Clients can let their creative juices run wild as leather bespoke bags can be personalised in over 1,000 different combinations. Bid on-line at Sotheby’s for a one-of-a-kind Peekaboo bag; A clutch of 10 iconic creatives including  Tracy Emin,  Zaha Hadid and Adele have collaborated on each of their personalised unique bags with the auction closing May 30th. All proceeds are going to worthwhile vulnerable children’s charity Kids Company. The covetable bags are on display at the new Bond street shop.

The Fur Room upstairs is not to be missed. This handmade fur coat below took over 300 hours to make in Fendi’s Milanese atelier which sits above the studio of the historic brand. Head designer and creative director Karl Lagerfeld has worked at Fendi since 1965.

Fun Fact: The German, black-gloved designer owns a cat named Choupette, which he, apparently,  said he would marry if it were legal. This coat below could be the perfect stocking filler or Valentine’s cadeau for Choupette – in extra small, of course.

And for the nature lover, don’t miss  ‘Palm Tree’, a striking stainless gold steel and bronze sculpture by Franco-Russian designer Maria Pergay. The leaves are made of different shades of green leather. The shop is full of stunning sculptural pieces and furniture.

Leaving Fendi (which isn’t easy), take a ten minute stroll to the new Duke Street Emporium concept shop, combining the high street with the high-end,  as Jigsaw and sister boutique Bluebird merge into one cool shop. I was tempted by  these Lucy Choi  black sandals. She is the niece of Jimmy Choo and offers a luxury look that doesn’t cost the Earth.

Also tempting is this rare Levis jacket with 1960’s Liberty Dove silk. Mick Jagger wore this silk when he married Bianca. The jacket uses up the last remaining piece of the famous fabric so it’s precious, reflected in its  £3,000 price tag.

The shop is fun to browse with books, magazines and art installations. Enjoy some delicious coffee and a ‘pulga’ or flea in Spanish, a mini-brioche sandwich at the Fernandez & Wells coffee bar with outdoor tables.

Now stroll (avoid crowded Oxford Street and walk east via Brooke Street) to the new  Tumi flagship shop on Regent street. Modern, upbeat American designer Jonathan Adler has collaborated with the luggage maker on these vibrant wheelies.

May, 2014

The post Fabulous Fendi, Duke Street Emporium and Color Me Tumi appeared first on Elena Bowes.

February, 2012

The post A Trip to Rwanda with Women for Women International appeared first on Elena Bowes.

“I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.” Buddha

The above is, unsurprisingly, one of Scott Neeson’s favorite quotes. Neeson gave up his top job in Hollywood,  moved to Cambodia and set up the Cambodian Children’s Fund. I interviewed him for Indagare .

February, 2012

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