THE KONSORTIUM

The Ultimate Louis Vuitton Travel Bag

For Louis Vuitton lovers the ultimate gift might be the Ultimate Travel bag. The company has teamed up with fashion editor of the Times of London, Lisa Armstrong, to create the bag which is being auctioned in aid of CLIC Sargent, a London-based charity benefiting children with cancer. The bag is inspired by the silhouette of the Eole bag but has two separate compartments trimmed in purple leather. The bag also includes a passport cover, cashmere eyeshades and a blanket, a computer case, a transparent toiletries kit, a foldable jewelry kit, a laundry pouch and an evening leather clutch. Bidding ends December 18th.

Limited Edition Black ccPhone

Oooooooh, aaaaaaaah. Let the admirers stare and envy you as you not only whip out your new iPhone to answer a call or check your email, but as you whip out your new black iPhone. It's the ccPhone, and it's not only an iPhone modified to be a cool matte black color, but it also comes with a selection of new music, videos, screen art, and even an exclusive address book program.

If you want one you're going to have to get right on it though, as the ccPhone is available in a limited edition of just 50. Preorder only and will ship on November 15th. $2000

The World's Most Expensive Cruises

People who have money and taste are ever looking for different and more exotic ways to relax and entertain themselves, and the world of cruises is no exception. Trips to the Caribbean and the Bahamas are all but mainstream, so luxury cruises are moving towards smaller more personal ships and less common locations. And the world's most expensive luxury cruises are no exception, with popular locations ranging from the Baltic to Africa to Antarctica, and prices soaring upwards of $2,000 per person per day in some cases. Money like that will get you the best rooms, interesting adventure options (like kayaking in the Antarctic), upscale shore excursions with exclusive perks and privileges, and of course travel at the peak of the sometimes short seasons. Where do you want to go? I don't think I could decide!

Neiman Marcus Pairs With Marquis Jet

Marquis Jet, which sells time on NetJets airplanes, has partnered with Neiman Marcus. The new co-branded card will give owners up to 25 hours of flight time and an initial 100,000 points in Neiman Marcus's customer loyalty program, InCircle. Like the Sentient/Saks collaboration this one will also probably include special events and in-store and online offers for the card holders. The cards will start at $119,900 for 25 hours on a seven-passenger, twin-engine plane. These types of partnerships offer all sorts of synergy for the companies but I wonder if those who are loyal to one jet program will switch simply because the service is not aligned with their favorite department store.

Stealth Wealth: Bontoni - Custom Made Shoes

Bontoni is a third-generation Italian family manufacturer of fine hand-crafted men's shoes, based in the Marche region of Italy. Until 2004, Bontoni created their objects of art only for a limited number of friends. They soon realized that there was an opportunity to broaden their offering to others -wherever they may be- who also would value the art of hand-made elegance. Inspired by Italy’s 1950’s iconic jet-set era, the Bontoni style merges the past with the present, the simple with the sophisticated, and the discreet with the bold.

A Bontoni ready-to-wear shoe takes 9 weeks to make. Bontoni’s modest workshop, or bottega, finishes anywhere from 7-11 pair a day. Beyond their distinctive hand-crafted approach, it is Bontoni’s superb hand-finishing and antiquing that is truly exquisite-and remarkable. Striking patinas on buttery soft calf-skin leathers are the hallmarks of a Bontoni shoe. While the name is still obscure, the brand is creating a real stir and a following. The shoes are featured in some of the most renowned clothing stores including Wilkes Bashford, Stanley Korshak, and Mario’s. Beginning in August 2007, Bontoni will make its debut at Bergdorf Goodman New York. Prices for ready-to-wear start at $995, while custom prices begin at $3,500.

bontoni

Where to Buy

Bergdorfgoodman

wilkesbashord

marios

Stealth Wealth: Marjori Seril Bag

Be on the lookout this month at your local Barneys for the latest handcrafted leather handbag designs from Marjori Seril. Her newest line, intended to appeal to the "Stealth Wealth" consumer, in her words are "for individuals who can afford it, but aren't necessarily into flash, obvious logos or status symbols." The designs are understated but edgy, all are hand sewn and crafted right in Los Angeles, and many have been seen with celebrities such as Angelina Jolie at various high-profile events.

The following Barneys are the places to be this month if you're looking for a new Seril of your own: Madison Ave (NYC), Beverly Hills (CA), South Coast Plaza (CA), CO-OP Soho (NYC), CO-OP Upper West Side (NYC), and Copley Place (Dallas).