That was exactly what went through my mind when I first saw this bag. Valentino bags are traditionally very feminine to girly but this satchel looks very grown-up like an Hermes Kelly bag so it is not a typical creation of the house. Nevertheless, I think it is a classic beautiful bag with the big bow on the flap adding the iconic touch the house is best known for. Price of this bag is USD1,995 and is currently at 20% off (hence USD1,596) at bluefly.com.
Image is courtesy of bluefly.com
If you were a Purseholic and happen to be obsessed with flower too, it does not get any better than this Valentino bag. Flower appliques on a leather bag run a very high risk of being tacky but the combo of crystal and straw on this bag makes it seem very lovely. It is definitely a trendy bag, perfect for the spring and summer. Price is USD2,195 at Neiman Marcus.
There is one word to describe this Valentino satchel: Lovely! Who can resist the color and that big bow on the front? It is definitely not an everyday bag material but it is a really lovely bag that steals attention. Get it from Neiman Marcus for USD1,295.
Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli’s reinvention of the house of Valentino continues to wow us. Transforming a two-color block full leather pouchette into a piece of work of art that would work perfectly for dressing up occasions, the beading forms the sparkling shape of signature lace, while studs sharpen the signature bow. This Pouchette is part of the Spring 2011 collection. Makes me kind of wishing the spring comes early. Pre-order this beauty from Neiman Marcus at USD1,695.
Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Another hit from Valentino. Beautiful isn’t it? It is USD2,795 beautiful.
Image is courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Valentino has been moving into the bag business a lot more aggressively over the past few seasons and boy, they have created a few TDF bags along the way with the IT 360 being the most recent. Like the kings of bags in the industry, everyone has to have a Boston bag and so Valentino came up with its version. It is lace over leather and despite the fact that it might not be the most exciting bags from the house so far, it could just bring Valentino to the mainstream bag market. If you are in the market for a Boston of Duffle bag and is avoiding the classic Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry or Fendi, this might be one worth considering. It is however, tad pricier at USD935.
Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus
One of my favorite bags of the moment in one of my favorite colors: gold! Buy it at Saks for USD1,295.
Image is courtesy of Saks
Not sure how I feel about this Valentino bag. It looks too bare and nude to me. A bit more hardware here and there might not hurt at all, don’t you think? Available for USD1,895 at Saks.
Image is courtesy of Saks
After hits with its gorgeous 360 bag, Valentino has to miss something and when it does, it is just bad. The Summer Flower Tote is the example of a mediocre flower-fest idea executed poorly with expensive materials, resulting in an expensive piece of ugly bag. At USD2,690, I dun know which rich girl would be able to pull this tote off without looking rich and dumb (or blind?). I am sorry but this should go straight to the 95% off shelf.
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