Alert! Travis Barker & DJ A.M in Fatal Learjet Crash

Travis Barker and DJ AM were aboard a plane that crashed early this morning in South Carolina. The private Learjet was departing from South Carolina when air traffic controllers began seeing sparks. According to Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen the plane went off the runway and crashed into a wall. While flying private is the only way to fly in our minds, note that there have been 7 reported Learjet incidents and accident since 1996.

Four people were killed on board, two crew members and two passengers. The only two to survive were Travis Barker and DJ AM. Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker, was critically injured. Both he and DJ AM seem to be in stable condition and have been transferred to the Agusta, Georgia Burn Center.
Barker and DJ AM had performed Friday night at an event alongside Perry Farrell and Gavin DeGraw in Carolina. Right before this gig Barker and AM were most noteably seen playing live for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

Any crash is a tragedy but our hearts especially go out to the exceptionally talented duo of Barker and AM. We saw their debut performance in Miami Beach a few years back. What began as a couple of talented musicians coming together for fun resulted in some seriously reborn and refreshing music. Prior to that performance, Travis Barker was the drummer for Blink 182 and DJ AM had a solo spinning career, slash was Nicole Richie’s former fiancee. The two very different musical formats coming together helps define a very new generation. Their performance was mind-blowing and it is clear why they remain together today. Barker and AM are a force and we wish them a speedy and full recovery!

Our thoughts go out to everyone aboard the plane.

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Good With No Hood: The Bentley Continental Convertible

Bentley GTCWe are straight shooters and when it comes to the Bentley Continental GTC, it’s just not for everyone. Put it to you this way, not everyone is cut out to be a fine art collector. The majority of people can’t afford it and the rest wouldn’t know fine art if it ran them over. The point is, if you know about art and have money then it’s easy to see that the 2008 Bentley Continental GTC is art in motion.

The fresh air kid is third to join the Bentley Continental clan. All joking aside, there is nothing kiddish, small or prepubescent about the new convertible but it ‘s still catching a lot of crap from the critics. We feel the critics are a tasteless bunch of have-nots and race-junkies who are secretly longing for their own Bentley. Any semi-intelligent life form knows that Bentleys are made for a noble statement not race-track record breaking.  We like to enjoy the finer things in life and on Bentley’s behalf, the Bentley engine pushes the 5,478 pound giantess (think Chevrolet Suburban) from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Now that’s beauty in a beast and incredible engineering, the Suburban could never get close to that pickup and wouldn’t even look half as good trying.

The new Bentley Continental GTC exotic car is an elegant and sumptuous vehicle that may feel a bit heavy from behind the wheel but let us assure you that’s no accident. Bentley takes pride in old school British luxury and meticulously handcrafted touches, that’s nothing to criticize. The fact of the matter is that the wealthy are buying envious stares, mass attention and status with their Bentley. We aren’t pro-Paris Hilton or anything but even the ditzy blonde realized that a Bentley convertible would grab her some extra (much needed) attention.  If you can’t afford the Bentley GTC for $218,235, then don’t knock it! 

If you can’t afford your own Bentley Continental GTC do not worry, how about renting one for the day to get the full Bentley experience.  The Continental GTC is the convertible version of the GT four-seater coupe for those that didn’t know. The richly textured three layered, sound-retardent roof with heated rear window isn’t your traditional folding roof. The long rear deck blends in with the retracted roof, and the leather cover conceals the roof in an elegant way without taking over the trunk, as opposed to other contemporary convertibles.   Dare we say it but we like the finished look of the GTC more than the coupe, the proportions just appear less forced.  Backlash to some degree is inevitable when turning a car into a convertible but we assure you, the GTC makes perfect sense.

The Bentley GTC is one of the few lavish touring convertibles on the market, the ride is richly smooth and driving fast just isn’t the priority.  Take the family for an open road, scenic cruise of Malibu or    Miami Beach. The GTC convertible is a model unto itself and sophisticated to say the least. Let the top down and revel in convertible touring at its best. Take in the open air and enjoy the road rather than race it for once.                                                                                                                                                               

 

 

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Sneak-Peak in the Sky of the New HBO Entourage Series

Entourage castVirgin AirbusThe 5th season of Entourage will begin this sunday and Virgin Air America is paying homage to the HBO hit. Virgin Airlines took the Entourage series to the American skies on Sept. 4, 2008, with the inaugural flight being called, "Entourage Air." The flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) launched just in time to celebrate the new season and the new Airbus.

The Entourage VIP send-off event was in a private hangar at JFK, with Dom Perignon and Entourage-themed sweets from Godiva. Members of the media were invited to join Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson and members of the Entourage cast at the JFK send-off party. Special guests on the party flight to Vegas experienced "Entourage Class" service, including limited-edition Entourage amenities that complement Virgin America’s signature tricked out cabin interior. Virgin America’s brand new customized Airbus A320 features moodlighting, custom-designed leather seats, and individual touch-screen entertainment systems with movies, videogames and now for the first time free Entourage.  Episodes of Entourage will be offered free of charge during the initial month of the partnership.  The reception once landed in Las Vegas, was hosted by the N9NE Group in the Playboy Club at the Palms Casino Resort.

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Sterndrives and Joysticks, Oh My… The Miami International Boat Show

Ft. Lauderdale Boat ShowWhen it comes down to the nitty gritty in the boat world, we usually keep our mouths shut. The fact of the matter is that there is too much technical jargon surrounding yachts, speedboats, even jetskis, for most sea-vessel owners to even know what’s up.  We are here to tell you don’t worry! Whether you are an owner looking to increase your fleet or a newby just learning about nautical miles, it’s ok because starting on October 30th you can get a full-on education.  The World’s largest boat show will be in South Florida.

 

South Florida boat showPresented by Ginn sur Mer and hosted by 10 Cane Rum again this year, the 49th edition of the International Boat Show will be set over six locations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Here through Monday, November 3rd, 2008 the show will feature more than $$3 billion worth of boats, yachts, superyachts, electronics, engines and thousands of accessories from every major marine manufacturer and builder worldwide.  The Boat Show comprises more than 3 million square feet of space by land and water, at six sites, all connected by the Show’s Transportation Network of water taxis, riverboats and bus shuttles.  Last year we went VIP thanks to 10 Cane Rum a Louie Vuitton Moet Hennessy brand, and in our opinion the essential ingredient for the world’s greatest Mojito.  The 2007 Internation Boat Show was first class all the way, we thoroughly appreciated the grandiose, contemporary mega-yachts and were entertained by the gorgous models prancing around in little bity bikinis with free drinks.  We will be back again this year and expect nothing less for 2008.  If you can’t make the show then stayed tuned here with us, as we will be documenting all the sea vessel knowledge we learn, adventures we have and sillyness we find for you!
   

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Haute Luxe Birthed on Miami Beach in 2009

Miami FashionCalling all World Class Jet-setters to Miami Beach. Socialites already know that Miami Beach is the scene to be seen in every winter, Miami is the only island-city in the country with warm winters, a pulse of change, poise, enlightenment and elite lifestyles. With white sand beaches, the upscale Bal Harbour Shops, and a vibrant nightlife it is no surprise that the glamorous Miami Beach locale has been chosen to debut Haute Miami.  Haute Miami is the first ever uber-luxe exhibit of its kind in the United States and will debut from January 8th – 11th, 2009.  

Haute Miami has an expansive, high class roster of 160 renowned, international exhibitors featuring contemporary and classic fashion, jewelry, art, design, exotic yachts, airplanes, personal helicopters, new technology in many forms, and an emphasis on "going green" including solar powered vehicles, Haute Miami is certain to awe even the luxury spoiled, savvy Miami Beach locals. Haute Miami will be in the Miami Beach Convention Center and will run concurrently with SeaFair.  SeaFair is a private megayacht that will be part of the Haute Miami expo, it will host a selection of invitation-only events.   At 228 feet, SeaFair, is the 4th largest private American Luxury Yacht in the Country and that deserves some good old fashioned American patriotism ya’ll.

exotic cars

The venue will host 28 auxiliary exhibitors in private galleries and features a gourmet restaurant, champagne/caviar lounge and a spacious sky deck. SeaFair will be docked on Millionaire’s Row and can be accessed by shuttles from the Convention Center.  The custom built $40M exposition vessel will serve as a networking hub and private venue for many of Haute Miami’s most exclusive events.  Haute Miami imitates successful luxury fairs from Europe and Asia and will bring new buzz and glamour to the famed winter season in Miami Beach.  To align with Miami’s chilled out atmosphere, Haute Miami at the Convention Center will offer extended hours operating Wednesday – Saturday evenings until 11PM and will feature nighttime events.

Miami“Haute Miami and SeaFair both represent entirely new paradigms in American fairs.  Both will be fabulous new luxury lifestyle events for even the most sophisticated visitors,” said David Lester founder of this exposition. “We look forward to welcoming discerning, local and international attendees to our extraordinary, new event in January." We can barely wait!  Stay with us for up to the minute updates about Haute Miami.

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Get That Money Honey: Facts About Wealth & Miami Beach

Imagine Lifestyles is here to give you the low down on wealth and Miami Beach. Listen up because at some point these little factoids will probably help you make money, make a trip to Miami or, at least, help you sound a bit more intellignent in an elitest world.Miami

Facts:

•      25% of the World’s wealth is in Florida during the winter season Miami Beach receives a huge influx of Europeans, especially during the winter season, due to the falling dollar and rising Euro this demographic spends copious amounts of money.

•     South Florida is home to some of the richest communities in the world such as: La Gorce Island, Millionaires Row, Fisher Island, PineTree, Palm Island and Star Island, Naples, Palm Beach and Marcos Island, Coral Gables

•    Miami has the 2nd largest banking/finance industry after New York

•     South Florida has a massive international trade industry

•    Nearly 1,200 multinational companies, 41 of them billion-dollar companies, collectively manage over $200 billion in revenue from South Florida.

•     In Miami Beach alone, numerous celebrities and athletes like Jennifer Lopez, Billy Joel, Sean "P Diddy" Combs, Gloria Estefan, Kelly Rowland, Lenny Kravitz, Dwayne Wade, Alonzo Mourning and Enrique Iglesias have homes here.

Plus according to the USB 2008 survey of the Richest 70 cities in the World, 
Miami was ranked:

•    the world’s 29th-richest city(net earnings),Only 4 U.S. cities were listed Miami, NYC, LA and                  Chicago.

•    4th-richest in the United States


•    22nd in the World’s richest cities by purchasing power

Bottom line, if you have money then spend the coming winter months in sunny Miami Beach. You can’t go wrong!

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Always a Shore Thing. Shore Club Hotel

Ian Schager is God and the Shore Club Hotel is a little piece of heaven.  The Shore Club Hotel is the most socially demanding on Miami Beach, A-lister like Matthew McConahey, Jay Z, Matt Damon and the Olsen twins frequent the hotel and, of course, Nobu.  Nobu restaurant has celebutaunte requirements, the sushi is light, expensive and always to die for. Dinner never starts before 10 and unless you have high connections, good luck trying to get in.  The bungalows that surround the back pool a.k.a Skybar, are celebrity hideaways. Baseball star Yankee shortstop, Derek Jeter rented Bungalow 8 last time he was in Miami Beach.  Bungalow 8, named after the famous New York City club, is actually the largest bungalow of the Shore Club bunch, it comes with its own private pool, 2 floors and a 24 hour butler service.  On that trip, we had our champagne served around the clock and played in the pool until the wee hours of morning with Jeter and friends.

Shore Club day pool sceneOn sundays the main pool is uber-sceney, probably the best day party on the Beach and always teaming with models. The actual hotel rooms are minimalist with splashes of color and the gym is 24 hours for the gym-arexics. The Scoop store and Me&Ro jewelry store in the lobby are always fabulous to shop and a phenomenal way to end the beach day.

The private penthouse on the roof is perfect for small parties and high-class get togethers, boasting crisp city views and a Shoreclub Penthouse Suitestunning pool. The Shore Club is located in the prime of Miami Beach on 19th and Collins Avenue and we always adore it!


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SoBe Scene This Weekend

Stay up to date with the haute SoBe Scene. For Miami Beach clubs, events on the fly and dope nightly happenings stay on www.ImagineLifestyles.com
Weekend of August 14, 2008


Thursday: 
•    Florida Room @ The Delano Hotel
•    Skybar @ The Shoreclub Hotel
•    Rotten Apple Party @ Set Night Club
•    Rok Bar

Friday: 
•    Special Event Alert @ The Setai (9PM) Y-3, & MIAMI magazine celebrate the launch of the Y-3 Fall/Winter ’08 Collection. This Summer Style Series hosted by Ernesto Arambatzis & Erica Freshman
•    Love Hate Bar
•    Mokai

Y-3 Fashion Show @ The Setai Hotel

Saturday:
•    Mynt Lounge
•    Heathrow Night Club
•    Elements @ Aero Bar
•    So Late It’s Early @ Space Club After Hours

Sunday:
•    Black Sunday @ Bella Rose

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Passion Starts at Midnight in Miami

We spent this past weekend racing along the Miami Beach coast on a fishing boat. Don’t get the wrong idea this definitely wasn’t grandpa’s rinky dinky fishing thing, that is, unless grandpa dropped upwards of $400k. We played on a brand new Midnight Express, custom built 37 Foot Open Fish. If you don’t fish then just disregard that word because this boat is all about the lounge.  Midnight Express is a small family owned company that came to market in 1999 with fierce mariner passion and a cutting edge 39 Foot Center Console.  Midnight Express has been revolutionizing the marine industry ever since.  Their 39 Foot won Powerboat of the year by 2005, which put them in good company with reputable brands like Formula, Ebbtide, Cigarette and Douglas Marine/Skater. Midnight Express boats are characteristically long and open, with center deck, positioned steering as the name suggests. We aren’t talking about anything run-of-the-mill, on the contrary, every boat is individually designed and then handcrafted to meet the client’s expectations. While all along being overseen by an immediate founding family member.  

 

 

 

Sunset on the Midnight Express

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Yachts are Haute, Cruise Ships are Not

Say it again with us, yachts are haute and cruise ships are not. Cruise ships are so passe and will never compare to high-end luxe Yacht Clubs like the SeaDream I. SeaDream I is mariner bliss, filled with the creme de la creme in amenities and 5-star service.  SeaDream yachting is unlike big ship cruising because you will be waited on hand and foot by SeaDream’s 95 member crew and staff.  The epitome of luxury, privacy and personalization is SeaDream I’s purpose, all the comforts of a 5 star hotel on a deep sea voyage. With a max of 55 couples per voyage, the staff to guest ratio is 1:1.  In 2006, Conde Nast Traveler rated SeaDream I as the, "World’s Best Small Passenger Shipping Line." Small yachts are also able to explore the private harbors and ports of Europe, the Mediterranean and the Carribean, where large cruise ships are prohibited.

Luxury Cruise

All suites come with sea views, marble floored bathrooms, Bvlgari toiletries, down pillows and silken Belgian bedding. There are multiple jet massage shower heads, lighted magnifying mirrors, and each stateroom’s is equipped with an entertainment center including flat screen televisions, CD & DVD systems, and internet ready outlets in the living room area. There is also a personal bar in the room that will be stocked with your choice of vodka, bubbly and wine. Shack up in the stateroom and enjoy 24-hour room service or get a couples massage on the upper deck Balinese sun beds. To add to the romantic mood, intimate dining alcoves are available just for two and SeaDream’s Sommeliers serve hand selected wines at lunch and dinner. Nothing will ruin your amorous yachting experience, there will be no screaming babies or whining toddlers, as children are strictly prohibited on board. The SeaDream I culminates with a fabulous Champagne & Caviar Splash send off, this is how open sea exploration was meant to be.  

Luxury Yachts

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