Hermes Alfred

I have mentioned over and again that a backpack should never become the bag for a professional adult. I know it is convenient but it makes you look juvenile, let alone taking up the space of another human being in a crowded area such as in a train, so it makes you self-centered too.

Hermes proves yet again that it knows best when it comes to understated classiness. Following the success of the handsome Steve, Alfred, the younger looking brother, not only is equally handsome but slightly more compact and lighter as well. It is lined with canvas instead of leather like in the case of Steve and trims the price down by about EUR800 compared to Steve to EUR3,650.

By the way, there are a lot more affordable options besides splurging EUR3,650 to look classy and professional (not to mention considerate). Any decent canvas or leather messenger bag or a briefcase is already way better than a backpack, even if it comes for free with a purchase of your notebook.

Image is courtesy of Hermes

Cartier Saddle-Stitch Line Document Holder

Briefcases symbolize business, which means serious stuff and they are generally very rigid and rarely considered as beautiful bags. Then again, there are always exceptions. I have been in love with Cartier leather goods for a while now. My beautiful billfold wallet is still as pristine and smells as great as it was on my first day of purchase while my sister’s blue cardholder has received way too many compliments for its timelessness and beauty. I just could not take my eyes off this document holder when I first saw it and it has been lingering on my mind for a while now. Every detail of this bag whispers luxury and while it is as rigid and serious as a briefcase could be, the beautiful details just do not take compromising. The bag also comes with a detachable strap and includes a padded compartment for laptop. This goes directly on top of my love list. Price is USD2,200 excluding taxes online and is priced at SGD2,810 in Singapore.

Image is courtesy of Cartier

Gucci Foldable Business Portfolio

This is something unique, simple, functional and stylish all together. It is a clutch when it is folded, it is a briefcase when not and if you push the handle down flat, you get an oversize clutch, which is very trendy with guys in Milan at the moment. Three styles in one bag is a rare thing for Gucci and for the first in a very long time, I see a little Hermes-like creativity with Gucci. Price is SGD2,600 if you order it from saks.com but should be over SGD3,000 in Gucci stores in Singapore.

Image is courtesy of saks.com

Burberry Prorsum Envelope Briefcase

I am still swooning over Burberry bags so pardon me for the repeated posts on Burberry for the past one week. You should however understand why this one has to be featured. Look at this classic inspired briefcase. They just do not make men bags like this anymore nowadays, especially in full alligator skin. Price is SGD35,995. Yes, it is overpriced even for a bag of this caliber of class and beauty.

Images are courtesy of Burberry

Burberry Textured Alligator Tote Bag

The runway bags line up in the men’s Burberry Fall/Winter 2011 collection is super luxurious with mouth-watering choices in alligator skin in beautiful colors. Look at this vertical tote and you know what I am talking about. This tote is available in this classic color called clay and burgundy. Price, on the other hand, is 5 bucks short of SGD34,000. That’s right – it reads SGD33,995 on the price tag.

Image is courtesy of Burberry

Louis Vuitton Portfolio Bag

In the spirit of men rocking portfolio bags this season, Louis Vuitton has introduced one of the most beautiful options for Fall/Winter 2011 in a new leather called Indra. Bear in mind that this is calfskin, NOT elephant like what the texture might suggests (which is a relief, to some extent). I think this is the best and most luxurious new material Vuitton has come up with for the past few years. Vuitton will be releasing this clutch in a few other materials, including the classic Monogram canvas and the smooth calfskin. Prices TBA.

From the classic line-up, the Taiga Minuto portfolio has actually been around for a while now yet underrated. Price is SGD1,900 in Singapore and is available in black and brown.

Images are courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Gucci Personalized Classic Duffel for Men

Fresh from the Fall 2011 collection, the classic duffel bag from Gucci bears your own personalized initials. If you think about it, what is so luxurious about putting someone else’s initial on a bag that you pay a few grands for? The new vintage-inspired collection of bags from Gucci sets to change that and put your very own initial on instead and this duffel is clearly as timeless and classically handsome as Sean Connery or Clarke Gable. Price is USD2,580 from saks.com.

Image is courtesy of Saks

Holidays 2008 Gift Ideas for Gentlemen

Buying a gift for a man is supposed to be simple but could be tricky if you do not know the basic rules. First, unless you make decisions on his wardrobe and know his sizes by heart - shirts, belts or shoes are risky choices. Second, unless specifically requested or needed, avoid electronic gadgets such as ipod or mouse as they are just too easy. Third, stick to his basic needs such as work bag, town bag and wallet. Last, set a reasonable budget and pick the category accordingly before looking into options within for the item. The last one is far more important for men gifts as the options for each category are more limited and prices start higher. 

From top rown, left to right:

Work Bags: Cole Haan Leather Briefcase (USD225), Prada Saffiano Leather Top Handle (USD1,160), Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Briefcase (USD1,760)

Town Bags: Coach Quilted Nylon Messenger (USD358)Prada Nylon-Suede Tote (USD995), Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Sac Bosphore (USD1,230)

Wallets: Coach Embossed Leather(USD148), Giorgio Armani Croc Pattern (USD275), Gucci Leather (USD350)

Images are courtesy of coach.com, saks.com, eluxury.com, bluefly.com and barneys.com