Custom Design

In case you had forgotten that the end of summer is generally a bit of a slow news period in fashion, we’re here to remind you! The New York Daily News (with some help from Fashionista.com) counted down the most powerful global luxury brands of 2010 this spring, and although we didn’t have a chance to post about it back then, we do now. Consulting firm Millward Brown Optimor comes out with this list every year, and the brands staking claim to the top spots in the middle of a bad economy for luxury likely won’t surprise handbag aficionados.

Even though the industry as a whole is down about 3%, number one-ranked Louis Vuitton has still managed to grow its worth by 2% to nearly $20 billion, which appears to refer to just the brand and not the entirety of the LVMH conglomerate. Hermes, meanwhile, comes in at number two and has grown by 8% to almost $8.5 billion. Rounding out the top three, Gucci is up 2% with a little over $7.5 billion. What do all three brands have in common? None of them are bolstered by the high-margin cosmetics market (although Hermes and Gucci both have fragrance lines) and all three are most famous for their handbags and leather goods.

Two other brands with large presences in the handbag market also make the list: Chanel and Fendi, at number four and number nine, respectively. Both have lost value as companies in the past year (Is Karl Lagerfeld losing his touch? That’s another post entirely), but they’re still doing better than almost all of their competition. The article in the Daily News doesn’t make mention of the brands’ power in the handbag market, but the common thread seems hard to ignore.

Handbags have higher margins and are more widely marketable than a dress or even a shoe because they’re perceived (and rightfully so) as having a larger number of practical uses and a more durable, long-lasting nature. But it’s worth remembering: the money you spend on bags is making the people who design them extremely wealthy and powerful. At the very least, you should be getting a well-made bag and a great shopping experience in return. If you’re not, vote with your dollars. Who would be on your personal power list?

See the full list via the New York Daily News.

Original post by Amanda Mull

In case you had forgotten that the end of summer is generally a bit of a slow news period in fashion, we’re here to remind you! The New York Daily News (with some help from Fashionista.com) counted down the most powerful global luxury brands of 2010 this spring, and although we didn’t have a chance to post about it back then, we do now. Consulting firm Millward Brown Optimor comes out with this list every year, and the brands staking claim to the top spots in the middle of a bad economy for luxury likely won’t surprise handbag aficionados.

Even though the industry as a whole is down about 3%, number one-ranked Louis Vuitton has still managed to grow its worth by 2% to nearly $20 billion, which appears to refer to just the brand and not the entirety of the LVMH conglomerate. Hermes, meanwhile, comes in at number two and has grown by 8% to almost $8.5 billion. Rounding out the top three, Gucci is up 2% with a little over $7.5 billion. What do all three brands have in common? None of them are bolstered by the high-margin cosmetics market (although Hermes and Gucci both have fragrance lines) and all three are most famous for their handbags and leather goods.

Two other brands with large presences in the handbag market also make the list: Chanel and Fendi, at number four and number nine, respectively. Both have lost value as companies in the past year (Is Karl Lagerfeld losing his touch? That’s another post entirely), but they’re still doing better than almost all of their competition. The article in the Daily News doesn’t make mention of the brands’ power in the handbag market, but the common thread seems hard to ignore.

Handbags have higher margins and are more widely marketable than a dress or even a shoe because they’re perceived (and rightfully so) as having a larger number of practical uses and a more durable, long-lasting nature. But it’s worth remembering: the money you spend on bags is making the people who design them extremely wealthy and powerful. At the very least, you should be getting a well-made bag and a great shopping experience in return. If you’re not, vote with your dollars. Who would be on your personal power list?

See the full list via the New York Daily News.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Confession: I don’t watch Mad Men. I know that I should. I know that I’d love it and become utterly and completely obsessed with Joan. I believe all of the people that tell me how great the show is. I have no excuse.

Thankfully, it appears as though Valentino’s accessory designers aren’t as behind the times as I am. Mad Men’s midcentury style has influenced designers far and wide since the show’s advent in 2007, and with the fourth season set to debut on AMC this Sunday, the show’s fashion caché is unlikely to subside anytime soon.

Fall runways saw a nearly universal embrace of 60s style, including shoes and accessories like the Valentino Jolie Framed Patent Bag. This prim, streamlined handbag would be right at home on Betty Draper’s gloved arm.

This design is a product of an era when women had few social responsibilities beyond their families and appearances. At just an inch deep, Valentino has hardly created an everyday bag for a mom on the go, yet it’s still too big to be used convincingly as a clutch. This is the bag you reach for if you’re truly dedicated to creating a retro look, but for most women, it will still only be a once-in-a-while kind of treat. Buy through Saks for $1895.

Original post by Amanda Mull

We’re a couple days late on this story because we were hoping to have pictures for you, but no such luck. Instead, we’ll have to use our imaginations to figure out what Mulberry’s line for use discount retailer Target will look like.

The collection, slated for release October 10, makes the British brand the latest in a long line of designers that have collaborated with Target for capsule lines of clothes, bags and shoes. What makes this particular set of bags interesting, however, is that the bags will reportedly be made of materials like denim and velvet, avoiding the PVC-heavy purses that we’ve seen in the past.

I’ve always hated the waxy texture and chemical smell of PVC, so I’m hopeful that the use of something other than fake leather will elevate these bags above some of the previous handbag collections that we’ve seen at Target. Are you excited about this collection? We’ll post pictures as soon as they come our way.

Original post by Amanda Mull

For those of you in the New York area, I am jealous of you, yet again. California based design house, Linea Pelle will be holding its first ever New York sample sale this week!

Speaking on behalf of the entire PurseBlog team, we are all Linea Pelle fans. We have and will continue to cover Linea Pelle on PurseBlog, Purse Blog Savvy and Bag That Style. So, as you can imagine, we are thrilled to be able to share this amazing sample sale with all of you. Make sure to head over and see what you can get, priced up to 75% off retail!

When: Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Time: 10am – 6pm
Where: Linea Pelle 362 Fifth Avenue, Suite 901 New York, New York

And once you snag your new Linea Pelle item(s), make sure to come back and share your purchases with the rest of us who couldn’t make it! We can at least live vicariously, right?

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

You know, I am not really sure what to say here… and that rarely happens. So, let me see what I can conjure up given the fact that my mind is suffering from various states of confusion.

As I was catching up on some news (as well as daily celeb gossip), I came across a tidbit of information that I *HAD* to share with you all. Lindsay Lohan is planning on breaking into the handbag world. And no, I am not talking about her discussing the various expensive handbags she owns. Instead, I am talking about Lindsay designing handbags of her own.

If you are anything like me, you need to reflect on this a little bit.

That’s right. Lindsay Lohan wants to be a handbag designer. I realize that handbags are an accessory most celebs love. Everyone seems to have at least a couple favorite designer bags they can’t do without. Heck, even us “normal people” covet handbags. That’s why you are reading this, right?

I also understand that it makes sense for many fashion forward celebs to dabble in the fashion world. There are several successful celebs who have fashion lines of their own. I welcome this. However, I cannot believe that Lindsay Lohan will have her own line of handbags. In fact, Ms. Lohan will be creating her own line of Ed Hardy handbags. Certainly Ed Hardy is a line that appeals to a very specific crowd, but regardless, what do you think about Lindsay putting her two cents into the handbag world? I for one am rather shocked that any designer line (including one such as Ed Hardy) would want their name/brand associated with Lindsay and her train-wreckish ways. Am I the only one who feels this way? Discuss!

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

On the tails of Chanel’s New York City bag exhibit and Gucci’s artisan world tour, Bottega Veneta has whipped up a little special-event parade of its own.

As many of our readers are well aware, Bottega has always offered customization services for its devoted clients – Women’s Wear Daily reports that the brand “has customized luggage to fit the hold of a client’s private plane, created a handbag to match the color of her favorite lipstick, designed custom wedding dresses and produced leather wall paneling for a client’s home.”

In order to increase awareness of both those services and a few far more mundane ones, Bottega artisans are hitting the road (or, more accurately, the tarmac) to hold events for select clients in New York City, Beverly Hills and Costa Mesa that will allow customers to pick the size, shape, color, leather and finish of their new bags.

The New York City event is this Thursday through Saturday, with the Beverly Hills and Costa Mesa events following in July. If you’d like to attend one of these events (and if you do, take pictures and send them to us!), please contact your local Bottega Veneta boutique for dates and details.

Photo via WWD.com

Original post by Amanda Mull

When we covered the runway debut of the Chanel Spring/Summer 2010 Handbags back in October, reviews were mixed. Some people appreciated the slightly barnyard feel of the collection, others thought it wasn’t luxurious or sophisticated enough for the Chanel customer.

As time has passed, my opinion has softened a bit. They didn’t go as straw-heavy on the bags that made it to retail, and several of the non-straw bags are totally lovely. My personal favorite is the watercolored Classic Flap Bag, which would look utterly elegant with a variety of summer wardrobe options.

On the downside, they’re apparently still trying to make those puffy Coco Cocoon bags happen; I was really wishing that they were going to be a one-season experiment, what with their startling resemblance to trash bags. As for the straw bags that dot the collection, they’re very taste-specific, but I could see some of the more subdued version working quite well with summery white linen or various bright colors for contrast. We’ve got pictures of all the bags, after the jump.

For information on pricing and availability, please contact Chanel at 800) 550-0005
All pictures via Chanel.com

Original post by Amanda Mull

This past Sunday, I attended the Moncler Grenoble FW 2010 presentation, and being a bag person, I was immediately drawn towards the use of fanny packs. Let’s just say it was rather extensive. Models stood motionless on four levels of scaffolding spotlights shone on different groups of them to the tune of classical and opera music. I daresay it was all very dramatic and lovely, since I’m a personal fan of Moncler, but I couldn’t help but wonder about the fanny packs. They were rather large and round, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the models had little heaters tucked inside them. Not that they would need heaters; if there’s anything Moncler is known for, it’s the warmth that their signature shiny puffers provide.

There’s no denying the chic of Moncler. Carine Roitfeld was at the presentation, looking every bit her insanely glamorous self; if that doesn’t indicate a serious spike in chicness, then I don’t know what does. You may remember the Fendi & Moncler Spy Handbag, that wonderfully bulbous incarnation of the coveted Spy. Is that any indication of the possible success of these fanny packs?

    

Though I loved the Moncler Spy and adore my own Moncler coat, I just can’t fathom the fanny pack being put to practical use in “a city atmosphere,” as Moncler Grenoble claims to be. Maybe it’s cute to hit the slopes, but the streets? Not so much. Perhaps I’m being a bit closed-minded, but the packs are just to big and too round to be taken seriously while firmly attached to someone’s waist. Keep in mind that this is coming from a girl who seriously considered purchasing a pair of Moncler booties. A Moncler belt with a small pouch I’d love. I’d rave after a Moncler crossbody, or even a ridiculously puffy tote. But I’m afraid I’m not a fan of the fanny.

Check out the full range of Moncler coats, shoes, and bags at Moncler.it

Original post by Anna Cooperberg Gonzalez

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I am a fan of the day of romance, in spite of the overblown commercialism. A true romantic at heart I adore all things pink, girly, and sweet – but all in good taste of course. And even better if there is an edge to the sweetness! Can you say Lanvin? Well I’ve scouted out some heart inspired handbags and accessories to get in the mood for Valentine’s Day. I’d much rather receive a handbag than perfume or candy, wouldn’t you?

Tory Burch Nylon Ella tote, (top left, $195 at Net-a-Porter) is perfect for weekend getaways or even as a gym tote. It is made of nylon which makes it light and travel friendly. Embellished with a turquoise and plum leopard-print heart appliqué on the front, this over-sized tote features two patent top handles and base corners. Inside you’ll find two zipped pockets and a stone canvas lining.

The petite and sweet Mulberry Heart Zip Purse (top right, $125 at Mulberry) makes a noteworthy gift for your sister or BFF. It is lined with a grosgrain fabric. From Marc by Marc Jacobs is a nylon printed heart tote, (middle right,$150 at Shopbop). The multicolored ditzy print shopper tote folds into a compact pocket inside the applique heart.

From Burberry a patent leather heart keyring (bottom, $85 at Net-a-Porter). The keyring has pewter-tone hardware and a heart charm. It would make a perfectly charm-ing Valentine’s for a loved one as well.

Another heart-inspired design from Marc by Marc Jacobs is the ‘Party Girl’ Heart Appliqué Clutch, (bottom left, $248 at Nordstrom). A scattering of fringe-edge hearts add a whimsical touch to a satiny clutch handbag embellished with MJ embossed studs. Any picks of these would make a special Valentine’s gift indeed.

What is on your wishlist for Valentine’s Day?

via The Find

Original post by Shannon Mahoney