JOURNAL OF A
LUXURY LEATHER BRAND ESTABLISHED IN 2010
BY ITS GLOBETROTTING FOUNDER
BASED IN
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS MANUFACTURED IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA WITH
NOTES ON THE BRAND PHILOSOPHY
AND
THOUGHTS ON THE ECONOMY OF SOUL AND A BAG AS YOUR PERFECT COMPANION
From Bangkok to Amsterdam, from Cape Town to Paris I have been madly searching for that perfect bag. The one and only I could never be without; the bag that combines outward beauty and inner function, that is just the right size, able to contain all the necessities of modern life but without ever feeling crammed, and above all, always, elegant and stylish. I could not find any. So I decided to make my own. Luci’deMila is the bag born of that search. I call it the Perfect Companion. Whether I am travelling or living the big city life, it is the reassuring presence of My Perfect Companion that helps me deal with the transient challenges of my nomadic existence, and also reflects my enjoyment of the world. Lucy
It is better to travel alone than with an unsuitable companion
A worthy companion shortens the longest road
YOUR PERFECT
COMPANION
Stunningly beautiful Highly functional Timelessly elegant Blends with your body connects to your soul Its appeal only grows with age Simply the U bag
THE PRODUCT OF ECONOMY OF SOUL
Rich European heritage of leather craft Passion and dedication Traditional Values Highly skilled South African artisans Small scale production Limited edition Collection Empowerment of the local community
PURE LUXURY THAT’S
Unique Identity
MADE IN AFRICA
A fusion of diverse cultural influences African in origin; global in appeal
MAKING
A BAG IS MORE
THAN A
PRODUCTION
PROCESS
Bag Makers: Masnoena Allie Elvira Mentor Moerieda Bernard Machinist: Johanna w. Rossouw Ann M. Joubert Patricia D. Hendricks Cutting: Shaun van Graan Craig Bazil Cupido Haroon Adams Staining: Steve W. Heynes Zaid Halliday Quality Control: Moneba Samuels
BEHIND THE SCENES Each Luci’deMila bag is a unique piece crafted by the agile hands of dedicated artisans. Long hours of the utmost concentration and precision are needed to produce each unique piece - the Perfect Companion, the bag that will become part of your personal journey. Initially sketches are made carefully translating onto paper the aesthetic ideas we have for each design. These are then made into technical drawings to allow us to cut patterns. Once the patterns are cut, we proceed with mock ups of real bags to fine tune the proportions, the interior, and the final look. Throughout all these steps everything is meticulously done by hand. Luci’deMila selects only the finest exotic leather - Crocodile, Ostrich, Python and Lizard. All skins sourced locally in South Africa are produced under the rigid CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations, normally from either farmed or ranged animals. Every bag you buy has a CITES certificate to ensure that no skins of endangered species have been used. Exotic skins are completely unique in the size and pattern of their scales and quills, a characteristic which is reflected in the distinctive quality of Luci’deMila bags. The bags offer a striking contrast of textures enhanced by the use of different skins, a rich choice of colors and subtle detailing. The bags are either lined in raw silk, or in sumptuous suede. Created with love and passion for perfection,
Luci’deMila is the product of the economy of soul
YOUR BAG AS YOUR PERFECT
COMPANION
Ce qui importe,
ce n’est pas le voyage, c’est celui avec lequel
on voyage. Jean-Luc Gendry
WHAT IS A BRAND WITHOUT ITS MANUFACTURER?
‘Voyage au Cap’ is produced at the tip of the African continent by a small family run business, Cape Cobra. The business has a long tradition in the leather trade, inherited from their forefathers in the German town of Offenbach, known as “Leather city”. They have passed on their passion for quality and perfection to a new generation of African artisans, most of whom are women. Founded in South Africa in 1972 Cape Cobra has established itself as a manufacturer of high quality, handcrafted exotic leather goods. With a production line including skins such as Alligator, Nile crocodile, Ostrich, Lizard, Whip snake and Python it manufactures for the top international design houses. The exceptional level of craftsmanship draws on the founders’ tradition in this highly specialized art spanning more than five decades. The Bags made by Cape Cobra’s founder were worn by the likes of the Begum Aga Khan, the Rothschilds, Queen Elizabeth and the European high society.
Luci’deMila bags build on the rich tradition and reputation of Cape Cobra, taking the economy of soul further into the globalized world.
LEATHER Exotic skins -- Alligator, Nile crocodile, Ostrich, Lizard and Python- are used for luxury goods for their beauty and rarity. Of all the exotics, crocodile and alligator are considered the most luxurious. Ostrich leather is soft and luxurious. It is also a tough leather that keeps its good looks for many years. Its elegantly patterned texture spotted with the characteristic quill follicle polka dots is the epitome of restrained chic. The best quality ostrich skin comes from South Africa. Ostriches are sustainably farmed around the town of Oudtshoorn in the Eastern Cape province. There is no wastage in this farming practice, as the feathers are used both in the fashion industry and for making rather more mundane feather dusters. The meat is a healthy, lean alternative to beef and the leather is used for luxury goods. Ostriches are raised in the open with plenty of space in their natural habitat, and by their nature cannot be mass produced, adding to the exclusivity of their products. Ostrich bags really do last for years, long enough to be passed down to the next generation! A well-made ostrich bag can last on average 30 years, while the most you can expect from a calf-skin handbag is about 5 years of use. Ostrich leather is naturally water resistant, which makes it more hardwearing than other exotic leathers such as Crocodile and Python.
THE FAIR
CAPE
The Fairest Cape we saw in the whole
circumference
of the earth. Sir Francis Drake 1580
Inspired by the luscious colors of the Cape and the dazzling vibrancy of African art “Voyage au Cap� is a tribute to the spirit of South Africa and its warm-hearted people. Beautifully versatile, this collection is synonymous with lasting value and timeless appeal. The collection presents five unique fashion pieces. These include an overnight unisex bag, a business bag, stylish day bags and glamorous evening bags. Edited to perfection it is for urban men and women who appreciate classic design with a modern identity.
DOMINIQUE
VOYAGE
AU CAP
COLLECTION
BON TON
ASSA
ANDA
TAVIA
VENI-VIDI-VICI
SORTIR DU MATIN AU SOIR PASSAGE EN PREMIER SMALLS
DOMINIQUE “sortir�
32x18x5,5 cm
A classic frame clutch, it is a spectacular mix of colour and texture expressed in combination exotic leather (ostrich, croc and python). A detachable sling strap in two colors doubles as a bracelet. The clasp is in semi-precious South African stone in veined green. A perfect companion for a glamorous night out, it is lined in raw silk. The interior has utilitarian pockets and a carbine clip.
BON TON “Sortir�
22x11x9 cm
An exquisite bag, for a more formal occasion, which will never go out of style. Alternating ostrich/suede nubuck panels with piping in Lizard make up the bag. The flap magnet closure is trimmed in croc. A handbraided handle in matching lizard and ostrich strips is offset with 18 carat gold plated hardware. The bag is lined in raw silk.
ASSANDA “Sortir�
32x12x5 cm
A jazzy little black bag full of mischievous fun. Made in full ostrich, it has a pleated body with a braided wrist strap and button detail in contrasting colors. Lining in raw silk.
TAVIA
“Du matin au Soir�
30x13x16 cm
A practical satchel to take you from morning to evening without compromising your style. The cut out pocket at the front has a reversible panel in two different colours to create different looks. The bag has two sets of detachable handles with edge staining to match the reversible panel. The interior of the bag in soft suede, has utilitarian pockets and a carbine clip.
VENI-VIDI-VICI “Passage en Premier�
39x16x14 cm
A full ostrich trapeze shaped business bag with croc trim. Its utilitarian interior in sumptuous suede has a special quilted compartment for your laptop, a compartment for your A4 documents and also smaller pockets for chargers, cables, phone, iPod and anything else you decide to carry. It is quite simply, perfect for modern day urban nomads. A luxurious alternative to the conventional black brief case, this bag is a winner.
CITES REGULATION The premium quality exotic leather materials ostrich and crocodile are sourced locally in South Africa. All skins are obtained under rigid international ‘CITES’ regulations (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.) What is CITES? CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. All import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species covered by the Convention has to be authorized through a licensing system More on CITES http://www.cites.org/
POINTS OF SALE
SouthAfrica D e W a t e r k a n t (by appointment only) 43SomersetRoad 4thfloorHillHouse Cape Town SouthAfrica Tel. +27218581823 Cell. +27825033120
info@lucidemila.com Turkey L’ a p p a r t p r (by appointment only) AbdiIpekciCaddesin 45 L a l e z a r a p t. k 5 d 1 4 Nisantasi, Istanbul Phone + 90 2122403457 feride@lappartpr.com www.lappartpr.com
info@lucidemila.com
CONTACT
INFORMATION SouthAfrica 25CanterClose HighRidingEstate SirLowrysPass Cape Town 7130 SouthAfrica Tel +27218581823 Cell +27825033120
BAGS OF THE COLLECTION ARE AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF COLOURS & TEXTURES.
info@lucidemila.com
CUSTOM ORDERS ARE POSSIBLE. PLEASE INQUIRE.
Netherlands VanAlkemadelaan261 2597AH TheHague
CREDITS
Cell +33(0)65111533323
Cees Roth
info@lucidemila.com
Laura van Erkelens
LOGO DESIGN
BRANDMANUAL CONCEPT & DESIGN COLLECTION DESIGN ASSISTANT
Stephen van Eeden PHOTOGRAPHY CAPE COBRA FACTORY
Guido Schwarz PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION BAGS
WWW.LUCIDEMILA.COM
Nuray Uysal
December 2009