Elite Traveler November-December 2015

DISCOVER

50 elite traveler NOV/DEC 2015 ISSUE 6

Red crocodile mini Peekaboo with 182 stunning rubies. $102,800

Blue crocodile mini Peekaboo with 723 sapphires and emeralds. $158,900

Culture of collaboration

The fashion industry has struggled with cultural appropriation in the past, so the collaboration of Valentino creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli with Canadian artist Christi Belcourt is encouraging. Of Métis descent, Belcourt’s art is inspired by the beadwork she saw growing up. Her painting Water Song , on show at the National Gallery of Canada, was incorporated into Valentino’s resort collection. By respecting Belcourt’s heritage, Valentino sets the bar for the fashion industry. Dress, $18,000, valentino.com

GEM OF A BAG

Following its haute fourrure show at the Paris Couture collections, Fendi continues to redefine luxury. The Gems collectionmakes the iconic Baguette andmini Peekaboo bags evenmore sumptuous by crafting them in crocodile and adding bejeweled hardware. The closures are made of pink or yellow gold and set with precious stones – rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds – which complement the color of the crocodile and the leather lining (green for the blue, pink for the red). Available through the Fendi boutiques’ made-to-order program. fendi.com

STEP UP

The wildly popular Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandal has been given a unique spin. The limited edition Swarovski crystal pavé collection can be customized. Select the two colors and pattern (polka dots or chevron), then dance away. From $2,265, stuartweitzman.com