Luxurious touch
Celine sends out a beautiful Fall 2015 limited edition handbag collection
THIS SEASON Celine presents a small collection of bags crafted in natural calfskin as part of its leather goods offering.
This raw material requires exceptional care and handling, and four bag shapes were chosen to be made in this very special and discreetly luxurious hide.
The iconic Luggage and Belt bags as well as the new Sangle and Tab bags are well suited to the classically elegant appearance of natural calfskin.
The barely visible grain and refined texture of the hide, coupled with its unusual density, positions calfskin at the very highest end of leather craft traditions.
Sourcing alone is a rigorous process requiring keen attention to detail as only precise selection ensures that the finest Swiss hides, free of scars and tiny blemishes, are chosen.
It is for this reason, Celine calfskin bags are limited in number and will not be widely available.
As for the tanning, it takes place in close proximity to the Celine handbag ateliers in Tuscany where traditional and exclusive techniques are used.
The leather is then shaved, drum dyed and fat liquored with water resistent oils, all of which contribute to its soft and supple touch.
In contrast to more processed leathers, finishing is minimal, allowing natural calfskin’s organic qualities to shine.
Each hide is simply polished with waxes free of synthetic resin or dye and colours are sheer, restricted to warm and earthy tones of taupe, tan, khaki and burgundy.
With time and use, natural calfskin becomes slightly glossier and more pliant, developing a wonderful luster.
Signs of wear and tear only add to the charm of each individual bag, and in the end, no two of which are ever quite the same.
The unique and rarefied qualities of natural calfskin coupled with its treatment using time honoured methods and the touch of the human hand, makes it perfectly aligned to the values of the house of Celine.
The Celine Luggage, Belt, Sangle and Tab in natural calfskin combine functionality, comfort and ease with beauty and uncompromising production values.
Designed to stand the test of time, these beautiful leather bags will remain classics for many years to come. — THE popular Japanese casual summer kimono has been reinvented for a modern wardrobe. Uniqlo’s 100- percent cotton yukatas feature both retro and modern designs inspired by the late artists Yumeji Takehisa and Junichi Nakahara.
From the works of Takehisa, a master painter who blends Western style and classic Japanese tradition, the fabrics include designs of roses, polka dots, chameleon plant flowers and other patterns.
Fashion designer and illustrator Nakahara, however uses retro Japanese- style patterns such as plum blossoms and dahlia, as well as simple designs and colours in a modern style.
Comfortable and cool, yukatas were originally worn after a bath or to sleep, and later developed into everyday clothing. In recent years, they have come to be associated with summer fashion in Japan, often seen at fireworks displays or festivals. – Uniqlo’s yukatas for women and girls are now available exclusively at the brand’s Fahrenheit88, Mid Valley Megamall and 1 Utama stores. Visit uniqlo. com/ yukata/ my to learn how to wear a yukata.