Feature Bag #16: Monogram Black Valisette MM

this month i present to you my Valisette MM from the Monogram Black Collection, F/W 2001:




i may have just crossed the line with this one since its actually from the women's show where the colour black dominated. here are the runway shots:


(l-r: GM, MM, PM)

and they were also featured in the F/W'01 ad campaign:


(MM left, GM right)


but just looking at it, who would know? it actually looks quite unisex. the size is just right too. not too small to be mistaken for a handbag, but not big enough to be a suitcase. i just wasn't sure about the rounded corners at first. but im very happy with it now. here's a size comparison with my Epi Larry briefcase* (Men's A/W 2004):




its the perfect, compact, hard-sided and lightweight case to use as a diagnostic kit:




this "little suitcase" is lined in luxurious black silk and trimmed with polished silver hardware:






the Serrure "S" lock ties this modern Valisette to the traditional hard-sided suitcases the house is known for. i love it.




but what exactly is Monogram Black? do not mistake it for Monogram Glacé or Monogram Mat. the only similarity is the embossed pattern on fine calfskin. Monogram Black doesn't have that metallic sheen as seen on Mat. nor is it the same as Monogram Glacé because the leather is slightly grained and it wouldn't attain that mirror gloss patina Glacé is famous for. its actually closer to the smooth leather trim on black Epi or Taiga. here's a close-up:




seen enough? ok, one last look:




mmmmm.....



runway photos courtesy of Style.com; ad campaign photo from Google Images.