Made of luxurious nappa leather, don’t be surprise when I tell you that this brand new handbag from Versace is tagged at US$2,840. The unique light purple is not only stylish but also out of the ordinary. I love the chain shoulders and signature logo. So unless you have enough budget to pamper yourself, I guess we should put this baby in our wish list!
Made of signature printed quilted fabric, this gorgeous dome-shaped shoulder bag from Moschino is one of a kind. Completed with removable signature key fob and platform bottom with feet to protect bag when set down. I personally think that it’s quite chic and perfect to be carried everywhere, don’t you?
Valued at US$854.
Big bag lovers, this post is dedicated to you. Update your collection now with this latest arrival of Banana Republic’s collection: a fabulous Westchester large braided hobo! Made of 100% leather with brass finish hardware and magnetic closure, it is also completed with protective storage bag. Choose from Chalk or Saddle color as your favorite and bring this US$240 beauty home!
Lauren Merkin is known for her unique looking clutch. And this time, she’s back with this sweet clucth design. I totally love this one. I can imagine wearing a summer dress with this clutch in my hand. I bet it’d be lovely. Tagged at US$250, don’t you just love the eyelet details?
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All my life, I’ve always preferred leather, canvas or even fur to nylon bags, I dunno why but for some reasons I always thought that they were not attractive. But today, after I saw this Botkier tote, I changed my mind, completely. I mean, it has never come across my mind that a nylon tote could be this beautiful! I like the ruched pockets at front and the silver hardware (It makes the bag look more chic, doesn’t it?). I even think that it’s perfect to be carried to the office, don’t you agree?
It comes in Black and Silver for US$450.
Ken Downing- Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus and Bag Snob Tina
I have been running into friends from Dallas all week; including the fabulous Ken Downing, Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus. Ken has been heralded the most influential man in fashion not to mention the hardest working. I saw him at every show I attended, fiercely focused on each look floating down the runway and taking notes on the pieces that will end up on the glossy racks at Neiman Marcus stores by next February. So what does the man who decides what women will wear each season think of the latest bags? I caught up with Ken in midst of his busy week for a quick Q & A.
Bag Snob: I have not seen you in so long, how are you? It seems you are never in Dallas anymore!
Ken Downing: I know, it’s been a whirlwind. I go home for a day and then it’s off to the next trip.
Bag Snob: What bags have you seen at Fashion Week, tell me which ones you’re most excited about for Spring.
Ken Downing: The oversized gold foiled bag from Michael Kors is hot. I also liked the clutches he showed.
Bag Snob: I spoke to Zac Posen and he said to expect different bags from him next Spring. Have you seen them yet?
Ken Downing: Oh yes, I was just at Zac’s showroom the other day. Great collection, streamlined and very sleek. He’s lightened up the look, took the hardware off and has a more modern edge.
Bag Snob: What bag trend do you predict will continue from Fall to Spring?
Ken Downing: Exotics will continue strong. And anything ombre, even better is exotic skins in ombre. The varying hues really show off the texture of skins.
Bag Snob: What bag should we be buying right now for Fall?
Ken Downing: The bag you’re using is perfect. Gray exotic is the look of the season. (Bag Snob note: I was carrying the Bottega Veneta Anaconda Lucida bag)
With that and a kiss adieu, Ken was off to the next show. I saw him again at Oscar de la Renta later that day across town, like I said, the man never stops!
UPDATE: The totes are now available for purchase HERE!
Zac Posen’s Limited-edition DHL tote will launch during Fashion Week, Bag Snob has been invited to preview the bag at the exclusive launch party at Bryant Park Grill and to interview Zac! The tote was created as a part of the “Tote for Teachers” campaign to benefit Zac’s favorite chairty, Teachers’ Count. Posen and his high school English literature teacher from St. Ann’s School in Brooklyn Heights will participate in a public service announcement for TeachersCount’s “Behind Every Famous Person is a Fabulous Teacher” series.
The bags will sell for $400 with complimentary DHL delivery and 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the bags will benefit the national non-profit organization supporting the teaching profession. I’ve always felt teachers are under appreciated in the United States and hope this campaign will bring the recognition and support they deserve. I know you all have had at least one teacher who made a positive impact on your life, honor them by purchasing one of these super cute bags! I should buy at least a dozen because I had the most patient and amazing teachers growing up (most notably Ms. Bullock- my 3rd grade teacher who took extra time everyday to teach me English when I moved to the US, she made living in a foreign country fun and exciting instead of frightening. Ms. Kuzak- my 8th grade art teacher who encouraged me to follow my dreams and to believe I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to!).
The flat totes are made from fine Italian leather in DHL’s signature red and yellow colors, including a sturdy shoulder strap (all the better to hold your books or magazines) the tote bag was produced in Tuscany where Posen’s handbag line is also made. I am very excited about this party and will give you the full scoop behind the scenes when I get to New York next week!
We loved the creamy Aurora for Spring and now we’re drooling over the espresso with metallic gold version for Fall! I just landed in LA and am in the mood for a funky bag with old Hollywood charm just like this, it’s perfect for me to carry out tomorrow for a night on the town. The espresso leather frame bag is old school glam but the contrasting metallic gold adds a touch of rock and roll vibe and I’ll be the envy of all my friends with this dangling from my arm! Zac Posen is a favorite of celebs and socials(I am dying over all his fab dresses for Fall!) and his bags have carved a deep niche in the luxury handbag world. So much so that he doesn’t feel the need to place a giant logo in the middle of the bag! It is instead a subtle engraving on the topside of the hardware, now you know I love that! As my friend Robin says, “it’s all about reverse snobbery” and if you don’t recognize the bag, you don’t deserve to call yourself a Bag Snob. $1,500 at NAP, a reasonable price for a slice of Zac heaven and a classic to pass down to your granddaughter!
Left: Gabriella Croc Bag Right: Alberto Ostrich
Massimo Calestrini, the designer for Shiro Company, designs a mix of traditional style with modern taste while experimenting with new shapes and materials such as African ostrich and Asian crocodile and we love the results! Simple but luxurious, he really understands how to make the most of the skins he works with. The Ostrich Alberto bag is a great casual bag and judging by the name, it’s a man bag but nice enough for both men and women. The lack of logo will also greatly appeal to our discreet bag snobs. 4,750 Euro ($6,140 USD)
The Crocodile Gabriella tote available in a rainbow array of colors is absolutely fabulous. I am dying to see what the fuschia croc looks like! The signature tag with lizard and danglin charms is a cheeky element that plays down the seriousness of a structured crocodile bag. 7,500 Euro ($9,697 USD, a bargain compared to the $15,000 Zac Posen is charging for his atrocious turquoise croc bag, don’t get me started on him, he’s nothing but another over-rated boy wunderkin) Shiro bags at Luisaviaroma.com
As much as I love juicy bold color there is a very calming and beautiful essence in subtle shades of white and pink. Valextra goes girly this Spring and offers the Boston patent leather bag in pale pink and a to die for baby pink crocodile clutch that is making my heart palpitate- it is taking every inch of willpower for me not to call my Valextra rep to order that precious little clutch! (what can I say, I am a sucker for all things pink!) I have the Boston in purple soft Franzi leather and nude patent and I absolute the simplicity of the bags. I also have the punch bag in Fuschia (Jackie O’s favorite!) and just realized I do not have one in their signature color- white! I don’t think I will repeat the Boston and may go for one in the company’s signature Leather VL in a large tote. Go check out Valextra at Barneys New York (Valextra does not allow any sales over the internet to protect the integrity of the brand.) and I promise you will fall in love with the luxurious leathers and meticulous craftsmanship.
Photos: Style.com