Designers Handbags

Posted May 22nd 2007 5:03PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

For the Spring/Summer 2007 collection, Bottega Veneta has taken the signature woven leather look and jazzed it up with what looks like art deco stems. The bag might appear to be brown, but it’s actually lavender. It has gold hardware and an open top and the inside is lined in suede. The leather handles look rather short, but the bag is big at 18 by 16 inches. For a lavender bag with flowers, this one manages to look not the least bit fussy. Dust bag included, it sells for $2,200.

Posted May 21st 2007 5:09PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

This canvas bag in the familiar Montalban print may be a shopper, but it would also look great on the beach. It has 7.5″ rolled canvas should straps and a snap closure to keep your beach towel and sunscreen secure. Outside, the large Montalban shopper looks crisp in shades of blue on a white background. Inside, the bag is lined in a blue logo-print and had a zippered pocket. It sells for $490.

Posted May 20th 2007 5:04PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

This beautiful Chinese Blossom Wristlet by Filipino handbag designer Bea Valdes is truly a work of art. Her bags are beaded by hand, which means no two are exactly alike. This beaded and crystal evening bag features subtle greens with hints of white, pink and gold. The overall effect is understated and elegant. With a soft satin handle, the bag is just 3.5″ wide yet still packs a lot of style. It is available at Barney’s for $2,200.

Posted May 19th 2007 5:05PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

I will admit that I am generally not a big fan of metallic bags, but I like this one. To me, the Elliott Lucca metallic shoulder bag strikes the right balance between flashy and classy. The gold-tone leather appears less shiny and more muted when woven together this way and the delicate drawstring tassels on each side don’t overwhelm. The bag is lined and a small logo charm hangs from the twisted shoulder strap. At 12″ high by 15″ wide, it is a good sized bag and I think it’s lovely. Price: $398.00.

Posted May 18th 2007 5:04PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

Designer Melvone Farrell says her handbags are inspired by Caribbean skies and tropical watercolors. That influence is evident in the Helen Bag, which has summer written all over it. In shades of yellow and orange with a strip of sky-blue, it makes me think of Popsicles on a hot day. Made from Italian distressed leather, this clutch has a structure bottom with silver feet to keep it from toppling over. Inside, the bag features extra compartments and a silk Dupioni lining. It is currently on sale for $380.

Posted May 17th 2007 5:03PM by Deidre Woollard

Filed under: Handbags

Melissa Loyd Maish, the former creative director of Bally, has her own line of purses. The atelier is based in Florence, Italy and the line features luxe looks in leather and linen. My favorites are the Sunset models, adorable linen bags with leather appliqués shaped as birds, suns and other organic shapes. The tote is white linen with brown leather and sells for $770.

Posted May 15th 2007 5:00PM by Deidre Woollard

Filed under: Handbags

I’ve seen a lot of resin used in modern furniture designs and in jewelry but it doesn’t often make its way into purses. The Billeyette clutch from Malini Murjani has a resin exterior and a leather lining. A hidden magnetic closure secures the bag. The modern bag is expandable and comes in bright colors that put me in mind of exotic sportscars. The black version shown here sells at Vivre for $275. The yellow and silver versions are at ShopBop for $242.

Posted May 14th 2007 5:03PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

This bag might be a little busy for some, but it is a soft kind of busy that I think looks sharp. The Bruno Frisoni Ribbon Clutch features ribbons, of course. Threaded through over-sized chains, the black and white grosgrain crisscrosses the bag ending in a casually tied bow on the front. A hinged frame hidden beneath the leather trim keeps the bag securely closed. Inside, the bag is lined in a metallic gold with a zippered pocket. It sells for $825.

Posted May 13th 2007 5:08PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

World-renowned British designer Lulu Guinness has some beautiful bags in her Spring/Summer 2007 Couture collection. The Blue Penelope bag caught my eye with its beautiful, deep blue leather. It’s a rather large bag with a soft shape and a sturdy gold clasp and frame. Inside, the bag has an Italian cream suede lining with two pockets as well as the all-important cell-phone holder. With the Lulu Guinness signature discreetly placed on the front, this bag will get noticed. Also available in black, the bag sells for £850.00, but currently has a waiting list.

Posted May 12th 2007 5:03PM by Deidre Woollard

Filed under: Handbags

Where have I seen something quite this tacky? Oh, I remember. Lately Burberry’s been doing well. The Manor bag and the sliver check are both winners in my book. This one however is a clunker. The solid canvas hobo has a Burberry crest embroidery with pebbled grain leather trim and strap. The bag comes in stone with white details. If you must, it sells for $470.