SHELF APPEAL: Toolkit
by Prada

In the 1970s these types of luxury good were sold under the heading 'for the man who has everything'. If you own a similar presentation pack of boys' toys -in this case, a toolkit in a classic Prada black nylon wallet- the chances are that it was the woman (or man) in your life that bought it.

This isn't necessarily because thirty years on, men no longer need an excuse for their conspicuous, fashionable consumption. It is more that someone in actual need of a practical commodity such as tools -and prepared to pay a sizeable sum for them- would most likely prioritise their function over their appearance. Investing in such brands as Stanley or Draper, DIY enthusiasts pay for their durability and the power wielded by their efficient design. In contrast, the Prada Tool Kit triumphs in style over content.

The handy among you might clock that these are not the, er, sharpest tools in the kit. Yet to a fashion enthusiast, they are the very quintessence of cool, restrained styling. The handle of each piece is enveloped in a fine, chocolate leather coating. Surely easier to hold, no? If not, they certainly look exquisitely elegant, each marked with a 'Prada' blindstamp and slotted into their respective sleeves, standing there like a handsome choir.

Like the new Prada chess set (pictured), the tool kit is fashioned to be rolled up like a set of professional knives or make-up brushes and fastened with a satisfyingly robust silver buckle. In this sense, the kit occupies the more feminine world of cooking or grooming than the butch arena of your average suburban garage. Something to be exhibited, rather than used, the Prada Tool Kit embodies the spirit of fashion giving over the mundane reality of everyday, private consumption.

Text by Penny Martin

Shelf Appeal archive
15.12.04: Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf
20.10.04: Blouse Bag by Ann-Sofie Back
30.09.04: Contact Lenses by Christian Dior
07.09.04: BMX by Y-3
25.08.04: Helmet by Stephen Jones for GIBO by Julie Verhoeven
05.08.04: Suitcase by Bottega Veneta
21.07.04: Sequinned Knickers by Alexander McQueen
08.07.04: Tennis Court Pump by Chanel
18.06.04: Parasol by Eley Kishimoto
14.05.04: Toolkit by Prada
07.05.04: Feather Headband by Miu Miu
26.04.04: Measuring Tape Belt by Tatty Devine
08.04.04: Easter Bunny Biscuits by Fortnum & Mason
31.03.04: Teapot by Vivienne Westwood for Coalport
24.03.04: Hair Brush by BLESS
12.03.04: Canderel Dispenser by Lagerfeld Gallery
04.03.04: Volleyball by Y-3
26.02.04: Bracelet by YSL
16.02.04: Lace Mask by Lanvin
04.02.04: Necklace by Marni
26.01.04: Straw Hat by Yohji Yamamoto
16.01.04: Edo Bells by Martin Margiela
19.12.03: Shimmering Stilettos by Viktor & Rolf

With thanks to Jane Audas