All The Best

Luxury Trends: “Best of Breed” Staying Strong

3LUXE — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:59:43 GMT

Aspirational luxury may be down, with the majority of people cutting back on expenses, the idea of trading up may seem foolish, and those small splurges on aspirational items aren’t as likely as they may have once been.

Despite the shift in behavior, “best of breed” luxury goods continue to do well. The very highest end of the majority of product categories – for instance, bespoke suits, fine jewelry, and cutting edge electronics – show no sign of fading. Even haute couture, which may seem like the first thing to disappear during tough times, is holding steady.

According to this article in the Wealth Bulletin, the top echelons of the luxury market are seemingly recession-proof.

“Absolute luxury” brands, which is consultant speak for “if you have to ask the price you can’t afford it”, grew by 8% last year and will be in “much better shape” than affordable and aspirational luxury this year, according to Claudia D’Arpizio, a partner at consultancy Bain & Company.

Guy Salter, deputy chairman of British luxury brands firm Walpole, said: “Best of breed is crucial. There is still quite a bit of business going on, and the wealthy won’t stop buying expensive and beautiful things.”

In fact, it tends to be industries like haute couture where the tradition of craftsmanship is so deeply engrained that survive and thrive (and after all, if the couture houses made it through the Great Depression and two World Wars intect, the current situation should be a relatively minor threat). This piece in Portfolio details how the couture industry is staying viable:

“We had double-digit growth and the second half of the year was good,” echoed Sidney Toledano, president and chief executive officer at Christian Dior. “I believe that in this world you still have people looking for the exceptional—extraordinary materials and exceptional designs, custom-made by an atelier in Paris.”

Another article in the Times Online supports this claim; it discusses double digit growth by venerable labels like Chanel and Dior, and citing emerging markets as a source of new clientele. Similar trends can be found in other industries; wealth may change hands and new markets will arise while previously strong areas may fall, but in the end, those can afford it will still desire the best of the best.

All the best,
Bill

Affordable Luxuries: Craft Beers and Microbrews

3LUXE — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:03:53 GMT

With summer in full swing, I’ve come to the realization yet again that kicking back with an ice cold beer is one of life’s simple pleasures. And although I’ve never been one to turn down one of our nation’s great macrobrews, sampling something different, maybe a little more (or in many cases less) refined is one of the most affordable luxuries around. And with the increasing availability of craft beers and microbrews, becoming a beer connoisseur is as simple as a trip to your local liquor store.

Considering the variety of beers on the market nowadays, it is important to learn a bit about the various styles in order to define what you like; there are quite a few options, from crisp, refreshing pilsners and lagers to hearty stouts to fruity Lambics. In fact, beer can be paired with meals in much the same way wine can – all it takes is a bit of knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of the different types of beer.

Our three choices for the best beers represent the range of styles. The Hoegaarden Witbier is a classic Belgian wheat ale steeped in history – it is brewed from recipes that date back to the 1400s. The Rogue Shakespeare Stout is a rich, creamy beer with notes of chocolate, molasses, and coffee, making it a delicious, filling treat. Last but certainly not least, the Midas Touch Golden Elixir is a complex ale with an amazing back story – it is inspired by traces of Muscat grapes, barley, saffron, and honey found in King Midas tomb by archaeologists in modern day Turkey (we suspect Indiana Jones would enjoy this brew).

Of course, there are many more delicious options out there, and exploring them is half the fun – so next time you reach for a cold beer, try something other than the obvious choices and reach for a bottle of something more unusual. After all, making beer is a ancient tradition, so when you enjoy the master craftsmanship of the world’s premier breweries, you are simply participating in a centuries-old ritual of relaxing with a pint.

All the best,
Bill

Best Of The Day: Burberry Automatic Umbrella

3LUXE — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:44:17 GMT

Nothing says “classic” like the famed Burberry Plaid. The iconic check was first used as a lining in its trench coats, popularized by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and who could forget Humphrey Bogart wearing the famous trench at the train station in Casablanca? Seen on many Burberry items today, including this “Best Of” umbrella, the distinctive check has its own trademark but is still the most widely copied plaid around. The Burberry Automatic Umbrella is compact enough to throw in your tote or briefcase, but big enough to protect you… Full Review

http://www.burberryusaonline.com/

Best Of The Day: KitchenAid Pro Line Series Chef's Blender

3LUXE — Mon, 25 May 2009 01:59:34 GMT

When you’re looking for an appliance that can perform consistently well over the long haul, it’s always best to take a look at what the pros use. That’s because they need a product that won’t let them down when they most need it, something like the KitchenAid Pro Line® Series Chef’s Blender. This marvelous mixing machine is designed for commercial use by chefs and professional bartenders. Its extra-thick stainless steel blade features a balanced design with sharpened edges and high blade angles for extreme performance and long life. The three-speed blender automatically starts at low speed to minimize spattering then quickly steps up to the selected speed. There also is a pulse… Full Review

http://www.kitchenaid.com/

Best Of The Day: Bobby Jones Players Series Fairway Wood

3LUXE — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:21:52 GMT

Famed club designer Jesse Ortiz teamed up with The Bobby Jones Golf Company to unveil a new line of “Players Series” metal woods that are so good, you might be tempted to use them for every shot. The Bobby Jones Players Series fairway woods are a “Best Of” pick because they offer tour-caliber performance with a sleek, designer-quality look highlighted by deep, translucent green color and proprietary JS-6 and JS-7 shafts by Graphite Design. A thin, forged maraging-steel crown weighs only 10-12 grams, about 30 grams less than stainless steel. The weight savings is placed low and in the back of the club, which is crafted with rare Russian BT-23 titanium. A shallow club face improves… Full Fairway Wood Review

http://www.bobbyjonesgolf.net/

Best Of The Day: Artifort Lex Sofa

3LUXE — Thu, 14 May 2009 02:43:21 GMT

Like a lover, your sofa should make you glad it’s sitting there, day in and day out, occupying your personal living space. The Lex Sofa, in fiery red, is bound to be a full-fledged affair. This “Best Of” makes your living room young, sophisticated, and elite. It’s very comfortable and not at all pretentious. Moreover, if you like contemporary anything, you want to own at least one piece by Paris designer Patrick Norguet, who is already in the permanent collection at MOMA (New York City’s Museum of Modern Art). Shape is Norguet’s forte, and the shape of the Lex… Full Sofa Review

http://www.artifort.com/

Best Of The Day: Weber Genesis E-320 Gas Grill

3LUXE — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:24:55 GMT

In 1951 George Stephen, Sr. cut a sphere shaped buoy in half to make the first Weber Kettle Grill. Since that time Weber has been synonymous with the sweet smell of barbeque across the Country. Best known for their iconic charcoal grills, Weber has used their vast grilling knowledge to manufacture some of highest quality and longest lasting gas grills on the market today. The “Best Of” Weber Genesis E-320 Gas Grill is the leading example of this. Out performing grills costing thousands more, the E-320 has received top ratings from professional reviewers because of it’s durable construction, ease of use and consistent cooking temperature across the entire grill surface… Full Review

http://www.weber.com/

Best Of The Day: Grand Cookie Sheet

3LUXE — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:29:07 GMT

Cookies are the great after-school snack and often a child’s first introduction to baking. But finding a cookie sheet that won’t burn your dough to charcoal can be a problem, one that the founders of Doughmakers were also frustrated by. Sisters Bette LaPlante and Diane Cuvelier initially marketed their cookie sheets for a Boy Scouts fundraiser. When customers went wild for the pans, with their uncoated, pebbled surface, the sisters expanded their business, eventually launching a retail line in 2001 and winning endorsements from long-established southern baking staples Clabber Girl Baking Powder and White Lily Flour… Full Review

http://www.doughmakers.com/

Best Of The Day: Toro Bypass Pruner

3LUXE — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:06:10 GMT

For a big variety of uses—shaping shrubs and bushes, taming unruly climbers, and snipping off spent flowers, etc.—a really good pair of bypass pruners is your best friend. Bypass Pruners work like scissors, with one blade passing the other to make the cleanest, most precise cuts on living plants. These bypass pruners from Toro are decidedly not your same-o garden-variety clippers. They’re state of the art, with a body of extra-strong, drop-forged aluminum so they’re lighter weight than most. The blade is forged of high-carbon sword steel, making this “Best Of” a first-rate tool for those who practice the three musketeers approach to horticultural design…. Full Review

http://www.toro.com/

Best Of The Day: Wally 80

3LUXE — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:40:47 GMT

Sailing is one of life’s great adventures, but it can be frustrating when you have to rustle up a crew every time you want to hit the water. Leave the rest of the crew on land if you want with the Wally 80. The advanced Wally 80 features hydraulic… Full Review

http://www.wally.com/

Best Of The Day: Wm Ohs Cabinetry

3LUXE — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:06:39 GMT

In 1972, Bill Ohs started making custom book shelves and cabinets in a workshop in his garage, an operation today which employs over 100 people and has a 50,000 square foot facility. What distinguishes Wm Ohs cabinetry from others is the focus on innovative design, old-world detailing and custom finishes that help personalize your individual design scheme. Inspired by his many trips to the Loire Valley and Tuscany, Ohs’ signature line “Renaissance” has the beautiful classic look of a European kitchen, with scrolled wood, glass window faces and antiqued… Full Review

http://www.wmohs.com/

Best Of The Day: The Great Divider

3LUXE — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:58:23 GMT

Open a tacklebox and the gear you find inside and the way it’s organized (or not) is a glimpse into the owner and his or her fishing soul. This “Best Of” pick – “The Great Divider” from Patagonia – will say something a little extra about you. That’s because the foam dividers inside can be arranged in an any configuration you’d please, allowing you to organize your gear just as you wish. (Will your lures go on the top or bottom? Your reels on the left- or right-hand side? Will you make room for a sandwich and a bottle of beer?) This soft-sided… Full Review

http://www.patagonia.com/

Best Of The Day: Sennheiser PX 100

3LUXE — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:27:20 GMT

This Emmy and Oscar Award winning company has been producing sound and audio equipment in Germany since 1945. Sennheiser, always giving us the best in performance for the ultimate value, has done it again with the PX100 light weight, fold up headphones. Delivering more than could ever be expected from portable headphones, you will be astounded by the crisp, low distortion and accurate sound they deliver. These “Best Of” headphones are small… Full Review

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/

Best Of The Day: Dry Creek Billiards Tables

3LUXE — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:48:03 GMT

There’s something about a unique, one-of-a-kind pool table that attracts people like a magnet. It’s the obvious creativity and craftsmanship of a fine piece of furniture combined with precision engineering for perfect playing conditions. You’ll have people lining up in your game room to play on the Dry Creek billiards table. Bear Creek Billiards uses Juniper logs harvested from nearby Montana foothills to make the legs and exterior base of this “Best Of” log pool table that gives any room a rustic yet elegant look. Everything about the Dry Creek is fun and special… Full Review

http://www.bearcreekbilliards.com//

Best Of The Day: Viper Canoe Paddle

3LUXE — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:11:36 GMT

When you’re out for the day on big water, it’s no time to have a cheap, inefficient paddle in your hands. Whether you’re wrestling with whitewater or tackling a large lake, a “Best Of” paddle like the Viper by Bending Branches can spell the difference between a memorable trip and a miserable experience. This 14-degree, double-bend beauty takes efficiency and comfort to new heights by aligning both wrists to reduce fatigue and maximize efficiency. The double-bend design… Full Review

http://www.bendingbranches.com/

Best Of The Day: Dunhill Confidential Computer Case

3LUXE — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:57:05 GMT

Alfred Dunhill inherited his father’s saddlery business in 1893. He was 21 years old and at the time decided to move the enterprise toward the new and growing demand for automotive accessories, which he called Dunhill Motorities. For over a century, the Dunhill company has sinced expanded its line of hand-crafted leather goods to briefcases, luggage and other business goods that are prized by professionals worldwide. The Confidential Computer Case is no exception to the master craftsmanship… Full Review

http://www.dunhill.com/

Best Of The Day: Peacock Alley Manhattan Bath Towel

3LUXE — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 03:23:42 GMT

A former stockbroker in New York City, Peacock Alley founder Mary Ella Gabler is regarded by many as the first to establish the luxury linen industry in the United States. Mary Ella believed that women sought to decorate their bed and bathrooms in the same luxurious colors and prints that they dressed themselves in and over a quarter of a century later, her classic patterns and color palettes are still perennial favorites. The Manhattan Bath Towel is a 40 by 70 inch piece of luxury… Full Review

http://www.peacockalley.com/

Best Of The Day: Colt Single Action Army Custom

3LUXE — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:22:58 GMT

If you ever wanted a piece of history for your gun cabinet, there’s no better choice than the Colt Single Action Army Custom. Introduced in 1873, no revolver has earned greater fame than this Single Action Army that’s still being produced today. The Colt has been carried by a veritable “Who’s Who” of those who earned fame with firearms, from Teddy Roosevelt and Buffalo Bill Cody to Wyatt Earp, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. While many have tried to replicate it over the years, there’s only one Colt revolver. This legendary “Best Of” earned its reputation on performance and today’s versions… Full Review

http://www.coltsmfg.com/

Best Of The Day: Land Rover Range Rover

3LUXE — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:50:23 GMT

If you’re going to drive an SUV, you may as well go with the real deal, not some “me too” pretender that will disappoint when the going gets tough. For almost 60 years, the Range Rover has defined the SUV with a legendary toughness that conquered the wilds of Africa and later, the highways of America. The utilitarian Range Rover of yesteryear has been replaced by the “Best Of” Range Rover, a spectacular SUV that gives you the best of all worlds. Standard on all 2007 Range Rovers is the innovative Terrain Response™ technology that continuously monitors traction via five terrain settings, from on-road to extreme off-road conditions… Full Review

http://www.landroverusa.com/

Best Of The Day: Swing 'N Bounce 3-in-1 Infant Swing

3LUXE — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:27:33 GMT

As we review baby gear, we find bouncers, infant carriers and, of course, swings are all parents’ favorites for helping out with their little ones, but who really has room for all that stuff? Don’t worry, 3LUXE research has found the solution for you – Graco’s Swing ’N Bounce 3-in-1 Infant Swing. This nifty contraption multitasks as a beloved swing and bouncer that becomes an in-home carrier. Fussy babies will love the seat’s two-speed soothing vibration which can be used as part of the swing or when it’s doubling as a bouncer. Active babies will enjoy sitting and playing with the two interactive Mix ‘n Move toys and eyeing the detachable characters on the swing’s overhead toy bar… Full Review

http://www.gracobaby.com/

Best Of The Day: SoapRocks

3LUXE — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 03:04:34 GMT

We have the perfect answer to your quest for a unique gift for your loved one – soap that looks like a rock. Now before you think we’ve spent a little too much time in our research rooms, take a look at our next “Best Of” winner, SoapRocks from T.S. Pink Corp. These bar soaps look like beautiful crystals, like ones that only Mother Nature could create. SoapRocks take a mundane task of showering and make it into an inspiring experience. They are, of course, no ordinary bar cleanser. A unique blend of whole herb extracts, vitamins and minerals… Full Review

http://www.tspink.com/

Luxury Brands on the Web

3LUXE — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:18:28 GMT

Historically, the idea of selling luxury items on the web has been a difficult proposition. Intrinsic with “luxury” shopping is the experience of walking into a well-appointed shop and being waited upon by knowledgeable,
experienced associates. As this recent U.S.
News article details, brands have had a difficult time translating that into an online experience. After all, even the most creative or cutting edge website cannot capture the feeling of
walking into a Hermes store or a Porsche dealership.

On the other hand, people are spending an increasing percentage
of their time and money online, making for a poor business decision to ignore the web and its potential. Luxury brands should embrace the internet and what it does best -
connecting people and sharing information – as they formulate interactive marketing strategies and develop websites.

One of the best aspects of the web as a marketing tool is the ease with which communication can spread, generating buzz can be as simple as getting
a few top bloggers to write about the brand and products. Accordingly, building brand equity and tying these communities together is essential, by creating an online home base, luxury brands can disseminate information, facilitate communication, gather feedback, communicate with customers and prospects, and generate sales. After all, massive amounts of people are using the web to research
purchases (that they make online and in-store), making it essential
for companies to establish a presence on the web. Customers and advocates are
going to be discussing products regardless, brands should be joining and facilitating those conversations.

Which brings us to “Web 2.0” and online communities. There are thousands of social networking sites, message boards, forums, and review sites on the net, including sites dedicated to luxury goods. A few examples include the Purse
Blog (an amazing resource for designer handbag aficionados), Egullet.org for passionate home chefs, and of course 3LUXE.com
for a curated selection of products and services. Luxury brands can take advantage of existing communities in a variety of ways, including advertising, sponsoring blog posts, giving interviews and interacting with customers through sites like Twitter and YouTube. Luxury brands already have that insider’s cachet – the sense of belonging to special club – adapting web strategies and bringing that club online will lead to great success.

All the best,
Bill

Best Of The Day: The Freedom Desk Chair

3LUXE — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:38:04 GMT

If you don’t think that a desk chair can be hip, then your butt has yet to meet the Freedom Chair by Humanscale. Highly ergonomic, this chair has won 10 major design awards, including the prestigious ID Design Review. The Freedom Chair has also appeared in feature films as well as TV shows such as “24,” “CSI: Miami,” and “Boston Legal.” Talk about an office conversation piece! Besides its cool looks and Hollywood pedigree, our review gave this chair “Best Of” marks because, once you set the adjustments to your liking, the chair “moves” with you through your posture changes. You need not worry… Full Review

http://www.humanscale.com/

Best Of The Day: Titleist Vokey Spin Milled

3LUXE — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:54:06 GMT

Wedge shots can be the hardest and most important part of your game to master. Get it right and you’re sitting pretty on the green with an easy putt. Get it wrong and you’re watching your ball roll off the far side of the green with possibly a more difficult shot than the first one and certainly a disappointing score. That’s why you need the help of a “Best Of” club like the Titleist/Vokey Spin Milled wedge. The wizards who made this marvel of art and science utilized… Full Review

http://www.titleist.com/

Best Of The Day: Quest LV

3LUXE — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:53:01 GMT

If you’re considering kayaking across open water, who would you sooner trust with your life than the Brits? After all, they’re on an island surrounded by decidedly angry seas, and the Royal Navy’s global adventures are the stuff of legend. Shortly after the P&H Company’s adapted a short river kayak to boldly cross the Irish Sea between Ireland and the U.K in the early 1970s, they’ve been producing “Best Of” kayaks like the Quest LV. This sleek, 17’7” expedition-class kayak… Full Review

http://www.phseakayaks.com/