We visited medieval Vannes in Brittany on Bastille Day, and were treated to a medieval parade and festival that was quite spectacular. Loved the shop signs….

The B14 skiff is a one-design 14 foot skiff designed by Julian Bethwaite.  The World Championships were held in July at Carnac, in Brittany, a fabulous venue.  My husband Andrew Payne and I were very happy to participate and came 15th overall, which was exciting for us as the fleet was very competitive.  Thanks to Hunt Leather for the advertising on the sails!  The championship was won by defending champ Guy Bancroft, from McCrae Yacht Club near Melbourne, and his crew David Grace.

Some great photos of the rather exciting and boat-damaging last day are on the Fotoboat website:

http://fotoboat.thirdlight.com/viewpicture.tlx?albumid=275948&pictureid=13099601&slideshow=start

The Daylesford Organics farm shop is not your average organic food store.  In the countryside of the Cotswolds, it’s a visual merchandising treat, a complete retail experience from the dog holding area (signified by mesh dog sculpture, water bowls, and a little tethering post) to the hall of oh so tastefully chosen clothing.  I couldn’t photograph the food hall area, I was too busy loading up with baguettes and hot chocolates for the children…  and I missed the tasting at the champagne bar because I was too busy trying not to buy a handcrafted trowel for some rather large sum.  Cooking classes here would be heaven.

Beautiful editorial in the current issue of Box Magazine, showing the Kate Moss for Longchamp Soho clutch in Emerald…

The Gay Pride march in Paris happened right at the end of our street.  Fabulous sight, a little like the Sydney Mardi Gras but a little more serious…

Now that the German campaign is over, we are happy to post the photos of the very proud Rimowa CEO Dieter Morszeck with the German football team and their personalised Rimowa luggage. We received the news just after the German team gave us such a tremendous thrashing!

Thanks to Becasse for another super lunch, where we showed the Automne-Hiver 2010 to the Australian media. The collection is beautiful, rich and luxurious with new smaller shapes, gorgeous leathers, textures and great shots of colour.

A favourite pastime with the children of Paris, not to mention a few teenaged tourists…  The boats are heavy wood with great long keels, and they sail extremely well!   All you have to do is turn them around and off they head again, heeling over with the puffs of breeze, to squeals from the kids…

21st June is the longest day of the year, and also the Fete de la Musique in Paris, and it just happens to be about the same time as the Longchamp buying meetings each year.   It’s a lovely event, with every kind of music and musician setting up in spots all over the city. DJs, barbershop groups, violin quartets, classical choirs, jazz bands, kettle drums, and everything in between. Some areas are very popular for the musicians and the crowd…  such as Place des Vosges.  It wasn’t very warm (that weather came a day later) but it sure felt like summer….

Band in Place des Vosges

The crowd-surfing double bass in Place des Vosges

We’re always being asked about caring for favourite bags, and so here are some general tips which will help.  However, there are so many different types of leather tanning processes that we don’t recommend any specific products…  It’s always good to check with the manufacturer, or if you want to try a cleaning or nourishing product do a “test patch” on an inconspicuous part of the bag…

1)      Do not put precious bags on the ground where they are vulnerable to  water, dirt, grease and theft. e.g cafes and restaurants

2)      Do store bags in a dry, well ventilated place away from high temperatures.

3)      Do not over stuff your bag as this may cause strain on the zips and stitching and the bag may lose its all important shape and style

4)      Do avoid contact with solvent & alcohol based products – e.g. perfume.

5)      Do remember the ‘PEN’ is the ‘DEVIL’ to any fabric or leather. Once marked never removed.

6)      Do not leave your leather bag in direct sunlight or in a hot car, for extended periods of time. Leather does not like the sun, just like our skin!

7)      Do keep your bag dry and wipe it down as soon as possible if it rains.

8)      Do spray suede bags with a protective spray before use to minimise marking.

9)      Do avoid rubbing, scraping and hitting your bag against rough, uneven surfaces.

10)  Do think of your bag as an investment. Treat it well and you will be rewarded.

There is no substitute for buying a best quality bag – not only will it last longer but it will  look better as it ages. A cheap bag will look just that very soon after purchase.