Custom Design

Let’s not mince words about the handbags that went down the Bottega Veneta runway last week in Milan: I cannot recall ever seeing a runway collection that included so many different kinds of bags, all of them utterly beautiful. I’m not even that enormous of a Bottega fan and I was still awed by the details that went into all of them, from oversized crocodile hobos to the tiniest embellished knot clutches. It was without question a pleasure to watch every look that came down the catwalk, and the bags were the icing on the drool-worthy cake.

I mentioned this tangentially in my post about this season’s Gucci bags, but the purses that grace the runways provide a level of luxury that can’t be matched. They’re usually the creme de la creme, made from the best materials and with the most attention to detail that a brand has to offer. Bottega’s outstanding collection, which was carried by nearly half of the models in the show, is perhaps among the best examples of a true runway bag collection that I’ve ever seen. The bags were expertly dyed candy-colored crocodile and snakeskin, mixed with browns and graphites and complemented by a few examples of the brand’s famed intrecciato weave in the best leathers available. They were so engaging, in fact, that I found myself distracted from the show’s gorgeous dresses – no small feat.

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Photos via Style.com.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I was certain we covered the Derek Lam Nadia before. I checked PurseBlog and PurseBlog Savvy, no go. Instead, I must have been certain we covered it because I kept looking at this bag on ShopBop and other sites and thinking, “I should really write about this bag”. I need to teach myself that internal conversation blog posts are not being seen by our readers. Apologies.

But we have a treat for you. Sure, this bag comes in leather, which is what I saw on ShopBop, but we are bringing you a closer look at the spiced up version of the Derek Lam Nadia Hobo in dyed buffed python. We will be bringing you more on the next spring trend that continues surfacing, tye-dye effects, and Derek Lam perfects this with the exotic skin and sleek design.

If you check out Rachel Zoe’s website you will see she featured this bag earlier this week. And I will give credit where credit is due, I did not see this version of the bag until I saw it on Rachel Zoe’s website. She has an eye for fashion and she is always accessorizing in a way that most of us would never imagine doing ourselves. Just like we have said be ready for spring dyes, so does Rachel Zoe.

Do you all remember the famed Fendi Rainbow bag from 2008? The trend did not entirely catch on then, but this year every designer is implementing it somehow. Derek Lam gets it right. What makes this Derek Lam bag stand out is that it brings you the spring trend without being overly trendy. In fact, the neutral hues used and toned dolor color palette makes this tye-dye bag flow beautifully with the design. The shape of the bag is rather structured, with the front standing out because of the asymmetrical tab flap pocket and oversized tassel pull. As Rachel Zoe would say, “I DIE”. $3950 available at Derek Lam in NYC [212.966.1616].

If this version is not right for you, there is a black leather Nadia Hobo at ShopBop for $1,090.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

If ever there was an excellent example of why almost no one can pull off the intricacy and texture that has become a hallmark of the Valentino accessory aesthetic, it’s the Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile and Whipsnake Floral Tote.

I’m not say that this bag is bad, because I really don’t think it is. It’s also not great or particularly inspiring, in the same way that Valentino bags usually are. A poor choice in coloring has sacrificed some of the bag’s visual texture, and despite the fact that I respect where the designer was going with all of this, I don’t think she ever got there.

The way that Gonzalez chose to group her flowers is just sort of…splotchy. Either they need a lot more variation, or they need to be all one color – either way would highlight all of the great texture that they provide. As it is, all you notice are the stark lines that separate one color block from the next, and the subtlety is lost.

I also disagree with the decision to use a woven tote as the background for the flowers instead of leather. It may have been chosen with the intent of mimicking basketry, but even for a bag with such high-end embellishment, it’s hard to justify the price in my head when most of the bag isn’t made out of leather. It’s a solid effort with a few fatal flaws, and a solid reminder that no one does flowers and texture like Valentino. Buy through Saks for $2995.

Original post by Amanda Mull

As much as I love the shape of the Notting Hill Westbourne, it is the rich saturation of colors that has me ga-ga for the brand. To be honest, it is both aspects. The structured shape of the Westbourne is typically not one I am drawn to, yet the feminine and streamlined design is perfectly put together. Why I really love this bag is that it is perfect for dressing up but can still be worn dressed down. And for me, having a more elegant bag in my wardrobe that I can still wear with jeans is a homerun.

For Spring 2010 I could not pass up sharing the colors that Notting Hill has available in the Westbourne.

There is Lilac Python, Cream Matte Crocodile, Sunset Orange Glossy Python, and Pink Python. Each color catches my attention brilliantly. It is as if these Notting Hill bags are in a color league of their own. While the color is rich and saturated, it does not look overdone or too powerful. There is an element of toned-down to a vamped up color scheme that is anything but bland. Sounds like an oxymoron, but these bags are working it!

I have felt the python skin Notting Hill Design uses in person and it is rich and smooth, lacking any sign of light and flaky like some other skins we see. I am sure the matte crocodile is just as luscious as it looks as well. This fabulous foursome leaves an option for everyone. The croc version is around $14,000 and python is around $2,650 via Notting Hill Design Online.

Which color Westbourne do you prefer?

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of writing about a Nancy Gonzalez handbag, and I think I’ve figured out why: I can never tell when they’re new. I don’t mean to say that they all look alike, but…a lot of them look alike. Although I guess if a design isn’t broken, you don’t fix it.

The Nancy Gonzalez Navy Croc Tote surely isn’t broken. In fact, it looks like a completely functional yet totally elegant answer to most women’s need for an everyday bag. Plus, because it’s Nancy Gonzalez, it’s also and exotic at a relatively reasonable price.

There’s not a terrible lot to say about Nancy Gonzalez’s croc bags that I haven’t said before, so I’ll try not to repeat myself too much. What’s always struck me the most about them, though, is that they seem a good deal less fragile than your average ultra exotic croc bag. In fact, they seem downright tough at times, which probably allows Gonzalez to use less expensive crocodile hides than brand like Hermes, which uses only the most fragile, spotless skins. She passes at least some of the savings on to her customers – Gonzalez makes some of the most reasonably priced croc bags on the market. Buy through Saks for $3300.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I love Zagliani handbags. This designer knows how to execute exotic handbags perfectly. Each exotic that I’ve seen is gorgeous, well thought-out and completely drool-worthy. The Zagliani Multicolored Puffy Python Bag is no exception.

This isn’t the first time that we’ve seen this shape and design. I covered the Zagliani Medium Python Puffy Bag a while back. Just as I thought that bag was gorgeous, so is this one. In fact, I think I like this one even better due to the multicolored color scheme. This classic style has two top handles and is constructed using pleated python.

As all of you exotic handbag lovers know, exotic skins can be tough to work with. If not properly executed the scales will begin to flake making the bag look absolutely awful. Since, this is a Zagliani bag, you really wouldn’t have much to worry about. The top of the bag is frame-style and has a chrome turnlock fastening. If you thought there was enough color on the exterior, the color doesn’t stop there. Open the bag and you will find luscious purple suede. Of course this bag isn’t cheap, but hey, a 100% python bag will never be cheap. Finally, you know that this is the kind of bag that won’t go out of style. It is timeless. Buy through Browns Fashion for £1,870.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Great googly moogly, people. I sit here every day and talk about $2500 handbags like they’re the most normal thing in the world, so most sane people would consider me somewhat desensitized to luxury prices. And they’d probably be right – I sort of consider Balenciaga bags to be a steal, since most of their motorcycle styles are still priced under $1500.

But even the fact that I don’t live in objective reality when it comes to the prices of designer duds can’t stop my mouth from falling slightly agape at the fact that those in the Fashion Ivory Tower want us to pay $73,000 for the Balmain Crocodile Tail Leather Jacket. Let’s get a better look, after the jump…

Don’t get me wrong – I love this jacket almost as much as that guy from Anchorman loves lamp. It’s fantastically hip, impeccably tailored and made out of the most luxurious leather on the face of the planet. It’s post-apocolyptic chic and so cool it hurts me to look at it. I want to live in it. It may be the greatest jacket that I have ever glimpsed in my young life. But holy crap, $74,000?!?!

Off the top of my head, the things that I could buy with that include: a black-on-black BMW X5 with an engine upgrade, a big down payment on a modernist condo in a really nice building in midtown Atlanta, a herd of tiny Bulldog puppies to follow me everywhere I go, a freaking boat (not that I even want a boat), a houseful of Jonathan Adler furniture, rugs, linens, and accessories, or a lifetime supply of Apple laptops, so that it would no longer be a big deal when I knock mine off the couch.

Or I could buy an absolutely sublime Balmain jacket. The grousing about price can be easily extrapolated down to the price levels that we normally talk about – $1500 is a mortgage payment that is hard to come by for a lot of people. I recognize the inherent hypocrisy. But as with everything, there are degrees to exorbitant pricing, and this jacket may have reached one with which I am simply not comfortable. But, if you happen to have $74,000+shipping laying around and you’re a French size 38 (and if it’s only available in that size, that means it has already sold out in all the other ones. Wrap your head around that), you can buy it through Luisa Via Roma for $73,935.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Welcome back Anya Hindmarch, it has been a while since we have talked about you. The best way to strike up the conversation again is with a great handbag, and you have delivered.

Anya Hindmarch has always brought us beautiful bags, problem is there are not large amounts of them. When I saw this clutch I had to write about it. It is ladylike and sophisticated, simple and exotic, practical and chic. This my friends is the Anya Hindmarch Luce Snakeskin Clutch which is made of light brown snakeskin with gold-tone hardware. The color palette is soft and neutral. I am not always drawn to gold hardware, but on this clutch it is perfect.

Another reason I adore this clutch is because it is wallet-style. I was sharing with our fans on Facebook yesterday that when I am in a hurry I leave the house with only my wallet. If I could find more wallets that double over as clutches while being statement pieces on their own, I would be set. This is what Anya Hindmarch brings us.

This clutch has pockets and space without losing its elegant design. Actually, I am quite surprised by the functionality of this piece. Just check out the photos; pocket after pocket after credit card slot after slot, after zippered pockets all over. And then when you close it all up, the look is stunning and not too busy. The two twist-lock fastenings at the top fold out to reveal a zipped pocket and pockets for cards. Along with that there is a concealed magnetic fastening at the top, a zip fastening back pocket, and an entire section for cash, notes, cell phone. That is right, I said cell phone. The true test of this clutch being workable for me is if all of my wallet essentials along with my cell phone fit inside. I won’t really know that unless I saw this clutch in person, but I would like to think that it will get the job done.

Oh yeah, one last point. The price, for a large snakeskin clutch with this kind of craftsmanship and beauty, is only $595 via NAP.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Notting Hill Design is the latest brand we want to formally introduce you to. We already had Amanda gush about their Westbourne after she spotted it being carried by Leighton Meester on Gossip Girl. Then we were teased even more when Blake Lively stepped out with the same design in the most delicious shade of orange. Now it is time we introduce you all officially.

PurseBlog readers, meet Notting Hill Design. Notting Hill Design is a handbag brand that was created by husband wife duo Kimberly and Steven Yurisich. Kimberly is a former New Yorker with a background in architecture and luxury goods while Steven is an Australian entrepreneur who helped launch Marquis Jet in Europe. Their luxury background reflects in the designs of their bags. Not only are these handbags pleasing to look at, but are also nice to the touch. The skins are delicate yet sturdy, practical yet luxurious. The collection channels the 40’s and 50’s, showcasing clean, sculptural lines while keeping proportions and shapes in mind.

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The Westbourne has become a fast favorite. The bag is the one seen on Gossip Girl, TWICE, and has my heart. There is something so feminine about this structured design. From patent ostrich skin, to matte croc (drool!), to leather, to python, the Westbourne is available in almost every color and material you could ask for.

What struck me most was the quality of these bags. Python skin can be tricky to master, as sometimes the skin feels thin and flaky. The skin Notting Hill Design uses is sensational. The python is buttery soft and smooth yet lacks the flaking that many skins show. The treatment of the ostrich skin resulting in patent leather adds an interesting dimension.

I clearly am playing favorites as the Westbourne is mine, hands down. We also had the Orsay Hobo, named after the museum, with us. This hobo fits nicely under your shoulder and adds an extra touch with the tasseled zipper pulls.

The designs are ladylike while remaining current. Truth be told, the Westbourne is a shape that I have not seen elsewhere and truly deserves every accolade possible. We will be sure to bring you much more from Notting Hill Design in the future.

Shop all Notting Hill Design online HERE.

The Orsay is £865 while the Westbourne in Grey Ostrich is £2,675 online.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Hey, Jimmy Choo. Listen and listen good. You’re trying too hard.

The Jimmy Choo Conti Snakeskin Shoulder Bag is…how to say this…a bit confusing. Also, it’s a bit gimmicky, and gimmicky and good design are, sadly, mutually exclusive.

One of the biggest rules of writing is “show, don’t tell,” and the folks at Choo violated a similar design rule in making this bag. Instead of creating something that is so painfully cool that it oozes “rock star” out of its little bag pores, they merely chose to slap an animal-print lighting bolt on a snakeskin bag that would have been gorgeous otherwise.

In doing so, they created a bag that screams, “Look at me, I’m so EDGY,” on the owner’s behalf, and that’s too obvious of a statement for any truly stylish person to want to make. In fact, the design almost comes off as insecure or self-conscious; it appears to be so nervous that other people won’t find it cool enough that its entire existence seems to be predicated on reminding people of that fact. Of course, when something has to broadcast how cool it is, the effect is totally lost. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2095.

Original post by Amanda Mull