SimplyAbuDhabi XII

2 7 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Expect to see the Chelsea boot on the feet of the – literally – well-heeled the world over. It remains a classic, the elasticated panel creating an elegant sleigh shape to a classic model but crafted from buffed, rich leather. In a more modern twist, customers can choose the model with a buckle. Laces ridging the upper foot have been replaced on a shoe, similar in essence to the Oxford, by a crossover section of leather buckled with a small adornment at the side. It’s the evening bag that forms the highlight of the collection. The slouchy square of leather has straight seams running perpendicular to the base, dissecting the bag and adding a hint of over-engineered indulgence to an already spectacular piece. Where the women’s bag draws its inspiration from equestrian livery, the same influences are evident in this gentlemen’s version. The straps are sewn into the top of the bag as if melded, the handles padded for comfort, the arched zip of the bag peeping through the gap. A more rigid, rectangular version is available too, holding just enough for that last-minute weekend away. It’s just the sort of bag that you could whip from the closet, fling a change of clothes, some swimmers and a toothbrush into and hightail to the taxi rank without betraying a sense of haste through lack of style sophistication. It follows the same essential design traits as the slouch version, but somehow has the air of an upmarket 1980s case. Perfect for the discerning vintage hunter with a taste for the finer things in life.