The Chloé Paddington was so “IT” that people actually overlooked the fact that the metal padlock, which happens to be the center focus of the bag makes it too heavy to carry around, not to mention that the size of the bag itself is not that big so you can’t really fit your life in there.
Here comes the Hobo Paddington and I think it is gorgeous. The metal padlock is still. big as ever but the bag is big and is beautiful and big enough to fit at least most of your life in it. It looks suitable as daily bag too but lose the padlock unless you want to get shoulder and back pains. Lastly, at USD1,595, I think it is a must-have! Also available at bluefly.com with 20% off now.
Image is courtesy of bluefly.com
Could Chloé have been tired of making HIT bags? The Darla is a pretty unique but a little too trendy for my taste and the price could be more merciful at USD1,995. It is not a miss but definitely not a HIT nor an IT material.
Image is courtesy of Saks
Singapore is not a bad place to live in except for the weather which is either hot and humid or raining. Can’t it just be, for once, nice? Yet before I get attacked by readers who would kill for weather like Singapore’s, I am not complaining, just pondering. Anyway, now that the summer is around, Fall 2010 bags are up for preview too. There are some new creations which is excellent remembering that designers have been pretty lazy for the past few seasons just playing variations on their existing design.
Row one (from left): Alexander Wang, Celine, Chloé
Row two (from left): Derek Lam, Dior, Fendi
Row three (from left): Miu Miu, Mulberry, Valextra
Images are courtesy of style.com
The Chloé Elsie shoulder bag was one of the hottest IT bags last year so it is only natural that the French design house will issue another version of the Elsie. The Elsie bowling bag is the perfect antithesis to the original. The shape of the bag is similar to the Hermes Bolide or Louis Vuitton Alma, a classic, made fully of tan buffalo leather, accentuated only by the beautiful signature clasp on the original Elsie. The bag costs GBP800. at net-a-porter.com making it pretty reasonable for a new classic piece.
Image is courtesy of net-a-porter
Is it me or the Chloé Paddington looks hot again here? Maybe it is the gold color which makes it suddenly looking shiny and new but it does remind me of why the bag became the IT bag when it first came out. It is now a classic and Chloé staple bag. Get one from Nordstrom for SGD2,724. Nordstrom ships worldwide now.
Image is courtesy of Bagthatstye.com
Oh look at this!!!! Could houses like Fendi or Ferragamo start stealing some reference from Chloé for its handbags? This is a perfect follow-up to the hot Elsie flap bag. The Elsie satchel in python is on a league of its own: vintage-inspired, classy, elegant and youthful at the same time. I love everything about this bag including that beautifully crafted metal clasp of the bag. At USD2,895 for a full python bag, it is nicely justifiable. Available at Saks.
Image is courtesy of Saks
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
