Designers Handbags

You’ve got to love that Paris Hilton loves the paparazzi’s attention. “Why on Earth must we love that, Elle?” - you ask? Why, because this gives her designer freebies, like Chanel bags. Alright, alright, it’s plenty of reason for us bag desirers to hate Paris.

BUT here is Ms. Hilton perfectly posing to show us a great, clear shot of an amazingly gorgeous Chanel bag. And you know what - I believe that’s reason to love the egotist in the socialite.

So thanks Paris! Ahh to be born into wealth and fame … sigh.

As you can see from the mini photo inside the large, the bag’s not really a clutch, but a flap with the strap removed. That is a great idea! Imagine, a jumbo sized Chanel flap could be … a day clutch! Faaabulous! *Dreams off into Elle’s happy place*

Now, when I first saw this Chanel bag in the picture on the left, I thought it was two bags in one. Oh, I thought, that’s a nice idea - a gold disc that fits inside a patent disc. Then I saw the picture on the right and realised that it was actually two disc shapes stuck together to make one weird gold-patent hybrid. Hmm. Maybe not then. If you like the odd shape then you’d better get saving, because it will set you back a heart attack-inducing £1860!

Typically a striped ivory/black pattern could scare me away, but for some odd relentless reason, I am completely and totally drawn to this clutch. Valentino has released the Valentino Striped Bow Clutch which shows off an oversized bow that doubles over as a wristlet along with the black/ivory satin that I am now fond of. A zip closure with satin pull tabs finish off the outside, alongside black satin lining on the inside. There are no pockets, just one compartment. The measurements are 5″H x 10″W x 1/2″D. In a larger bag, I would most likely give it a nay, but in this smaller clutch, it provides the perfect va-voom. Pre-order via Bergdorf Goodman for $850.

Pic of model holding the bag below!

If we were to play the word association game, the term ‘Jimmy Choo’ would most likely warrant the response, ‘Shoes!’. Even being a handbag addict, you would still most likely say shoes, I know I would. But Jimmy Choo is trying to be a brand known for a bit of diversity; stunning shoes and stunning bags. It can be done, but the question is, are they doing it? I have no problem telling the folks behind Jimmy Choo that it is perfectly fine to keep a good thing going by slightly re-inventing it. The Ramona has been a hit along with the recent addition of the Foldover Clutch. A little bit of this and that, and poof, you have the Jimmy Choo Rio Oversize Clutch which bears a resemblance to its big sister, Ramona. This clutch which can also be used as a small shoulder/evening bag is designed with calf leather which is cinched with leather straps through silver rings. The chain link strap is detachable. Two pockets on the inside along with suede lining are found on the inside. The measurements are large, 16”W X 9”H X 3”D, but perfect for the gal who carries a bit. What I am stumped about is the price. Sure I will splurge $550 for a pair of Choo shoes, but ask me to pay $1400 for a Choo clutch and I cringe. I’d opt for the 2.5 Choo’s that I could buy, but the clutch is still cute, just not that cute. Pre-order at Saks for $1395.

Microscopically fine detailing makes this clutch a piece worth mentioning. When designing this intricate clutch, Cavalli must have wanted to create a masterpiece and a talking piece. The Roberto Cavalli Laser Cut Clutch showcases a multicolor underside which is topped with a detailed gold laser cut leather design. Weaving, cutting, edging, and paying close attention to detail, the laser cut design seems to make lines that form a swirly pattern and even a beetle bug. There is a press stud fastening closure and an optional gold chain shoulder strap. This would not be an everyday clutch, not even a ‘nice dinner out’ clutch, but more of a once in a while at a huge Foundation Dinner or Gala piece. I’d take it to a black or white tie event and if the conversation turned to politics, which I despise, I’d take this baby out and try to get the table to talk about it. That would sure be a conversation starter, or killer, depending on the crowd. But this fine detailed bag is available for a decent price and has great measurements; 12 x 5 x 1.5. For a little piece of conversation and beauty via Net A Porter for $1015.

Fab Sugar has reported that the woodsy accessories and the green movement are making an impact in the fashion world. It can be seen on a clutch like the Devi Kroell Crystal Wooden Clutch. This clutch shows that wood is not only used for floors, pencils, and paper, but can make a great looking clutch too. There are jewels bedazzling the wooden box clutch and a gold clasp closure. A different look, but is it the look for you?

Via Devi Kroell for $1390.

Fab or Drab?

The oversized handbag trend is still lingering, so many designers are deciding to keep riding the oversized wave and move on to clutches. What many designers cease to remember is that a clutch is meant to be carried in your hand. Make a visual image of how large you think Miu Miu has made this clutch, and take a better look and learn more after the jump.

Shocking and overwhelming right? There is no way I could comfortably carry a foot and a half wide clutch in my hand. I may be 5′10, but my hands are delicate and small, and this would totally not work. The Miu Miu Oversized Suede Clutch sports a suede plum and red tie dye pattern with pleat detailing and has so much potential, but the size is downright obscene. Coming in at a truly oversized 18″ x 11″ x 2.5″, this clutch is as large as many handbags, but without the shoulder strap. The oversized clutch trend hopefully will not last too long, because it will be uncomfortable and hard to pull off. I dig this clutch, if it were about 1/3 the size. Via NAP for $950.