Last week, a friend of mine showed me her new Birkin bag size 35 in exotic leather. Yes, the queen of all bags. Yes, the devious neon orange box. Yes, it worth more than my car. It's a pleasure to see my friend in her happiest mood. I had the opportunity to observe up close and touch the texture of the exotic leather. It's more structured and majestically glossy. I still remember the moment I saw this bag in a tabloid magazine back in my middle school days. It always become my top favourite until today. Let's talk about Birkin Bag by Hermes.
Top celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Kimora Lee, Naomi Campbell, Rachel Zoe, Lady Gaga, Miranda Kerr are among who are have been spotted fashionably with Birkin Bag.
The history behind this bag was it named after an actress and singer, Jane Birkin. Jean-Louis Dumas was seated next to Jane on the flight from Paris to London. He was the Chief Executive of Hermes. Ms. Birkin's straw bag contents fell to the deck. She explained to Monsieur Dumas that it had been difficult to find a weekend bag in leather that she liked. Monsieur Dumas created a bag special for Ms. Birkin based on an 1892 Hermes's design. She quotes "What's the use of having a second one?" She laughs. "You only need one and it busts your arm; they're bloody heavy. I'm going to have an operation for tendonitis in the shoulder" Since then, this devious bag has become an icon around the world.
Hermes a brand from France is famous with their handmade creations and well-expert artisans. Saddle stitching was Hermes's signature. An average a Birkin is created in 48 hours or more depends on the customer demands. Each Birkin bag is hand-sewn, buffed, painted and polished. It takes days to finish it beautifully by Hermes's craftsman.
The Birkin bag prices range approx. from MYR 60K up to MYR 500K depending to colour, hides material and hardware selection. It comes in range of sizes with variety of leathers. A Birkin is in 25, 30, 35, 40 centimeters. You can choose your bag hides in calf leather, ostrich, lizard or the expensive saltwater crocodile skin.
For those who don't know, Birkin bag that has Shooting Star stamp are Paris Made in France and Horse Shoe stamp represent a Birkin with tri-colours combination. In year of 2010, Hermes announced that waiting list are no longer exist. Now, every Birkin admirer or regular customer can purchase their Birkin bag little bit easier. Maybe in future I own it too in exotic skin, fingers crossed. I would like to see Birkin in White Fox Fur in size 25 for next Hermes Winter Collection.
What I love about Hermes that they really taking care their quality and exclusivity. The simplicity with classy touch on each of their designs really catches my attention. The codes on the strap lock are representing year the bag made and your own personal craftsman that create your bag. If it needs repair or maybe reconditioning; bring your bag to your nearest Hermes Boutique. The codes will help you to identify your craftsman. That little details makes Hermes very special from other brands. The heritage on their timeless designs proves that simplicity always win and Hermes will stay strong until to the next generation.
* Photos source from
Curated Editions KL. For further information how to purchase, visit Curated Editions KL website
www.curatededitions.com
There's a time I would like to be away from high end brands and luxurious things and search via internet new brands from young talents. Yes. As we know, well-established brands has their own signature touch and marketing targets. It may come with "a price." But not all can afford to purchase that kind of price tag for a bag; especially the teens. Buying fashion through online is a big trend of today's world. It's more convenient and cheap. 
Recently, while I surfing my Instagram I accidently found 2553. 2553 is a designer brand from Thailand by young Thai talent. I did try to search further information about this brand. Sadly, there was no website to refer but 2553 do have Twitter, Facebook and Instagram account. Based from their information 2553 have booth branch in Kuala Lumpur at PUBLIKA. For those who are interested you can purchase 2553 bags through their Facebook page facebook.com/2553malaysia or contact LINE username 2553my and wechat username malaysia2553.
Most of 2553 bags are handmade and cater the best for their customers. 2553 production were very limited, per design is using high grade artificial leather. Through my observation 2553 suitable for young trendy circle in age of 18 to 30 and above. From their duffle bag, clutch, messager bag, tote, chestbag and briefcase really catch your attention. The sleek shape blend with sporty worth to have it in your closet. Little splash of bright neon or play camouflage can be interesting as your work, gym or travel bag. Don't worry most 2553 collection are unisex, durable and eco-friendly. Plus, it's affordable. I, myself want to purchase their briefcase, duffle and tote bag to add on my bag collection. 
On the 24 of July 2014, been reported that Hermès officially named Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski as their Artistic Director of Women’s Wear. The former "The Row" design director previously worked with Céline and Maison Martin Margiela team before working with the Olsen sisters. Congratulation and all the best. I'm glad that Nadège were now with Hermès after replacing Christophe. With passion and hope, as a fashion lover I would like to see something different from your designs. To Christophe, all the best in your label and up coming designs. Can't wait to see more your collection.
Last June, once again I've been invited to RJ Couture and JKhan fashion show for Raya Collection preview hosted by Datuk RahmahJan Sulaiman Khan. I've received my invitation card after I'm back from Kuching. It been awhile they didn't come out their latest collection and I'm wondering what will they present on that night. Datuk RahmahJan and her sister Zubaidah collaboration in their designs is a perfect combo; famous with French lace, sparkling semi-precious stones and high quality fabrics in each of their designs. I managed to watch how they work at their beautiful atelier back in 2011 and I feel blessed to get the opportunity. They are the ones taught me well about fashion. It is my biggest hope that Sabah will produce more local designers with international flair in future. 
As stated on the invitation card dress code for the gents in black tie attire and ladies in glamorous dress. Honestly, I'm not good on that part. I just follow the flow and wear what I have. I don't even have the mood "dress to impress". The event was on 22 of June and held at The Magellan Ballroom, Sutera Harbour Resort in Kota Kinabalu. I arrived to the event with my two friends Ms.Shafferra and Ms.Sharrona . Both of them dressed up accordingly with their own style. I love the details on Shafferra's dress. She wore a fitted dress in heavenly lace with white sequins. The dress itself is a stunner. Sharrona wore a fitted black dress that compliment her curvy figure. Simplicity always win. Three of us step in to the ballroom earlier to avoid the crowd and search our seats. The ambiance inside the ballroom was okay and well managed arrangement. The backdrop all in black surround with lush red roses and bold centre stage are perfect. I love the table setting; simple yet elegant. The event started around 8 PM after the arrival Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun. The ballroom fully packed with beautiful ladies and dashing gents. It was a fun evening to observe and admire the guests attire. There are few catch my attention with style and few appeared interestingly funny.
RJ Couture and JKhan presented their 60 latest collections including few leather bags. It was a successful show and excellent collection. Most of the designs suitable for in the age of late 20's to late 40's. I love the fabrics that they choose. Simple clean cuts yet pure elegant in each of their dresses. The bag collections are the charmer of the night. It's on trend. The colours, shape and texture simply perfect combination. Yes, most of the guests give their positive respond. After the fashion show, Mr. Sam entertaining the guests while enjoying their gourmet meal by Sutera Harbour Resort's top chefs'. Huge surprise birthday cake by Datuk RahmahJan to her elder sister Zaharah and special appearance of Malaysia's Jazz Queen; Datuk Sheila Majid. An extra highlight for the night. The event ended with big applause and happy smile with RJ Couture paper bag in their hands. 
