Lexus Achieves New Nexus

Tonight, carmaker Lexus took the wraps off a top-of-the-line sportscar to be known as the LFA. The matte black vehicle on display was surely worthy of Batman and appropriately enough, Gotham sat up and took notice.

At a cocktail party held at Espace, the sportscar took its rightful place at center stage, where guests ogled the hand-built auto, which has a V-10 engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds. Lexus luxury partners on-hand to celebrate the debut included Pratesi linens, Soolip paperie, Napa Valley Vintners, Riedel Crystal, Marquis Jet and concierge service Quintessentially.

Reportedly, only 500 LFAs will be produced; the car, a 2011 model, will carry a sticker of $375,000. Clearly, being Batman is not an inexpensive proposition.

Because We Love the Louvre

They were a world away from the Mona Lisa, but the smiles were much broader this evening at Soirée au Louvre, an event at sponsored by the Young Patrons Circle of the American Friends of the Louvre at Espace, in midtown. With a high glam quotient (after all, the invite called for "French chic"), the festivities were co-chaired by Olivia Chantecaille and Kipton Cronkite also included a silent auction, dancing and joie d'vivre to spare.