Currently the Canon 5D seems to be the hot product.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos5d/
Canon has always had great lenses, and this new body is awesome.
I currently use a Canon and its great.
Lighting is a different subject.
#1, you must go with flash. Some guys are trying to do it with hot lights, but flash is simply better.
Lots of brands out there.
The 63-D1000-3C kits at Novatron is a nice set-up:
http://www.novatron.com/ns/onlinecatalog.php
But, there are better options for much more $, and simpler options for less.
I know guys that swear by Alien Bee gear
http://www.alienbees.com/
Others die for Dynalites and other expensive brand. They all get the job done, some are more powerful than others, some are more reliable.
Next on my shopping list is a good flash meter. It is more important than most people think. Don't try to judge your pictures from the LCD on the back of the camera. Use an accurate flash meter. I use Sekonic 308 (now replaced by the 308s
http://www.sekonic.com/Products/prodinfo.html ), but the Minolta Autometer 4F is a good unit too.
So, there you are. Good camera and lenses, good lighting options (use umbrellas with the strobes of course) and a good meter. That is the making of a good set-up that when properly used will make some killer shots.
Maintaining this gear is just as imprtant as selecting it in the first place. Dirty camera sensors and lenses can screw up more shots than any other factor.
Jimmy