As many struggle in this economy, the French fashion house Hermes flourishes. The company turned in a 24% gain in U.S. sales for the first half of the fiscal year. While other luxury companies are struggling, the exclusive Hermes continues to churn out sales. Now, I must admit, my luscious Hermes Kelly Long Wallet […]
Original post by Megs
It does not happen all that often that my own passions directly collide with my fiancee’s and I have the opportunity to tell you all about it in excitement. You must know that I have been hooked on biking - both mountain and road - for as long as I can remember. The love for […]
Original post by Vlad
I must confess. handbags are not my first love, that spot on the top of my list of favorite past times and hobbies belongs to books, books, books.
So, naturally, nothing makes me as happy as when my 2 passions meet…books about handbags.
If the book is humorous, as well as interesting, well that’s just an added bonus, and the most perfect example of recent date is Michael Tonello ’s Bringing Home the Birkin.
I first mentioned the book here back in February when an advanced copy sold for nearly $1,000 (proceeds went to charity), and have since had the opportunity to read it myself. It was all I anticipated…and then some.
Billed as the true story of how one man managed to bust right through the mythological (and he proves that it is in fact a myth) Hermes waiting list for exotic hard to get Birkins but it is so much more than that. The emphasis is on the storied handbag, and the quest for Birkin is the driving device to the tale, but in all honesty you don’t need to know a Birkin from bread basket to enjoy the book. I found myself transported by the descriptions of amazing places Mr Tonello travelled in his quest to feed his Brikin starved clients…his description of Capri actually borders on travel porn, and he made me want to pick up and move to Spain.
Along the way of course, there are the funny stories about clientelle, shopping excursions to various Hermes outposts across 4 continents, hilarious descriptions of the salespeople, and a peek into the chain of commodity that is eBay. Mr Tonello not only breaks the Hermes code (and shows you how to do it too…anyone with patience, charm, and a credit limit can work it) but also deals with chance, danger, blackmail and intrigue, meets larger than life people, and of course, like any good protagonist, finds true love.
I have a feeling that this could be one of the biggest beach reads this Summer…and rightfully so. Bringing Home the Birkin doesn’t hit stores until April 22nd but you can peek inside now, or just pre-order a copy on Amazon (there is a 5% discount for pre-orders).
Now, how would you like a chance at your very own Birkin, without having to leave your comfy computer chair? Just scroll down…
In anticipation of the book’s release, publisher Harper Collins and Omni Hotels are giving away a Birkin. Enter the sweepstakes now!
Original post by Bag chick
More specifically, April in Paris. And no passport is necessary because April in Paris is not a trip itinerary, but a true find for handbag lovers who appreciate look, quality, and craftsmanship foremost.
Beatrice “Bea” Amblard is the craftsman at the helm of this San Francisco based company, and she comes by the title craftsman honorably. With a career that began at the venerable house of Hermes, where she worked on styles from Kelly bags to small leather goods, manufacturing, and designing, Bea honed her skills and was eventually sent to the states by Hermes as their “Ambassador” to their new San Francisco outpost in 1987. At the time, she was only the second individual sent to the US by the company, and the only one to open their own store stateside.
But enough about Bea, because the bags are really what it’s all about.
Made from imported french skins, Bea’s April in Paris bags will last a lifetime. They are as elegant and timeless as any bag around. While some aspects seem borrowed from Hermes styles, they only go to show that what is a classic transcends labels.
The bag pictured above, the Natalie, is $9500, as shown in alligator. While it may seem like a steep price, it is actually very reasonable, and far, far less than similarly sized alligator bags…most of which are not made by hand.
Smaller, but no less spectacular, the Reno clutch in lizard, is the sort of bag you′ll pull out for occasion after occasion. Like the Natalie, it too has the signature bee at the clasp (bee for Bea) which is like tiny bag jewelry, and made of sterling silver, or 18 karat gold in rose or yellow.
The Reno sells for $3500.
A style I love the looks of is the Manhattan Tote. Pictured in bright orange grain calf, with the surprise of red insets, this is a class act. I am a sucker for the lunch bag look…I love the sharp lines and geometric quality, a nice alternative to the rounded corners, and softness of so many current bags. I do admit that it is not a bag for everyone.
It’s so bright and cheerful! It too is $3500.
I know there are people who will balk at these prices, people who will readily plop down thousands for a branded bag, but not for something less recognizable. April in Paris is probably not for you. It is for that person who has no problem spending a lot on a bag, but doesn’t want to have to do it twice a year to feel current…and who may want everyone to know just how deep her passion for quality bags runs but not the depths of her wallet.
April in Paris bags are custom made to order, and the possibilities are endless. By working closely with her sources, Beatrice can request specific dye lots, so you can pretty much consider the rainbow your palette, and have the color done in any of the leathers and exotics available.
Also, on the site are links to the April in Paris Newsletter which you can subscribe to if you choose. it has some very good information beyond just new styles including local workshops, and tips for caring for leather and exotic skins.
Should you be local, or just traveling to the Bay Area, the April in Paris boutique (and workshop) is located at 55 Clement St in San Francisco. telephone 415-750-9910.
Original post by Bag chick