Imelda Marcos is a Man

What is it with men and footwear?
Since times gone by shoes have been a status symbol. Is this still true today? In roman times, for example the patricians wore red sandals as a symbol of their cast. Today a man will be perfectly comfortable in rags, as long as he has great shoes. Regardless of cast. He will unabashidly glance at his feet, admiring his purchase, congratulating himself on his taste. Even the least coquette man will take time to choose the perfect pair, the one that represents his personality. Once this perfect pair is found, it may be bought by the dozen- perhaps quantity reinforces character.
Men will also sneak a peak at other men's feet. Appreciating (or not) their style. Fathoming the wearer's social level or taste. This is permitted, as opposed to belts for example. Never have I noticed a man checking out another's belt. This would be totally inappropriate. So what is it with this particular accessory?
After asking a few of my friends to explain this conundrum, their immediate justification is "craftsmenship". Followed closely by "but, don't they look great?!". So why use technicity as an excuse? Why not just say : "I saw them, I loved them, I had to have them".
Could it be that shoes bring out the vulnerable side of the male gender? The irrational part of themselves? That checking out another guys feet means reassuring oneself that other men are vulnerable too? That this whole status symbol business is just a ploy to hide a deeper illogical desire? Sounds like there is more yin in the yang than they will admit.
On a more serious note, the 90's trend in casualization of the male wardrobe and it's effect in the workplace resulted in the complete reviewal of male behaviour towards "la mode". Whereas before "the great shoe" was exclusively purchased at bootmakers (quality and "savoir faire") today style is also taken into account. This has prompted luxury fashion brands to offer a wider selection of men's footwear collections, adapting their creations to todays many social situations. Driving shoes, weekend loafers, sporty lace ups. To every situation it's shoe. Even though clothes may not be of a particular brand, men will pay a good penny for a well-shod foot.
Guys just admit it : you feel pretty in those pumps.

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THE BUZZ

Shhhh, it's confidential!
Legrand 1894 : all I have been able to find on this company is an immense pedigree of a father to son successful, yet provincial tailoring business. A background filled with princes and duchesses and a so called piece of haute joaillerie called the "Wells Bells" (yes, as in the hawaiian flower) so confidential that it remains a mystery.
Apparently Legrand 1894 is continuing the tradition of trinkets and has put a 250k€ watch on the market the "Gala GLX" - the summum of haute joaillerie. A stunning event in Cannes this year marked it's release. I didn't attend - then again, I'm not in the watch business.
The press release did not mention anything about swiss craftsmanship, or double tourbillons. These marks of technicity generally take years to develop, with budgets of millions of euros. Communication strategies tend to be big, when a project is that pricey.
I'm not a jet setter either. Another reason of me not being invited. The baroness U v G was however. Obviously I couldn't get a background on her either. The tales told by attendees are related on blogs or public forums.
Clients or former employees of this company have commented in discussion groups (mainly in reaction to books about embroidery or a public tv show, which I couldn't find) but they all date from march-april 2006. Basically they all defend the values of this great "maison de couture". Funnily enough some of their phrases remind me of the press release ( "auguste maison").
So, the secret prevades.

Is this a tremendous marketing ploy? Has someone created "THE BUZZ"?

If so, bravo! It is working. I just spent 4 hours researching a 250K€ watch, that is so confidential even major publications haven't picked up on it.

AND I STILL WANT TO SEE IT FOR REAL!

Legrand 1894

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Ziggy Stardust meets Cerruti

Private equity fund Matlin Patterson Global Advisors announced it's buyout of Cerruti - all activities (Fin.Part) on the 1st of August 2006 (Agence France Presse - Paris). No figures where mentioned.
Names where dropped however. New PDG Philippe Cleach and Artistic Director Nicolas Andreas Taralis (x Heidi Slimane and Helmut Lang assistant).
I can't wait to see what this urban warrior inspired designer will do to the overly classic Cerruti image.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis

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What's "holiday" to you?

Did you know there is a Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg Germany ? (yes - the same place as VW biggest manufacturing plant)
According to WOWtravel this destination is the N°1 on their "7 sensations - macho" packages. You combine a B&O furnished presidential suite stay with the pick up (from a 20 storey high tower) of your brand new car.

WOW travel

Now, to me, this is a complete nightmare holiday.
1. I'm not a macho, so I really shouldn't be picking this package.
2. Sound is not vital when I picture my ideal time out. Bang&Olufsen should be left at home.
3. I'm scared of hights. 20 storeys of cars piled up freaks me out.
4. Travelling to pick up my new car seems pointless. I prefer having things delivered.

According to estimates by the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) - the largest global trade event for the luxury travel market (next edition 4-7th of december 2006 in Cannes)
ILTM
- the top 3% of travellers in the world spend 20% of the total tourism expenditures. With baby boomers set to inherit $3 trillion each year over the next ten years, prospects for this travel sector are excellent.
In a time of consumer coddling the perfect holiday is not just about cushy *****+ hotels anymore. It's about dreams coming true. And dreams come in as many forms as there are topend globetrotters.
For some it's about pioneering. Heisting a 10kg backpack up some hill/mountain and having the distinct feeling of being the first tourist to have scuttled that stiff cliff.
Himalayan Kingdoms
For other's it's about exclusivity. Privacy in all things including the pool. In one deluxe hotel in Indonesia, the pool is private but the bathroom is outdoors (Amanjiwo resort Borobudur).
Aman Resorts
Responsibilty and ecology may be high up on the list for another category of travellers. Kayaking in asian rainforests, meeting "Bud" the Orang Utang.
Responsible Travel
Luxury travel can also be all about the cultural experience. Opera, private museum visits, elite dinners.
The Holiday Planner UK
Some prefer pampering. Spa's and ethnic massages served with hand picked fruit platters by smiling, caring staff.
Raffles Hotel Singapore

For me it's simplicity. Farniente, Food and Family.

What have you been dreaming of?

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