Elite World News

We don’t often highlight Southwest bonus offers because, frankly, Southwest doesn’t often offer noteworthy bonuses. On the scale of promotional activity, Southwest usually scores somewhere between “Rare” and “Infrequent.” But the Texas-based discounter has rolled out a new promotion that qualifies as the exception that makes the rule. And it’s a dandy. Southwest is offering Rapid Rewards members a free ticket for flying two paid long-distance round-trip flights between September 1 and November 15.
(Full post From Southwest: Buy two flights, get one free…)

By Beth Braverman On Madison Avenue and in the Hollywood Hills, style-conscious consumers are layering themselves in yellow gold jewelry. But in America’s heartland, white gold seems to have won the popular vote, and jewelry consumers are sticking to it, no matter what the fashion magazines say. Meanwhile, jewelers across the country have entrenched themselves in one camp or the other. But is this two-party gold system really wise—or profitable? Read what retailers have to say in The color wars.
(Full post The color wars…)

Newport Beach, Calif.—Collectors Universe Inc. has announced that its diamond authentication and grading division, the Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL), has been approved by Christie’s auction house to provide diamond-certification services for stones consigned to Christie’s for sale.

Christie’s catalogs will include references to the GCAL certificate in the description of the item.

“Some diamond dealers worldwide use a new Gem Certification and Assurance Lab certificate when trading gems,” Christie’s Europe International Director and Chairman Francois Curiel said in a statement.
(Full post GCAL to certify Christie’s diamonds…)

Bond no. 9’s Andy Warhol Silver Factory is the first in a projected series of unisex fragrances created under an agreement with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The (perfect! I want one!) bottle design for Silver Factory was inspired by Warhol’s 1965 series of Campbell Soup Can silkscreens, and the scent was named for Warhol’s Manhattan studio, The Silver Factory, where the walls were decorated with aluminum foil and spray paint.
(Full post Bond no. 9 Andy Warhol Silver Factory ~ fragrance review…)

LONDON, England — Tougher security measures introduced at UK airports are failing to protect passengers, an industry watchdog said as it criticized the country’s busiest airport for delays that could harm the country’s economy.

In a report on half-year air traffic results, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) criticized the UK’s "unique screening policies," which it said "inconvenience passengers with no improvement in security."

The report comes after UK ministers said tougher airport security measures were creating longer lines that could become new targets for terrorists.

London’s Heathrow Airport has also been criticized for suffering from excessive delays and an ineffective setup.

The IATA praised a U.S.-EU agreement on harmonized security measures, which include the sharing of passenger information, describing it as "a step in the right direction."

But it said governments must be careful that new security rules do not work against passengers.

(Full post Heathrow hassles ‘threat to UK’…)

Bulgari SpA reported that first half of the year sales grew by 8.9 percent to 487.8 million euros ($600 million), driven by good performances in jewelry, watches, and perfumes. At comparable exchange rates, removing currency fluctuations, sales growth was 14.8 percent, the luxury retailer said.

Accessory sales fell 8.2 percent for the period because of the weakness of the Japanese market.

Net profits for the first six months ended June 30 rose 32 percent to 58.4 million euros ($71.8 million).

(Full post Bulgari First-Half Sales Up 9%…)

Whether it’s because of my recent report or the fact that summer vacation travel is in full swing, this week saw a handful of questions about frequent flyer hassles. Here are some of the submissions of greatest general interest.

How many seats?

“Trying to use miles is a joke. I was told that only four seats per plane are available for use. Is this true?”

Not really, although it may seem that way. According to reports required by the government, the big lines generally fill six to eight percent of their seats with travelers using frequent flyer awards.

(Full post Frequent flyer questions…)

Making an appearance at the Oscar de la Renta Spring 2008 Fashion Show, Victoria Beckham showed NYC that her sense of style a force that can not be denied. Leaving on her oversized sunglasses, Victoria Beckham sat first row at the show carrying the special order Hermes Baccara Crocodile Clutch. Victoria is known to have the Hermes collection that would make any fashionista weak in the knees.
(Full post Victoria Beckham Style: Hermes Baccara Clutch…)

High-resolution image with brown alligator strap (Retail: $4,250).

The unique SERENA GARBO watch by Bertolucci mixes sensuality and modernism with its new 18 carat rose gold bezel. The curved sapphire crystal and mother-of-pearl dial complete the harmonious subtleness and elegance of SERENA GARBO.

The SERENA GARBO Collection also offers pieces with full-cut diamonds on a steel or rose gold bezel available with a metal bracelet or alligator strap.

Conceived from a classic love story on the Italian Riviera, Bertolucci captures the sensuality and mystery of the Mediterranean.
(Full post SERENA GARBO Dresses Up With New Rose Gold Bezel…)

 During the first half-year of 2007, the French group Hermès International recorded a turnover of 721.1 million euros, an increase of 8.2% at constant exchange rates, thanks to an upturn in second quarter sales (+10%). In view of the impact of exchange rates, growth on a like for like basis was however only 2.9%. Net profit meanwhile rose to 128.1 million, compared to 117.5 million during the first six months of 2006 (+9%).
(Full post HermГЁs Exchange Rates Curb Growth…)