PRELUDE: TRAVEL BAG

1. Bags of Style

For those who seek the more refined things in life, you can’t go wrong in your luggage choice by looking at the most classic style of Bentley. Whether you’re next in line for the throne, have just sold your tenth triple platinum album or just want to look and feel like a star, the team behind luxury vehicles like the Continental GT and new Continental Flying Spur cars have developed a sublime line of luggage for you. Handmade by Alfred Dunhill, this tan-leather range of bags are trimmed in Bentley automotive hide (the soft, hardwearing material used in all Bentley cars is the cream of the crop). They also have an internal wet pocket for those luxury spa weekend retreats. From $1200. www.bentleymotors.com

 

2. Detox Delight

The strangest way to detox is catching on. Made by the Koyotakara company, these Easy Nite Detox patches are designed to be worn on the feet during the night. Their patented blend of herbs and minerals then absorb toxins from the body, leaving you refreshed and invigorated. They’re also supposed to be an excellent cure for jetlag! They contain Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin E and odorless garlic, and despite looking like two soggy tea bags in the morning, many swear by their therapeutic properties. $40. www.koyotakara.com

3. Fancy Footwear

The Chinese-style slippers by Suzhou Cobblers combine style, comfort and simplicity. Influenced by designer Huang Mengqi’s Chinese upbringing, they are unmistakably traditional in look and are drawing attention from the fashion circuit worldwide. The original Shanghai boutique has mushroomed in demand with outlets in America, Europe and Hong Kong. With names such as “Mandarin Duck,” “Green Tea,” “Calligraphy,” “Good Morning” and “Plum Flower,” and with every style made of 100% silk and hand-sewn, they are bound to make you the envy of every laced-boot wearer in the security check line. From $200. Order online from www.suzhou-cobblers.com

4. Tall Tales

Prepare yourself for your own travel tales with Assouline’s Bon Voyage Travel Suitcase. These four limited-edition books of travel stories come in a compact suitcase with metal and wood finishing that is decorated with a selection of the best travel destination stickers from all corners of the globe. Each of the four books (Hotel Stories, Paris Hotel Stories, Island Hotel Stories and Adventure Hotel Stories) is wrapped in the travel section of the New York Times newspaper for that extra adventurer feel. Perfect carry-on luggage! $199. www.assoulineusa.com/boutique/bonvoyage.html