The $50,000 Leica M9-P Edition Hermès. How It Was Made and What Comes With It.

above composite ©It's Hip, It's Here

The collaborations between Parisian house Hermès and Leica camera keep getting more impressive - and more expensive. This is the third time the brands have teamed up to create a special edition camera.



Launched in two different sets, one of which 300 are available, the other of which only 100 are available, the cameras are wrapped in Hermes' ‘Veau Swift' calfskin in ocre and finished in silver chrome and anodized silver. Below is a look at the luxurious camera and the making of it.

Limited special edition: The Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès’






Following the Leica MP and the Leica M7, this is the third in a line of premium special editions of the M-System to be created in collaboration with the well-known Parisian house Hermès. The Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès' is being offered as a strictly limited edition. The limited numbers, unique product design and premium finishing with numerous extras make this a truly special edition in every respect.

The white-gloved unboxing of the camera:


Craftsmanship of the highest degree


The Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès' represents the quintessence of a long-standing tradition of master craftsmanship at both Leica and Hermès. So it is only logical that the handcrafted leather supplied by Hermès for the trim of the camera should be applied by hand. Absolute precision is the guiding principle in the construction of this masterpiece.



Luxurious leather by Hermès
The special limited edition Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès' is extraordinary in every respect. The highlight is its ‘Veau Swift' calfskin in ocre, supplied by Hermès for the leather finish of the Leica M9-P camera.



This exclusive leather trim by Hermès determines the colour concept of the special edition and ensures a perfect tactile sensation. The fine and supple leather is applied not only to the camera body, but is also used for the shoulder strap included in the set.

Unmistakeable design
In collaboration with automotive designer Walter de'Silva, selected features of the camera body were restyled, including the top and base plates, the shutter speed dial, the multifunction wheel and the shutter release. In addition, the frame selector lever, the accessory shoe and the Leica script on the upper face of the top plate have also been omitted to further emphasize the unique status of this limited edition.



The camera is finished in silver chrome and its lens in anodised silver. In another true master stroke of the Leica factory, the two finishes are absolutely indistinguishable. All protective caps are also manufactured completely in metal.



A video of the making of the Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès:



AVAILABLE IN TWO SETS:

The Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès' - Set 1

This first of the two Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès' sets comes in a worldwide limited edition of 300. In addition to the camera, the set includes a silver anodised Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens.


The Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès' - Set 2


The Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès' - Série Limitée Jean-Louis Dumas, in a strictly limited edition of only 100 sets worldwide, is a memorial to the friendship between the former president of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas, and Leica.

The camera in this set is accompanied by three lenses: a Leica Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH., a Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. and a Leica APO-Summicron-M 90 mm f/2 ASPH., all featuring a stunning silver-anodized finish.



This unique collection of photographic equipment finds a fitting home in a hand-crafted Hermès camera bag that is available exclusively as part of this second set.



As an homage to Jean-Louis Dumas, the second set also includes a book with a selection of his pictures.


This photographic work in two volumes shows an entertainingly diverse portfolio of 200 black-and-white images captured by Jean-Louis Dumas with his Leica M-camera.


all images and information courtesy of Leica.

It's Big, It's Bad Ass And It's Still Not Yet Ready. The $1.42 Million Bugatti 16 C Galibier.

Bugatti has been teasing us with their 16 cylinder Galibier sedan for over 2 years now with what is said to be the world's most powerful four door luxury sedan. Still not given the green light for production, the French automaker launched this promotional video (with the most pretentious voiceover I've ever heard) a month ago:



Rumored to have been ready for purchase by 2012, Bugatti head Wolfgang Durheimer was reportedly disappointed with the car’s levels of comfort and performance, forcing engineers to go back to the drawing board. Bloomberg is citing two unidentified sources who say the Galibier will actually be launched in 2013 or 2014 with a base price of approximately 1 million euros ($1.42 million USD).

The most recent photos of the Bugatti Galibier prototype:







The Galibier concept, first unveiled in 2010 at the Geneva Auto Show, is a five-door hatchback with sleek styling and incredibly luxury laden custom interior. It boasts a supercharged 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine which likely produced between 800 PS (588 kW / 789 hp) and 1,000 PS (735 kW / 986 hp).

Concept drawings:






Following the footsteps of the Veyron, the Galibier features a W16 engine displacing 8.0L. However, unlike the Veyron’s quad-turbocharger setup, the Galibier uses two-stage supercharging. The results are essentially the same, though, as the Galibier reportedly produces more than 1,000 horsepower.

Details:





Bugatti says the car’s exterior is inspired by the torpedo-like Type 35, while also evoking cues from the Type 57.

The Galibier is largely constructed of carbon fiber, but some body panels — such as the doors and fenders — are made of aluminum. The interior, which has room for four, makes use of similarly exotic materials, albeit of a different variety. The cabin is adorned with the highest quality wood and leather, juxtaposed with an ultramodern LCD center console.

The interior:







And of course, it comes with a watch and luggage:




Production is expected to run 1,500 units, or about five times as many as the outgoing Veyron.

information courtesy of Bugatti and Left Lane News
images courtesy of Auto Motor Und Sport


Check out the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 and the matching safe by Stockinger as well as some of the amazing Bugatti design luxury extras here

Historic Schindler Home In Los Angeles Can Now Be Rented For Short-Term Stays.

The Fitzpatrick-Leland House, perched at the top of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles, was designed by architect R.M. Schindler in 1936 and is considered one of the city’s masterworks of Modern architecture.





Its interlocking spaces, spectacularly framed views, seamless flows from indoor to outdoor spaces, and perfect proportions make for a wholly inspiring place to spend time. Set up as a retreat house for artists in residence, it is also available as a short-term rental for $380 US per night.





Recently restored according to the original plans, it's ideal for lovers of historic and mid-century modern architecture.






The private enclave with gate includes 1 bedroom with an office that can be set up as a bedroom, 1.5 baths, a swimming pool, a living room with fireplace and a long dining table, a fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor dining areas, a bbq grill, views of the canyon, laundry, parking, and wifi.







The house is owned by non-profit organization MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House. All proceeds from rental support the MAK Center’s conservation of Modern architecture and its cultural programs in Los Angeles. Free admission to the landmark Schindler House (R.M. Schindler, 1922) in West Hollywood included with rental.





Please note that this house is being made available here for short-term residential use only – any and all photo shoots or film shoots (artistic or commercial), or any private events with more than 6 guests, must be arranged with the MAK Center directly.

Bedrooms 2
Bed Type Full Beds
Kitchen Full Kitchen
Bathrooms 1.5
Accommodate 2-4 Guests
Internet Wi-Fi
Pet friendly No
Rates $380 per night
View City

Amenities: TV, Internet, Heating, Pool, Furnished Kitchen, Parking, Indoor Fireplace, Washer, Dryer

images courtesy of boutique-homes.com , Vladimir Paperny, John Florance and the MAK center

Go here for renting availability and inquiries