The Hottest Bags of 2009

The year 2009 has been particularly challenging for most of us around the world but as with everything else in the world, it has to come to an end and we all look forward to the more optimistic year 2010. If there is one thing so profound that I have personally learnt from what I would consider as the toughest year in my working life is that patience, perseverance and faith would overcome almost everything possible to overcome. Therefore taking this, I wish everyone the best of luck in getting back on track to achieve your postponed goals, be it an early retirement, a country house, a property or your first Louis Vuitton Speedy.

Most might take this lightly but I believe that shoppers like us (especially those from China this year) have contributed to the early recovery of the world economy. I am not an Economist making prediction of what the economy is turning out to be in a few months’ time but the basic is always there: “Continue spending if you could as that is the only way to save jobs and keep the wheel spinning”. With this, I think it is just right  for us to pay tribute to 5 of the hottest bag of the year that kept people spending.

1. Olivia Harris Zip Pocket Round Sack

Designed by Joy Gryson, Olivia Harris (named after her daughter) is the younger and edgier line. When the Sack was first introduced, it was sold out in no time and created a long wait-list. Made of vintage washed Italian lambskin, the bag is perfect for travel or as a carryall with a rocker-chic attitude. The best part is the bag does not break your bank at only USD395.

2. Chloé Elsie Shoulder Bag

The Elsie has been the favorite of the most prominent supermodels and celebrities. There is no denying that it is one of this year’s hottest IT bags.

3. YSL Easy Bag

There is no asking “Y” I put this in the list. It is basically just everywhere this year from runway to front row of fashion shows, in shopping malls, in Hello Magazines. It is just so easy to fall in love with this bag and many will agree with that statement.

4. Tod’s D Bag

Derek Lam’s attempt to make the Kelly of Tod’s paid off well. The Tod’s D bag has been unanimously considered as a classic by now. I love everything about this baby, the shape, the design, the convertibility, the soft Italian leather, the impeccable workmanship and the less-than-USD2,000 price (for the calf leather version), making it a must-have investment piece.

5. Valentino 360

You see, the formula of an IT bag is simple design with a twist + a catchy name + a celebrity endorsement and voila! The bag takes off. The same formula was adopted for Valentino 360 and though it is relatively new, it has been one of the most hyped-up and sought-after bags this year. Leighton Meester’s Blair Waldorf on the Gossip Girl put this bag on the IT bags map when she “admired” it in one of Season 4 episodes and then seen carried one a few times in several more episodes.

Images are courtesy of Olivia Harris, Net-a-porter, Saks, Tod’s and Valentino

Marc Marmel The Herman

My God! Isn’t this stunning? Yes, it is no Hermes HAC but Marc Marmel bags are inspired by vintage travel bags from Hermes and Louis Vuitton nonetheless. I think I am smitten. Marc Marmel pieces are very well crafted with vintage inspired leather on the outside, which make them look like long kept treasures, only opening to refreshingly beautiful printed fabric lining inside. At a fraction of the cost of Hermes HAC or Louis Vuitton Steamer bag, this beautiful bag is for those who travel in style. Oh, this one comes with a shoulder strap which is really well thought of. Available at Barneys for USD1,410.

Image is courtesy of Barneys

Bulga Parisienna Tote

Besides Gryson, Botkier and Be&D, another contemporary handbag designer worth checking out is Bulga. Typically understated yet edgy like its peers, this Parisienna tote is chic, nice and not boring at all. I love the color of the leather which is called dorange. The Parisienna is currently at 40% off from USD765 to USD459 at bluefly.com

Image is courtesy of bluefly.com

Louis Vuitton Cherry Blossom Satin Amarene

This is a highly limited edition Louis Vuitton Cherry Blossom bag I had no idea it exists to begin with until now. The bag was only made available to Louis Vuitton VIP clients but apparently one of them has decided to let it go. I dun think the bag is fantastically fabulous but owning a highly limited piece of a Vuitton bag is a novelty by itself to any Louis Vuitton avid collectors. The bag is available at Fashionphile now for USD1,350. The bag has silver python trims which is kind of mismatching with the satin Monogram Cherry Blossom. It would have been better if the trims were in gold, don’t you think?

Image is courtesy of Fashionphile

Gryson Angie Bag

True fashionistas mix big established designers with contemporery ones and if your wardrobe has been lacking those, start with Gryson bags. Besides the new classic Olivia, the Angie is a good bet too. I think it looks a little bit like work bag but that means it is perfect for work and dinner or drinks afterwards. I am loving the beautiful pebbled leather on this bag and the vintage treatments on the minimal hardwares. The other beautiful thing about bag designers such as Gryson, there is no logo splash to give away. It is more about a beautiful bag which becomes an icon after a while so they usually stand well to the test of time at a price that does not break your bank. Even better news, Gryson bags are on excellent up to 46% discount on bluefly.com. The Angie in pebbled leather is available at bluefly for USD447.

Image is courtesy of bluefly.com

Valentino 360 and Others at 40% Off

I don’t know how and why but then again who am I to question the fact that the fabulous Valentino 360 bag in green ponyhair is at 40% off at the net-a-porter.com alongside some other fabulous bags that would be a sin to miss. The 360 is down from GBP1,423.56 to GBP854.14. Everyone is crazy about the overpriced sequin version but I say, if you have the money, get this one right now!!!

Image is courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Kate Bosworth with Loewe Ame

Loewe bags have started garnering Hollywood celebrity fans. Seen here carried by Kate Bosworth is the lovely and low-key Loewe Ame, the younger convertible cousin of the iconic Amazona of the house. The Ame is available is the incredibly soft refined calf (one of Loewe’s signature leather), calfhair, snakeskin and croc.

Images are courtesy of people.com and Loewe

Mulberry Alexa Satchel Oversize

The Alexa satchel is a vintage-inspired bag design. I am digging the bag as a messenger and the size is pretty big too at 42cmx32cmx22cm. The bag is made in the UK, fully in Buffalo leather and knowing Mulberry, the bag is worth the price tag of EUR833.33 inclusive of shipping to most countries in the world. My only reservation is the closure mechanism which is perfect as a messenger but too much hassle when toted. Love the blue and gold color combo on this bag! Available for pre-order now for delivery after 31st March 2010.

Image is courtesy of Luisaviaroma

Givenchy Pepe Sac in Red

Made of wrinkled lambskin, the Givenchy Pepe Sac in this hot red should be your staple for the Spring / Summer 2010. The bag is understated and striking at the same time. Givenchy is the master in achieving this effect of a bag on the crowd – just like a Santa passing by, everyone else will have to stare. This hot baby is available in Barneys for USD1,300.

It is the Christmas eve! Here’s the Purseholic team, wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

J, D and F

Image is courtesy of Barneys