ONE THE leading names in leather goods for men, Berluti recently celebrated the official launch of its flagship boutique at Central Embassy by flying in its master shoemaker Patrice Rock to demonstrate the craftsmanship of French style shoemaking.

The opening party was hosted by Pranapda Phornprapha, director of House of Patina, the official importer and distributor of the world-renowned brand.

Since 1895, Berluti has cultivated its own unique style by bringing together audacity, fantasy and classicism. The brand, which is now part of French multinational luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, believes that expertise in shape, leather patinas, fabric selection and precision of cut are the signatures of the ideal male wardrobe.

The brand has been making shoes for the elegant man since it was founded and has been built by four generations of shoemakers. The Duke of Windsor, Jean Cocteau and Andy Warhol were amongst the brand’s A-list clients.

Its story began at the end of the 19th century, when 30-year-old Italian Alessandro Berluti, brought his creative energy to Paris in order to practise his craft as a master shoemaker. He named his first model, a lace-up shoe, after himself, Alessandro, and the House took his surname, Berluti. Since then, every generation of the House has cultivated exceptional savoir-faire in the mastery of form and working with leather and patinas. The result is models that are incomparably elegant and comfortable as well as representing a certain art de vivre and distinguished character.

The new boutique reflects the customary Berluti decor where the cabinet of curiosities meets the gentleman’s club. Traditional materials in contemporary configurations are accessorised as urbanely and impeccably as the House’s best customers in an easy blend of leisure and sophistication. It’s quiet but luxurious with classical material choices, of which smooth wood, warm brass and leather furniture are the mainstays.

The wooden floor laid in a traditional herringbone pattern has been given a modern twist with oversized blond-grey planks. Plaster walls are hand-finished in a warm-grey tone to evoke the subtle effect of natural stone. Display fixtures combine vertical slabs of onyx, smooth grey-lacquered shelves and hand-polished bronze frames. Even the cashier’s counter is elegant made from Portoro Gold marble, the intense black marble unique to the Mediterranean. The look is as masculine as it is discreet.

The new boutique displays the complete lifestyle range of the House including shoes, leather goods, amongst which are the bespoke Alessandro Berluti shoes, the lace-up dress shoe made from a single piece of leather with no visible stitching. Also available are the Un Jour or Deux Jour briefcases in Venezia leather with scritto, and fast track sneakers.

MUCH-LOVED Italian high fashion women’s clothing and accessory brand Miu Miu is strengthening its presence in Bangkok with the re-opening of its prestigious boutique in Siam Paragon, the first destination in Thailand to introduce the new concept store.

The re-imagined store has a total surface area of approximately 140 square metres and is dedicated to the display of accessories, bag, shoe and ready-to- wear collections.

Testimony to the constant evolution of the image of Miu Miu, the iconic golden damask fabric is now created exclusively for the brand in harmonious light blue. Both ceiling and floor are in this same shade creating the effect of a monochrome box, at once intimate and contemporary.

Walls are entirely covered in blue damask, punctuated by display shelves in the same material, and by floor-to-ceiling mirrors while the floor is carpeted in light blue creating an opulent and coherent aesthetic.

But, of course, the real belle of the ball is the new Miu Miu collection, which portrays the glamour of day and night.

Evenings take on a relaxed note with post-after party sneakers and slippers while daywear in denim and jersey becomes elegant with the memories of the dresses of the evening before: feathers, crystals to wear with high heels and tennis socks.

The great new elements of the season are the long film star gowns in couture fabrics such as satin, duchesse satin and animal-print jacquard trimmed with feathers and coloured marabou, or in nylonette with a frill and Chantilly lace on the hems.

Other evening dresses are enhanced by Swarovski crystals and 1960s’ geometric elements but those who want to go against the long evening dress trend can instead opt for A-line mini-tunics and the mini-skirts. Glamour also trickles down into the nightwear – the baby dolls are decorated with contrasting feather trims and all-over embroidery.

The counterpart to night glamour is a sporty feeling presented in the techno-jersey suits with contrasting details. Denim pieces represent daytime with pastel shades, a bleached stone-washed effect in oversized jackets, high-waisted micro-shorts, mini-jackets, and 1960s’ baby dolls with contrasting feathers on the hem. Multi-coloured prints are printed on white denim patches with the Miu Miu logo. The idea of the “mini suit” is also presented.

Bags take their cue from hobo, cacciatore, and travel. Cleo bags are offered in “diamond” versions while Mini Bags and small funny accessories to wear on the shoulder link to the themes of the jewellery.

This is characterised by the presence of watches, and giant pearls with macro strass crystals worn together with necklaces.

Sandals and shoes recall a 1970s’ aesthetic of glamour with absolutely feminine lines such as jewel chain detail, a hint of Swarovski and a bow, paired with Plexiglas wedges. The 1980s’ touches are also presented with the use of sequins, embroidery and leopard lam fabrics.

The motto, “Everything is inspired by something else”, has always been the heart of Boyy’s designs and creations.

The designers, Wannasiri Kongman and Jesse Dorsey’s live close to Chinatown and set out to find favourite Chinese restaurants in every destination they visit, experiencing both the integrated culture of American-Chinese fare such as the fortune cookies and takeaway noodle boxes.

The designers’ inspiration combined with their fascination for the mysterious Chinese lifestyle and culture has resulted in Boyy Bamboo Den, the world’s first Boyy official pop-up store. The oriental elements are brought to a fantasised interpretation enriched with clean and minimal details, creating a surreal splendour in the heart of Siam Paragon. The store will be in operation until January 28.

On sale is the new and exclusive Cruise 19 collection and special Colour Block handbags that have been well received since their first appearance in the previous collection. The colour selections range from tones suiting the cruise theme to Boyy’s all-time favourite hues, matched with the new Plexiglass Buckle, and the return of the popular Metal Buckle both in gold and silver.

Bamboo Den also offers an exclusive customised station where customers can enjoy matching handbags with customised buckles in new materials. Customers will be able to select the colour and finishing of the buckles on such iconic designs as Bobby, Bobby 23, Devon, and Karl.

To celebrate the holiday gifting season, the store also has a range of small leather goods to snap up as presents.