Accessories Accede: What’s in My Chanel Python Sac?

Q&A in Helsinki, Finland 

Tell us the decision on the use of python sac. 

Since May 2019, as it had become too increasingly difficult to find exotic skins that met both the brand’s design and ethical standards, Chanel announced for no longer use of crocodile, lizard, snake and stingray skins on its collection. While Chanel headquarter in Paris demands to destroy all the exotic collection from stock, it would be a wiser decision to make the private sale offer to staff, therefore, the flap bag with calf skin as the major use of material, along together with python skin design on its double flap, shoulder strap and tip pocket has become my favourite sac in 2020. 

How to take care of the exotic leather product?

Avoid to have the direct contact with raindrops or snowflake, once it applies any, immediately wipe it off with a piece of cotton cloth, or simply from a sleeve as a quick remedy. Dodge from the direct sunlight, and storage the exotic sac in a rather dry and cool cabin/wardrobe before spray a thin layer of COLLONIL waterproofing. Besides the felt bag, place a mini portion of desiccant inside of the sac. 

✔Sexy Look enzyme moisturizing facial mask, without alcohol nor preservatives, its jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3 & B5, cheery, blueberry and mulberry ingredients penetrate the facial cuticles and promote the metabolism. Made in Taiwan, it is the perfect package to carry during the long haul flight, or a lovely treat to friends as souvenir. 

✔Chanel silver slim wallet in caviar leather in size 19 cm is compactable to insert any size of bank notes and credit cards. The front pocket is easy to inset a movie ticket or store coupons, as well the coins inside of the slots. 

✔As known as Yolk Bro, Gudetama (ぐでたま) is the popular Sanrio cartoon character by Emi Nagashima (永嶋瑛美) . The name Gudetama is formed from ‘gudegude’(ぐでぐで) which is used to evoke the impression of laziness; while the word ‘tamago’ (たまご) means egg in Japanese. During Chinese New Year I always love to surprise myself at Gashapon store by tweaking a new Gudetama capsule toy for the good luck. In 2020 my new collection is a coffee cup decoration, that Gudetama lying on the egg white, yawning for the boredom of his daily life. 

✔JUelry brass ring is my new year favourite on fingers. Founded by Tiffany Juu,  the Taiwanese young jewelry designer combines vintage elements with modern style, inspired by the poetry from Taiwanese anthropologist Yang Zhou(楊照) or the novels from Haruki Murakami’s (村上春樹) Kafka on the Shore, the collection from JUelry owns the touch of art nouveau, the smooth curves with expression of vitality of growing plants. 

✔Chao & Eero Bubble pearl rings are customized delicates. Chao moved to Lahti from Taiwan, established the studio together with Eero, the couple designer adapt Japanese freshwater pearls and 18K gold to forge the minimalistic but highly luxury jewelry.

✔Kyoto crafted beauty brand Yojiya is always elegant. Founded by Shigeo Kunieda in 1904, its instant facial wash, powder papers and natural spray are my all time necessities. Travelling in Kyoto in September 2018, the mini hand mirror is now become my major accessory on yet another journey.

✔Dior Long-wear Eyeliner/Eye shadow #060 in silver flake sparkles on the edge of eyelids, together with Diormania edition of its Forever Couture Perfect Cushion #02. Created by Dior image director Peter Philips, the foundation provides a matte finish along with 24-hour hydration, and acts as a form of skincare. Its formula has been infused with wild pansy extract combined with a moisturizing agent, as well as rose fruit extract that helps diminish enlarged pores. The case arrives on a stylish coat to extend the Dior Oblique retro jacquard canvas, its slim silhouette inspired by couture monogram pattern. From my great courtesy to dear Sonia, who is always helpful on the tips at Dior Backstage. 

✔Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet No. 3, mascara #90 Noir Khôl, and La Base mascara are the essentials during travel or shopping. At Helsinki duty free, Chanel NO.5 mini twist eau de parfum with 7ml is 2019 Christmas limited edition, though the formula of NO.5 is still a rather stronger onto my skin, but a single spray during the long haul fleet shall be quite pleasant to employ.

✔Victor & Rolf FLOWERBOMB voluptuous body cream performs very well as hand cream, its 15ml is light and indispensable on the go. 

✔IPHONE is no doubt the daily need. I still keep my Taiwanese mobile numbers for the convenient contact with my family and friends during the holidays. 

COLLONIL is officially recommended by CHANEL repaired centre Le Meux.

COLLONIL

JUelry

YOJIYA

Tea Time! Ladurée Crystal Violet Petals, Mariage Frères Earl Grey & Bavaria Scherzer Tea Cup on Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! In Finland it is more of a celebration between close friends or beloved members. By invited to a meet-up event from Institute Français de Finlande at night before 14th, the surprise treat, petals de violettes naturelles cristallisées from Paris Ladurée, wrapped in a crystal-clear packaging tide atop of a baby pinkish ribbon, makes the Valentine tea time more alternatively inviting. 

Originated from south of France, Crystallised violet petals, or called violettes de Toulouse, are approximately 2-5mm in size, made of sugar, natural violet flowers, acacia gum and natural colourings. Still commercially made in Toulouse, that hot syrup is poured over the fresh flower (or the flower is immersed in the syrup) and stirred until the sugar recrystallizes and has dried. Violet petals can be nibbled on as they are, or used to garnish cakes, while recommended as perfect for popping in a glass of champagne or sparkling wine. Still, the intense violet scent conjuring up with earl grey tea and Jules Destrooper butter waffles, are the perfect finishing touch to French-style teatime. 

The choice of tea on Valentine’s Day is Mariage Frères Earl Grey French Blue. I’ve been always fascinated by the various flavor of Mariage Frères during the duty at Louis Vuitton, and finally purchased at Nice Airport duty free. The high quality of Mariage Frères tea bags rely on the use of original French cotton muslin sachets, allow China black tea, velvety bergamot, cornflower and royal blue flowers to give out the sweet and rich aroma while pouring 90’c simmering water. Founded on 1^stJune in 1854 by brothers Henri and Edouard Mariage, before the tea trade and tea salon business, Mariage brother began voyaging on behalf of the royal court in 1660: Pierre was sent to Madagascar on a mission for the French East India Company, while Nicolas made to Persia and India before being named part of an official deputation sent by Louis XIV. 

For the teacup, I love to discover a bargain at local theft stores or at Retro & Vintage Expo in Helsinki. In total 3 EUR for a set of 12 pieces of China bones, engraved with lily in pastel grey and deep purple hues, while bronzing the edges of the tea sauce, Bavaria Scherzer teacup collection is a surprise discovery. The firm was established in Rehau, 1880 by Johann Nicol Adam Zeh, in 1910 it was transformed into a limited company Porzellanfabrik Zeh, Scherzer & Co. A.G., and exported over 70 percent of production to United States, while Bavaria Scherzer ceased its production of porcelain in 1992. My collection of the trademark, at the bottom, without ZEH, lists SCHERZER BAVARIA GERMANY, with a royal crown above the text. 

For the additional snacks at French-style afternoon teatime, Jules Destrooper waffle cookies with natural butter and sugar from Belgium, is my all-time favourite, with Wilkin & Sons honey and raspberry jam, they are balancing the strong taste of Mariage Prères black tea. Since the petals de violettes naturelles cristallisées from Paris Ladurée are in hues of pink and purple, a touch of Mozart chocolate balls, with folio-wrap details of copper gold and burgundy red, and the Japanese sushi-shape lollipop are very welcome on the setting of photography. Valentine’s Day major theme doesn’t always have to stick with poppy reddish: while violet, pink, grey and gold can altogether compose la petite chanson d’amour. 

Special Thanks: JFB

MARIAGE FRÈRES
LADURÉE