Custom Design

Tiffany & Co. may be synonymous with jewelry but that soon will change once you get to see their new leather collection. When I first learned that Lambertson Truex filed for bankruptcy, it was not only a shock but also left me feeling like a significant part of the handbag world vanished. My hope was restored soon after when I read that Tiffany acquired Lambertson Truex. Then I had to wait. Wait to see what would become of the former original US-American design house and how the partnership between Tiffany and the design duo, Richard Lambertson and John Truex, would translate in the designs.

        

The Tiffany Leather Collection does not disappoint. In fact it quickly surpasses my expectations, and it does so with confidence and poise. The sleek and streamlined bags are reminiscent of past Lambertson Truex designs, allowing the elegance and grace of each piece to shine through. While the designs master the combination of modern elegance with a timeless appeal, the finishing touches infuse classic Tiffany touches. These finishes include custom-designed hardware, Tiffany Blue leather interiors, and Tiffany Blue enamel.

“The collection captures the spirit of American sportswear and its exuberant approach to life in town, in the country and from coast to coast,” says Richard Lambertson. “We also find great inspiration in Tiffany’s timeless style and its heritage of refined accessories.” Referring to the duo’s design process, John Truex says that “we might start with a particular color or silhouette and then draw from Tiffany’s world of beauty and sophistication to make a new design. The result is something unique, yet unmistakably Tiffany.”

            

In today’s market, it is extremely difficult for a company not known for its handbags to break into the realm of designer leather goods. But Tiffany clearly knew it would be tough, which is precisely why Richard Lambertson and John Truex are a perfect fit.

        

I typically am reserved about buying a bag by a company not known for its leather goods. This time, that is not the case. I will not only stop in to view the designs in person, but also would personally purchase something from the Tiffany Leather Goods collection. From day bags to evening bags, from leather to exotic skins, this collection is graceful from start to finish.

More information on the Tiffany leather collection and where to buy online.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

After five years of running PurseBlog, it is rare that I run into a brand new designer that I feel absolutely amazed, excited, and captivated by. That is precisely what I feel when I look at Peter Nitz Zurich designs. His designs captured my attention from the very first glance and have yet to let me go. Peter’s dream was to own an atelier where he would shape and stitch the finest available skins entirely by hand and accent them with beautiful jewelry to create unique and precious handbags. And this dream has come true in his namesake company. Most of the designs from the masterpieces collection are custom made to order. The prices vary depending on the combination of the type and size of the skins used along with which piece of jewelry is used.

On using brooches in his designs Peter told me,

“I am a collector and lover of all things vintage and antique. I was always drawn to these amazing antique brooches that just do not get the attention they deserve because brooches are not really that fashionable these days. Bags on the other hand are! So I thought it would be a great way to bring these incredible pieces of jewelry back to life again.”

On his favorite combination he has designed Peter said,

“My personal favorites have to be the spider and fly, which is fun because you can play around with the placement and they have a little bit of movement when you carry the bag. Also the Victorian moonstone moth which is simply an amazing piece of antique jewelry. I have a nice little collection of brooches waiting to be used on the right bag and some of my very favorite jewelry pieces are still in there”.

I love a well-crafted exotic bag for a dressed up look. These clutches not only fit the bill, but also clearly show high quality skins being used. On top of that, the added ribbon and jewelry detail is the perfect touch to help these bags stand apart from others. I am sold!

Make sure to inquire via Peter Nitz online for more information and pricing!

Annalena clutch in vivid blue matte alligator with Victorian moonstone bee | $14,000

Ribbon clutch in slate-gray matte alligator with silk velvet ribbon in salmon | $14,000

Annalena clutch in ivory natural matte crocodile with diamond and emerald frog | $9,000

Burgundy matte alligator clutch with grey grosgrain ribbon and spider/fly | $9,000

Annalena clutch in black matte alligator with diamond and pearl bee | $10,500

Ribbon clutch in natural ringed lizard with a plum colored grosgrain ribbon and pearl and gold insect | $3,200

Lillie envelope clutch in fuchsia shiny lizard and large bee with diamonds/sapphires | $9,000

Ribbon clutch in grey matte alligator with a hand-dyed silk velvet ribbon in pink and antique diamond brooch | $14,000

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

After five years of running PurseBlog, it is rare that I run into a brand new designer that I feel absolutely amazed, excited, and captivated by. That is precisely what I feel when I look at Peter Nitz Zurich designs. His designs captured my attention from the very first glance and have yet to let me go. Peter’s dream was to own an atelier where he would shape and stitch the finest available skins entirely by hand and accent them with beautiful jewelry to create unique and precious handbags. And this dream has come true in his namesake company. Most of the designs from the masterpieces collection are custom made to order. The prices vary depending on the combination of the type and size of the skins used along with which piece of jewelry is used.

On using brooches in his designs Peter told me,

“I am a collector and lover of all things vintage and antique. I was always drawn to these amazing antique brooches that just do not get the attention they deserve because brooches are not really that fashionable these days. Bags on the other hand are! So I thought it would be a great way to bring these incredible pieces of jewelry back to life again.”

On his favorite combination he has designed Peter said,

“My personal favorites have to be the spider and fly, which is fun because you can play around with the placement and they have a little bit of movement when you carry the bag. Also the Victorian moonstone moth which is simply an amazing piece of antique jewelry. I have a nice little collection of brooches waiting to be used on the right bag and some of my very favorite jewelry pieces are still in there”.

I love a well-crafted exotic bag for a dressed up look. These clutches not only fit the bill, but also clearly show high quality skins being used. On top of that, the added ribbon and jewelry detail is the perfect touch to help these bags stand apart from others. I am sold!

Make sure to inquire via Peter Nitz online for more information and pricing!

Annalena clutch in vivid blue matte alligator with Victorian moonstone bee | $14,000

Ribbon clutch in slate-gray matte alligator with silk velvet ribbon in salmon | $14,000

Annalena clutch in ivory natural matte crocodile with diamond and emerald frog | $9,000

Burgundy matte alligator clutch with grey grosgrain ribbon and spider/fly | $9,000

Annalena clutch in black matte alligator with diamond and pearl bee | $10,500

Ribbon clutch in natural ringed lizard with a plum colored grosgrain ribbon and pearl and gold insect | $3,200

Lillie envelope clutch in fuchsia shiny lizard and large bee with diamonds/sapphires | $9,000

Ribbon clutch in grey matte alligator with a hand-dyed silk velvet ribbon in pink and antique diamond brooch | $14,000

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

After five years of running PurseBlog, it is rare that I run into a brand new designer that I feel absolutely amazed, excited, and captivated by. That is precisely what I feel when I look at Peter Nitz Zurich designs. His designs captured my attention from the very first glance and have yet to let me go. Peter’s dream was to own an atelier where he would shape and stitch the finest available skins entirely by hand and accent them with beautiful jewelry to create unique and precious handbags. And this dream has come true in his namesake company. Most of the designs from the masterpieces collection are custom made to order. The prices vary depending on the combination of the type and size of the skins used along with which piece of jewelry is used.

On using brooches in his designs Peter told me,

“I am a collector and lover of all things vintage and antique. I was always drawn to these amazing antique brooches that just do not get the attention they deserve because brooches are not really that fashionable these days. Bags on the other hand are! So I thought it would be a great way to bring these incredible pieces of jewelry back to life again.”

On his favorite combination he has designed Peter said,

“My personal favorites have to be the spider and fly, which is fun because you can play around with the placement and they have a little bit of movement when you carry the bag. Also the Victorian moonstone moth which is simply an amazing piece of antique jewelry. I have a nice little collection of brooches waiting to be used on the right bag and some of my very favorite jewelry pieces are still in there”.

I love a well-crafted exotic bag for a dressed up look. These clutches not only fit the bill, but also clearly show high quality skins being used. On top of that, the added ribbon and jewelry detail is the perfect touch to help these bags stand apart from others. I am sold!

Make sure to inquire via Peter Nitz online for more information and pricing!

Annalena clutch in vivid blue matte alligator with Victorian moonstone bee | $14,000

Ribbon clutch in slate-gray matte alligator with silk velvet ribbon in salmon | $14,000

Annalena clutch in ivory natural matte crocodile with diamond and emerald frog | $9,000

Burgundy matte alligator clutch with grey grosgrain ribbon and spider/fly | $9,000

Annalena clutch in black matte alligator with diamond and pearl bee | $10,500

Ribbon clutch in natural ringed lizard with a plum colored grosgrain ribbon and pearl and gold insect | $3,200

Lillie envelope clutch in fuchsia shiny lizard and large bee with diamonds/sapphires | $9,000

Ribbon clutch in grey matte alligator with a hand-dyed silk velvet ribbon in pink and antique diamond brooch | $14,000

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I found the Miu Miu store that I not only want to visit but also feel like I would live a perfectly happy life if I could move into it. Miu Miu opened up their Forte dei Marmi Store which is in a sea town that is part of northern Tuscany. Famous residents of the town include Andrea Bocelli and Giorgio Armani along with Paola Ruffo di Calabria, Queen of the Belgians who was born there.

Miu Miu is planning to gain more brand awareness and plans to open 13 more stores worldwide by the end of the year, 4 of which will be in Italy. This store in Forte Dei Marmi is on Via Carducci and was designed by architect Roberto Baciocchi. Design elements include interior passages of walls upholstered in damask offset by mirrors and screens. The layout is supposed to be casual yet feminine and elegant. Also, natural features are interspersed with palm and iroko wood. To top it all off, there is a garden with benches and cushions.

Italy is one of my favorite countries I have ever visited and Tuscany is still on my to-do list. Now I have added this Miu Miu store, which seems to mix quaint with serene and luxurious. If any of you ever make it to this Miu Miu location, please do let me know if it is as amazing as it sounds and looks!

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Our new addition to our growing family of websites, www.TalkShoes.com, has been up and running for a little over a week now. Since we introduced it to you, TalkShoes is steadily growing each day with more content and more visitors.

One of the categories we find the readers loving is Whose Shoes. Each post has a photo of a celebrity’s shoes and you have to guess who it is wearing them. Our latest installment shows off the most gorgeous pair of Brian Atwood Cristal Pumps from his Fall Winter 2010 collection alongside Brian Atwood himself! Make sure to check out TalkShoes and play along.

Also, don’t forget to see how you can enter to win a $500 gift card on TalkShoes!

Visit TalkShoes Now!

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

We all know that many who love designer handbags also love designer shoes. With our growing community of shoe lovers on PurseForum, we decided to add a website dedicated to designer shoes.

Welcome our newest website, www.TalkShoes.com to the family. Make sure to go check it out to find out how to win a $500 gift card to the online store of your choice. We hope you enjoy!

Check out TalkShoes!

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

When we first met Jason Salstein (formerly of Hunting Season), we immediately sensed his ambition and readiness to stand out above the rest of the pack. A few days ago, Jason reached out to introduce his latest venture, namely his new line “Our Lord & Saviour“. This was just too good to pass up.

The signature “Olympus Teneo” clutch for Fall/Winter 2010 is fabricated of high quality exotic leathers in neutral tones. What certainly catches the eye is the prominent detail of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on its front. The python version retails for $3,265 and the crocodile retails for $8,695.

Jesus Christ, indeed!

It is not uncommon for designers to incorporate subtle references to religious symbols into their collections. However, this is the first time for PurseBlog to encounter a full-on crucifixion so prominently on a bag. Needless to say, this clutch will part reactions like Moses was told to part the Red Sea according to the biblical account.

When asked about including the cross in his design esthetic, and the possible controversy over it, Jason responded:

I wanted to create a brand that already had a legacy and a history built in. I wanted to bring back emotion and couture qualities in the handbag market. Everything is handmade with Our Lord & Saviour.

The crucifix was not for shock value at all, but rather an introduction of the sacred Gothic aesthetic I want to convey. It just happens to be the subject that receives a lot of attention and moves me the most and others as well. I am sure that Catholics are not the only individuals that venture to Italy and visit the Sistine Chapel or Vatican. People ooh and awe at the paintings, frescoes, Michelangelo’s marble Madonna etc.

I look at the clutch as a true work of art, every detail has been thought out from the inscription on the scroll, to the crown of thorns, and nails in the hands and feet. I want to create bags that have the same effect as true masters!

Some shoppers will adore it, some will hate it. Some may call it blasphemous. It is certainly a bold move to introduce a highly religiously-tainted fashion line.

For more info, visit Our Lord & Saviour online. We will make sure to update our readers with Jason’s new designs in the future.

Original post by Vlad Dusil

My recent blog debate stirred up quite the discussion. The photo that I posted from Style.com was said to be of an editor of Nylon Magazine and also, despite our assumptions, not a counterfeit Birkin. In fact, it was pointed out to be a design by a company named Leah and Bliss.

So I did a little research and reached out to the contact info on their website. And I got a response.

They had seen the article and wanted to set the record straight. What I was told is that the bag in the picture on Style.com was not a bedazzled fake Birkin, but rather a Birkin-inspired bag. I was told there are differences in the design of this bag versus a real Hermes Birkin (to quote: “many many differences“). The concept of this bag is to be young and playful and to resemble the wearing of large, chunky jewelry.

This bag is officially coined the Leah and Bliss Glamazon and is made of hand-sewn Italian leather and then covered in gems for the playful touch. Mostly, the concept creator wanted to make it clear to me, and you, that this bag is not a counterfeit handbag and is manufactured in their factories with quality materials. Price for the larger version starts at $495 and smaller $295, but personal orders can range up to $1,000.

I have not seen this bag in person, but in the provided photos I still see an Hermes Birkin, to the detail. And when it comes down to something being so close to the original, especially with an iconic look like the Birkin, I still would feel uneasy buying the item. All I see is a wanna-be. Of course, we have seen fashion brands design bags very similar to other designs, but emulating a Birkin will always trigger our Spidey senses to high alert. While the concept may not appeal to my taste, I can understand someone else looking at it and finding it fun.

I am very interested in your thoughts on this purse now that we shared more information on it. When do you think inspired is taken too far? Your thoughts on the “Glamazon” bag?

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

With Twitter taking off, it is only plausible that some new social media offshoots will pop up. We have seen some that we are not blown away by, but recently I was introduced to TweetMyBag, which is right up my alley. TweetMyBag was launched in collaboration with Rebecca Minkoff this month. Through February 14th, you can upload a photo of your handbag and receive 25% off on Rebecca Minkoff bags as well as be entered into a RM bag giveaway. Easy enough, upload a photo (even a photo taken with your phone) and get a discount on a Rebecca Minkoff bag and be entered into a giveaway.

Also, Rebecca Minkoff’s Fall 2010 Fashion Presentation is today from 4-5 (show will steam at Minkette.com). After the show TweetMyBag will have an exclusive look at some of the Fall 2010 items for you all!

Visit TweetMyBag!

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil