‘Design’ Category

George Lucas Building Hearst Castle Look Alike in Marin, CA

Monday, June 15, 2009 1:15PM - By

hearst castle msp4 George Lucas Building Hearst Castle Look Alike in Marin, CA

George Lucas Hearst Castle Clone – All the ideas for George Lucas’s production ranches originate from the legendary filmmaker, but his latest seems to borrow more than a little from another mogul’s palace. Critics are saying the proposed Grady Ranch in Marin County is a copy of Casa Grande, the main building in William Randolph Hearst’s San Simeon castle (pictured). Lucas’s spokeswoman, Emilie Nicks, said the design is actually inspired by the St. Vincent School for Boys in Marinwood, but Hearst Castle museum director Hoyt Fields begged to differ. “I just don’t think so,” he said, comparing Grady sketches with photos of the school. Copyright law is hard to enforce when it comes to architecture, but legal teams are assuredly scrambling. [via San Jose Mercury News]

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Week in Design: Best of DesignCrave for Monday, June 15th

Monday, June 15, 2009 10:00AM - By

Chicago Week in Design: Best of DesignCrave for Monday, June 15th

While the definition of true art varies from person to person, there’s no debating the intricate beauty of the most infamous art thefts of all time. Check out DesignCrave for 10 high-profile art thefts that will leave you both shocked and impressed. Additionally, find some stunning architecture from a shipping container home to the new Brooklyn home of the New Jersey Nets. Don’t miss a pulsating iPhone wall, mini-Chicago and cardboard laptop, camera and iPod while you’re there.

Florida Mansion for Sale Next to NBA’s Dwight Howard and PGA’s Chris DiMarco

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 12:30PM - By

rice lake loop5 Florida Mansion for Sale Next to NBAs Dwight Howard and PGAs Chris DiMarco

The buyer who snaps up this Florida home should make sure to meet their new neighbors. On one side of the fence lives PGA player Chris DiMarco, the opposite: NBA megastar Dwight Howard, of the Orlando Magic. The five-bedroom was listed for sale yesterday, and with 16,000 square-feet of play space, the $5.5 million home might as well be a basketball court or driving range. The Longwood home is tucked behind a gated private road in the exclusive Lake Club neighborhood and comes outfitted with a two-story master suite with a vestibule and other amenities like a private library, theater, pub room, theater and a “gentleman’s bar.” Outside, take a dip in a stunning pool and warm up in the tiered gazebo or fire pit, or just tee up a few balls on your Astroturf backyard — neither of your new neighbors should mind [via nba fanhouse]

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Behind Bond: Behind The Scenes with Daniel Craig as 007

Monday, May 11, 2009 3:04PM - By

danielcraig15 Behind Bond: Behind The Scenes with Daniel Craig as 007

Whether behind the lens or in front of a screen, Greg Williams has always loved film. On assignment from London’s Sunday Times Magazine in 1997, the British photographer began what he’s become best known for: behind-the-scenes and on-set cinema photography. In 2001, he published “Greg Williams On Set,” a look at the underpinnings of the British film industry and he has since been tasked as a “special photographer” on the sets of more than 120 films including “King Kong,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and “Atonement.”

His experience on the “Bourne Ultimatum” shoot likely lent Williams the spy-credentials necessary to be booked to stalk the set of both of the recent Daniel Craig-led Bond epics “Casino Royale” and last year’s “Quantum of Solace.”

Williams’ black-and-white images of Craig are revealing and often cheeky, showing a chiseled and tuxedoed agent being measured and manhandled by grips and lighting techs, training for fight sequences or goofing between shoots.

Craig’s sly smirk provides wonderful contrast to Williams’ stark and masterfully composed photos– and the shots of Bond girl Olga Kurylenko are appropriately gorgeous. [via iconology]

(see the full gallery after the jump)

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$25 million Pioneer Springs Ranch in Aspen

Friday, May 8, 2009 2:00PM - By

pioneer springs ranch in aspen 1 $25 million Pioneer Springs Ranch in Aspen

The Pioneer Springs Ranch is a refreshing, intimately designed estate just minutes from Aspen and the lifts of Snowmass Mountain. The contemporary property expands on over 40 pristine acres, with lush green meadows and beautiful views of the skiing resort and the rolling hills in the foreground. Promoting large, open living spaces, the 13,000 sq ft building features seven bedrooms including a master suite, two media/family rooms, a fabulous bar with a fireplace, a walk-in closet, a private office and an exercise room. Built with passion and precise attention to details, all these come at a price. The Pioneer Springs ranch is currently on sale for some $25 million, fully furnished. Worth it? We’ll let you decide … [via Luxist]

Gumball 3000 Rally Kicks Off from LA to Miami

Monday, May 4, 2009 2:00PM - By

gumball rally pictures Gumball 3000 Rally Kicks Off from LA to Miami

Gumball Rally 3000 Pictures – On Saturday, more than 120 racing teams chirped out of Los Angeles and barreled for the Nevada desert. Some drivers sharply squealed off the starting line, others revved and roared away as the flag for their interval was dropped.  This year’s Gumball 3000 is out of the gate, and teams are making their way from West to East Coast. By the time the storied road rally ends Friday in Miami, the teams and fans will have amassed tales of speed and party-fueled mayhem that rival those surrounding any motorsport.  StyleCrave was there for the start– check out our full coverage of the event and exclusive photos after the jump

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Custom 1965 Frua-bodied Jaguar E-Type, found on eBay

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 3:00PM - By

1965 frua bodied jaguar e type 1 Custom 1965 Frua bodied Jaguar E Type, found on eBay

Brainchild of famed Jaguar racer John Coombs, this 1965 Jaguar E-Type is a fresh, stylistic spin that will easily defy all its counterfeiters. Custom designed by the Italian design team at Frua, with a modified front and rear coachwork, this car made it to the 1966 Geneva Salon where it fell short of client’s expectations. But more than 40 years later, after a year-long restoration, the 1965 Frua E-Type Jag is once again under the spotlight to tell its story. The one-off E-type is currently selling on eBay (for another 10 hours) with bidding up to $41,300. So if there are any Jag fantasies out there, make sure you spread the word. [via Autoblog]

Another Leather Strike by Natalia Brilli

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:00AM - By

natalia brilli skateboard 1 Another Leather Strike by Natalia Brilli

Parisian designer Natalia Brilli has a special talent. She loves to wrap whatever she gets her hands on in lambskin leather. One of StyleCrave’s favorite and previously featured in here — who can forget the rocking skeletons band — Brilli’s leather-pampered collection just got bolder with a new skateboard deck and a matching backpack to go along. Encased with the finest leather and suede, similar to those used by glove makers, you’ll have to rope in a good $1,200 for the fragile skateboard and some $1,650 for the premium Sac à Dos. [via Selectism]

Vernice Ostrich Drinking and Gaming Case

Monday, April 27, 2009 12:30PM - By

vernice drinking and gaming 00 Vernice Ostrich Drinking and Gaming Case

If a drinking case could be described as “sexy,” this would be it. Vernice’s drinking and gaming combination sounds a little bit on the dangerous side (no high stakes, please), but at least if you do lose a round or two, you can have an, erm, round or two to take the edge off. Everything is bundled up in an ostrich print leather case complete with two crystal wine glasses, a bottle opener and stopper, two leather coasters, and space suitable for two bottles of wine. Quite a tasty find, indeed. [via selectism]