Ahlanlive.com were lucky enough to be present at S.T. Dupont's 135th anniversary party last week at the Kempinksi Hotel, for a fun night of Parisian food and cabaret - as well as a sneaky preview of some fancy new stuff that had us scribbling (with wishful thinking) on our Christmas lists.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the jet-set crowd fell in love with 25 year old Simon Tissot-Dupont's famous travel cases, which were all hand-encased with the finest leather. He had a true celeb fanbase back then - the Queen of Siam had one made in black crocodile leather ! King Farouk and his wife the Queen of Egypt, as well as the Empress of Iran, the Queen of Denmark, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Rothschild Family, the Maharajah of Patiala, all placed their orders. Likewise, the President of the French Republic demanded a lavender blue leather case, a wedding gift to the young princess Elisabeth, future queen of England.

And that was just the beginning...

Over the past century and a half, the S.T Dupont brand has developed its expertise, not only as a case-maker, but also as a master lacquerer and goldsmith. From Japan to the USA, from India to Paris, from the Emirates all the way to Russia, the world over, the S.T. Dupont House today is synonymous with French luxury.

The Diamond Case for example, had us drooling. The sexy crocodile item, which marks the 135th anniversary of the House, was inspired by the unique and ultra luxurious travel case which enchanted so many travellers during the roaring twenties. The House decided to keep this hand-luggage format, which can accompany the modern traveller just as it once did with first-class passengers in the cabins of large transatlantic liners.

There's space inside for any travel must-haves or mementos: a lighter and a fountain-ballpoint pen duo, in palladium, with an iconic Diamond Head pattern, a palladium 2GB USB key set with a black diamond, a personal diary, a copy of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Little Prince for some light bedtime reading, a S.T. Dupont scented candle, and even a mini Teddy bear to satisfy the child within. Aaaaw! In an ultimate touch of refinement and luxury, the Diamond Case's two clasps are set with two black diamonds.

You know it's a modern design however - there's plenty of room inside for your laptop!