Wynn Las Vegas: Open Now - Canings Cost Extra!

Today marks the openning of Steve Wynn's newest venture, Wynn Las Vegas. We'll have W4 cocktail and craps table coverage in a full report next month from the Lone Ranger team but in the mean time we thought we'd give you this nice property map so you can find your way around the place. We're also happy to see that Sing-a-bore is getting into the gambling act these days. Nothing like a free caning and a cocktail after a few hands of blackjack. In most cities you have to pay extra for that!
+Wynn Las Vegas.

Hobbs: The Only Name Worth Knowing

These some of the only bathing suits worth owning. Too bad our staff photographer couldn't work the point and shoot. While swimming in red wine on the left bank recently we came across on these at the high end French cashmere boutique, Hobbs. The only other place we've seen bathing suits this 70s-retro cool was on the ageing population at your local Long Island/New England WASPy country club.

Besides making top quality cashmere sweaters and scarves in over 2,000 custom colours, Hobbs also has a quirky Beatles licence that allows them to make psychedelic sweaters for well off ex-hippies. In addition, Hobbs also have a small bathing suit production run. You'll be seeing them at la playa soon, cocktail in hand.
+Hobbs, 45, rue Pierre-Charron, Paris.
+Cali Surf Girls Prefer: Carve Designs.

Vanity Knows No Bounds: Bespoke Jeans

Our globetrotting dapper man of denim drops us this dispatch:
"I have at last found a place that produces bespoke jeans. It is a company called A.P.O. Jeans based in Manhattan. They are molded to the customer's exact dimensions and made out of $40 per yard denim (pedestrian denim costs roughly $3 per yard) and fitted with silver, 14K gold, platinum, or diamond buttons and rivets. I've arranged a fitting and will keep you posted." Here at W4 HQ where we only wear white between Memorial Day and Labor Day we prefer Helmut Lang (R.I.P.), Earnest Sewn and Blue Blood Jeans.
+A.P.O Jeans, 147 West 35th Street, NYC +1 212 244 2796.
+Helmut Lang.
+Earnest Sewn Jeans.
+Blue Blood Jeans.

We're Live: www.wfour.com

Over the weekend we decided to invest all of $12 to make it easier for you to get the latest and greatest from our site. $12 is most likely the cheapest price for anything you'll see on this site thus far but we like a deal just like everyone else. You can now go to www.wfour.com and reach us directly for the latest in bespoke jeans and robotic camel jockeys. We've even made it so you can now leave your own comments and rants. Now you can say you knew us back when..
+www.wfour.com

Late Night Photography: Our Picks

While the world moves towards HDTV we are firm believers that everyone looks better in B&W. There is something mildly intoxicating about photographs taken at night where the subject literally emerges from the dark smoke filled environments we inhabit – dinner parties, bars, lounges, clubs, backseats of taxicabs. It leaves something to the imagination even if the subject does not. Our pick for a night on the town is the Ilford HP5 B&W disposable camera. We’re not photo junkies but these cameras take some of the best photos we’ve ever seen – sharp, vivid and with incredible contrast.

The only photo lab we’d send our poster worthly photos to is Duggal Visual Solutions in New York. Open 24 hours a day and best known as a the lab of choice for professional photographers, it also does photo processing for non-industry clients as well. Duggal is not for your everyday prints but if you ever need photo blown up, mounted, cropped or miracles worked, they can do it – anything. We also like their slick ground floor offices which have an ever changing group of photos of celebrities and notable figures.

Update 1/2006: Ilford has recently been brought out of bankrupcy. After a brief hiatus, we have confirmed with Ilford that the HP5 Cameras are now on sale again.

+Ilford HP5 Plus Camera, $10.95 B&H Photo, 420 9th Ave, NYC +1 212 444 6769.
+Duggal Visual Solutions, 20 W 23rd, NYC. +1 212 924 8100.
+Photo Service, various locations, Paris.

Modern Gentelmen's Guide: Boredom

Boredom: As Aunt Jackie says, "Only the boring get bored." There is no excuse for being bored. One should always be able to entertain oneself. If you don’t like the situation you’re in, then leave. If you don’t like something you’re doing, do something else. Don’t worry about what entertains others. You should be excited and entertained with everything you do. To see what some intrepid layabouts in the UAE have done with robots and camels read our post below..
+Golf Magazine's Golf Course Guide.
+The Burning Man Festival, Black Rock Desert Nevada.
+Hangliding in Rio, Rio Adventure Tours.
+Vicodin, Available from Dr. Feelgoods worldwide.
+Johnnie Walker Black Label.
+Twister, Milton Bradley.

NYC: Models Report - We're Still Here and Dating Dirty, Sketchy Men!

Since hearing of the demise of Don Hill's long running 80s night we wondered if there is any fun left to be had in New York. We quickly contacted our resident model to find out where she likes to go. Stardust sent us this back:

"luke and leroy for don hills dancing as i mentioned,
i like cain now
bulgarian illegal russian drinking on west broadway,"

+Luke and Leroy, 21 7th Avenue South, +1 212-634-0004
+Cain, 544 W 27th St, +1 212-947-8000

Kamel Ride

Those sun soaked and money drenched Qataris are at it again. They have developed a robotic camel jockey called, Kamel, to ride in next year's races. The U.A.E. will also use the robotic jockeys. Apparently everyone in Dubai is too rich to race the camels themselves and can't be bothered. Idle, bored rich and robots - we are on the next flight to Ishtar on Emirates new direct NYC to Dubai flight to stay the six star, Burj Al Arab. Doing on research we also notice that forecoming Dubai Mall will of course be the world's largest and we're sure flashiest and gaudiest.
+Burj Al Arab, Dubai.
+Tablet hotels: Burj Al Arab.
+The Dubai Mall.
+Emirates, Daily direct flights from New York and London to Dubai.

We're looking for a Las Vegas meets the Middle East Correspondent (Dubai). Email us!

Trix in the Mix: Las Vegas Dining

From our West Coast associate comes this dispatch:

"In Las Vegas last weekend I chose to stay at "THEhotel" in Mandalay Bay upon the glowing recommendations of several friends. I was not disappointed. Not only is the hotel a much-needed haven from the tackyville that constitutes the rest of Las Vegas, but it also houses Alain Ducasse's newesteatery, Mix. The title of the restaurant was appropriate considering the guests, which ranged from bankers in suits to barely camouflaged hookers in...well...not much. But I must say, it's a beautiful restaurant with aspiralling staircase that is covered in what looks like a huge crystal mobile. There is a terrace overlooking all of Las Vegas with heat lamps so that you can enjoy quite the view while taking a cigarette break from your divine meal. The restaurant is on the 64th floor of the hotel and from up there, the MGM looks like a mere hut. There's a little pad of paper provided for guests at each table so they can write little notes to each other afterthey've eaten so much that forming words seems like an unsurmountable effort. The food was classic Ducasse, but the piece de resistance were the madeleines included with the meal at dessert, served directly out of the tin in which they were cooked, still steaming, with a small dose of Nutella onthe side that instantaneously melts when applied to the delectable madeleine. All in all, loved it. And loved dancing off the calories next door at the attached Mix nightclub afterwards even more."
+Mix at THEhotel 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, +1 877 632 7800

Champagne Girl Needs Vacation Location

Today we received an email from one of our champagne girls. Please help her. We already suggested she head straight over to Pravda for some Vodka, a smoke and caviar to help her get her bipolar thoughts in order.

"Dear w4,
I am looking to you for guidance and advice. If you had four or five days to take a trip from New York in May, and the desired qualities of the destination were sun, ocean, and lots of action, where would you go, taking into account that a very long trip would be no fun at all for such a short stay. All the best, Your Downtown Girl"
email your suggestions here.
+Pravda, 281 Lafayette St, New York, 10012 - (212) 226-4696

From Russia Without Love: 11 Ways to Spend 20G On Yourself and Not Your Lover

Our Russian mobster with lavish tastes sent us this after informing his brother of a recent purchase:

"After the purchase of an obscene piece of jewelry, a Verdura cuff, for my amour, my brother and comrade-in-arms, had some interesting ideas of other ways I might have used the money:

20G is quite a bit of money as you know. I was thinking and here's a list of other things you might have preferred to spend the money on...
1. G4 to Vegas and hotel accommodations at the new Wynn Las Vegas.
2. Another watch, not that you need one, but how bout a gold rolie?
3. A really nice flat screen... actually two.
4. Charity... Nevermind that actually.
5. A fleet of model hoes.
6. A Maserati leased for a year (just about).
7. Another fleet of model hoes, this time all of them dressed in only Kiton ties.
8. An exotic animal like a small giraffe or something.
9. Put it towards a nicer apartment to rent.
10. Save it and invest it in stocks.
11. Lots of white truffles, maybe a years worth."
+Verdura, multiple locations.
+NetJets
+Wynn Las Vegas (opens April 28th)
+Maserati
+Elite Models Brasil
+Kiton, Milan, Paris, New York, Tokyo.
+Gourmet Food Store: Truffles



She's a Keeper

Modern Gentlemen's Guide: Getting Caught

Getting Caught: If you get caught doing something (or someone) you're not supposed to be doing, never admit guilt. Never appeal to the captor's sense of reason. Make an argument to defend yourself that may or may not be reasonable and stick to it. Make it seem as though your captor is wrong no matter how right they may be. Convince them that black is white, up is down. In other words, intimidate and confuse to the point where you've gotten yourself out of trouble. If caught nude with another woman, there is no recourse but to arm yourself and guard your genitalia. If you think you may need to protect yourself from a rabid (now former) lover we suggest heading to London for the April 28th's Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns Auction at Sotheby's. Personally, we are fans of the vintage J. Purdey & Sons guns on the block.
+Sotheby's Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns Auction, April 28th, 2pm, Hammersmith Road, London.
+J. Purdey & Sons 57-58 South Audley Street, London.

Modern Gentlemen's Guide: Getting Arrested

Getting Arrested: Generally speaking, if you get arrested, you can't count on anyone to bail you out. Even those you think will help you out in a jam would rather spend your bail money on food, booze, drugs, broads, or just about anything else. When in Los Angeles, we prefer Hollywood Bail Bonds as they stock our late night crash pad at the Standard Hotel with their matches.
+Hollywood Bail Bonds, 1027 Cole Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) 464-8484

Car of Choice: Maybach

We're not a fan of driving (we prefer flying, being driven or jogging) but if you must our motoring department suggests this Maybach:


"Also, potentially of interest. I've attached a photo the custom Maybach convertible produced by the Genaddi Design Group in Wisconsin. These puppies are being built at a cost of $200,000 on top of the roughly $350,000 base for the 57."
+Genaddi Design Group

Sneaker Freaker: Adidas Shots

Our pick for spring kicks are these Adidas numbers. Our salesman claimed that these are only available in France but we don't buy it.

+Look for the foot logo @ 41, rue Vital or 8, rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Paris

Modern Gentlemen's Guide: Working Out

Working Out: As many of you may already know, I'm not a fan of working out. Physical fitness is a good idea, but I think pumping iron is unnecessary. Being muscular is very important only if you're intending on embarking on a career as a bouncer, which I do not recommend. Remember, aside from the occasional drunken Long Island girl, bouncers don't get laid very often. We're not in the Animal Kingdom, we have brains and we can speak. As such, wit and intelligence (in a man) will always win out over a cut physique. However if you must: Equinox and LA Sports clubs in the US are morethan satisfactory and in London Holmes Place or KXGYMUK is South Kensington are preferred. At least multitask: preferable ladies who posess an inherent drive and fit figures can normally be found in the kickboxing classes.
+LA Sports Club, various locations, all reputable US cities.
+Equinox, NYC/LA and some stay at home mom suburbs.
+Homes Place, London.
+KXGYMUK, London.

Modern Gentlemen's Guide: Hippies / Hipsters

W4’s is proud to announce the start of The Modern Gentlemen's Guide which features lively analysis of pressing issues. Today our correspondent begins by examining the creatures that live in the LES, Williamsburg, Shoreditch and any other derelict and/or Communist looking neighbourhood awash in cheap beer.

Hippies / Hipsters: Hippies are in theory a thing of the past, so I'm really talking more about the hipster / grunge/ indie rocker phenomenon. These people should be shot. There is nothing cool about being unkempt, unshaven, unhygienic, drugged-out, or just pretending to be (which is most often the case). These people are generally those who have been failures thus far in their lives and are trying to explain it away as a form of rebellion. You're not cool, you suck, get a job that does not involve designing your own business cards that say "Muse." I own you -- Enough said.

Monaco Grand Prix Party: Fast Cars, Faster..

Our Champagne correspondent sent us this..

"For the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix you've got to hit the Truant Club's party on May 20th. Supermodels, top DJs, crazy.."

Personally, we want to go to Nip/Tuck's Miami and join 'The Scene' (see Paris swinging post below as well) but from the looks of it this sounds like a welcome replacement.

Monaco: May 20th, the party is by invitation/request only. Check the site for more information.

Paris II: C'est Sexy'N'Jet'Set

Our female associate files her parisian picks.. "my favorite places are:
404: moroccan restaurant in le marais
l' ami louis: classic and fabu french bistro
matisse: v trendy restaurant in the 1st that roman polanski frequents
crazy horse: classic french strip club
the picasso museum: small and manageable with a pretty gardencastel's--always hip, equivalent of au bar (NYC)"

Paris: Swinging is all the Rage

From our associate Boris in Paris..

Fine Dining:
L'Ambroisie: one of the best meals I've had in Paris hands down.
Terrasse du Parc: very good food, an Alain Ducasse spin-off

Shopping:
Not to sound gay, but Dunhill 15, Rue de la Paix is really cool. It's a special Dunhill store right near the Place Concorde that sells all sorts of limited edition gear. I would recommend the white gold and baby alligator cufflinks (the most obscene pair I've every purchased) or the stingray lighter.

Nightlife:
Le Baron: very hip, but doesn't get going till about 4AM or so.
Castel: cool private club, very old school. Kind of like Au Bar used to be.
Calvados: a great little bar near the George V. Open till about 7AM or so and basically Bar & Books (NYC) for Paris but crazier.
VIP: standard trendoid club
Pink Platinum: basically a high-end strip club, fun, but actually kind of gotten a bit too snooty at the door for my taste.
Milliardaire: one of my favourites, very chic, very elitist. Kind of hard to get in without a member, but definitely fun.

Shadier:
Monsieur Albon: very chic and very hard to get into swinger's club (swinging is currently very cool in Paris now, and that's not a bad thing). It definitely helps if you know Mr. Albon or are with someone who knows him.
Les Sirenes: whorehouse on Rue Ponthieu. Very quiet upstairs, you have to buy a bottle of champs to enjoy the sordid entertainment on the lower level. Attractive black and Brazilian girls.
Tania Club: fun Russian whorehouse also on Rue Ponthieu. Attractive Russian girls. Requisite bottle of champs and then off to the hotel. These girls are quite fun.

Before you go home at 7AM:
Kur Samba: crazy all-night African club near the Champs Elysees
Le Studio: another crazy all-night club near the Champs.
Asia: the Japanese restaurant turns into an after-hours spot at about 6AM.
Flirt Bar: just off the Champs I think. Super odd all-night bar decked out in Christmas lights and filled with disgruntled Parisian bankers and teenage prostitutes.

And when it's all done, go for an 8AM plate of shrimp and a bottle of Rose at Fouqet's

And everybody wonders why I take naps.

For more shady Paris click here. For more W4 click here.
Want to contribute, complain, send us vodka? Email us.

Hangover 911: Emergen-C, Beroca

Late night? We suggest two helpers to get you through the day -- at the very least they will give you temporary amusement staring at the fizzing bubbles while your head continues to pound. Alacer’s Emergen-C which provides 1111% of your vitamin C or UK’s Berocca which provides the same but with Vitamin B. Personally C, B, doesn’t matter to us we’re still answering the 44 Questions. Never again, never again.. until tonight maybe?

Santa Fe: What Austin Used to Be

One of the most idyllic spots in the American West is enchanting Santa Fe (land of enchantment is how they bill it and they are right). Santa Fe is one part Southwest desert and mounts, one part art community, one part historic, and one part just down right funk. Whether it is taking in the surrounding countryside (Taos is only an hour away), listening to some great live music, playing golf at one of the new courses or eating at one of the many top Southwestern restaurants, Santa Fe is a must on any travellers list. The sunrises and sunset are worth the trip alone. It is without a doubt the next Austin. When in Santa Fe make sure to hit the celebrity laden Ten Thousand Waves spa. Known throughout the West "the waves" is a Japanese Zen oasis in the desert hills. For dinner the best Southwest can be found at the Coyote Café as well as a killer margarita (no mix in these parts). We like the more informal upstairs outdoor cantina! After dinner Evangelo’s provides live music and a great old bar. Evangelo works there most nights and will tell you the story of how his fathers face ended up on a postage stamp, three blown up photos of which hang above the bar. Make trails West!

+Ten Thousand Waves, 3451 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe NM +1 (505) 982-9304 +Coyote Café, 132 West Water Street, Santa Fe +1 (505) 983-1615
+Evangelo’s, 200 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe +1(505) 982-9014

FreshDirect: Zagat.com Gets A New Chef

Zagat.com has got a fresh new update with loads more features, the ability to create favorite lists and easier searching through its punchy reviews. While our food snobs
contemporaries think Zagat is past its headay, we still love it. Save yourself the $ from buying each cities culinary tome and subscribe to the online edition where you'll have full access to the entire globes reports which now also include hotel and nightlife review (which are not as good as the food reviews) You will also have the ability to rate establishments online. In return for the ratings you get a copy of the guide for free. Not a bad trade off.

+Zagat.com - For More Information click here. Subscriptions are around $25 a year.

We Love: Layer Cake, Legs, Cupcakes

If you have not seen Layer Cake yet well.. you need to - trailer here! By far the slickest, sexiest crime movies of recent memory, Layer Cake is baked to pure Bolivian perfection. And if that doesn’t convince you Sienna Miller’s role as a horned up seductress will (note leggy poster). Plus the soundtrack is full of good rocking tracks - 60s Stones, 80s Duran Duran, and Scissor Sisters. Now if this movie doesn’t leave you ready to break, drink or f*** something then maybe you should consider a something created with another type of white powder, a cupcake. Our choices for the best cupcakes around are the heavily touristed and reported: Magnollia Bakery in NYC’s West Village or the Hummingbird Bakery in London’s Notting Hill.

+Layer Cake: UK:Out Now on DVD US:May Theater Release Date
+The hummingbird bakery, 133 portobello road, London +44 207 229 6446.
+Magnolia Bakery, 401 Bleeker Street, New York +1 212 462-2572.

Vinatge Belts: What? Yup. Customized too!

A good belt, shirt and shoes is all one needs in life. And vintage belts are the way to go. If you are looking for the best selection of broken and custom made belts the place to go is LA's Hollywood Trading Company. With locations in Fred Segal's Sea (ok, Santa Monica) and a new location somewhere on Beverly, they'll take care of you. They even have a guy named Zip who can customize any belt you want how you want it. So if you want one buckle on another belt they'll do it. Be wared it becomes a pricey hobby but everybody likes the ocassional spanking.
+Hollywood Trading Company, 7383 Beverly Blvd, LA +1 323 964 0080.

Horse and Buggy Meet Rush Hour Traffic

Leave it to the British to think of the equestrians. Forget that they've created possibly the worst public transport network in the world (we think Tuk Tuk's in Bangkok are more efficient that certain lines on the tube). Our team of crack reporters noticed this horse crossing box at Hyde Park Corner. Giddy Up Porsche!

Surf's Up: Mal Pais, Costa Rica

Surfers and travel junkies have long known about the wonders of Costa Rica's Nicoya Penninsula. As the penninsula becomes more popular (but before it becomes built up) we suggest headed down to catch incredible sunsets, a perfect break, and check out one of Central America's jems. While the black sand beaches of Tambor soothes the soul and make a great point to fly into from San Jose (on Sansa or NatureAir), and Montazuma - or Monta-fuma as the locals call it - is a perfect place to let loose, we suggested heading directly to Mal Pais/Santa Theresa. If you are looking for an idyllic laid back beach culture where the rainforest meets the the sea this is the spot. Where to stay? Our pick is the The Place with its bungalow style accomodations each set in a different motif. Adios Amigos!
+Latest W4: Feb 06: Jungle Fever: Four Seasons Costa Rica.

Music: British Sea Power

In the coming months you will no doubt be hearing about British Sea Power. No sadly, Admiral Nelson is not at the helm but this bands new album will definitely be steering course towards a stereo near you (whether you like it or not). So check out their sound now before the armada hits your shores.

Mylo's 80s LA Makeout Session and LaLa Land's hidden Tequilla Hut

After seeing the video for Scottish beatmaker Mylo's latest track "In My Arms" which is one long make-out session in sunny LA, we decided it was time for a little west coast update. First though, check out a sample of Mylo's latest single here to get you in the sun zombie state of mind. Now once you've flown out to LA, gotten sunburned and realized that you'll never make it in Hollywood head to one of the darkest bars in the Silicone City, El Carmen's . Here you can down over 100 types of tequilla, have some chips and salsa (although we recommend thats all you have) and wait to go to some highly overrated Hollywood club where no one drinks, it closes at one or two, and its more hassel than its worth to get into.
+Mylo, Destroy Rock & Roll, Out Now.
+El Carmen's , 8138 W 3rd St, +1 (323) 852-1552

We Like: Ascot Chang for Custom Made Shirts

With companies going less suit more 'business/dressed up casual' (whatever that is), having good dress shirts is a must. Perfect for both work and out on the town a good shirt can make you look slick without much effort. Our favorite are custom made shirts by Hong Kong shirt maker Ascot Chang. While the company has shops in New York, Hong Kong and LA, we suggest calling them direct to see when their representitvies from the flagship are visiting your city, as they do twice a year. They'll take your measurements, allow you to pick from the full range of fabrics and charge in in HKDs (saving you some money). They have a three shirt minimum and prices start from as low as approx $120 USD.

Beatz: Gorillaz are back!

You favorite music from the muppets on crack are back. We're listening to the Gorillaz new tracks. Hear the latest from Feel Good Inc.

Sunspot: Hot Rod Reefs, Carve Designs, The Orange Gel

We're a fan of these red, yellow and orange retro Reefs - great for hitting the playa in. For the active ladies, we're a fan of West Coast based, Carve Designs, whose creations are now slowly washing ashore across the US. For instant abs and a oily orange 80s miami vice glow we suggest Bain de Soleil's Orange Gelee. The gel might make you feel like a piece of bacon roasting in the sun but when the moon comes up you're tan will be sizzling.

London: Bright Lights, Strobe City

Even if it may be past its two minutes of white hotness, we still like Kaberet's Prophecy for putting pulsing LCD strobe walls up and incredible music. Plus its open to 4am.
+Kabaret, 16-18 Beak Street,Soho, LONDON, W1R 3HA