Let’s be frank. No one needs anything but well-crafted pieces made of durable, refined materials are the hallmark of conscious consumerism and is the antidote to cheap throw-away fashion. When giving, go for a top luxury brand that your loved ones will adore. Case in point our covet list below which will inspire awe those gifted.

For the ladies, Fendi, the Italian family owned brand known for furs, and their infamous 90’s baguette, new it offering is the “peekaboo”. This one in painted python. Or if you’re yearning for an American classic then do Tiffany &Co’s crocodile satchel. It will have a place in your bag museum for years.

It’s not a cliche’ that diamonds are forever and the venerable brand Cartier’s diamond and emerald secret watch is a one of a kind show piece fit for a literal queen. Chanel’s lion time-piece is pure lavishness on a wrist. Both are more of an investment that pure purchase.

If the lady has an unusually spicy style then go for these turquoise and emerald Chicuita dangles from deGrisogono. They too are one of a kind but will make an ensemble look drop dead gorgeous. For footwear we chose Roger Vivier’s pink crystal encrusted ballet flats for intense foot-bling. And Rene’ Caovilla’s kitten heel with mink fur poof are jewelery for the feet.

There is something very delicious about wearing a fine fur. Its warmth and touchable softness, a girl cannot tire of. I’ve never regretted buying a fur that causes personal delight when wearing. Our picks are this brightly-hued chubby from Frenchman Yves Solomon and the of-the-moment must have, the fur vest; this one from Timo Weiland.

A watch is a sign of power and style for important men and you can’t go wrong with Swiss watch-maker, F. P. Journe’s chronometre’ or the Roman jeweler, Bulgari’s platinum Octo. Both have a masculine gentility that he will love and will become the go-to time-piece in his watch cabinet. Salvatore Ferragamo’s lux crocodile sneaker is great for that business titan in your life who needs to look pulled together even when he plays. Rimowa’s special edition luggage in partnership with Neville Wakefield, is their latest installment in practically indestructible travel-cases for globe trekkers. The whimsical Hermes, is

Every year Karl Lagerfeld takes the pre-fall show on the road in order to spread the gospel of Chanel throughout the land — not that anyone needs convincing. The double c’s still hold immense allure with the designer as an awesome creative force, and cheerleader for the brand.

The grouping of clothing called pre-fall, which is available for purchase in June is called Metier d’art. The latest installment drops the red pin on Salzberg, Austria. Lagerfeld uses each destination as a source of inspiration, this one delving into the history and traditions of the region.

The festivities were kicked off with the film, “Reincarnation” in which Pharrell Williams and the model Cara Delevigne play historical characters in a passion play. This set the tone for the following day’s fashion show at a castle where the models walked through room after room of gilded interiors.

When the social calendar is jam packed with holiday dinner parties, and festive soiree’s, a new frock keeps the celebration fresh. The object of the game is to be drop-dead gorgeous right? So leave experimentation to the trend-oids and fashion freaks and go for ravishing.

Purchasing a gown is akin to buying a diamond. Its a purchase that will last through many years of champagne toasts. Hand-embroidery, silk taffeta and French lace, are some of the lavish materials used to create the Cinderella confections. Below are Haute’s favorites from red-carpet veterans like Oscar de la Renta, J. Mendel, Reem Acra, Marchesa and Naeem Khan. Any one of these will turn heads

When Karl Lagerfeld asks, usually celebrities say yes please. This is the case with grammy winner and current pop-culture icon, Pharrel Williams. He and model Cara Delevingne are the main actors in a short film directed and created by the Chanel designer, called “Reincarnation”. The release date is December 2, 2014 a day before the presentation of the Metiers d’art show or pre-fall presentation.

As part of an on-going artist window program called, “Vitrine D’Artiste” they tapped Melbourne lighting artist and industrial designer, Christopher Boots to create mind-blowing installations as their seasonal statement of their creative prowess at their Madison Avenue shop. No doubt about it, these Hermés windows bring in the holiday in luxury and beauty.

There’s no need to panic when you’re unexpectedly invited to a gala—because a lady is always prepared. A mere reach in your wardrobe or in your locked box of jewels and you are ready for fun and fancy. Haute Living reveals our picks for investment regalia that will never go out of style.

Cindy Chao is an artist whose medium just happens to be rare gems and precious metals. Her lavish “sculptures” are sold at auctions at Sothebys, and Christie’s to private collectors and exhibited at museums throughout the world. Chao and Sarah Jessica Parker are friends and have a mutual respect for the creative process. They partnered on a resplendent piece called the Black Label Masterpiece “Ballerina Butterfly” brooch which will be sold in October in tandem with the New York City Ballet Gala with net proceeds from its sale benefiting the ballet.

The end of summer is looming and September issues are being perused on sandy beaches from the Hamptons to Cape Cod. With the dizzying array of trends proposed these days its best to stand apart from the fray and invest in classic wardrobe pieces instead of loud costume like looks.

Blue in all permutations, robin’s egg, periwinkle, cobalt and blue sky are seen on fashion-minded ladies arms from the east to the west coasts this summer.