Vuitton Family, 1888

When Louis Vuitton founded his maroquinerie label in 1854 on Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris he knew how to make a good travelling case.  This is proven in durability and by the fact that most of the cases, even the earliest examples, still stand the test of time. And, just as well, the ethos of handmade luxury, that has slowly faded into a seemingly prehistoric notion, has lasted too–leaving the Vuitton unprecedented in the integrity of its craft–even through corporate mastication, mergers, and a platform in the publicly traded market. The Louis Vuitton label has had its own history in China too–in an age when the orient was a universe away from its Parisian base. In 1931 the Croisiere Jaune expedition led 40 men to drive 12,000 km from the Mediterranean coast to the China coast, following the footsteps of Marco Polo, was outfitted with Louis Vuitton trunks. And even further back to the 1907 Paris to Peking expedition when members struggled against temperatures as low as -30 degrees in cars outfitted with Louis Vuitton trunks. On view now until August 31 at the National Museum of China in Beijing, ”Louis Vuitton Voyages” explores its own history and tradition since its inception as well as celebrates the label’s place in Chinese culture.

Frames by Oliver Peoples designed in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the release of the literary novel written by Harper Lee in 1960–inspired by the signature optical frame worn by Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch in the classic film To Kill A Mockingbird. www.oliverpeoples.com

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Check out the Pas Un Autre store! Each tee ships with a gratis copy of Pas Un Autre Quarterly.

SHE WAS A BITCH, but the camera loved her.  To most of the western world she was the antithesis of the modern American woman of the 1960s: brash, outspoken, and domineering.  Regardless, Madame Nhu, who died only a few days ago, is and always will be an icon of the 20th century. Like a dagger in a sheath ready for murder, Madame Nhu was not at all sartorially oblivious.  With her extremely tight fitting dresses and deep necklines, diamond crucifix necklace, bouffant hair-do and perfect eyebrows, photogs ate her up. She could’ve been a member of an all girl doo-wop group – one of Phil Spector’s protégés.   But beyond the surface, Madame Nhu has always been embroiled in heated political environments and this time it would spill over with incredible vengeance and blood. (READ MORE….)

Folded cap: Tan ponyskin, Scarlet leather, Bright yellow silk under peak, Silk lining

If there was ever one thing I would take with me when I die it most certainly be my hat.  ”Live your life, do your work, then take your hat,” Henry David Thoreau is oft quoted.  From biblical times to the 21st century – we have always worn a cap upon our weary pates. The eternal chapeau! A true, refined wardrobe is never complete without a proper cap. Some of our most everlasting cultural icons are not complete without it. Moody & Farrel, based in London, is a totally unique, millinery worthy of some attention. Moody and Farrell just released their Autumn/Winter 2011 collection – “Inspired by the Powell and Pressburger film, ‘I Know Where I’m Going!‘, [and] the Scottish highlands’ rich colours and shapes. Materials are diverse- from oak (sounds heavy. Isn’t) to wools and leathers.” Pas Un Autre got a chance ask Eloise Moody of Moody and Farrel a few questions about her beautiful, often times surreal, but completely wearable creations. (READ MORE…)

Light wood and elastic: shoe designer Nicole Brundage’s line Acrobats of God Spring 2011 collection. www.acrobatsofgod.com

La petite mort, French for “the little death”, is a decidedly poetic metaphor for an orgasm. The question of capturing “the elusive substance” in a bottle, much less a scent, seem’s daunting.  With his first foray into perfume, such was the task for Marc Atlan, an art director for clients such as Comme des Garçons, Yves Saint Laurent, and Tom Ford. So how do you capture that moment of climax? You don’t really.  You create a conceptual representation, which in and of itself, if you have ever had an orgasm is a pretty intense.  With the rise of artfume, a term I just coined,  more and more perfumers are exploring and inventing wholly new, post modern twists on the classic eau de toilette. Think M/Mink, a line of perfume with the scent of Korean calligraphy ink. According to Petite Mort: “…its a scent based on the paradox of impossible ephemerality.” Only 100 bottles of Petite Mort (Parfum D’Une Femme) is available in bottles designed specifically designed and numbered.  www.petitemortparfum.com