In a While, Crocodile

As we walked down flashy 5th Avenue last night and ogled recession/reality-proof window displays, my friend Rosangela said that her one pie-in-the-sky fashion purchase would be a Hermes crocodile handbag. It turns out that a Hermes bag is no point and purchase item. Each bag is handcrafted skin to final stitch by the same skilled craftsperson. With hundreds of man hours required and only the most precious materials used, the bags are slow to arrive to any purchaser. Wait lists are notoriously long and prices are super-pricey. The luxury bags are serious business.

Well, at least Rosangela will have plenty of wait time to save up the few thousand the bag will cost her. Good things come to those who wait. And save.

On Lak Down

Indian model Lakshmi Menon is bringing her Bangalore beauty to the mainstream. Fresh from recent ad campaigns for Hermes and Givenchy, Menon had a busy Spring show season, marching the runway for Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartney, and Vera Wang among others. The recent October issue of French Vogue made good use of the model's angular, tough girl features by casting her in an opulent hip-hop themed editorial shoot styled by Madame Carine Roitfeld herself.

While her exposure is increasing, Lakshmi's no beginner. She's been modeling for over six years and already sees right through the fickle business. Her aspirations are more financial than fame-based. She admits she's posing for the handsome salary and fully intends to leave modeling for a more meaningful career in the future. For now, enjoy the view.

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