Designers Handbags

We have a new category called “Introducing…”. This category is where I can post all new designers that I have heard of and are trying to break into the world of handbags. I recently received an email from Oovoo who create handbags that have a unique blend of Asian and Western influences which makes them handcrafted works of art. The name of the company is so much fun and the bag of my choice is the Oovoo Bella Handbag which is ‘flirty, feminine and fun!’ This bag is a clamshell zipper bag with black leather pleats and handles. The hand-embroidered accents add the Asian and Western feel Oovoo focuses on and gives the bag something extra. Measurements are 14″W X 14″H X 2″D and this bag is available via Oovoo for $175.

Every season Belen Echandia selects a Bag of the Season and sends one lucky girl a Golden Ticket email. The Golden Ticket entitles its recipient to the Bag of the Season in her choice of colour. The Bag of the Season for AW 2006 is this unique cowhide metallic purse with removable chain strap. It is perfect for day and night, fits in all your essentials and looks fantastic, too.

This season’s Golden Ticket will be sent on 1 November 2006. The recipient can choose her favourite colour from cowhide from white/silver, white/gold and chocolate/gold.

To be in with a chance of receiving the Golden Ticket, visit the Invitation page on
www.belenechandia.com

Good luck!

Last year I missed out on telling you all about how to win the Golden Ticket, but this year I am letting you all know in plenty of time. The bag up for grabs is the sleek Belen Echandia’s Cowhide Metallic Purse. So hop over to Belen Echandia and sign up to win!!

I have never talked about Henry Beguelin here, but today I shall. While browsing the Neiman Marcus website I came across a handbag by this designer. Upon researching the brand a little, I learned in the early 80’s this brand was born by a group of friends creating belts and bags out of natural cowhide and recycled materials on the island of Elba. Now if you are not familiar with Elba, it is a beautiful island off of Italy (the kind of place you dream to go). There Henry Beguelin was born and today I bring you the Henry Beguelin Star Tote. This tote is roomy and emanates the idea of practicality using lush natural dark brown cowhide. Back leather trim lines the outside of the bag along with silver metal hardware and top handles with a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is really great (especially if you are on an across body bag fix like I am). The horn closure and keeper adds detail to the bag. Finishing the bag off is the signature hand-stitched stick figure on front, which is so tiny on the bag but really adds a cute touch. Buy the bag via Neiman Marcus for $1195 and tell me if you think this new designer is a Yay or Nay.

It’s always a pleasure being able to introduce a newcomer to the fashion market, especially when you can share their collection with your reader base and give the designer nice exposure to the fashion world.

A couple of days ago I received an email from Linda Ly, an aspiring new designer with a promising new line of bags. Linda worked as a model for nearly ten years, which helped her evolve her own sense of style, while her freelance work as a graphic artists helped in turning her visions into reality. After reading through her Manifesto, I already like this gal, her attitude seems right on the spot. Linda’s philosophy follows “style and substance”, which reflects in her bags. The emphasis of her bags lies both in practicality and every day use, as well as fashion & chic to stick out and impress. A fun detail to be mentioned is that Linda’s bags use lining featuring beautiful Japanese-motif prints (Kabuki Theatre, Buddha, Japanese sandals, etc.).

And because we are cool, and Linda is even cooler than us, she’s set up a whoopin’ 20% discount for our readers. Just enter MAYPB during the checkout!

Here’s a preview of Begeren’s Summer ‘06 line:

Begeren Union Hobo (left) | Italian Lambskin, nickel hardware, 18″ L x 9″ H x 5″ D in size | $253.00

Begeren Venice Hobo (right) | “Vintage look” Italian lambskin (body) and distressed cowhide (strap) | $473.00

Begeren Melrose Clutch | Distressed, lightweight cracked Italian lambskin | $286.00

Begeren Moorea Tote | Italian Lamskin, 16″ L x 12″ H x 6″ D, 5 colors | $286.00

Begeren Catalina Weekender | Distressed barolo lambskin (body) and buffalo hide (strap), 20″ L x 12″ H x 10″ D | $715.00

Begeren Chelsea Cargo Sling | Distressed barolo lambskin, 16″ L x 12″ H x 3″ D, strap: 15-20″ | $814.00

Begeren Tribeca Laptop Bag | Lambskin, 18″ L x 13″ H x 5″ D, fits most 15 inch laptops | $1,375.00