The Jackie O’ a.k.a Bouvier is probably Gucci’s most iconic bag. Jackie O’, the former first lady of the United States, whom the bag was named after was often spotted wearing one on her shoulder and marked a mile in the history of the brand. As of now, the bag is one of the most iconic bags ever created in the fashion history and Gucci has Jackie to thank for that. Decades after its original creation, the bag has been reinvented times and again. For Spring/ Summer 2009, Creative Director Frida Giannini gave the icon a face-lift by blowing the size up to larger than ever (18 3/4″W x 15 1/3″ H x 2 1/3″ D) and adding a long strap, making the bag a sling bag too. This is what i love most about Frida Giannini. Being a younger designer, she has better understanding on the practical side of fashion, yet she is seasoned enough to not be submissive and remain original.
Some versions of the New Jackie for Spring/ Summer 2009 (from left to right):
Top row: Crystal GG fabric (USD2,995), Coral leather (USD3,100), Brown distressed leather (USD3,150)
Bottom row: Brown Guccissima (USD3,250), Brown Phyton (USD5,900), Brown Ostrich (USD9,900)
My favourites are the brown Guccissima and brown Ostrich. Check out all available versions at your nearest Gucci stores or neimanmarcus.com.
Images are courtesy Gucci Italy
Escada rarely creates buzz in the handbag turf. The brand has always been associated with elegant dresses and high-society dressing. Escada is not one of those fashion brands which rely on accessories sale for brand survival, rather it is a high-end clothing brand like Armani and Nina Ricci which clothings are top choice for dressers who no longer experiment and know what’s best for them
From brands like Escada, simplest designs could take your breathe away because it is simply stunning, classy, elegant and that is what this Ostrich Shoulder Bag exactly is. The design of the bag is simple, the color is well…as plain as white, bears minimal hardware in matt gold and leaves the divine white Ostrich leather to do the all of the talking. Get this simply beautiful bag from Neiman Marcus for USD3,990. It is a little steep but it is what class, elegance, exotics and longevity cost.
Image is courtesy of neimanmarcus.com
The Miu Miu Mattelase bag is one of the most instantly-recognizable bags that is Miu Miu even without loud logos or big a name plates. The pleated soft leather is to-die-for and the elegant shape of this bag adds on the to overall classy look without trying too hard. This piece in Fuschia is especially more delicious. The color blends well with the matt gold hardware and is not too overwhelming either making this bag appeal young despite its structured shape and business-like design. This is simply the best version of this bag to me so far. Available on net-a-porter for USD1,495. Quite a good deal for a classic, full-leather, Made-in-Italy bag.
Image is courtesy of net-a-porter.com
If Fendi wants it, they will have it. The house once ruled the world of handbags so there is no reason they could not do it again, if they curb the enthusiasm to over-design and stick to winning pieces like the Twins tote. The Twins tote was after all revived again once the Olsen twins were spotted with the vintage croc version so not issuing it in croc felt like an injustice to me. Turned out, Fendi knows better because not only was the tote issued in croc version, but also in these OMG green and oh-so-irresistible blue! These bags kick the ass out of my issuing-the-croc-stamped-leather-version idea (although it would certainly make it more affordable). Call your nearest Fendi store for special order. These babies are not available sitting on the rack and from what i heard, will set you back by around USD9,000.
Images are courtesy of fendi.com
The Boogie bag is the signature bag of Celine. The bag has been re-incarnated time and again, some good, some not-so-good and some are worth-it, all things considered. The Andelys Boogie in patent leather falls into the last category. It is a great piece to invest in considering the price (USD609, down from USD870), the design of the bag itself (an iconic classic) and details such as the shiny patent leather, the chain and stitching that leave the bag looking younger, less lady-like in a good way. The price of the bag is the best, even at its original considering that the bag is all leather and still a “Made in Italy” piece. I also love the fact that it is discreetly Celine. In fact, the only thing that gives it away as a Celine is the iconic shape of the bag itself before the discreet metal name plate. Get it from the Bloomingdale’s now! At USD609, you normally could get only a canvas or fabric bag from Premium Designers like Celine.
Image is courtesy of bloomingdales.com
The limited edition of Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 has been reissued for Spring 2009 as part of the Stephen Sprouse Tribute collection. As predicted in the original post on this collection, the Speedy 30 Rose is priced at USD1,310 which is almost double the standard version (USD700). On the other hand, the neon Graffiti version is price at USD1,180 which is pretty ‘reasonable’ for this collection. If you were an avid collector and has not put your name down for these pieces, it is the time to do so (and maybe also question how ‘avid’ you are). Check out the prices of the other items such as the Neverfull tote, Keepall bag, shawls, shoes and other accessories in this collection here!
Images are courtesy of vuitton.com
The new Chloe Andy Satchel is all about functionality. The spacious room, especially with the option to unzip and expand the bag further is something the previous Chloe bags have never offered before so this is clearly new for the brand. The design and shape of this bag is pretty safe but the shiny, lush lambskin in the blue and brown color combo with golden zipper details make the bag appeal rugged and vintage ala Balenciaga. Overall, i love this particular bag for its colors, simple design and gorgeous material and with USD1,595 a pop, it is worth it if you buy it for frequent use.
Image is courtesy of saks.com