiar with Stuart Hughes and his company Goldstriker, you know him as the ultra luxe purveyor of the world's most luxurious mobile phones clad in gold, diamond and platinum as well as some outrageous gifts like diamond studded golf balls and diamond chess sets.



above: some of the items available from Stuart Hughes and Goldstriker include a gold plated Bang & Olufsen Beo remote



His latest venture, along with his wife, Katharine, is a very high end fashion site called Republica in which they are customizing already luxe clothing and accessories with diamonds and precious metals.

With brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Cavalli, they are creating limited versions of some of their products by adding platinum, diamonds, gemstones, exotic skins and more in limited numbers to make them even more exclusive..... and expensive.




The site just launched on October 5th and there are very few items being offered so far (3 to be exact), but here's a peek at the first items being offered by Republica.

Gucci Belt with Diamond and Platinum Buckle:
The Gucci belt below has a buckle recreated by Stuart Hughes in platinum and diamonds and there are only 3 available.



The price? a whopping $168,709.00 USD

The Dolce and Gabbana belt shown below is also limited to 3 and has 53 indivually set diamonds of VVS1 quality totalling a carat weight of 26.5.


The price on the above D&G belt is $91,879.00 USD.

Python Skin Blackberry


The python skin blackberry has lots of VS1 diamonds on the front at the bottom as well as on the back and will run you $9,658.54 USD

If you've got that kind of coin (and God bless you, if you do) start shopping here.

Design That Speaks Volumes. Tiny Speakers With Huge Sound.

I get many requests for paid reviews and posts and turn them all down to maintain the integrity of the blog. Sometimes I find nice little packages for me in the mail, clearly from someone hoping to be added to the hip list. More often than not, the products aren't up to snuff.

But these warranted a mention. The line of speakers from Singapore Based XM-I are not only wonderfully designed (The x-mini even received the prestigious 2008 Red Dot Design Award) but they really work, and are priced right.

They've also received rave reviews from those in the know, so you can be assured from audiophiles far more respected than myself.




Check these out.

The Original X-mini:




The X-mini is the World's first pocketsize speaker with a built-in bass support and rechargeable battery. It strikes the perfect balance of pocketsize portability with uncompromising sound quality.

Pioneering a patented technology which enables an extendable vacuum to mimic the resonance of a sub-woofer, the X-mini is also equipped with high-fidelity speakers to ensure smooth delivery of the mid-highs. The in-built rechargeable batteries would also translate to zero cost on disposable batteries and increased daily convenience.

The X-mini II:



The X-mini™ II introduces a larger 40mm driver to project richer and fuller sounds resulting in superior end-user experience from its innovative capsule design. Not only does the new design deliver unsurpassed audio quality, it now performs even longer. Three times the capacity of its predecessor, the new X-mini™ II comes with a new built-in high capacity rechargeable battery capable of sustained output for 11 hours of nonstop audio pleasure.

A most distinctive feature is the all new system that enables you to connect one X-mini™ II to another, capable of forming an almost endless “daisy chain” of self-powered, bass-enhanced portable speaker system.



Finally to eliminate cumbersome audio cables dangling from the speaker, the connecting audio cable can be tucked neatly into the base for a cleaner and sleeker look.




The X-Mini Max (capsule version):



The X-mini Max (Second generation):



Thanks to Alexander Yap for the red X-mini Max II photos


•Pocketsize Portability
Small enough to carry around. Connected at the bottom by two magnetic base for hassle free storage and portability on a daily basis.

•Bass Xpansion System
Pioneering a patented technology, an expandable vacuum which mimics the resonance of a subwoofer

•In-Built Rechargeable Batteries
The in-built rechargeable batteries will translate to zero cost on disposable batteries and increased daily convenience

And keep an eye out for their latest edition, The X-mini Happy:



all images courtesy of X-mini and XM-I.




Shop for all the cool X-mini speakers here.


above: IM-X CEO Ryan Lee, photo courtesy of BusinessWeek

CEO Ryan Lee's speakers have made him one of Asia's Best Young Enterpreneurs, see the BusinessWeek article here.

If you are into loudspeakers, don't miss this post all about some of the most unusually designed speakers on the market:


Speaker Manufacturers Turn Up The Volume On Design

Lace Goes Modern In A New Collaboration From Etsprit and Momantai Design

The newest collaboration of Roel van Hove of Etsprit and Ulrike Jurklies of Momantai Design. combines modern technological production with traditional furniture.

Traditional lace in stainless steel

Classic lace-work patterns are etched onto stainless steel and give old tables a second life and a great new look.



Unveiled this month at the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven from 17 October till 25 October 2009 at the Strijp-S complex, the unusual tables, luminaires, coasters and place mats are a result of the cooperation with Etsprit - specialized in etching technology - and with support of Plauener Spitze ®.

The old traditional wood end and dining tables with turned legs get a modern face lift with the etched lace stainless steel tops.

The Tables:









Outdoor tables with metal frames and legs get the treatment, too.




And what better way to set these tables than with their Lace etched glass votives or their stainless steel placemats and coasters?

Glass luminaires:


Rectangular etched placemats:



Round etched placemats:


Round etched Coasters:



[mó, man, tai] (cantonese)= no Problem

With their laser cut and etched products they aim to develop concepts which surprise, entertain and impress in a convincing way.

Sustainability and community responsibility are priorities in the conceptualization and development of their products. Uncomplicated, timeless aesthetics form the basis for long-term pleasure of use.

Visit their site here.

Barbie Gone Bad. Works From The 7th Annual Altered Barbie Exhibit

Goulish Barbies, Barfin' Barbies, Boozin' Barbies, Bloody Barbies, Tranny Barbies and Bondage Barbies were a few of the more common themes at this years' San Francisco 7th Annual Altered Barbie Exhibit.