A set of super stylish leather motorcycle / Vespa helmets is the latest luxe offering from Italian label Tod’s, famed for its iconic driving loafers, shoes and chic bags.

Tod's introduces leather motorcycle and scooter helmets.

Featuring a microfiber lining, stainless steel hardware and flip-up plexiglass eye shields, the helmets are priced at about $1,000 and come in glove soft, saddle stitched black, white and vacchetta leather.

The helmets are made by hand entirely in Italy, in a painstaking process ensuring their quality and durability, and adhere to rigorous road-going safety standards in a marriage of timeless style and contemporary luxury.

Tod’s has been expanding its offerings of late and also recently introduced its first line of sunglasses. Meanwhile, the firm’s dapper owner Diego Della Valle just published a book titled Italian Touch extolling the virtues of the stylish lifestyle embodied by the brand.

Ray-Ban has given its ultra-classic aviator shades a luxe new twist for 2010 with its new Craft Genuine Leather collection. The Craft Outdoorsman sunglasses are luxuriously detailed with hand stitched genuine deer leather accents and boast premium craftsmanship.

Ray-Ban Craft genuine leather collection.

Made in Italy they feature Ray-Ban’s trademark Crystal lenses for optimum optical clarity. The leather is designed to improve and beautify with age and use. The Outdoorsman is priced at $216 and a slimmer, more contemporary model, the Caravan, is priced at $171.

Both are now available in either gold with brown leather or silver with black leather combos and matching cases from haute online eyewear boutique Eyegoodies.

It’s been a long time coming and now Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group has unveiled their first new models in 10 years.  MVA believes that their purchase by Harley-Davidson, Inc. in 2008 is now beginning to pay off.

MV Agusta Launches New Models For First Time In A Decade

HD’s purchase of MVA for $10M was a strategic move to broaden HD’s presence in Europe. While many mistakenly believe that most HD’s are sold in the U.S., this market actually accounts for less than 50% of new HD sales as the majority are in foreign markets.

There are two new bikes which are geared towards an affluent younger demographic of rider. The new versions are from the Brutale sport bike family and great for those that enjoy a sporty ride.

The 2010 Brutale 990R has a 990 cubic-centimeter engine and will be priced at $15,000 when it goes on sale in the U.S. at the end of this year or early next year.

The 2010 Brutale 1090R has a more powerful engine and will cost $18,000.

~~ Raine Devries

Your mission, should you choose to accept it…

Combine the following elements:  Sheet metal, Pop-Art, and Radiant Heat.

Whimsical and artistically stylish radiators from Antrax.

Antrax did just that and came out with a fantastic new line of radiators that are whimsical and conversation pieces for almost any environment.

In the traditional symbols for “women” and “men”, they are available in either water or electric.  The lead designer was an Italian by the name of Andrea Crosetta.

~~ Raine Devries

Any well heeled connoisseur has been to Venice but for those aspiring to reach those ranks, there are tricks to the trade to make it appear as though you’ve already embraced certain experiences.   Horchow offers gorgeous Venetian masks which add a hint of mystery and glamour to any room.   The masks range from $183.90 up to $251.90.

The masks which are traditionally worn during Carnivale in Italy are rich with elegance and history and they draw upon Commedia dell’arte characters for the design inspirations.

Contrary to popular belief, exquisite footware does not soley belong in the realm of women.  Men also enjoy fine shoes – they like having an outline of their foot done, choosing the types of soles, leather and lacings and wait with baited anticipation for that call a few weeks later from the cobbler to let them know the day has finally arrived.

It’s an amusing yet touching sight to see a man sitting and looking with love at his handmade shoes much with the same look of love he bestowed upon his first million dollar$.

In today’s world, it doesn’t get much better than Stefano Bemer shoes.

Bemer, who once worked for Gucci, is an Italian master cobbler who hand-makes truly unique shoes. Using materials such as toad and camel, his bespoke shoes take about three months to produce and start at around $2,000.  Considering these shoes will last a couple decades with good care, they are an absolute bargain.