Custom Design

As I continue to read the endless Twitter details of all my friends’ summer vacations (and then see the inescapable pictures on Facebook afterward), I can’t help but turn my attentions to travel. I still make due with the same black Samsonsite suitcase that accompanied me on my first jaunts to New York City, Boston and Chicago as a teenager, but surely there are more interesting (and expensive) options out there for a traveler who wants the best suitcase on the luggage carousel.

With that curiosity in mind, we’ve picked some options for your perusal from Louis Vuitton to Bottega Veneta, spanning a price range from $500 to $50,000 (yes, that’s the correct number of zeros) for a suitcase. Let us know which one you like best and what your current luggage of choice in the comments.

The Louis Vuitton Pégase 55 is probably one of the more well-known luxury suitcases on today’s market, and Vuitton is one of the first brands that customers think of when designer luggage is mentioned. Many people opt for the less expensive monogram canvas, but that has always struck me as a sure way to get your luggage snatched at the airport. The more discreet Epi leather version would be my personal choice. Buy through Vuitton.com for $3230.

Whether you love or hate Prada nylon, you have to admit that the material is a fairly sensible travel choice. The Prada Nylon Wheel-Away Trolley Case is probably too expensive when compared to most nylon (or leather) luggage, but if you want the logo and have the extra cash, Prada is more than willing to provide it. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $2035.

The Tumi Medium Trip Packing Case maybe not be a “designer” suitcase in the same way that the others on this list are, but I think that the brand and this type of luggage are worthy of a mention. On my first-ever plane ride when I was a kid, I remember seeing a guy with a briefcase made out of this material and thinking that it was the coolest and most awesome thing I had every seen. The material makes the suitcase look like it contains nuclear secrets, even if the only thing inside is your sweatpants. Buy through Saks for $495.

For a logo-covered suitcase, the Gucci GG Coated Fabric Trolley is probably as discreet as it gets. Still, I imagine that the same thing would happen to this case as certainly befalls loads of Louis Vuitton luggage every year: mysterious disappearance during baggage handling. Buy through Saks for $2350.

If you’ve ever needed something to justify the cost of a Vuitton leather suitcase, we’ve got just the thing: the Valextra Small Trolley Case. This suitcase, which is small enough to use as a carry-on, will set you back over seven grand. For that, you could have two of the Vuitton Epi suitcases at the top of this list, plus enough left over to buy a handbag. Buy through Barneys for $7450.

And now for something to make the Valextra suitcase seem reasonable: the Bottega Veneta Nero Soft Alligator Suitcase will set you back as much as a new BMW, but your manservant sure will look sharp while carrying it to your private plane. Buy through Bottega Veneta for $53,500.

Original post by Amanda Mull

During the ongoing World Cup, we at PurseBlog all feel just a little (ok, a lot) South African in spirit. The Gucci Joy fits the theme well with its Safari-like feel.

Original post by Vlad Dusil

It takes a lot for me to like a suede bag, but Gucci has gone and done just that. I’m already on the record as being a fan of their “1973″ line for fall, but I was a little bit dubious of the Gucci 1973 Medium Satchel until I saw the red suede version.

Because of the tactile nature of suede, colors usually end up looking muted when the finished product arrives. I like my colors vibrant, which contributes to my usual distaste for the material. In this case, though, the orange-y red hue comes through loud and clear, taking advantage of suede’s texture without sacrificing vibrancy.

The shape of the bag is simple and not over-complicated, but the throwback logo and use of suede give it a distinctly vintage feel, as does the satchel shape. What has impressed me most about Gucci’s fall offerings is that they’re so restrained – this is a bag made for sophisticated grown women, which is exactly what it should be for the price. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1750.

Original post by Amanda Mull

No one knows exactly how long the mini crossbody trend will last, but put me on the record as hoping that this shape stays around as a wardrobe staple for years to come. Not only are minibags delightfully functional, but they’re easily modified to embody nearly any style from hippie to industrial. In this case, the mood of the Gucci 1973 Small Shoulder Bag is clear – it’s all about the retro throwback.

This bag comes as no surprise to anyone that saw the looks from Gucci’s Fall 2010 runway show – I would have pegged the look as more late 60s than early 70s, but the retro shapes and color palette were omnipresent throughout the bags featured in the show. The altered Gucci logo is the touch that really completes the look.

My only real criticism of the design is that I wish perhaps more had been done with the chain – a piece of leather where the bag will sit on the shoulder is always an appreciated nod toward utilitarian comfort, but I imagine that this bag was meant to be worn atop a layer or two of cold-weather clothing anyway, making that detail less important. The olive color works beautifully with the gold hardware, and sub-$1000 leather Gucci bags aren’t easy to find as of late. This one might be small, but don’t underestimate its style. Buy through Saks for $760.

Original post by Amanda Mull

It seems as though I should have waited another week to write about leopard print as a bag trend – since that post was published, several more enormous brands have made their entrance into the fad, most notable among them Gucci. I was surprised to see the Gucci Heritage Pony Hair Boston Bag at first, but once I had a chance to think about it, the print totally makes sense with the retro feel of their most recent collection.

As several commenters correctly pointed out on my initial leopard print post, animal prints have been around for ever and waxed and waned in relative trendiness for generations. It only makes sense that when most of fashion is taking a look back to find inspiration from over half a century ago that leopard print would experience a resurgence in popularity.

For any remaining people that think leopard can’t be done in a classy way, I think this particular bag is a pretty convincing argument that it can be. The dark chocolate leather trim is beautiful and classic, and the printed pony hair that it frames gives it a pleasantly textural vintage touch. I wish that the straps were a tad longer for easier arm carrying, but other than that, the details of this satchel are pretty much perfect. The cream-colored lining is a nice touch; in a big bag, it’s nice to be able to find things quickly. Buy through Saks for $2400.

Original post by Amanda Mull

The introduction of the Apple iPad meant one thing for fashionistas worldwide: designer iPad cases. We already saw the Louis Vuitton iPad cases and now Gucci is offering a few iPad Case options as well.

Gucci plans to release multiple versions of their iPad cases, including options for Valentine’s Day and the Holidays. Right now versions include black rubberized Guccissima leather and GG neoprene. As much as the

My Gucci iPad Case of choice goes to the black rubberized option. Reason why is ease of cleaning. An iPad is going to get constant use and you take it out and place it back in the case often. Pretty much, the iPad is in oversized iPhone and that means it will be used many times and often. Black also hides use and wear well.

The top of each case features a strap closure. And Gucci made sure to keep the inside of each case in mind when designing their designer iPad case. The inside is lined in suede which will keep the screen clean and from being scratched. Prices will start at $230 and available via Gucci online.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

When I covered the Gucci Joy Boston Bag with Snowman and Elephant Print, the reaction was mixed (except on Facebook where most everyone disliked the bag strongly). But not me. I loved this bag from the moment I first saw it. You see, I recently took a look into my handbag collection and realized I was lacking playful and whimsical designs. My collection is overflowing with great leather bags, but I not only wanted but felt that I needed to add some bags that are meant to be taken lightly and meant to be fun. I found it in the Marc Jacobs Fluorescent Tweed Bag and I have found it in this Gucci Bag.

You know who else is drawn to it? Elle MacPherson.

I must admit, I have had Elle MacPherson envy for years. She somehow pairs gorgeous with casual so well that it makes me mad. And in her all dark ensemble, Elle added a playful touch with the Gucci Joy Boston Bag with Snowman and Elephant Print.

I told you all I was going to order this bag, and I did. It arrived last week and Vlad and I plan on doing a photo shoot with it coming up soon. In person, it is great! This bag is not meant to be taken super seriously, rather it is all in jest (while also being for a good cause). I am looking forward to pairing it with a crisp white top and summer khaki pants! Buy through Gucci online for $695.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Yes, elephants and snowmen all over a designer handbag. Why not pair two seemingly polar opposite things together on a handbag? In fact, it is so quirky that I simply, totally adore it. So much so that I want it. Not just a little bit of want, a lot bit of want.

The kind of want where I am going to go tell Vlad, “You know how much you like elephants? Well, there is this bag…”

The Gucci Joy Boston Bag with Snowman and Elephant Print features elephants seemingly dancing and running alongside snowmen on their white beige GG plus bag. In the larger photo I posted, the elephants appear to be black, but on the Gucci website they are brown. I’m going with the website, since that is showing the actual product being sold. The print, which may sound silly, is perfectly fitting.

The brown elephants against the green leaves with the white snowmen is perfect. There is white leather trim and light gold hardware. The color scheme of this bag is perfect for summer whites and khakis but will easily work for fall as well. Dimensions are 12.6″L x 6.7″W x 8.7″H. Best part of this bag (other than how much I love love love the print) is that Gucci will donate 25% of each sale of this bag to UNICEF. Buy through Gucci online for $695.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Guess who is back on my radar majorly? Gucci. It is not that I lost love for Gucci, I just wasn’t as enthralled. I would be happy to find a great bag but was not searching Gucci’s website expecting to find it. Their collection right now for Spring/Summer is eye-catching and has quite a few pieces I am loving.

One of my absolute favorite bags is the Gucci Jungle Shoulder Bag. It is just what I have been looking for: a shoulder bag with a long chain strap.

Tons of designers are releasing these more compact shoulder bags with a long strap, a-la-Chanel-Flap. This Gucci bag has all of the Gucci accents including bamboo detail and metal beads. I would totally go for the orange version (more of a tan orange than orange orange). I love pairing a tan bag with khaki’s or white jeans and a crisp light summer top.

The single strap has an adjustable knot and a 16″ drop, which is fairly long. Then there is the detachable chain strap, which I adore, because I always love a little chain strap on my bags. The inside is made to be functional with a zip, cell phone, and additional pockets. Overall dimensions are 14 1/5″H x 16 1/10″W x 3 3/10″D.

I totally adore this bag. Buy via Bergdorf Goodman for $1,850.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

2011 will be the 90th anniversary of the luxury House of Gucci. And with the anniversary nearing, Gucci has a new “Forever Now” campaign along with the Gucci Artisan Traveling Tour to celebrate its traditions. The artisans of Gucci will be leaving Florence, Italy and traveling world wide for the first time. The Artisan Corner tour arrives in America on April 19 where it will stay open for two days at Gucci San Francisco on Stockton Street. On April 22, the corner moves to Beverly Hills, followed by Chicago on April 26th, and its final destination will be at the Gucci 5th Avenue Flagship in New York City on April 29.

Here is why you must check the tour out if you can make it to one of the four cities:
The artisans will be completing finishing touches on Gucci bags in each store. This is not only a way to learn about Gucci’s heritage and tradition of quality, but also a way to see how meticulous and hands-on Gucci artisans are. Being able to have a trained artisan complete the finishing touches on a bag you buy will show the quality, craftsmanship, and luxuriousness of the product you are buying.

Anyone can purchase one of the bags and have a Gucci artisan finish the construction of the bag. You must make a new purchase of one of the New Bamboo or New Pelham bags to have the artisans work on your bag in store (along with some small leather good styles). The craftsman will hand-stitch the handles, assemble the iconic bamboo tassels, prepare leather strips for woven stitching, and hand emboss customer’s initials if they would like. On top of that, if you purchase a bag to have the artisan complete it, there will be a special inside plaque embossed with the location and date of the event you attend.

If I lived in any of the cities this tour will be stopping at, this would be an event I would not miss. To watch a true artist practice their craft is no different than watching a talented dancer dance, singer sing, or any kind of performer perform.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil