Precious Playboy?

By Carrie Soucy, Senior Editor -- JCK Online, 12/1/2003 2:00:00 AM

In a melding of luxury with pop culture, the world's best-known bunny—the Playboy icon—is going upscale.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Playboy Enterprises Inc. has unveiled a collection of limited-edition and one-of-a-kind fashion products designed by some of the world's best-known designers. Inspired by the Playboy Rabbit Head, each designer has collaborated with Playboy's product licensing division to produce products and designs that will be available at retail beginning in the 2003 holiday season.

The 50th Anniversary Playboy Designer Collection consists of more than 20 fashion designs and lifestyle product offerings across 15 categories, including fine jewelry—all limited editions by designers like Diane Von Furstenburg, Sean John, and Versace.

Included in the mix of designers is legendary British jeweler Garrard, which has created a one-of-a-kind 18k white gold and diamond key pendant with the Playboy Rabbit Head. The 18k yellow gold lockets will feature the Playboy Rabbit Head Icon in black enamel or diamond pavé. The Playboy Rabbit Head cufflinks will be available in 18k yellow gold or sterling silver.

Also chosen for this program was Kathrine Baumann, who has crafted a Playboy Rabbit Head minaudière encrusted in Swarovski crystals and featuring the Playboy icon.

Dunhill, meanwhile, is creating an 18k gold timepiece with a unique dial, a series of limited-edition palladium and gold-plated Rollagas "Playboy" lighters, and a leather dice box.