Leave it to Salvatore Ferragamo to come up with a lady bag which does not scream brands but showcases luxury. The Italian fashion house originally known as the shoemaker to Hollywood has increasingly strengthened its position in the handbag world. Like its shoes, the bags are subtle and the quality is top-notch. The Origami Single Frame Satchel is a structured bag made for ladies of power but the compartments are made with practical-access in mind (one zip and one magnetic snap). The Origami details of this bag and the texture of its leather make the overall look of the bag more luxurious than any normal frame bag. Imagine the former British Prime Minister , Margaret Thatcher with her famous black handbag. This could be another Ferragamo handbag that suits her style. The bag is currently being marked down in saks.com for USD1,589.90 from USD2,650
The legend Baguette Bag is definitely one of the MUST-HAVE Bags in my list. Recently celebrated their 10th anniversary since being launched a decade back by the Italian fashion house Fendi. The bag was so named as its shape resemblances French Baguette or perhaps, these bags were created for the Parisienne to be carried under their arms who usually grab baguettes as breakfast while rushing to work who definitely also need two hands to hold the artisan-style bread at the same time. Who knows? Since 90s, this coveted small couture “It” Bag has been a fantasy of millions of women worldwide. Carried by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and The City, remains an international sensation and becoming more and more popular. I own one of a classic version and can’t wait for the next one!
With over thousands of versions produced, Le Baguette has been revisiting each and every single season to meet fashionistas’ needs. In crocodile skin, denim, patent leather, python to plasticized leathers, embroidered with pearls, beading, sequins and gold thread. Simply irresistible! The Baguette was designed to be carried on shoulder or as clutch (let’s thanks removable straps) for the small and medium version, even across the chest to transform them into messenger bags for the large and extra large versions.
Fendi Baguette’s new anniversary collection offers 10 pure, bright colors. Plus, if you have hidden artistic talent and creativity, tap it to your Baguette black white canvas version which comes with a set of Pantone coloring pens. If you dare enough, why not pass it to your talented kids and let them paint on it? ;P
The Medium Red Baguette is waiting to be kept as one of your bag collections and carried on Chinese New Year! Grab from eluxury.com-Red Baguette for $995
I often imagine the life before the air-plane, the DVD and the Internet. Back in the early days of the 20th century, when people still traveled the world by sea, luxury was accessible only to the ultra-wealthy and the only way to enjoy life had to be being one of the richest. We are lucky to be living today’s world, as i often remind myself of, because today allows us to both enjoy and work for life at the same time. Sadly as life becomes more attainable, we are losing some of the values it used to hold too. We no longer do things as passionate as people used to, relying more on technology to create rather than passion to perfect.
Hermes Feu2Dou bag is the embodiment of all my beautiful thoughts about the past. This bag is etched steadily on my mind but it will take a while to swipe my card for this (i still have many other things in my list) so i hope Hermes will continue making or keeping this bag around until i am ready to get it. I will treat it as a “trip to the past” when i do.
Why don’t people make bags like this anymore? With shape so simple, classy and classic, unpretentious yet elegant too. The size is big enough for a weekend bag or as a holdall for a man or a taller woman. Hermes is one of the few companies in the world today who still creates their products with passion and perfection. There is no wonder why even in down times like now, they are doing better. Please do not buy this bag to soon at Hermes.com for USD4,150. If you are in Singapore, there is one at the Liat Tower store for SGD6,600.
Marc Jacobs is a big fan of Stephen Sprouse. Their first collaboration for Louis Vuitton in 2001 was a sold-out collection and is still highly sought-after until today. Sadly, Sprouse’s untimely death in 2004 made it their first and the last collaboration. In 2006, Marc Jacobs paid a tribute to the artist by incorporating Sprouse’s 1987 leopard print into his Fall 2006 collection for Louis Vuitton. The collection was once again sold-out and same as the 2001 pieces, the second-hand items are available on ebay with crazy mark-ups now.
Marc Jacobs is paying another tribute in his Spring 2009 collection. If you missed the first two rounds, rush to the nearest Vuitton shop and put your name down as soon as you see this entry. For Spring 2009, the colors of the Graffiti print against the classic Monogram Canvas background are all neon (lime green, shocking pink and bright orange) and there is also Rose-tattoo collection inspired by Sprouse’s past work. The collection also expands beyond bags and shoes to include scarves, jewelries, shades, small leather goods and ready-to-wear. There is no price information available yet but if you are one of the VIP customers, I am sure you could get a good estimation from the SA. My guess is a Speedy 30 will cost around twice the standard one, which is normally the case with the limited edition.
Accessorizing is an essential part of dressing as it could make or break an outfit. I have been shopping for Spring New Year, which falls in end January but now is a good time with many sale and offers around. I got two dresses so far- simple, elegant, LBD-type of dresses in grey and in black and what I need now is to find the clutch and shoes to jazz the monotone dresses up. What else would be more appropriate than hot red accessories for the occasion? It actually works for both Christmas and Spring New Year. Usher in the clutch from Carlos Falchi in hot red crocodile skin. The design is simple which makes it classic and a keeper. As for shoes, you can never go wrong with a Mary-Jane from Christian Louboutin. Get both from neimanmarcus.com. The Carlos Falchi clutch is USD 1,400 and the Louboutin shoes is USD895. Both of these are certainly way beyond my budget but i am hoping to find the same look for less.
Sophie Kinsella’s Rebecca Becky Bloomwood in the best selling Shopaholic Novel series has gained fans all over the world since the debut book introduced in 2000. With such a massive success, it is about time the novels to be adapted into a movie and that time has finally come. The movie would be released in February 2009. I can’t believe it took almost a decade to get this to the big screen but when it happened , P.J. Hogarn (My Best Friend’s Wedding) directed and Jerry Bruckheimer produced. The cast is unexpected yet charming: Isla Fisher (The Wedding Crasher) plays the shopaholic Becky and Hugh Dancy (Ella Enchanted) plays the charming young Millionaire, Luke Brandon.
Expect labels showcasing throughout the movie ala Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. The 2:23 mins trailer alone can’t leave a Zac Posen dress, Gucci bag and Pucci boots out already. I hope the movie is as hilarious, funny and strong as the books (the movie combines book 1, Confessions of a Shopaholic and book 2, Shopaholic takes Manhattan).
When we think of Hermes bags, Kelly and Birkin will surely be the first to come to mind. What if you do not like a structured bag? Hermes got us the answer and it is Lindy. Since first introduced last year, Lindy has sealed its place as a classic-to-be bag. Same as its predecessors, the bag is logoless, versatile enough to run from casual to business yet Lindy promises more youth and less structure. As of now, the bag is still relatively “undervalued” (if you could call a bag which starts from USD 5,000 so) and more readily available (talking about Birkin’s and Kelly’s 3-year wait list). When time is bad and you should invest only in one classic piece, go with Hermes and better still in croc leather! That if you really should… Enquire your nearest Hermes boutique for price and availability.
