Monthly Archives: April 2009

Designer Highlights – Frida Giannini for Gucci

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Gucci is one of the most prestigious, iconic and well known fashion and luxury houses in the world, matched by its equally big history and tales. The tragic tale of Gucci family is probably the most dramatic chapter in fashion history ever and the revive of the house by Tom Ford in the 90s is the most recognizable success case many other houses such as Balenciaga and Balmain wish to replicate.

When Tom Ford stepped down from his post as the Creative Director of Gucci in 2004, Gucci put three people in his place: John Ray for mens’ wear, Alessandra Facchinetti for women’s wear and Frida Giannini for Accessories. Ultimately, only Giannini survived and elevated to Creative Director in 2005. Stepping into Tom Ford’s huge shoes is no easy but Giannini did it Italian way. Gucci underwent a big image transformation from a sexed up girl to an alluring woman. There were initially doubts on whether Gucci could survive the transformation but when the sales at Gucci reached a new height, critics had finally gave in.

The 37-year old, Rome Born might be one of the most important force in fashion industry today but her life and love for limelight is the complete opposite of her predecessor, Tom Ford or some other Italian biggest names like Donatella Versace or Dolce and Gabbana. If at one point of time during Ford’s reign in Gucci we had ever wondered whether the brand itself (Gucci) or the designer (Ford) was bigger, Frida was rarely credited for her work for Gucci yet maybe it is not a bad thing afterall. Under Giannini’s direction, Gucci has arrived into the 21st century stronger than ever. She is among the new breed of designers such as Phoebe Philo (who made Chloé cool again, now the new Creative Director for Celine) and Christopher Bailey (Burberry) who champion a lighter luxury and free fashion from attachments from its designers. Yet Giannini’s works are often very personal interpretation of Gucci’s heritage, keeping the brand’s values intact and continuous.

Gucci Embroidered Python Indy and Hysteria

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Leaving an exotic leather as it is is the best treatment you said? The Creative Director of Gucci, Frida Giannini begs to differ. I remembered these two had stolen my attention when i first saw the debut collection of Gucci Spring/ Summer 2009 bags a few months back but it did not register until now. Both Indy and Hysteria are the new Gucci iconic bags and what else would it take to make a more luxurious bag than python skin with heavy intricate embroidery? For the recession-proof lot out there, the Indy (left) is priced at €2,995 and the Hysteria (right) is at €2,980. If you consider the Prada fairy bag in 2008 or Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Graffiti bags this season as art pieces, these two should interest you too.

Images are courtesy of Gucci

Askme – Men’s Work Bag

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Hi There

A girlfriend of mine recommended to write to you. I work in sales line and recently attended a “Grooming for Business” session which made me decide to give myself an image upgrade. I have tailor made my shirts and pants to fit me better and  now i need some recommendation for a good work bag an a pair of shoes. I know good quality bags and shoes cost a lot normally, can we keep it below $1000?

Brad, Chicago

Dear Brad

With your First Lady, Mrs Obama, winning the world with her style sense, i agree that more American should upgrade too. Love your spirit!

In my opinion, US is one of the best shopping destinations in the world. You guys are literally pampered with choices so One Grand could definitely get you a good bag a good pair of shoes. It is too bad you did not specify your age, industry of work and your personal style so i am just going to go with some safe recommendations.

For bags, if you are into traditional stiff briefcases, i am sure you could find a good one from Cole Haan yourself so my recommendations here are slightly younger and stylish. First, the D&G nylon bag costs USD585 (left). The bag is simple, stylish and modern. Available at Neiman Marcus. Second is from Coach, the handsome full leather Tyler Brief costing USD498 (right) is an updated classic.


For shoes, loafers are best for work. Coach Deacon Loafer (left). is understated and not boring at all. At USD288, this is surely a good choice for daily shoes. However, when it comes to shoes, you do not skip Ferragamo. Salvatore Ferragamo Metro costs USD480 (right). made in Italy and is available at Neiman Marcus.

Now it is your turn to find the perfect combo yourself. Good luck!

J Purseholic

Hermes – The Making of a Bag

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Hermes is one of the most prestigious luxury houses in the world today and one of the oldest leather houses which tradition remains the same today as it was founded in 1837. Hermes bags are also among the most expensive and coveted items. If you wonder why people are willing to pay 5 to 6 digits of US Dollars for a handbag, this video might offer an insight.

Lily Allen with Chanel Matrioshka Resin Bag

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English singer Lily Allen enjoys a special “relationship” with Chanel that includes a front-row seat at the fashion shows and the privilege to “borrow” Chanel clothes and accessories after the show, before they become available for sale. She might not be famous all over the world yet and neither does she actually have any promise to be, (honestly) but she does have impeccable sense of style in dressing herself up. Hanging on her arm in this picture is the yet-to-be launched Chanel Matrioshka Resin bag from the Paris Moscow pre-fall 2009 collection. This piece costs around £4,200. Adorable and charming as it is, do not ask me whether it is worth the price tag. Pre-order from your nearest Chanel boutique if you think it is an art piece or collectible item. I think it is the only way to think to justify buying it. Be sure to send us the picture when you actually do.

Image is courtesy of Handbag.com

Burberry Mega Check Bag

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It seems like in challenging times like this, everyone in Burberry has been working extra hard to come up with many products to lure spending. Like i have said again and again, with the Sterling Pound cheaper now, there has never been a better time to indulge in something from Burberry. For this season, Burberry tweaked its Nova check and make it darker, somewhat more military and i love the collection from its clothes, coats to its bags. Burberry Prorsum line, especially has grown dressier, edgier, sexier and grown-up, reflecting the spirits of its Creative Director, Christopher Bailey. Love this bag for its casual cool appeal and although the signature check is all over, it looks classy and subtle with the darker tones. Available at Neiman Marcus for USD1,495.

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Prada Cervo Zip Tote

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Well, well… ain’t this hot or what? It’s been a while since we last saw a hot man bag from Prada and this is definitely it! I have always loved the gradient of brown colors on the deerskin, which is one of Prada’s signature leather and this bag is all about the leather. The shape is simple yet practical, suitable as everyday bag for those who carry a lot daily or for a short trip over the weekend. This beauty is available in Bergdorf for USD1,950. It is tempting.

Image is courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

What Were They Thinking? – Carlos Falchi Fringed Hobo

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I feel bad because i have never strongly recommended any Carlos Falchi bag. There are some great bags from the designer but somehow none has given any “kick” so far and now i have bad things to say about this bag. I am sure you see what i see… this bag is literally scary. It kinda looks like a monster face with moustaches hanging. The bag is also available in Whiskey color and NO! It is not any better. This thing costs USD2,675 which is quite a good price remembering the whole body is made of croc skin but who will pay 2 grands for this thing? If you are spending just to help the economy, rush to Bergdorf now and keep this for Halloween party.

Image is courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Askme – White Bag for Mom

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Many of you have written and asked for bag recommendations as a gift to either yourself or loved ones. We notice that we had been answering pretty much similar questions for a few times so we have decided to post some of the Questions and the recommended solutions from now on. Hopefully more than one person benefit from it. Email us here!

Hi Purseholic

Great job with the site! I just hope you updated the manbag section more frequently as guys visit your site frequently too. Today, i need a gift suggestion for my mom’s 60th birthday.

My mom is a working mom and has been using her trusted black Hermes Kelly as long as i could recall. To her, the bag works with any outfit and she prefers spending her money on shoes and jewelries. My dad and I are thinking of surprising her on her 60th birthday (in May) with a new handbag and we want it to be in white but not too different from her Kelly so she would definitely love it!

We thought of getting a Birkin in white but were told by the SA that the waiting list is at least 2 years and the price is more than HK$60,000. We tried some other shops such as Milan Stations in Hong Kong but the prices are almost double.

Our budget is around HK$30,000 – HK$ 35,000. What would you recommend for a white bag in the price range, preferably from a big name such as Gucci or LV and my mom? Help appreciated.

Tony in Hong Kong

Hello Tony

Thanks for the input, we will update the manbag more frequently. Just stay tune!

Let me just say that it is very thoughtful of you and your dad to go through the process of finding the right bag for your mom. She is one lucky lady and i am sure, she would love whatever you guys got her eventually.

Your budget is indeed pretty generous. I will say forget Birkin as everyone in Hong Kong who could afford it already has at least one. Besides, your mom already owns an Hermes so a change would be nice.

Louis Vuitton Suhali is the classiest and subtle collection of the brand and i think the L’Ingénieux PM (32cm x 20cm x 15cm) would suit you mom. The bag is classic, structured like Kelly and the goat skin of Suhali is very durable and scratch proof. I think your mom would love these attributes as she seems to be the type who keeps her bag for long. The price is USD3,660 (around HKD28,400) in US or €2,380 (around HKD24,000) in France.  I think the price in HK will be around the same as in US, if not slightly higher.

Another option is the classic Chanel Cerf tote (35cm x 24cm x 15cm). The classic tote is simple yet classy and is much roomier than any Kelly. The Caviar leather is scratch proof and durable so it fits the bill. Another great point about this bag is its price which is around USD2,600 (around HKD20,200) and you could use the spare of your budget to buy more shoes for your mom.

Both are great options but your thought is priceless and i am sure whatever you guys decide on, she would really love it. Good luck and keep us posted!

J Purseholic

Fendi Canvas Doctor B Tote

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Before Karl Lagerfeld created the famous Fendi FF Zucca signature, the house was recognizable by its subtle duo-tone stripe pattern similar to the one on this bag. I have not seen this tote in person but it does remind me of some vintage Fendi bags i had seen before. It seems like Fendi has lately been revisiting its archive following the success of the Twins tote and if this is true, i think it is a good move remembering Fendi used to be THE handbag house. I am still not exactly head-over-heels with this bag but as a vintage lover, i could connect to and appreciate its beauty. Also available in black, this tote could be yours for USD1,000 (originally USD1,250) from Bluefly.

Image is courtesy of Bluefly