The Wall Street Journal recently published a fascinating video that gives a tour of A, the $300 million, Philippe Starck-designed luxury superyacht owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko:

It’s the first time that the interior has been shown to the public, and its uniqueness suggests to me that Melnichenko is a Lambda. The 394-foot yacht is filled with mirrors, Baccarat glass, and crystal. The main stairwell is lined with scalloped silver leaf (with hand-carved banister that cost more than $60,000). Many of the walls are covered with animal skins, including the guest room, which is covered entirely in white stingray hides. There are three pools, and the bottom of the massage pool is glass, opening over the entry hall / disco. The garage (which houses with 3 designer launch boats) can also serve as a disco. The unique furniture includes a Michel Haillard chair made from alligator hides and Kudo horns.

Some might say that the boat is gaudy or tacky. However, luxury is in the eye of the beholder; it depends on how it is interpreted. If Melnichenko worked with the designer to ensure that it is filled with things he perceives as luxurious, then he will enjoy it and its idiosyncrasies for years to come.