Hermés Leather Forever Exhibit

Recently I attended the Hermés Leather Forever exhibit at the Royal Academy of London I decided to go mostly because I wanted to see a bit of Hermés history, but also because I wanted my husband to come along and see what all the fuss was about. Let's just say he has some concerns about the pricing. Well, with a Birkin and/or Kelly on my ultimate never ending wish list, I decided this would be a good place for him to learn about the complexities and intricacies associated with the historic leather goods house.

I was only able to take two photos inside the exhibit before being told there was "no photography allowed". There was a Hermés factory worker hand stitching a bag that was being held together with a wooden vice pressed between her knees. She was poking individual holes one at a time and painstakingly threading the leather together to form what was going to be the bottom of the bag. Watching her I defiantly felt a sense of expertise in the air; you certainly knew her skill wasn't something she picked up overnight. The second photo was a colorful display of Birkins and Kellys well outside of my reach guarded by several suited security members. Seems they were prepared for me and what I might do...

As you move along through the exhibit, there were several different rooms all containing Hermés items from writing pens to riding saddles all collected from different time periods. Some rooms contained samples of exotic skins while others featured video of behind the scenes footage. There was a bag labeled from the 1930's that appeared to be in almost excellent condition. I couldn't help but wonder who had previously owned and loved the bag. A room with a floor covered in white sand featured a green alligator saddle with matching riding boots hanging from the ceiling. They looked to be in my size.

Although I enjoyed the exhibit, I left wanting to take something with me. I couldn't help but thinking they should have included a gift shop. I would have purchased a small token like a keychain with a small orange box charm or a leather "H". Some sort of consolation since I couldn't walk away with a Birkin...

PHOTOS BY ADC 

God Save My Shoes

When I first heard about GOD SAVE MY SHOES, I was incredibly excited to see a documentary that focuses on why women love shoes. Maybe I was hoping to answer some questions about myself... However, the film never came to London, but it is now available on DVD. 

Caid Productions, the people behind the film, were nice enough to send me a copy for my very own personal edification. The documentary, directed by Julie Benasra, explores the deep relationship women have with their shoes and features interviews with celebrities and designer cobblers alike. There were some very interesting theories and arguments presented, including one that compares wearing modern heels to Chinese foot binding. (Well, I think that comparison is a bit drastic. After all, you can just take the shoe off at will.) There's also a history lesson in shoes; the word stiletto originates from Latin meaning a long, slender dagger. Seems appropriate considering most could be used as a weapon... In more ways than one. The stiletto heel made its mark during the 1950's with its creator being somewhat of a dispute. Was it Ferragamo? Vivier? Whomever it was, I thank them. I couldn't imagine living in a world without high heels... I don't even want to think about it. The history also includes the idea of impracticality of footwear as an expression of status. Think shoes for noble women during the Renaissance.

The business of acquiring shoes is a want vs. need issue. We buy several pairs of shoes because we want them, not necessarily because we need them. My shoe collection is always growing and I believe will never be complete. There will always be another shoe that I will need. I think every women's psychology of amassing shoes is something that has been ingrained in our minds since the very first time we heard the story of Cinderella. Subconsciously, we believe that the perfect pair of shoes will change our lives. What I believe it all comes down to is the way you feel when you put on a pair of high heels. Putting on a pair of heels instantly changes your posture, accentuating the bum and bosom. It is arguably the easiest and least painful way to adjust your body appearance. Maybe not always the cheapest, but definitely the easiest. The film even includes a segment on a learning how to walk in high heels. Thanks to my mother, I spent time in my teenage years practicing in the hallway of our home.

The film was made for shoe enthusiasts, but even if you only like shoes a little bit, you will enjoy the film. 

SPECIAL THANKS TO THIERRY DAHER & MELISSA BALAN. 

Louis Vuitton Monogram Keepall 45

With the weather in London being so... (sigh) dismal lately, I've had nothing on my mind except a vacation to a sunny place. I mean, before I moved here, they told me it rained a lot and turns out they were not wrong. I've been thinking, I really need to get away if only for a bit. Somewhere with bright blue skies, fresh mango slices, a hammock, and a scorching sun. (Because I like to get a nice, bronze-like thing going on.) Sunshine makes me happy!

In my opinion, travel bags are just as important as handbags. Mainly because airports are as good a place as any to use as your personal runway. It's worth investing in a few good pieces. After all, you want your wardrobe to get there all in one piece. Think of the horror if you arrive at your destination only to find a heel broken off your favorite pair of pumps? So far I've acquired a couple of well made, carry on pieces that have made several international trips with me.

First is my Louis Vuitton Keepall 45 in monogram canvas. This was my first real piece of luggage purchased from a company that was built on the concept of traveling in style. This is the smallest size the Keepall comes, but you would be surprised how much I can squeeze into it. It will comfortably hold two outfits, a pair of shoes, toiletries and accessories, all while fitting perfectly under your airplane seat. It's not cheap, but you will have it forever.

There's also my Gucci canvas tote. I originally purchased this bag for school as it holds all the rulers necessary for pattern making comfortably, but find I use it for traveling just as much. It's great because it holds my MacBook snug and has a long strap to wear across your body. There's an inside zippered pocket for your boarding pass and room for whatever small treasure you might pick up at duty free. Comfortably holds one outfit, plus accessories.

PHOTOS BY ADC