Mode for Mood

Les Docteurs

2010-07-15T02:55:00.000-07:00

i like this style. from Prada SS 2011. images by men.style.com

(Crisp and Tailored) Wallace Line

2010-07-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

(photos from http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15997/15997-h/15997-h.htm#frontispiece)

Scientist must have been a very formal profession. I admire Alfred Russell Wallace's style. though his job was tough and it often took him deep into the jungles, he still managed to look good in photographs!

(http://wallacefund.info/)

Everyone has his/her fav pose!

(http://wallacefund.info/)

old and prophet-like. love this BW image

(http://wallacefund.info/)

ARW in a much younger day.

Design Idea by moi!

2010-04-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

it's an honor to help this community! I originally submit the stick figures with "it's so simple: do not litter".

the latter design itself is quite nice:

and it was a big time moment when I saw with my very own eyes someone--friend, karaoke buddy Fit--bought two!

image taken from KumKum's.

Fashionable Underwater Inspiration

2010-02-13T21:36:00.002-08:00

I just learned that Alexander McQueen was an accomplished "under" achiever--meaning that he was a good scuba diver. and he often dove in the Maldives.

and his collection for SS 2010 is marine life inspired. on the show, the models' hairdo looks like the head of a manta ray. and the prints are amazing, of bright colors and motifs of corals, fishes, scales, anemones etc. and those shoes. look like a head of a marine monster! wonder what he wrote on his dive-log!

perhaps he din write any but instead he sketched.

he will be missed.

(photos Style.com)

ya lublu zizhnu

2009-11-09T01:48:00.000-08:00

i love life, a sentence i wrote "thoughlessly" on my black sneaker, the left one
love the pair and wore em often. been with me for three yrs
it underwent two major makeover: first repainted with acrylic that Fi exclaimed, you bought new pair?
second, i cropped em to ankle level.

but i have to throw it away last week after its back tore when a motorist hit my heel.

somehow i am at peace after throwing it away
that's bcause i love life *wink*

DVN en Tour de Java

2009-11-04T23:21:00.000-08:00

Think Dries van Noten had gone on holidays to Java and other parts of Indonesia, saw some ibu-ibu Dharma Wanita and ladies and gentlemen wearing lurik and batik. and the results are these nice spring summer 2010 looks.

(Photos from Elle.com)

In = Out

2009-11-04T23:05:00.000-08:00

She, the famous interior designer, said to me, "Living modernly means you get rid of everything you do not need: everything that is not essential."

She further explained, "If i buy one sofa, i will get rid of the old one. If i buy five shirts, i will take out five old shirts."

Well then Mrs. Interior Designer. I think your green way is thinkable. Acceptable.

Last night i set aside my pants. with heavy heart. I love them since i designed them myself. sad it no longer fits my belly. I also set aside old and seldom worn clothes. and see what i've got: two big bundles of cloths. And when I look at piles of books and other things, I began to sort them. Three boxes of things I gathered.

Saying goodbye to the bundles andboxes really made my heart lighter.

The next time I meet her, I will tell her that now I live modernly--efficiently.

Pandanus Impression

2009-11-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

Fell in love instantly with this sling bag on the shelf of Threads of Life boutique, Ubud.
it's made of woven pandanus leaves. the 'strap' is made of a part of palm tree. Simple yet....uhm, simple.
It's made by women in Timor island in order to give them more financial support.

So I consulted Marissa, eno, and Mbak Nita. They nodded. Wayan said, take it.
OK.
I paid IDR 75.000 or USD 8.5 for it.
so how much will the women get? I asked the shopkeeper.
Forty percent, said she.
that's cool. enough 'fair trade'.

i carry it around, showing it off to those writers and readers. friends as well.
it fits my small sketchbook, Lomo cam, pocket cam, pens, and even handkerchief.

i love the fabrics in the boutique. they're gorgeous and handmade. therefore the prices soar :)
*sigh*

Threads of Life

Sound of ...

2009-01-26T18:22:00.001-08:00

Many friends still don't believe I have just watched Sound of Music for the first time in life. It ain't big deal, but "it is, since you were the member of that choir".

Doctor Bag

2009-01-26T18:03:00.000-08:00

Arthur Rackham's doctor bag (1922)

The cat heard the "bird news" (or rumor) that the pigeons were sick
so he dressed up as a doctor and knocked on their door
The pigeons, recognising the disguise, refused to let him in. And their response was so smart i couldn't help but smiling.
(from Aesop Fables)

Beati Be Behati

2009-01-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

This song keeps playing in mind. Beati Quorum Via by an Irish composer. Now know why. It started with this girl: Behati Prinsloo, a model hailing from Namibia and is of the moment model. Her given name just popped--and popped. I have this strange feeling that whenever I read or hear 'strange' or 'been-so-long-unheard' words, they stuck. I still have issues with the likes of rantang, adalah (as an opening of a sentence), urgenitas (an unnecessary word, invented by a writer), and so on. The same goes with Behati. At first, what a name. But then what beauty! :)

(Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 08 & Stella McCartney SS08, photo TeenVogue)

Then I discovered this song I got from Anuna. Back then the Irish group gave it for free like six years ago. I wasn't into that song until one day my head repeated the words Behati and Beati. On and on. So I gave it a try and fell in love with it completely. Soft and soothing yet I hadn't known what it meant nor I could transcribe it.

So two days ago I had a eureka moment:

Beati quorum via integra est
qui ambulant in leger Domine

The 3.18 minute song bears 'only' two psalm lines. Just as Os Iusti (by Mallandrino?) that Paragita friends and I used to sing. Beautiful songs.

As for Behati, blessed (beati) be.

Fashionable Mind: Consider the Poppy

2009-01-14T22:13:00.000-08:00

the thought entered my mind: even Solomon in his greatness could not match the beauty of a lily (and perhaps of a poppy).

PREVIEW: Editorial Spread for AMICA Indonesia

2009-01-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

"Crisp Lines"
Photo by: Hadi Cahyono
Styling by: Sem Purba
for AMICA Indonesia magazine January-February 2009.

(The mag hits racks in January 14, 2009)

PREVIEW: editorial spread for SPICE! magazine

2008-09-12T04:58:00.000-07:00

"Flying Colors"
Photo by Insan Obi
Styling by Sem Purba for SPICE! magazine September 2008 issue

(the mag hits racks in August 29, 2008)

Beach Batik

2008-09-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

the pattern--just fabulous. Nature drawn motifs, hand drawn batik. Kuta beach.

Soviet Kitsch

2008-07-01T02:55:00.000-07:00

At the Well by A. Plastov, oil on canvas, 1961.

Seeing this painting reminds me of a National Geographic article about style of Russians in Soviet era. Although perceived they were living under uniformity, many girls still managed to sport unique looks with up to date items they created or bought in black markets.

And seeing this red shoe on the painting, i think this short heeled show looks simple yet fashionable, and suited for every day life. She wears it in the field.

The Black Angel

2008-07-01T02:54:00.000-07:00

N. Altman's Anna Akhmatova, 1914, oil on canvas

Anna Akhmatova (1889-1966) was known for her dark and honest yet beautiful poems. She is much loved for her courage, thoughts and outspokenness.

She was also known as the black angel. Her fav outfits consisted of black dress and scarf, and white pearl necklace.

(And one thing, Altman's Akhmatova reminds me of Chagall's a series of trompe l'oeil paintings of husband and wife.)

Here is one of her writing:

Here we’re all drunkards and whores,
joylessly stuck together!
On the walls, birds and flowers
pine for the clouds and air.

The smoke from your black pipe
makes strange vapours rise.
The skirt I wear is tight,
revealing my slim thighs.

Windows tightly closed:
who’s there, frost or thunder?
Your eyes, are they those
of some cautious cat, I wonder?

O, my heart how you yearn!
Is it for death you wait?
Or that girl, dancing there,
for hell to be her sure fate?

Girl with . . . Chanel

2008-07-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

Girl with Peaches by V. Serov

When i saw this painting in the UpperRoom (where it staged Bolshoi Ballet performance last Saturday), I instantly thought of Chanel tweed jackets, complete with black ribbons. to my surprise, the painting was done in 1887. Perhaps Ms Chanel (and her successors) drew inspirations from paintings from that era and made its "hybrids" more fashionable.

Chanel HC SS 2005 & Chanel HC SS 2007

Somebody Told Me (about Bruni)

2008-06-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Few supermodels find their way to stay on the spotlight even after their golden days passed. And Carla Bruni once again ressurects her high profile.

When I listened to her Quelqu'un m'a Dit, I enjoyed her whispy voice and surprisingly her nice guitar plucking. And she looks nice on the cover of her second album.

that was 2003.

fast forward, she's already had three albums and she still manages to look sexy and this time more powerful (literally speaking). As Mrs. President Sarkozy, she seems to play her role best, fulfilling everyone's expectation by talking sweetly and dressing very fashionably (no more sans pantalons as seen on her album covers and videos).

I deem her the new Lady Di because every thing she wears makes the headlines.

And what's more appealing is she "half-keeps" her maiden name.

Travelogue: Cruising Together

2008-06-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

Midyear major holiday season is coming and it seemed the moment was right for Biyan’s line (X) S, M, L to launch new annual collection. This time, the label showed inspirations from newly “re-ressurected” expressions and forms in fashion known as resort collection.
(Thanks to my chief, I got the ticket to cruise into the destination—I mean the show at The Hall, Senayan City, Jakarta, Friday May 30.)

So, the (X) S, M, L holiday is:

Efficient
The overall look is youthful with a nod to Johnny Depp’s Sparrow and modern day safari. Like usual, the clothes are of pastel colors. The materials are mostly lightweight, which are well suited for traveling. The pants are cargo-y, capris, or semi equestrian and the jackets are either flowy or denimlike. Most of them are of boxy silhouette. The sporty look is softened here and there with ornamentations of patchwork (on men’s collection), ruffles and origami (women’s).

Flaunt
There is also a touch of glam. Perhaps its designers thought that people go to parties on holidays. Girls can opt some dresses that are great for coctail party or clubbling, but boys should be contented with khaki suit.

To complete the holiday look, scarves are ever present to add some edgy look. They’re there for neck, waist, or head (twisted into turbans).

Oh, one thing, the shoes are both cool and enviable and seem comfortable to wear.

What made me wondered was the appearances of big trunks and chunky suitcases the models carried. They did phrase the great feeling of being globe trotters, but I’m more into light pack. (aye, spare some space for souvenirs.) Bon voyage!

Waisting room

2008-05-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Sienni (photo by moi) channels young Bardot (photo Dailymail.co.uk)

Waist focusing outfits--from high waist skirt and pants to a big belt resting on it--are very flattering.

Insect Invasion

2008-05-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

Sonia Rykiel beetle & Miu Miu butterfly

Swarm of insect occupied SS 08 shows, at Miu Miu and Sonia Rykiel among others. Miu Miu's approach was the most favorable. It created butterflies and dragonflies out of shiny stones and wires. very cute.

But Rykiel is the bravest. I'm just amazed at how she puts dung beetle as head ornamentation and still maintains to look pretty.

Well, nature and fashion can coexist indeed.

Smashing Beauty!

2008-01-21T05:18:00.000-08:00

The only sport that can alter my heart beat is . . . tennis! I've always like it (I think my dad likes tennis too. I've a sister named Steffi) And I always keep myself updated with WTA Tours :)

I can feel the resentment, grief, anger, anxiety and the joy that my guy friends feel (which I don't) when they watch football match. I am sad when my seeds lose, but extremely happy when they win. Tennis really does have some dramas.

One reason I love it is the girls, especially Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova. And as serious as their deadly backhand smash, they're seriously fashionable.

As Australian Open 2008 is occupying the third and fourth weeks of January, I notice that most of the them wear accessories. Sharapova, Jankovic and Kuznetsova have their Orthodox crucifixes; Sharapova and Williams sisters wear oversized earrings; and only Henin wears watch.

Russian Sharapova (maria-sharapova.org)

Clothes are also big issues. While most players sport two pieces, Sharapova wears dresslike piece, Hantuchova wears her own design, and ever smiling Ivanovic wears the most chic, voluminous dress. Pretty!

What's going in my mind: how these sporty girls wears accessories while they focus on the game. Think of dangling and heavy earring burdening your ears and pendants slapping your neck. I think it's a bit painful. But the accessories do enhance their appearance.

Most girls today don't wear glasses. the last sights were Billy Jean King's old photo and Martina Navratilova in the early 90's.

But when thinking about this, I am surprised to see one male player wears glasses. He is Janko Tipsarevic. This heavily accessorized Serb not only wears glasses, but necklace and some piercings in eyebrow and ears. Combined with tattoes, I can say he's Beckham of tennis.

photos: Gettyimages

And I'm gonna come home for now to watch these smashing young men--and women! :)

Xem

Batik for Beginner (Me)

2008-01-17T21:43:00.000-08:00

"Every nation has its traditional way to make motifs with candles. But Indonesia's is more complicated. Whereas others tend to paint or desk jet, we still do candle-draw," said a man, who later confessed that he's a traditional textile enthusiast.

_________________

I went to Museum Tekstil, Jakarta, to learn how to batik with Erika & Sinta. We were given a piece of cloth, handkerchief size. First, draw or copy a motif. Sinta chose floral, Erika parang (diagonal), me mega mendung (heavy clouds). Since we arrived late (on Saturdays, it opens 09.00-13.00), I hurried myself to get the entire process (i did want to return the day after). I must candle its two sides!

So I managed to finish first, with many an uneven and scratchy line, tee hee. My, it needs the patience of a farmer hahaha. Oh, I dropped two drops of candle! The man beside me smiled wryly. His was 1 x 0.5 m long multicolored piece of batik. He's been doing this for 4 months!

Then, I asked cobalt blue paint in order to have some Chinese look.

"First, soak it in this 'dye catcher' solution. Can you hold it please?" asked a mas mas.

Then he went inside the rumah panggung, returning with a jar of paint. "One gram of it costs Rp 25,000, you know. The govt subsidizes."

Ah, well. For the love of country! :)

When it finished, the result surprised us. Sinta's flowers occupied the whole fabric, Cika's was a product of minimalism, and mine. Mine? See one of the fabled birds lays egg in flight?! :)

_____________________________

Learning to batik really made me give layers of respect to those who preserve our cultural heritage: batik tulis (candle-drawn cloth), which is unique to Indonesia. Making batik tulis requires concentration, high skill and talents. That is why it is precious and of high price.

For shopping guide, please click here.

Sem

I am a canvas bag!

2008-01-15T17:40:00.004-08:00

Ubud based Dana S makes good use of leftovers. I like his bags. By sewing his discarded canvas and cleaning brushes on it, the self confessed "more well known outside Indonesia especially in Germany" painter creates beautiful bags. They look nice and kitschy.

He considers most surface paintable and loves textured end results. He also made his car beautiful "mobile gallery" by painting (not paint-brushing) its surface with specially formulated heat resistant paints.

Xem

Luella Bartley

2008-01-15T17:40:00.003-08:00

A sign in Luella Bartley's office reads:

"Work hard & be nice to people"

Cummerbund!

2008-01-15T17:40:00.002-08:00

Violinist Sedov and pianist Unitsky (by Sem)

This is worn by violinist Pavel Sedov for his concert at GKJ, Jakarta, last month. The russian musician wore black shirt and pants, shiny patent leather shoes, and black cummerbund. At first, I frowned. Never seen a piece of cloth like that before. I'd only ever heard about that.

On the stage, he stood, turned his head, pressed his chin on the instrument and stroke the strings with the bow. As he played, he'd close his eyes, fiddling away while Vitaly Unitsky, his fellow pianist, dutifully read the partita. They played Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Bach and many other. (Going to classical music concerts, I swear, is much better than playing the disc.)

As for the cummerbund, it looked nice on him, erecting his posture as he swayed with the movement of the bow.

Had he not wore it, perhaps his black shirt would "toppled out" (my words for ketarik-tarik dan berantakan) and ruin their performance.

I'm sure it'd look nicer with single buttoned suit or tuxedo.

Xem

Sopranos: Best Dressed Songbirds

2008-01-15T17:32:00.001-08:00

Sopranos are arguably the best dress songbirds in the world. I ain't talking about Charlotte Church here. Or Maria Callas. Or Motserratt. Or Jessye Norman. Or cabaret clad Sarah Brightman.

I'm welcoming Sasha Lazard, Filippa Giordano, Katherine Jenkins, Hayley Westenra, and many other young sopranos. Here in Indonesia, we have Aning Katamsi (wears veil and loves corsage), Binu Sukaman, Rosanna Unsulangi, and sweet seventeen Bernadeta. More and more are expected. And they are fashionable.

Danielle Steele's favorite Lazard (sashalazard.com)

Ever pleasing the audiences with their lulling vocals and professional appearance as well: dress, low cut neckline, sleek hair, graceful makeup, expensive looking jewelries. They take music and fashion seriously. Real divas.

Xem

Delia von Rueti

2008-01-15T17:31:00.002-08:00

Beyond Design

A pale yellow handbag made of ostrich skin with ostrich foot as ornamentation undeniably is a shock. But the more you see it, the more you'd like it. That's what I felt when I saw Delia von Rueti's handbag at Alun-Alun Grand Indonesia. Her handbag and jewelry collections use exotic materials like corals, reptile skins, sheep skin. All shows bold and excellent craftmanship.

Delia von Rueti is a regular in jewelries shows abroad. It is of no surprise that she opens her flagships in Zurich, Geneva, New York, La Jolla and Milan. Her high profile clients include Indonesian and Brit bluebloods, and al Fayeds.

I had an opportunity to talk with the Bali-based designer via email:

Your design is unique and you seem prefer exotic materials.
"I am here to fantasize and make one of a kind jewelry... and want to stay that way. in a way, am not really a designer. I'm an artist. I create my own pieces with my very own fingers and I value and devote myself to those pieces. That's what's making it special to my customers. I just dont sketch around and give it to the tukang (craftsmen) and they make them.

"All the materials I use are imported from Africa, processed two to three months to make them smooth and durable, and don't feel like rubbers. The message here, I dont want to use local croc skin coz there is no guarantee and a government guide line of how the skin was produced. Maybe crocodiles were killed in the wild which is very very sad."

I can't resist not to comment your handbags. They're unusual yet pretty.
"I design those bags. Just simply I love them the way: big, durable and different or small, eye catching and made of good materials from Bali and lots lots of love. well, it's so me.. I create them, and I design them. It's so me. I'm a rebel in good way."

With these out of ordinary designs, who are your customers?
"Mostly people that already have everything in life, who consider my jewelry and the workmanship as art and dare to be different in a humble way."

You manage Yayasan Mutumanikam Nusantara. Tell us about it.
"It was established last year and was founded by Ibu SBY, the first lady. We help local craftsmen to get exposure overseas. We educate and train about 110 craftsmen to break in the
international market without just enriching the designers themselves or a brand which will never change the way our tukangs live.

"I want my pengerajin to be able to take orders of those everyday jewelries and export them and hope it'd be able to change their life and show them we can compete with the big brands.
I do much as I can to change the way my tukangs my sales people and all the people that work with me live and give them a kick back in percentage on the pieces we sold.

Also, I want to do something more meaningful to my community. As of now, I send about 420 kids to school in Sumatra. These children are blessed with warm personalities and education will polish their qualities. I hope a handful of them will make a difference."

___________________________________________________

Visit her stores in Bali (Amanusa Resort Nusa Dua, Amandari Resort Ubud, Amankila Candidasda, Ritz-Carlton Jimbaran, Dava Boutique Villa Jimbaran), Alun-alun Grand Indonesia Jakarta, and online at www.deliavonrueti.com

Batik Mood

2008-01-15T17:31:00.001-08:00

Batik mood mode on

The batik legend Iwan Tirta ever said, "Long before Mooryati Soedibyo (she's the godmother of local beauty pageant) campaigned inner beauty, batik has represented our inner and outer beauty as well."

He explained that true batik is batik tulis (drawn batik), one that is candled on both sides. (batik making requires hot candle to make the motifs). So if we hold a piece of batik tulis, both sides show the same motifs, same color, and same feel. "That's true inner and outer beauty," he emphasized.

Like love (eh, what?), batik has many faces: batik cap (patterned batik), batik cetak (printed batik) and batik tulis (drawn batik). Batik cap is produced by dipping brass mold in hot candles and then stamping it to the fabric (thus, the candle forms motifs). Batik cetak is the cheapest because it involves no candling process. And the premium is batik tulis, which take most time beacuse the fabric is candled both sides.

Almost every nation has this technique of using hot candle in dyeing fabrics but only Indonesia has batik tulis.

mega mendung (heavy clouds) motifs, drawn by Iwan Tirta

Coincidentally, when visiting Ragunan Zoo recently, I noticed that even nature "draws" its own batik:

white quail in "natural batik" (by Sem)

Intermezzo. All right. For those who seek youthful looking batiks can visit Cita by Bin House, Carmanita, or Edward Hutabarat.

Xem

Tea Time Gets Flowery

2008-01-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

These colorful daisies are cute and reportedly edible. They're cakes! With these accompanying your tea time, every sip will taste better, I guess. Created by Murakami, the Japanese artist who was responsible for the creation of cherried LV accessories.

So cute I want to print them on my wall :)

(photo by NYTimes)

Sure you can order cakes with solorful sugar icings but all I'm thinking about now is kue ku, a '3 D' rabbitlike cake filled with mung bean paste and wrapped in red maize dough and then stamped. It is the only fashionable traditional cake we have here. Haha.

* Samovar

Shirt Dress (back to 1948)

2008-01-15T17:26:00.004-08:00

Taken at Alun-alun Grand Indonesia this August 17, 2007, the photo was staged in conjunction with Indonesia's 62nd anniversary of independence. To me, the photo also
testifies rebirth of . . . shirt dress!

Shirt dress (worn by the girl at right) makes its comeback early this year. It is simple and a bit unflattering but turns sophisticated once you put your belt on it.

Marching: Indonesia Socialist Democratic Students (PSDI), circa mid 1948

Let's take a closer look at the photo. See the sandals, the belt, the socks (socks are ubiquitous this fall), and their simple cut hair. Don't forget to notice the way the girl at left fancied her hat.

See how well dressed we--Indonesians--have been! :)

Xem

Art is seduction

2008-01-15T17:26:00.003-08:00

ART IS SEDUCTION, NOT RAPE
Susan Sontag

(so is fashion. amen to that)

Xem

Afrodisiac

2008-01-15T05:31:00.004-08:00

Female R& B singers tend to dress skimpily, and some even fetishlike. Especially those from US. When not singing, they're usually spotted at red carpets, overdressing in curvy gowns. It's boring.

But turn your head oceanwise. Meet Londonbased Ayo and Corinne Baily Rae. They are truly stylish and classy.

I know American style are different from that of London. But the point is more about taste and talent first attitude.

Ayo (official photo)

Xem

Person: Sasha Pivovarova

2008-01-15T05:31:00.002-08:00

From Russia with . . . . style! [pardon me for this overused phrase :)]

Russia keeps producing high profile supermodels who have expensive looks. Think of Yevgenija (Eugenia) Volodina, Natasha Poly, Natalia Vodianova, Snejana Onopka, Vlada Roslyakova. Then came Sasha in late 2005.

She's all stunning, unique and captivating.

Although Sasha (22) is not a chameleon like her fellow Slavic model Milla Jovovich is, Sasha has her own signature look. I like her eyes and fierce expression.

At first I was confused: is it Gemma? Now one can easily point out the real McCoy. Whereas Gemma is a has been, Sasha seems comfortable with her few ads, most notably for Prada (eyewear, phone, perfume, apparel) and Armani cosmetic.

But I predict her two year old career will soon take flight. As of July 2007, she's been gracing numerous Vogue covers: China, Nippon, Italy, French, UK, and US. I like the Nippon version, where she is clad in Balenciaga A/W 2007-2008.

I read her profile in Teen Vogue July 2007 and found out that she likes art very much and was a student of the prestigious Moskva University.

I also learnt that she's recently married to her long time fiance. Too bad, eh? :)

* Samovar

Quote: Let us be elegant!

2008-01-15T05:31:00.001-08:00

I reread Louisa May Alcott's Little Women last night. And one sentence tickled me:

"Oh dear me . .. let us be elegant or die!"

It was Meg and Jo dressing up for an evening party at the Moffats. Sounds patriotic, right? haha.

* Samovar
(photo by Noelkoran)

Reptile Charmer

2008-01-15T05:15:00.000-08:00

(photo by NYTimes; Matthew Williamson faux croc, photo by Sem)

I'm always fascinated with snakes, turtles, monitors, tortoises, and crocs. They are indeed terrible beauties. Ever graceful. Well, they're even more beautiful in eternity.I mean, whenever I see them (the patterns, feel, appearance), I think of belt, wallet, bags, etc. Luxury/

PETA members and animal rights activists may disagree with me. But I have a reason to like these exotic skin.

First, I always make sure it is from farmed animals, not taken from hunted animals. Most labels and even traditional craftsmen (my word for pengrajin) make their crafts from farms. One plus point of it is they don't reduce the numbers in the wild. Besides, most farms open themselves for public--for educational and recreational purpose. People don't want to comb along the river banks just to find them, and risk lives just to get close to them, right?

Of course we can find the stamped ones, which often cost less and still have glamorous look, like the black faux croc by Matthew Williamson.

Xem