New Olympia Le Tan 2012

After much waiting, humming and haring and since the busy Christmas season, I've been clamouring to get my hands on the latest collection from Olympia Le-Tan- unfortunately that would require the saving of some hundreds of dollars all to get my hands on smart clutches with French seams, made by hand in the image of books. While I haven't been able to do that, that doesn't mean I can enjoy all the new colours and fonts Olympia has created with the help of sister Cleo from their small studio in downtown Paris. With the end of another season of work on my hands and little money saved for the maturing of my term deposit, I could certainly do with a drink myself; were it not for the fact that that too would incur a monetary fee.

For a single title within this new collection there may be one or two different covers but the unifying factor amongst all the minaudière is the sweet contrasting fabric linings from Liberty, a London label, on the inside. While I do like the triangle and circle motif of the second design, my favourite amongst the Alcoholics Anonymous title is the first with it's large scrolling pink font and the use of a beer bottle overshadowing a person's escape. There's really strong metaphoric implications to the Le-Tan designs that I treasure and the shade of hot pink used in the first image featured heavily in this Pre-Fall 2012 collection.

It's curious that a designer recycle titles and designs in such a way but it really does show how clever Olympia Le-Tan is to incorporate the titles of great books and classic novels long since past and make people enjoy and think about literature again without the presence of some sort of technological app or Kindle e-reader. Some designs can have such detail and are like tapestry work or tableaus reworked in embroidered needle and others can be so simple such as this copy of 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath. The only work I am familiar with of Plath's is the bee box- something written before her suicide; I loved the poem for its strength and emotive language and some of the dark metaphors used for the simple insects.

From the host of images on the Olympia Le-Tan website there seems to be a heavy use of felt in blue and yellow all of the same shades- while previous designs in all their glory had also been added for collectors to pour their eyes over I feel a little let down with the lack of colour amongst this particular colour. Of course I have been in an eclectic mood as of late and going through a range of emotions and experiences; perhaps it's just my inner reflection that feels the need to have variety in colours and designs in collections too. However, the simple font and felt work of 'Despair' really does emphasise the use of brass fixtures and fittings to the side of each and everyone of the book clutches produced. They may cost a pretty penny but there really is no expense spared in the materials and design of these lovely clutches.

While this  reworked book cover in minaudière form of 'The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson' seems plain at a first glance, Olympia Le-Tan never fails to satisfy when it comes to pairing wonderful and intricate designs and front covers with gorgeous patterned linings in a variety of rich colours. It must be my associations with the yellow leaves, which seem to resemble wheat to me, bringing back stories of farmer George and common folk. I'm sure that poetry of any notoriety is far from common and I hope I find a little more time to myself to read some of these books during my semester break from university. The wonderful thing about the Le-Tan sisters using old novels as inspiration for their line of accessories is that they have a wealth of designs and ideas at their fingertips and are also increasing the general public awareness of books and stealing the spotlight from e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle. There's something so good and wholesome about feeling worn and yellow pages in one's hand and feeling words some alive- not that there's anything wrong with online publications and websites...

Pallets within the cyan, yellow and magenta scheme seem quite prominent within this new lot of minaudières and I can't really say that I feel as inspired by them compared to other designs that Olympia and her sister Cleo have put out. The shades have this sickly sweet appeal and remind me a little too much of painting nurseries- I'm more happy to see the dark and brooding nature of substance abuse and feel the need and urge to become darker myself rather than a book titled 'Doctor Happy'. I can only hope that the true copy has a little more texture behind it and there are dark secrets contained in the original. To coordinate such an oddly coloured thing would be a steady challenge I'm sure a true fashion blogger could only be more than happy to rise to.

While I did feel quite content throughout high school to learn an Asian language, I do wish I was able to speak French now since the Le-Tans frequently model some of their clutches on French novels. Their studio is located in a Parisian lane way, so it's only fitting they bring some multi-cultural splendour to the rest of us. If only I could be bothered to read any books at all and further my vocabulary- alas, I've been busy reading biology peer-reviewed articles for my latest essay venture. Somehow, institutions such as school and universities suck all the fun out of books and find extraordinary means of making them boring again. It's a good thing clever French designers are more than happy to breath new life into the pages of books through the use of felt, embroidered thread and amazing techniques.

Of course it seems common place for any medical book or that of First Aid to include a red Swedish cross- and for the simplicity I think this little clutch in felt really hits the spot. This intermediate shade of red/pink felt featured quite heavily in this new collection, something that immediately captured my imagination. On another note, First Aid Kit are a sweet Swedish band that I fell in love with yesterday, discovering I had a podcast of on of their songs and realising that Urban Outfitters are currently selling the LP vinyl release of theirs'. The punchline is that I now know of two first aid kits that make me feel better in times of trouble and when I'm feeling blue.

Of all the wonderful traits of the Le-Tan minaudière range and small little bags is the precision  of which she uses felt and stitched detail to create such images in a fine illustrative manner. I myself find attention to detail very promising and intriguing and am vaguely familiar with the techniques that would be involved in creating such pieces. As a perfectionist there's also the strong identification with the perfection and high quality of this pieces. Olympia and Cleo have really given birth to a fantastic label and live the life I never had the capacity to imagine.

For the minimalist in all of us I recommend the simple titles in a bold colour with neutral background and sweet embroidered motifs- it makes the whole design and extraordinary box shaped nature of the clutch scream out for attention. Although I am much more keen to get my filthy mitts on the most extraordinary and unique designs the Olympia Le-Tan range has to offer, I still enjoy the simple pleasures of admiring these titled covers. 

It's the fine details of a blackened outline to create shadow on the title that captures my imagination, as if the motifs of stethoscope and ancient glass bottles weren't enough to make you swoon. If only I had managed to live by the title and ethics of this book, I could practice Medicine and exploit the Masses in order to earn buckets full of money and therefore afford such wonderful book clutches. I was approached just yesterday by someone hoping to sell my home-made clutches in the mode of books but I am a fashion label snob if there ever was one. I wouldn't feel content buying fake Yves Saint Laurent Arty rings so I bought two real ones, Cambridge Satchels in vibrant and bright colours are next in my sights and I'm keen to get my hands on a wristlet failing a minaudière from Olympia Le-Tan. It takes a lot of money for someone to have such brilliant taste in fashion...

For someone who got their start in their early twenties at Chanel, I have to say, Olympia must be into some very wordy books. There's many old collections featuring heavily in the field of medicine and biological advancement from past centuries and the kitsch colour combinations, as seen here on 'The Doors of Perception' has such a strong 1960s atmosphere to it. The sharp elipsal shapes make an interesting contrast to the shades of pink, mustard yellow and pea green.

The 'Sense and Nonsense in Psychology' clutch may just be my ticket into tricking the world into thinking I'm Greek- that bold and confrontational eye which seems to peer into the very depths of your soul... The thought to buy some evil eye jewellery has been playing on my absent mind for a number of yeas but I don't imagine I'd wear it as often as I would intend to. Perhaps carrying some medial and scientific material with me in the form of a slick evening bag would also elevate my social climbing standard and make me just that more of a pretentious socialite (something I am oddly aspiring to at the moment).

The most fantastic Italian spiderweb earrings in gold would feature so well with this clutch- since my neck of the woods is in for three Friday 13ths and Halloween I suppose I should put together an outfit in advance. Given an ideal sum of money to create the fanciful outfit I'd splash out on this minaudière from Olympia Le-Tan, get the earrings and a large and matted fur coat to attach fake spiders to. I strongly believe in working to a theme when my mind is up to the challenge and I'm sure for a wonderful outfit post I'd be willing to temporarily overcome my arachnophobia. If not, I can muster some fake spiders from pipe cleaners for the purpose.

Extracts from The Olympia Press

Were it not for my busy and demanding study schedule of university life I would have every intention to learn to knit or to pay someone to knit a cute and kitsch jumper with my name on it. The red jumper named 'Olympia' was made by the artist Olympia Le-Tan's mother for her sweetheart and works well with this wonderfully subversive image. Use of cheery reds in gingham and knit as well as the felt headband (also made from the Le-Tan studio) complements the childish youth and bright-eyed exuberance displayed by this youth. But the wild eyes in pale green/ grey, blue dyed tongue and motif of pills on the 'Valley of the Dolls' clutch held offers a refuge of darkness. I wish there were more images in this manner used to advertise the collection of Olympia, not that there's anything wrong with the current online store presentation. I think I just prefer to see how these wonderful creations can be incorporated into outfits and the luck and advantage of certain children over myself.

Sisters Olympia and Cleo pulling off sweet chic 1960s flair with high raised bangs on the forehead, hair scarfs as well as gorgeous looking evening coats. If I were the sole creator of such magnificent accessories, then I'd show them off in public as well. The reason I want to have two daughters is exemplified in this photograph- the two seem to be the best of friends with matching styles and red lipstick. Ideally they would share clothes and be two halves to one whole (oddly enough I don't want twins).

As well as the creator of many finely stitched accessories and tidbits, it appears from the Olympia Press Tumblr that there is also avid collection and collaboration in their own comes of curiosities worldwide. I believe the flag to be French but there's also the purchases of Korean stitched pencil cases and 'My Neighbour Totoro' curiosities speckled about the place.

As wonderful as it is to see Le-Tan book clutches used in fashion shoots and editorials, I can't help but more from this. The use of black dress and matching accessories was far too safe and the makeup too safe. I lust for something more dramatic and spectacular, such as the first image of sweet and sugar-weened child posing a kooky pose with wild-eyes.

A girl dressed like she's straight from a fairy tale should only be reading the stuff of fairy tales and cheesy romances. Midi skirts that skim from between the knees and ankles seem to be the most popular this season in patterns both new and old. What's appealing about this photo is the sickly sweet candy tones about the whole image and the swirling braids atop the models hair like small sandcastles.

My mother as of late has been watching many an Agatha Christie murder mystery and Poirot- it must be the melting pot of strange, foreign accents and a good gory murder that entices her. If I were more generous and had the money to splash around I would love to buy her this. On the basis of, if she rejects the gift I will be more than happy to adopt the poor darling.

Early in the Le-Tan past there were gorgeous swirling scrolls of parchment in pink and blue with horrible curse words. This is something that I would love to try for myself were it not for the fact that I constantly worry about offending people around me to the point where they beat me up. Again this is my dark and subversive self creeping out from the dark and dank pits of my stomach. If I ever find the time for myself to be kooky and crafty again I should try something similar for myself in the way of ferrying heavy textbooks from home to campus.

My favourite Frenchies of the last year have been two kinds of Olympias; Olympia Le-Tan who creates minaudières and Charlotte Olympia who gives birth to the most wonderful and creative heels you will ever clap eyes on. Pictured above is what I believe to be, Olympia Le-Tan's apartment featuring a mouth-watering assortment of heels featuring cats as well as her own fluffy feline. Anyone who likes cats in my books must secretly be a superhero and ignores all James Bond logic. I was absolutely ecstatic when I discovered that the Le-Tan's had cats and they also bought shoes from the prestigious label, Charlotte Olympia.

Despite all the eclecticism of adopting other original illustrative works, I'm impressed to see a collection and cohort of the minaudières made with fine French standard and common threads throughout. Each piece is made lovingly by hand using a pinch of fairy dust and ground unicorn hair to make them look as splendid as they do. While I do love each piece I pour my eyes over like an individual child; I really would love to claim ownership over the bottom right clutch in red and random spread of letters spelling Olympia.

Vintage Chanel from Amélie Boutique

Amélie Boutique is a great online shop that offers a variety of clothing, jewellery bags and shoes and even three gorgeous vintage Chanel bags in pristine condition. I've seen some great Chanel bags from the online store Claire Inc., but never have I seen such quality in the leather. The bags they're selling certainly don't come with a second hand price tag, costing some thousand and a half British pounds each- it's not really what you expect from seeing the words 'vintage' and 'heriloom' but then again the condition is as new, the leather not cracked and the metal plated chain is still completely intact and not showing any signs of wear at all.

 

Beggars can't be choosers when it comes to the vintage market unless you have a lot of cash to mindlessly throw around, in which case you'll have your pick of the litter and get to afford the cream of the crop. There are quite a few lovely Chanel pieces that come online on eBay as well but nothing to this quality and standard.

 

I don't know who in their right mind wouldn't love to flash around a Chanel handbag and keep them cooped up in a wardrobe all day- bags this lovely were made to see the light of day and enjoy the sun! Still, for the person who did choose to hoard away their Chanel treasures, it leaves the people of the present to enjoy the lovely colour of this brilliant Chanel quilted hand bag and the plated gold metal chains without any wear at the corners. When I search around for vintage pieces from high end fashion houses such as Chanel, I'm usually trying to find bags and accessories that are more within my price range as opposed to browsing around their stores in person. You'd have no such luck with the same philosophical approach if you bought a vintage Chanel bag from Amélie Boutique.

 

One of the most gorgeous and my favourite structured bags from Chanel for its vintage design is the bucket bag you see before you with drawstring cord, a leather strap threaded with a gold chain and rich black tassels. This photograph shows off the texture of the leather and how it's survived the test of time with tender love and care and those gorgeous tassels. I think I'm a sucker for just about any vintage Chanel bag as long as it has some tassels attached to it. As well as the tassels of this bag sitting at the top are thick gold charms too with a quilted effect and the iconic double C logo of Chanel.

 

It's sort of been my dream bag hiding in the back of my subconscious for a number of years now but I'll probably never be one of those girls who walks around and everyone is dying to find out who she is. No- I'll be the girl sitting behind her computer screen feeling content for the next number of years as she passes her way through university and trying to transfer into Melbourne University and realise her childhood dreams which now seem impossible. At least for the time being I can go to the library and read copies of Vogue, books of cheesy romances as well as enjoy free wi-fi and indulge in glorious things I'll never be able to buy. If I were a Buddhist I would be the worst example and leading a life heavily influenced by objects and possession but fortunately I'm not that way religiously inclined.

By Monday I have Satchels on my Mind

To appease the bag-loving demon which seems to have possessed me I tried to do a paper round in my local area but when told it would take about 1.5 hours, I didn't expect it to take 6 so I'm chucking it in! My motivation for the whole ordeal was reminding myself of all the lovely bags I can still buy with 50% off when my Pos card is still active as well as the Deadly Ponies line which I'm stalking all over the Internet. I found some lovely vintage finds from a store- but I need to save a little money too to appease mother. At the moment I'm all over vintage especially leather satchels and since I can't afford the Cambridge Satchel company satchels I'll get my hands on the bags and book bags we have in store at the store I work at. They're all so lovely, I wish Thursday would come already and I could collect my pay!

While I know I should stick to simple brown leather I can't help my mind from wandering  to other main colours with trims of leather on the side such as this green satchel above. I like the vintage element amongst all the casual clothing- kept alive with the clasps of the satchel as well as black sheer tights. I'm looking for something with a little more width and size to in in preparation for university- while I'm not an art student and don't have to struggle with a large black folio to carry around I always feel better knowing there's a lot of space available for me to write and carry books. Mother really wants me to get a laptop since I type 'like a speed demon'. Ta mum.

While I know the feature is something I probably won't prescribe to using, I love seeing the top handle included on a cute little satchel. It adds a little more character to a piece and reminds me of businessman briskly walking towards train stations as well as kissing their wives on the cheek before heading off into the 9-5 grind that will surely crush their souls and make them feel dead on the inside. While all that imagery I have painted for you is a little morbid, I guess it makes me nostalgic and feel like I'm playing dress-ups like when I was a little girl.

The best finishing touch for a satchel would be a little golden clasp all shiny and bright like the one pictured but it seems that satchels with two dangling straps are all the rage at the moment. Still, I have faith in the treasure trove of vintage and if I can't find a lovely piece cheap I know of plenty of sites that resell vintage gems at a price.