Designers Handbags

You probably haven’t heard of Kathleen Dustin. I hadn’t even heard of her until a few days ago, when a friend of mine who knows that I’m always looking for interesting takes on fashion passed along her website to me.

Kathleen studied mathematics at University but realized she had missed her true calling as an artist and went back to school to get her MFA. However, believing that sculptures “just sit in the corner and gather dust”, she wanted to make art that was more interactive, so she chose purses and jewelry.

Her designs are whimsical, and strikingly beautiful (even if you wouldn’t necessarily find it wearable, per se), and I find myself drawn to the Nigella pod purse. Paired with a tailored, monochrome look and some seriously glam heels, the Nigella bag would be amazing and beyond unique (each bag is handcrafted in numbers more limited than Birkin bags).

If the organic-inspired bags aren’t for you, check out the “Contemplating Yesterday” tote– the silhouette and structure are eye-catching and the rich colours are perfect for evening events.

I’d love to see a risk-taking yet superbly elegant celeb like Nicole Kidman carry a bag like this for an evening out!

It’s crazy how full of personality and charm the newest Gucci purses are. I love this medium-sized Joy Boston Bag. It’s truly one of the most eyecatching Gucci creations I’ve laid eyes on, thanks to the black and white floral embroidery, black button details and gold and silver hardware. It sounds a little bizarre, but somehow this mishmash of elements works. It instantly perks up a suit and it’s a bit of a conversation piece, too.

One of the latest new additions is the Miu Miu woven fringe hobo. The hobo is dressed in a woven pattern body and features double trails of fringe down each side. Not as dramatic as Miu Miu’’s distant relatives version* - Prada’’s Nappa Weave Flap Hobo. Still I have never been a fan of tassel fringe. I would get the urge to pull out the scissors and start snipping away. Or at least avoid this bag all together. What do you guys think? A hit or miss?

The woven leather Miu Miu can be spotted in the of net-a-porter, along with a few other new designer bags worth checking out.

Discover the Miu Miu Woven Leather Hobo Purse
$1,595

Today, I spotted the Burberry Patchwork Check Bucket Bag. I consider this handbag to be a bit too exaggerating. Burberry attempted to give the signature checkered pattern a nice twist, but personally, I'’m not really feeling it. I can'’t imagine myself carrying this one bag around town. No offense Burberry, but this patchwork bag looks like a total knockoff! Why the irregular pattern? Isn'’t an uneven pattern a major red flag when distinguishing an authentic Burberry bag over a fake bag? In my preferences, I certainly wouldn'’t buy an authentic Burberry bag containing such an obvious uneven lining.

I will mention that I agree to handbags containing removable accessories. It’’s like a two-for-one! The Patchwork Check Bucket contains a removable cosmetic case, an adjustable shoulder strap, patent leather trim, and measures 13.5″ x 10.5″ x 6.5″.