As if exclusivity is not enough of a bonus, two retailers are throwing a little extra into their bags.

German sportswear company Puma launched its limited edition Reality Bag here last Friday. Three of the 1,000 pieces produced worldwide are now available at the brand's VivoCity store.

All 3 were available as of yesterday morning.

Puma's limited edition Reality Bag

A collaboration between Puma and London's famed modern art gallery, the Serpentine Gallery, the silver leather duffle embossed with the image of a brain, is designed by Swiss artist John Armleder.

But it's what's inside that makes it a true work of art. The Serpentine roped in over 100 artists, including French artist Philippe Decrauzat, to contribute sketches for a notebook included in the bag.

There is also a matching leather pouch, a silk foulard, a leather-framed mirror and a steel stencil designed by American artist John Tremblay. It's no wonder this is Puma's most expensive bag ever, costing $1,690.

Over at Strange But Cool at 342 Dahan Road (off Admiralty Road West), owner Tina Lim, 47, throws in a Moroccan leather purse containing a single coin for each of the vintage bags she sells.

It is to symbolise that the bag would never be empty, she says.

Her bags, which date back to as early as 1915, are one-of-a-kind pieces sourced during her travels abroad and restored by hand.

The home-based set-up is open once every two months for walk-in crowds - the latest session was last Saturday.

Can't wait for the next one? Make an appointment by calling 9684-2264. The pieces cost between $200 and $1,800, depending on their age, size and designer.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on May 1, 2008.