Virgin Galactic Maiden Flight

The first manned-solo flight of the Virgin Galactic spacecraft has just happened over the Mojave desert. Having been released from its WhiteKnightTwo mothership, VMS Eve, at 45,000ft (13,700m), the spaceship glided to a safe landing 11 minutes later at Mojave Air and Space Port.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, who was present to witness the flight later described it as “one of the most exciting days in the whole history of Virgin”. He went on to say: “The sky is no longer the limit. We will now begin the process of pushing to the final frontier of space itself over the next year”.

The VSS Enterprise was described by pilot, Pete Siebold, as “a joy to fly” and the company confirmed that all objectives of the flight were successfully completed.

Now all we need is the $200k for a ticket into space. If you want to see the video of this historic maiden flight, click here.

Aquariva Gucci

Riva celebrates the beginning of the 2010/2011 nautical year by launching an exclusive model which will undoubtedly impress its clients: Aquariva Gucci.  An impressive new partnership between two of the most luxurious Italian brands to create a boat that will look impressive in the harbour and out on the open water.

The new model was presented as a preview to clients and the international press on 7^th September, with an event held in the spectacular setting of La Croisette, located in front of the Palais des Festivals and the jetty of the Hotel Majestic.

The presentation was organised in partnership with the iconic brand of Italian fashion, Gucci. Aquariva Gucci will be produced as a limited edition and be the leading figure at a number of other international presentations over the next few months. Aquariva Gucci will be displayed at a stand devoted to her opposite the staircase of the Palais des Festivals, just outside the boat show, for the entire duration of the Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes.

No news on its price yet, but if you have to ask…

Hermes Orion Suitcase

We don’t generally feature too many news pieces on ‘luggage’, but it seems there are some particularly nice items about this summer. Hermès have just released its new Orion Suitcase as part of their summer collection. The Hermès Orion Suitcase has been created by Hermès designer, Gabriele Pezzini, and has been brushed with pure anodized aluminum with interiors reinforced with carbon and the handles crafted in traditional Hermès brown saddle leather. The suitcase has been specifically built to be ergonomic and simplistic and will be available exclusively through Hermès boutiques worldwide.

Hackett Globe-Trotter Luggage

We’re big fans of Hackett menswear, especially with their Aston Martin Racing relationship. Imagine our excitement then, when we received the Press Release announcing their collaboration with another iconic British brand, Globe-Trotter, creator of exquisite handcrafted luggage.

Their relationship will be bringing a new range of hand-made luggage for Autumn/Winter 2010. A particular highlight for us is the British Racing Green case lined with a bold Union Jack lining. The outside features the AMR wings (see inset).

Hackett Globe-Trotter Luggage

If you don’t want an Aston Martin Racing range of luggage, then maybe the ‘Mayfair’ (black with Prince of Wales check lining) or ‘Hackett London’ (navy with blue and white Bengal striped lining) are more to your taste?

The Globe-Trotter range will be available in two sizes – 21” trolley case at £750.00 and a 18” attaché case priced at £490.00. It may be a little eccentric, but that’s just perfect by us.

Dunhill Chassis Leather range of luggage

If you’re looking a for a bag to take on a weekend’s travelling then you’ll be pleased to hear Dunhill has released their Spring Summer 2010 Chassis leather collection.

It’s their first ever range to feature an extremely durable and scratch-proof ‘carbon fibre’ weave on matt leather. This type of material is usually reserved for the luxury motor industry so it’s a very sturdy piece of carry-on equipment.

They truly are stunning pieces, but the price point reflects this with the overnight bag retailing around the $10k mark.

SpaceShipTwo- Unveils in Mojave,CA

Virgin Founder, Sir Richard Branson and SpaceShipOne (SS1) designer, Burt Rutan, today reveal SS2 to the public for the first time since construction of the world’s first manned commercial spaceship began in 2007.  SS2 has been designed to take many thousands of private astronauts into space after test programming and all required U.S. government licensing has been completed.

The unveiling represents another major milestone in Virgin Galactic’s quest to develop the World’s first commercial space line providing private sector access to space using an environmentally benign launch system for people, payload and science.  The spaceship draws on the experience developed during the successful flights of SS1 in 2004, which won the Ansari X-Prize for completing the world’s first manned private space flights.  The SS2 design will be refined and completed during an extensive test flying program to commence shortly, and it will be an entirely new vehicle capable of carrying up to 6 passenger astronauts and up to 2 pilot astronauts into space on a sub-orbital flight.

SpaceShipTwo will be unveiled after darkness has fallen over the Mojave Desert to the sound of a space-themed anthem from Britain’s biggest DJs, Above & Beyond.  Fittingly titled “Buzz” the track will sample Buzz Aldrin’s original moon landing dialogue. Following the naming by Governors Richardson and Schwarzenegger, the DJs will also perform an exclusive set at the celebration cocktail party which will follow and feature the first ever IceBar in the desert hosted by Absolut and the world famous Swedish IceHotel. All the guests will be protected from the desert cold by designer space jackets supplied by PUMA.

Commenting on the unveiling, Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Galactic said:  “This is truly a momentous day. The team has created not only a world first but also a work of art. The unveil of SS2 takes the Virgin Galactic vision to the next level and continues to provide tangible evidence that this ambitious project is not only moving rapidly, but also making tremendous progress towards our goal of safe commercial operation”.

Once operational, each 2 hour flight will cost $200k USD. Deposits have been received by over 300 individuals who have each made between $20k and $200k down-payments – totalling over $40m USD. The whole experience will include 3 days of preparation, medical checks, bonding, and g-force acclimatisation as part of the flight cost.

Leica M7 Hermes Special Edition

The Leica M7 Hermès edition is the second Hermès edition Leica following an Hermès edition of the Leica MP Rangefinder. The Leica M7 Hermès Edition is based on the Leica M7 which is Leica’s last film camera using traditional thirty five millimeter film.

The camera is wrapped in supple Hermès leather in either Hermès signature orange colour or etoupe green and comes with a matching case. Only two hundred of the Leica M7 Hermès editions will be made with one hundred in each colour and will be available from Leica stores.