The body of Hugo Chavez may not have been embalmed and put on display for eternity but on the arms, legs and breasts of devoted Venezuelans, "el Comandante" will live on forever. As Venezuela prepares to elect Chavez's successor on Sunday, the booming personality cult surrounding the late former president is best reflected in the roaring trade of the country's tattoo parlors. Tattoo artists throughout Caracas are reporting a surge in requests for Chavez-related body-art, ranging from copies of the former president's signature to more detailed portraits of his face.

Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida is to sell jewellery worth as much as three million euros with some of the proceeds going to help stem cell research, auction house Sotheby's said Tuesday. Designed by Italian creator Bulgari in the 1950s and 1960s, the most valuable items being put up for auction in Geneva in May include pearl and diamond earrings and a 19.3-carat diamond ring. Both pieces are valued at between $600,000 and one million dollars (465,000-775,000 euros).

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- Louis Vuitton, the French maker of luxury handbags, saw its sales in the local market fall at a double-digit rate last year due to the prolonged economic downturn, industry sources said Monday. According to the sources, Louis Vuitton, which was named the world's most valuable luxury brand last year, faced a double-digit sales drop for the first time since 1991 when it entered the South Korean luxury goods market.

Sao Paulo, Mar 22 (EFE).- Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch showcased a summer collection notable for its femininity and distinct winter feel on the fourth day of Sao Paulo Fashion Week. Black, white, cream and gray were the predominant colors of his sober yet ultra-feminine creations, which included dresses, tops, skirts and see-through blouses for the Summer 2013-14 season. High-heeled models wearing the Sao Paulo born Herchcovitch's silk, elastic cotton and lace fabrics strutted down the zigzag-shaped runway on Thursday.