Cover Delvaux’s Savoirs & Savoir-Faire exhibition (Photo: Delvaux)
Delvaux’s Savoirs & Savoir-Faire exhibition (Photo: Delvaux)
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Delvaux recently marked its one-year anniversary of its arrival on our shores, celebrating the significant milestone by bringing its artisanal legacy to life at The RuMa Hotel
This August, a momentous celebration of Delvaux’s storied legacy took place in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. As the oldest fine leather goods house in the world with an illustrious history of the inventor of the modern handbag, the renowned Belgian maison has devotedly preserved its rich heritage, steeped in exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to artisanal mastery spanning nearly two centuries without interruption.
Read more: Delvaux: Architect of leather
In celebration of its one-year anniversary in Malaysia, Delvaux hosted a beautifully curated “Savoirs & Savoir-Faire” exhibition at The RuMa Hotel, inviting the Tatler community to experience the artistry and passion that have defined the maison since its founding in 1829.
Above Friends of Tatler at Delvaux’s Savoirs & Savoir-Faire exhibition at The RuMa Hotel
Above The setting echoed the charming atmosphere of the Arsenal, Delvaux’s headquarters, which features a stunning glass and metal design reimagined by Van der Kelen, a prestigious school dedicated to trompe l’oeil painting since 1882
Friends of Tatler at Delvaux’s Savoirs & Savoir-Faire exhibition at The RuMa Hotel
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Above Guests were able to learn how to seal leather, guided by Delvaux’s master craftsman, Max
Above Delvaux’s signature Brillant Arsenal leather was crafted on-site, allowing guests to witness the maison’s exceptional craftsmanship firsthand
Guests were able to learn how to seal leather, guided by Delvaux’s master craftsman, Max
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The exclusive affair transported guests into the world of Delvaux, the Architect of Leather, immersing them in the essence of its Brussels’ Arsenal atelier, where the magic of creation and innovation unfolds daily. Friends of Tatler had the opportunity to witness the intricate handweaving process behind the creation of Delvaux’s signature Brillant Arsenal; which was handwoven from scratch and completed on-site by the maison’s master artisan.
See also: In Pictures: An unforgettable evening with Delvaux
Above Drawing inspiration from the iconic Avia Airess luggage, the Airess embodies an effortless grace with a contemporary flair
Above Designed to be worn in multiple ways, its versatility is unmatched, offering a range of styling options that cater to every mood and occasion
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Avia Airess luggage, the Airess embodies an effortless grace with a contemporary flair
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One of the highlights of the exhibition was surely the unveiling of the Airess, a modern reinterpretation of the brand’s historic Avia Airess suitcase from 1946. This capacious tote, crafted from supple Taurillon leather, plays with form and function—its unique trapezoidal silhouette, circular cut-outs, and collapsible wings allow the bag to transform into two versatile structures.
Above Originally established within the Le 27 flagship store in Brussels, the Delvaux Café brought a touch of Belgian charm to Kuala Lumpur
Above The café evoked a blend of sophistication and gastronomy, creating a delightful atmosphere that complemented the artistry on display
Originally established within the Le 27 flagship store in Brussels, the Delvaux Café brought a touch of Belgian charm to Kuala Lumpur
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To commemorate the launch of the Airess, guests were treated to exclusive delectable local bites and refreshments at the Delvaux Café, a first in Asia. The charming pop-up inspired by the Avia Airess luggage line, set against the backdrop of the city’s skyline.
Above Amongst Delvaux’s most emblematic designs are the Brillant (1958), Tempête (1967), Pin (1972), Cool Box (2018), and Léonce (2024), each a part of its extensive archive of over 3,000 creations
Above The Brillant stands out with its structured silhouette and signature lock, refined yet eye-catching details that are widely beloved even after more than sixty years since its creation
Amongst Delvaux’s most emblematic designs are the Brillant (1958), Tempête (1967), Pin (1972), Cool Box (2018), and Léonce (2024), each a part of its extensive archive of over 3,000 creations
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Above Inspired by a sailboat’s trapeze, the Tempête captures the spirit of the ‘60s, when sailing came into vogue along the Belgian North Sea
Above Meanwhile, the Pin captures the vivacious, carefree spirit of the ‘70s with its functional and lightweight design
Inspired by a sailboat’s trapeze, the Tempête captures the spirit of the ‘60s, when sailing came into vogue along the Belgian North Sea
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Elsewhere, guests delved deeper into Delvaux’s extraordinary heritage as they browsed through its emblematic creations, such as the Brilliant, Tempête, Pin, Cool Box, Lingot, and Léonce, each embodying the maison’s evolution and visionary spirit throughout the years.
In case you missed it: In conversation with Jean-Marc Loubier, CEO of Delvaux
Above The Caprice, first rediscovered in Elizabeth Taylor’s personal collection, is a timeless embodiment of Delvaux’s rich legacy
Above This captivating display included a collection of six classic black Box Calf styles, standing alongside six limited-edition Caprices
The Caprice, first rediscovered in Elizabeth Taylor’s personal collection, is a timeless embodiment of Delvaux’s rich legacy
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Above The limited-edition ceramic Caprice
Above The limited-edition malachite Caprice
The limited-edition ceramic Caprice
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The pinnacle of the Savoirs & Savoir-Faire exhibition was none other than the Caprice, an architectural masterpiece that epitomised the maison’s unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative prowess.
A stunning display of twelve exquisite Caprice stood beneath the spotlight, six of which were one-of-a-kind variants—Caprice et Caprices—crafted from sculptural materials with meticulous attention to detail, including malachite, ceramic, hammered steel, straw, glass, and ebony that elevate the handbag to the realm of high art.
The intimate evening was more than just a celebration of Delvaux’s extraordinary legacy and its journey in Malaysia; it was a reminder that in a world where trends come and go, true craftsmanship endures.
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Images: Delvaux and Fady Fox Photography
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About
Phyll Wu is the Style Writer of Tatler Malaysia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she's an avid fashion geek who loves all things beauty, pop-culture, and film.
