DELVAUX MINIATURES SO BRITISH Iconic and playful, the Brillant is one of the jewels of la Maison Delvaux, the beloved leather goods House that reigns from the Kingdom of Belgium. For its 1958 arrival in the world, the newborn Brillant was presented at the Brussels World’s Fair. Presiding over the the Brillant’s baptism, Baudouin I, King of the Belgians, bestowed his blessings on the newly arrived creation. Since then, with its aristocratic and joyous imagination, the Brillant has never stopped reinventing itself. A product of the finest leathergoods tradition, and having stood the test of generations of kings and queens, the Brillant merrily mixes it up—playing with conventions and lending itself to fantasy reinterpretations. To celebrate the opening of Delvaux’s London boutiques on Sloane Street and on New Bond, the Brillant now exists in the form of the “Miniatures So British”. This collection of four Charms embodies la Maison’s tradition of “Miniatures”, small masterpieces of fine leather craft, combined here with the emblematic symbols of England—a monarchy that is also distinguished by a high degree of fantasy. Embossing, screen printing, and micro-techniques are used to create these four designs—four clins d’oeils, that is to say, four cheeky winks and nods—requiring artisanal savoir-faire. A mecca of alternative culture, the Camden Town neighbourhood lends its name to a miniature Brillant that is as punk as can be. Dressed up in black—like Sid Vicious’ hair— its iconic tartan plaid is enhanced with patent leather, thanks to highly sophisticated printing techniques. Here and there, safety pins and piercings are studded across its miniature body. The ultimate in symbols, the uniform of the royal guards of Buckingham Palace also garners its own Delvaux Miniature. With its black coiffe of shaven mink, its officer’s vest of scarlet red Box calf, and two round black-laquered metallic eyes, the adorable soldier that is so emblematic of London is now available as a Charms. Immortalised notably in Michelangelo Antonioni’s mythical film Blow Up, the iconic red phone booth has never quite been dethroned by mobile phones. Engraved in the collective consciousness, this quintessential symbol of London is infused here with the energy of the aptly named Piccadilly Circus—the iconic crossroads thrumming with life. Supple and miniaturised, Delvaux’s phone booth combines a 3D effect and numerical UV precision printing, for a strikingly authentic appearance. A collection named So British would not be complete without an homage to the Union Jack! A high-frequency technique and silk-screening create an effect that is rich in dimension and volume and amazingly precise. This celebration of England would not have displeased Admiral Nelson whose statue adorns the famous Trafalgar Square, in commemoration of his 1805 victory in the battle of the same name. Though small in size they pack a big punch – even more hours are dedicated to artisanal fabrication, embossing, silk-screening, micro-techniques…These four decorative Charms, for wearing, carrying and even collecting, are veritable, precious little bijoux. About Delvaux Founded in Brussels in 1829, Delvaux is the oldest fine leather luxury goods House in the world and the inventor of the handbag. As an official purveyor to the Royal Court of Belgium since 1883, Delvaux faithfully endeavors to uphold and share la Maison’s signature references and values. In 1908, Delvaux became the first house to officially register a patent for a handbag design. Drawing on a legacy of more than 3000 handbags documented in its archives which are constantly updated, the Delvaux name is the very emblem of fine handbag design..