In the Chanel Pre-Fall collection (pieces are in boutiques now and selling-out rapidly) Lagerfeld took the medieval ornamental ‘sporran’ and transformed it into a gorgeous line of purses and minaudieres. We’ll highlight those today, alongside another beautiful and famous transformation, that of Inverlochy Castle into a renowned destination hotel.
The Sporran as a handbag:
Typically made of leather or fur, often with feather ornamentation, the sporran is a traditional part of male highland dress and functions as a pocket, for the pocketless kilt.
Traditional Sporran. Photo Courtesy of: Wikipedia
Below it is gloriously adapted per Chanel, even for those not Highland-bound:
Chanel Pre-Fall Collection Sporran-style purse. Photo Courtesy of: Bragmybag.com
Photo Courtesy of Lachanelphile.com
A few more favorite handbags from the collection include:
Beautifully embellished tartan minaudieres.
Photo Courtesy of: Citizenoffashion.com
Luxurious velvet clutch-bag
Velvet clutch bag on the runway.
The luxurious tartans and tweeds, pearl embellishments and delicate feathers from the Edinburgh Pre Fall collection could not be more perfectly suited to the impeccably resplendent grounds of Inverlochy Castle Hotel.
The drive up to Inverlochy.
Just a four hour drive (through the Scottish countryside) from Edinburgh, Inverlochy Castle Hotel is a 19th century-baronial mansion located near the town of Fort William.
The front of Inverlochy as seen from the rolling grounds.
It was built in 1863 and retains all of the elegance the time-period afforded.
The perfect room to take tea.
The main reception room features live music in the evening.
Queen Victoria spent a week at Inverlochy in 1873 remarking, “I never saw a lovelier, more romantic spot.” The Queen’s suite allows you to share in her wonderment.
Dress for dinner, but sorry there are no Lady’s Maids.
The mansion has been a hotel since 1969 and in 2006 Inverlochy Castle Hotel was voted, “Best Hotel in Europe” by Travel + Leisure magazine. Much of its fame is due to its renowned cuisine.
Adult breakfast
Traditional ‘Egg & Soldiers’ for children.
Cap off dinner with an amazingly fresh cheese course.
True that some of the best game hunting and sport fishing is just steps away, but even a walk through the rolling grounds or a canoe-ride across the lake is activity enough.
Stop for a game of chess before ambling down a pathway into greenery.
Walking paths surround the castle.
The greenery is only broken by wildflowers and small lakes.
Velvety Foxglove pops up everywhere.
The grounds behind the castle are equally stunning.
All guest rooms enjoy sweeping views.
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