Pretend that the warden of luxury let you our early with this Maison Martin Margiela Silver Hospital Bracelet. The plated brass bracelet is a replica of those you usually tear off your wrist once your E.R. visit is complete The working locking mechanism is a great touch and more importantly, as Fashion Indie mentions, it is a nice play on “everyday random objects”. Available now.

More views of the Maison Martin Margiela Silver Hospital Bracelet after the jump.

This recommendation is a bit tongue-in-cheek. Lennard J. Davis’ Obsession: A Historytracks the “disease” of obsession from demonic possession to contemporary television addiction. We’ve all got an unusually avid interest in something, perhaps an obsession. Rather than retreat and “fix” it, have a read of Davis’ book. Now out from University of Chicago Press. Available now from Amazon.

It’s a great pleasure when a museum moves away from the cannon to investigate the life’s work of an unknown. An even greater surprise when that artist is untrained. Folk art carving consistently pleases, so the High Museum’s new exhibition The Treasure of Ulysses Davis is a winner. Davis was born in 1913 and died 1990. During his working years he carved in his spare time away from the barber’s chair. He carved the busts of 41 presidents, historical and biblical figures, and fantastic beasts. Most importantly, he rarely sold his work, treasuring each piece. He wished his collection to be kept in take, and after his death the King-Tisdale Cottage Foundation in Savannah, GA acquired it. This exhibition at the High is the largest and most comprehensive showing of Davis’ work to date. Antiques and the Arts has a thorough biography of Davis this week, and the exhibition is complemented by a catalog.

The Treasure of Ulysses Davis is on view until April 15, 2009.

A few of Davis’ treasures after the jump.

Agnès b is one of those great modern art collectors who has an eye that remains expansive and aware of a variety of styles, forms, and visions. She’s been collecting art for over 30 years and with the publication of her new book,  Collection agnès b, she presents many of these works inside of 352 pages.

“This book offers a unique view into the creative universe and artistic circle of agnès b. by bringing together major works she has collected and the special contributions by personalities such as Kenneth Anger, Jonas Mekas, Jonone, Futura, Edouard Glissant, Harmony Korine, and Hans Ulrich Obrist…William Eggleston, Andy Warhol, Larry Clark, Basquiat, and Nan Goldin, as well as Seydou Keïta, Richard Billingham, and Martin Parr. It also includes works by Cameron Jamie, Absalon, Mona Hatoum, Chéri Samba, Jim Shaw, Frédéric Bruly Bouabré, and Malick Sidibé, among others.”

Collection agnès b should be available in Europe now and February 2009 in the USA via Agnès b stores and Amazon.

View works found in the the Collection agnès b art book after the jump.

Mr. Ossendrijver continues to keep the Lanvin line fresh with this pair of calf and suede toe cap shoes for Spring/Summer 2009. The brown outsole and heel against the black upper just bring the scent of a cigar bar. Simple and elegant for the springtime. Available now from Colette FR.

More detailed views of the Lanvin Calf and Suede Richelieu Shoes after the jump.

These are a pair of Rick Owens Destroyed Suede Boots. We did not use the word distressed for good reason. Suede is arguably a material which is distressed by nature. Any damage done by peeling or scraping into the suede leaves it destroyed. Rick Owens pulls it off beautifully in the form of this 14 eyelet, high-top boot that includes an easy entrance zipper. “Battle-worn” would be near the bottom of the descriptor list for these. They are just brilliant. Available now from Oki-ni.

More detailed views of the Rick Owens Destroyed Suede Boot after the jump.

Many of the high end auto manufacturers offer luggage that is made to fit proper in the boot (or trunk depending on which version of English you speak). But for those looking for a few more options to fill the backend, you turn to Taris Charysyn and Co. Auto Luggage. The vast number of vehicles that Taris Charysyn auto luggage is customized for is outstanding.

“Luggage pieces or sets are offered for your choice in Period Styling (black protective corners) or a more Elegant Retro Styling (tacked edging). The offerings include hand crafted fitted luggage for Jaguar, Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes, Aston-Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Maserati, BMW, Morgan, Triumph, Austin Healey and many other Vintage, Classic, and Fine Automobiles.”

All the auto luggage is made to the specification of the original factory optional sets. Simply bad ass. Thanks to MW for buying me a set for my Aston Martin.

More views of the Taris Charysyn and Co. Auto Luggage after the jump.

Wallpaper* brings word on new notlets by Giles Deacon for luxury leather goods maker, Smythson. “His latest creation is a set of correspondence cards for stalwarts of the stationery scene, Smythson. Giles has penned five signed couture sketches, sold in a pack of ten…It mightn’t be a Giles dress but it’s still a charming way to say thank you.”

Maison Martin Margiela offers a great collection of day bags for men this coming Spring. Three models look to be hitting shelves soon – a weekender, a messenger, and the standout photographer’s bag. The replica photographer’s bag is a repro of a classic French version from the mid 60’s. Set in “mild distressed” smooth grain leather, the bag looks to have travelled across the Sahara a few times. Check as well the raw leather edged shoulder strap and velvet interior. Look for all three bags at eluxury. 

More views of the Maison Martin Margiela Bags for Spring 2009 after the jump.