The piece to covet.
A NEW ERA OF PREP
Turning old-school preppy into power collegiate style
Trust Hermès to breathe a touch of je ne sais quoi into something old-school. Named after Émile Hermès’ third daughter, the Simone is a leather carryall that evokes the book straps of the early 1900s, the turn-of-the-century era when students carried their textbooks with a leather belt and slung them over the shoulder. Unlike its predecessor, this thoroughly modern bag features three storage compartments and an innovative sliding strap that lets you carry the bag over the shoulder, in the crease of your elbow or even as a wrist strap. Made from Barénia Faubourg calfskin (which is more scratch-resistant but just as exclusive as Barénia calfskin, one of Hermès’ original saddle leathers), this mild-grained leather piece will achieve a gorgeous patina over the years. This is how you do collegiate nostalgia with a masters in international style.
■ The Simone bag is $17,300 and is available at Hermès, #01-02A, Liat Towers (Tel: 6738 9807).
BY DEBBY KWONG. STYLING: MIAKO KATOH. PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP FRIEDMAN/ STUDIO D
