2006: the year of the hand-held totes

for me anyway. although i still value the hands-free convenience and laid-back casual look of messenger bags, after years of exclusively collecting them i was ready for something new. cue in this year's LV men's show collections for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter - with nary a messenger bag in sight!

and here's what i've got so far:


l-r: Vail Blanket Cabas (f/w'06), Tobago shoe bag (s/s '06) and Ouvea Carryall (s/s '06)

although it took me a while to get used to having only one free hand now, it was such a welcome change and somehow totes seem to give a less casual, smarter look. sure most would see me as a "dude with the large handbag", but at a time when men carrying bags have finally become mainstream, totes will eventually follow. laugh now....

my precious

i've got a Vuitton ring which i wear quite often. it's not precious metal nor does it have diamonds like my other rings but its a favourite of mine. it's the Chevaliere ring in sterling silver with a tiger-eye stone from the men's f/w 05 collection:

they had two diffferent stone options - tiger eye and snowflake obsidian. i was lucky enough to snap one up as only 3 of these made it to Australia (or so i've been told). this year, LV decided to release the obsidian again and i was sure as hell won't miss out again. so here it is:

the black & silver goes very well with my Larry

i really love them and LV should make some more. maybe with lapiz lazuli or rutilated quartz perhaps?

Feature Bag #5: TaÏga Viktor

it's time for me to feature another bag from my collection. this month, i present to you Viktor:

This is from the Taiga collection of men's bags and accessories. Viktor has a special spot in my heart beacuse it is the very first bag i really lusted over. Originally availabe in Epicea (evergreen), Acajou ("cashew" ~ burgundy) and Ardoise (slate grey/black) colours, the Taiga collection is LV's first ever collection dedicated entirely to men. Back in the days when all i wore were black and silver metal (the height of Tom Ford's aesthetic reign), the Taiga Viktor in Ardoise was just the perfect bag for me. The subtle cross-grained calfskin leather is complimented by the brushed palladium hardware that makes these bags quite understated but still oozing class and sophistication. This particualr model has a distictive and unusual elastic band closure also seen on his Monogram Abbesses and Damier Bastille cousins. It sports an adjustable shoulder strap that goes right around 3/4 of the bag, a zipper back pocket, 2 open pockets under the flap and another zip pocket inside. Dimensions: 13" L x 11" H x 4" W. RRP: AU$1680.00.

Feature Bag #4: Defile Liege Fantassin Satchel

this month i present to you my Fantassin satchel:




this is from the men's 2001 Fall/Winter "Liege" (Legionnaire) show collection

which had a very strong military influence and it is evident on all 3 bag models made for this line. the Fantassin - it means infantry/foot soldier in French - is the smaller of the two satchels produced. the collection is constructed from the finest black (i've also heard there's a deep army green colour) boxcalf leather, the very same leather used in classic Hermes Kelly bags. and it is complemented by solid brass hardware with an antiqued finish to complete the look. this bag's relatively small size, understated style (ie: barely noticeable LV) and unusual but secure closure has made itself very indispensable and highly dependable..... definitely one of my faves.

Comments

>Gordie
Hihi....i have never seen this bag before, was this only offered to VIP's ore was it an "invitation only" purchase?? I really like it!!
18 July 8:39 PM
(http://gordonqian.spaces.msn.com/)
> deluxeduck
it's a men's runway piece just like the Tobago bags this year. but this was a couple of years before the Murakami/Multicolour craze... when LV popularity was not as widespread. that's why it's relatively obscure. sometimes people think it's fake. i just laugh.
18 July 10:16 PM
(http://deluxeduck.spaces.msn.com/)

new LV trinket

lately i've been wearing this charm necklace almost everyday:



it is from the current men's Spring/Summer '06 runway collection.




that odd-looking charm is a silvered coral branch and the other is an LV-inscribed rare ebony pendant. i first saw pictures of this from the "look book" way back in January. i immediately asked to be put on the waitlist. disappointingly, i missed-out. fast forward a few months later while the parentals were in Vienna attending a conference. i asked mum to keep her eyes peeled for this necklace just in case they still have them over there. and just my luck they did!


YAY for J!!!!



PS: it goes very well with my tiger's eye ring no?


(from the men's F/W'05 collection)



i can't wait for summer!

Feature Bag #3: Ouvea Carryall

its been a while since i did one so today i present to you....

my new Ouvea Carryall

isn't it a beauty? my newest and least conservative piece to date. sorry kids, daddy's got a new no.1 fave. i instantly fell in love with LV's new chain pattern since i first saw photos from the Spring '06 Men's show.

the Carryall is the latest soft-sided luggage they released this Spring. it is also available in luxurious Tobago leather and classic Monogram canvas. but this new model combined with the rather obscure Ouvea canvas = INSTANT HIT (in my books anyway). this strictly limited Ouvea line is constructed from a whipcord-like canvas with a Monogram chain jacquard pattern and tanned leather handles and trim. and like my Keepall50, i also had my first inital heat-stamped on the luggage tag:

it's just the perfect everyday bag when i need to lugg around a pile of texts and my tiny Powerbook. i still can't get over how beautiful the chain pattern is. it is very different from the usual LV monogram and i really like the retro feel of it too. a guaranteed head-turner.

I LOVE IT!

specs:
- Ouvea canvas collection - men's Spring/Summer 2006
- limitation: 100 pieces (?)
- vegetable-dyed tan leather trims
- polished brass hardware
- terra-cotta canvas lining
- 2 lateral pockets, 1 interior zipped pocket
- brass padlock, keys and matching luggage tag and handle keeper included
- dimensions: 41w x 31h x 28d
- retail price: AU$2,080.00

Excess Baggage

here's my scandalous LV Collection pic:




im still very flattered some rogues spent time and energy talking about something they consider too pathetic when they could use it for things heaps more worthwhile. thank you =)


posted as a reference for lovers and haters alike. enjoy!



Comments
> YiKa
wow...
30 September 11:06 PM
(http://dorayika.spaces.live.com/)

>Michelle
Wow.. Very impressive collection!
I found your blog through your livejournal (which I found through the louis_vuitton community). I've gotta say you are one lucky man. I wish my husband approved of LV. But then, we'd have to have a massive bank loan approved ;P
Ah well, I can live vicariously through your blog. :)
14 June 5:51 PM

i've been cheating

though i am a certified LV maniac, i am not brand exclusive. since last year, i've become a member of the extemely insane Balenciaga bandwagon. and i have these triplets as proof:

(l-r: black, taupe and ebony)

i just LOVE its very relaxed casual style. and the distressed goatskin is the supplest around. it feels like my grandma's skin. i'm so fond of them, i have 3...... and counting. and i must confess: lately, i use them more often than my LVs. if Balenciaga hadn't produced the Men's Day bag (formerly known as Sac Messenger), i would probably only be silently admiring these now legendary bags from a very safe distance. Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquière certainly made his name with these motorcycle inspired line of leathergoods. and everybody thought nobody could top the LV Multicolour craze three years ago (still not a fan).

now that i have all the "safe" colours covered, im ready for (as a friend suggested) some punch. im thinking of either the new tealy-blue (avio), deep violet (ink) or oxblood (bordeaux) colours they have for 2006:

and maybe a grey Weekender (aka Voyage) as well. yes folks.... the duck has caught the B* bag bug too.

my LV holy grails

some would think that i should be very satisfied with my LV collection. but there are still those very elusive pieces that i just have to have. the harder they are to get, the more i want them. here are the top 4 pieces on my LV dream list. some are almost impossible to get, but miracles do happen.

Monogram Graffiti Keepall in khaki:

i wasn't interestd in them when they first came out in 2000, thinking it was tantamount to sacrilege of an established classic. i also thought the graffiti print was too fleeting i totally dismissed it as another short-lived trend. years later i realized i was sooooooo wrong! i totally get it now. compared to the extremely trendy pieces that they have made since then - Rob Wilson flouro, the Thedas, etc. - the Monogram Graffiti has now become a collector's must-have. especially now that the artist Stephen Sprouse has passed away.

Conte De Fees Beggar's bag:

i thought this collaboration with Julie Verhoeven was amazing! probably the most imaginative runway piece LV has produced so far. i appreciate the hard work put into designing and producing these bags. and i just love the idea of showcasing all of Vuitton's materials in a very retro 70's feel. the Beggar's bag model is extremely rare. i heard only a hundred were made in each of the 3 colourways made. besides the khaki pictured, there's also black mono satin and a grey mini mono and each colour has a different patchwork image. unfortunately, Australia only got one of each and i missed out. i want it so much, i don't mind begging! ~lol~

LV DouDou Mono Velour Teddybear:

i rang my LV boutique as soon as i saw the runway photos, i desperately wanted one that i just have to inform them of my serious interest. initially, i was told that it won't be produced. that it was just a runway novelty. i was a bit deflated, thinking it was such a cute idea and a definite collector's investment piece. but when it was confirmed that it will indeed be produced, i was told that the bear would have problems with Australian quarrantine because of the traditional woodshave stuffing it contains. but for approx AU$1600++ i was more than willing put out. but as fate would have it, it wasn't meant to be. now it is commmanding double or triple price on eBay. but i will remain optimistic.

Monogram Tapis (carpet) Cabas:

to me it's the ne plus ultra of all the men's Vuitton bags to date. this AU$20,000 (approx.) bag is impossibly unattainable for mere mortals like me. but it was love at first sight. i have been told that the carpet material was hand-knotted in Turkey and is trimmed in brown ostrich trim. only one of these bags made it to Australia. my SA told me it was a very rich couple ordering it as a graduation present for their daughter (that bitch!) grrr..... i'd swap my entire LV collection for one of this. it'll be my signature bag for life.

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

Comments
> Suisen
Actually in relation to the Conte De Fees Beggar's bag, have you checked out the my poupette sellers on ebay?
I live in Sydney so it's pain getting my hands on limited editions.
I've seen the musette from one of the sellers I've purchased from,
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Auth-LOUIS-VUITTON-Conte-de-Fees-Patchwork-Musette-MPRS_W0QQitemZ160126978600QQihZ006QQcategoryZ63852QQcmdZViewItem
28 July 2:08 PM

Feature Bag #2: Monogram Glacé Ray

well, probably the ONLY other person reading my silly blog have been complaining that i haven't been updating it with new entries. so i now bring you my second feature bag:

the Monogram Glacé "Ray"

the Ray is a small pouch that one can attach through a belt (preferably the matching "LST" belt in glazed cafe leather). the compact but terribly handy size just fits a packet of cigarettes, a small coin pouch, my keys and a tiny mobile phone with space left for a rather narrow pair of sunglasses. just perfect for days when i don't feel like carrying a bag but still need something to contain all my daily shit for me. i am a big fan of the Monogram Glacé leather mainly because of it's sombre and quite understated qualities. it is the men's counterpart to the women's Monogram Vernis line of embossed patent leather. here, the (in)famous Louis Vuitton monogram is embossed onto rich, dark coffee-coloured glazed calfskin. the effect of the glaze would only be evident after several uses. as your hands continually rub the surface of the leather, it eventually gains a very smooth and shiny patina. another reason that i will shamefully admit to is that i LOVE the scent of the leather! it always seem to have this new tanned leather scent to these bags that i just find irresistible.

specs:

- monogram-embossed glazed calf leather

- colour: café

- brushed palladium zipper

- rotating belt loop

- dimensions: w11xh14.5xd4.5 cms

so there you go, my second feature bag. i hope you like it too.

j

Feature Bag Premiere: Monogram Laser Clarkson

during one of my frequent musings, i thought of dedicating an entire blog featuring one bag from my humble collection. i'll be singing it's praises, talking about just how wonderful and special the materials and details it's got and every other bit and piece i could think of. so here goes....

LV Monogram Laser Clarkson

ever since i first laid eyes on this bag, it has been at the top of my wish list. it has just the right size and shape for casual days or a bit more dressed-up days too. plus it's black! it is quite rare for LV (or Marc Jacobs' design team) to churn out black pieces as brown is the house's signature colourway. the style of this bag recalls those old vinyl airline flight bags of the 60's or 70's - yet another reference to Louis Vuitton's association with the glamour of travel. this bag debuted on the men's 2002 fall/winter runway collection with the introduction of a brand-new material: Monogram Laser. this ultra fine calfskin is laser-etched with the company's (in)famous monogram pattern in outline. although quite subtle, the very supple Nappa leather is still distinguishably LV. this is probably Marc Jacob's first use of the monogram pattern on a new material/application specifically for men. this particular piece has become more significant for me because i bought it for my 25th birthday. and it has a very special standing among my collection.

specs:
- laser-etched monogram on nappa leather
- men's f/w 2002 show collection
- dimensions: w26xh28xd10 cms
- 2 exterior pockets; one zipped, one open
- black powder coated signed hardware (zipper pulls, buckles and feet)
- zip-up top
- slate grey Alcantara suede interior lining
- patch pocket and a mobile phone pouch within
- adjustable shoulder strap.

initial thoughts

i just added and edited my "Hit Lists" and my, aren't i obsessive! it's 1:56 am and im still awake. tut-tut... but im still enjoying this newfound blog site. and it works. YAY!.

ok dD... time to get your ass off the chair and get ready for bed!

a little Gucci quandary

ok so here's the thing.... my current obsession is for a Gucci man-tote. it's the perfect style and size for an everyday tote and the price is not bad too. considering i originally wanted a

LV Taiga Kasbek GM

or Utah Mohican

which costs more than double of an all-leather Guccissima tote. and the handles of these LV totes aren't as comfortable. so i crossed the street to the Gucci boutique and saw the brown GG coated canvas tote

and brown Guccissima tote

on display. they were perfect! then i also discovered a blue GG coated canvas tote

and a black Guccissima tote

version while browsing the Gucci website www.gucci.com too. im leaning towards the blue GG as i think blue leather would go with either brown or black shoes&belt - being a stickler to coordinating leather goods. the problem is that it's only available in America

i don't know if it's still worth the extra $$$ for shipping plus the hassle an American friend would have to go through to buy it for me. now if i went for the blue leather trimmed tote, i might as well get the blue Guccissima loafer

to match!

OI VEI!

what to do? what to do...? (besides getting a life of course)

well, here goes...

everybody else is doing it so why shouldn't i? (it's the little in me emerging). i would like to think im smart and witty enough to mainatain my own blog with - what i think - worthwhile crapulence. i don't even give a shit if nobody reads this - it's all for my own amusement. there's no better person to talk to than myself. *schizoid alert!* but i know deep down, im too vain to not care hehehehe...

so this space is all about ME ME ME ME! and other people that revolve around planet dD. (geez... i seem to churn out very old cliches. brain don't fail me now!)

aside from the regular verbal diarrhea i freely lash out about life, people im unfortunate enough to encounter and share it with, and all other niggly bits that just complete my day, this blog will be my little personal shrine - to myself and all the material things i hold so dear of course.

my long enduring obsession with luxury items especially Louis Vuitton, Swatch watches, fashion, 20th Century design, modern art and most recently Swiss timepieces will be the bulk of what i will be discussing. these are obsessions of mine that i like to maintain and indulge myself in.

so to whomever's reading this, better be prepared for silly, superficial musing of a extremely materialistic bastard.

cheers!