Karl Lagerfeld showed his Spring/Summer 2011 collection October 5th in Paris, and the upcoming bags are interesting. There wasn’t a lot that was out of the ordinary for Chanel color or design-wise, but it’s nonetheless an important collection because of its implications on the direction handbags might be taking next year.

Of course, Chanel, while always classy, sophisticated, and one of the most sought-after handbag designers in the world, doesn’t always dictate or follow fashion trends, but I think they’re on the mark this time. After more than half a decade of large, oversize bags dominating the fashion scene, I think we may finally be seeing a switch back to mid-size or even clutch-size purses.

While it’s too early to tell whether this smaller bag trend will catch on, I, for one, welcome a change in size and design. I love the oversize boho look as much as anyone else, but perhaps it IS time to shift to smaller totes again. Just look at this compact clutch (below). Adorable!

posted: October 6th, 2010
category: Chanel Handbags, Fashion News, Fashion Runway Reports
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The World of Burberry fashion show, held this past weekend at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Tysons Galleria in support of the March of Dimes, was a raging success in more ways than one. Featuring a host of celebrity models and a range of glorious fall fashions and accessories (and even some adorable Burberry-themed cupcakes courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake), the event raised money for an important cause and shone the spotlight on what Burberry does best: classic, elegant styles made to last a lifetime.

From start to finish, the show was a feast for the fashionable senses, replete with luxe winter coats, cozy scarves and more stunning handbags than a Purse Page reader would really know what to do with (not kidding, ladies). The glamorous Burberry Nova Studded Star Check Bag, seen above, brings a twist to the label’s iconic pattern with a smattering of well-placed studs on the corners and along the top. It’s edgy glamour at its best – and carrying it is the perfect way to bring just a hint of rocker-chic to a conservative ensemble. Shop at Saks.com and grab one for yourself!

Absolutely essential no matter what time of year it might be, the Burberry Nylon Tote is available in a multitude of colors that run the gamut from gutsy red to staid brown. This all-weather, all-purpose tote sounds great on paper, but it absolutely outdoes itself in person. It’s soft, spacious and worth every bit of its $250 price tag. Despite its lightweight construction, it’s also exceptionally sturdy – something that can’t be said for most nylon bags. If you purchase just one bag this season, this might well be the one for its practicality, functional design and great color range. Oh, and it’s lined with Burberry’s fabulous check print. What could be better. Shop at Saks.com for yours.

Other highlights for fall include the fantastic Burberry Pilgrim Leather Mini Bag, a snazzy little holdall that simply demands you use it to add a bright pop to your rich, dramatic fall wardrobe. Not only is this boxy little thing worth a second, third and fourth glance, it boasts just a hint of decadent sheen – enough to change the face of your entire look in a flash. Shop at Saks.com for yours, available for $995.

Kudos to Burberry, Saks Fifth Avenue and the March of Dimes for a fabulous event!

posted: September 16th, 2010
category: Burberry Handbags, Fashion Runway Reports
comments: 2 Comments

Jason Wu is one of the few men in fashion who can be described, quite literally, as incomparable. He is a 27-year-old impresario who conducts himself in much the same way he designs his clothes: with maturity, sensibility and class.

The attire speaks for itself, displaying the kind of no-fuss quality one expects of timeless, ladylike garments, yet nothing is dull or unforgettable, either. On the contrary, Wu exhibits great talent in that department, making plain look powerful and simple look stunning. These aren’t ladies of the 1920s, after all; the modern details, like diaphanous fabrics, oversized bows and, of course, plenty of color make a world of difference.

What accessory fiends were most anticipating did not disappoint. The Jason Wu handbag collection showed for the first time, and it was a veritable celebration of genteel luxury. The practical tote above, for example, spells perfection from its clean lines to its streamlined silhouette. It’s a powerhouse of a carryall, made for a woman who means business.

Exemplifying his belief that fashion should always be fun, Wu shows a sharper side with this slim clutch. The warm mustard hue may be slightly muted, but Wu used a variety of exotic materials on this (as well as his new shoe line) to shake things up a bit. The skin lends a certain sharpness to what would otherwise be a relatively conservative piece.

Destined to be a fan favorite, this frame handbag boasts a decidedly old-world, glamorous-Hollywood appeal. The inspiration stems from that era when women required nothing more than a sleek black sheath, a pair of pumps and a slick of red lipstick to make a memorable impression. Its ’40s-esque feel is nicely representative of the Wu temperament as a whole – a mood well displayed in this new accessory range.

posted: September 14th, 2010
category: Fashion Runway Reports, Other designer Handbags
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To-die-for chic was the theme at last night’s Marc Jacobs show. If there was one standout detail, it was color, color and more color. A landscape of vivid oranges, brilliant reds, cotton candy pinks and rich purples intermingled with a host of dramatic neutrals and unexpected patterns, all tinged with a distinctly 1970s-inspired flavor.

Of course, it would not be Marc Jacobs without a few pieces of eye-catching arm candy thrown into the mix. Their oft-shocking hues were well balanced by their relatively demure sizes – there were fewer shoulder bags in comparison to diminutive chain-strap purses and clutches.

Adding flair and sharp contrast to an already bold ensemble, the soft red suede and leather clutch above stood out without taking anything away from the slinky dress with the low-slung belt.

Despite the overall frivolity of the show, a few touches of understated elegance could be found in the accessories. This sleek tan leather clutch works the colorblock trend to perfection with a fuchsia tab finished in eye-popping green.

What would any homage to the ’70s be without a few flashes of unapologetic gold, as dazzling and gilded as a woman could possibly imagine? This radiant quilted purse is an apt complement to the model’s gold lamé top and those snazzy little hot pants.

The verdict? Irresistible and addictive, practically made for the avid Marc Jacobs junkie but no less appealing to newcomers craving a taste of all things MJ. As a general rule, that usually means quilted leather, color and bold hardware – and it’s all here, in doses big and small.

posted: September 14th, 2010
category: Fashion Runway Reports, Marc Jacobs Handbags
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In the age of digital speed, Avatar and cyber-shopping, it seems like everything is racing for the future.  Marc Jacobs on the other hand, brought Louis Vuitton‘s Fall Ready to Wear collection back in the other direction.  The clothing had very conservative silhouettes. Super-elongated jackets, hair pulled back, faded vintage florals. A few country plaids.  The style evoked Chloe Sevigny’s character in HBO’s “Big Love” or a depression-era schoolteacher.  Colors were muted, dusty.  The shapes were still quite feminine, and a few pieces looked like the schoolmarm wanted to break out in the vintage patterned corset styling.

The handbags had some of the muted mustards.  Some of the quilted monagram pieces had dusty pastels that worked back to the clothing.  Some bags had very luxurious fur worked into the bag (I’m seeing a big comeback in fur across most of the Paris collections). Dark appliqued blocked florals were also seen on many of the handbags as well, with lace and hand-painted crocodile texture.

Spotted in the front row: Daisy Lowe, Alexa Chung, Corinne Bailey Rae

posted: March 11th, 2010
category: Fashion Runway Reports, Louis Vuitton Bags
comments: 2 Comments

 Karl Lagerfeld is predicting that  next winter will be supremely chilly.  Based on the snowfall from this past season, that’s not much of a stretch.  He demonstrated this with a giant iceberg at the Grand Palais Paris this week.  The collection itself was a mix of everything luxurious you could find cozy…Fuzzy tweeds, cashmere knits, leather and (faux) fur… While the concept was amusing, many bordered on abominable snowman or ‘Wookie’ territory.  Bulkier versions of the classic Chanel tweed suit were present, with extra fur and occasionally, ice-like chunky quartz embroidery.  While the looks were interesting, I had to imagine that most women in the world would not find these outfits particularly flattering on themselves.

The handbags in the collection received the same treatment.  They were equally fuzzy, furry and embellished.  The familiar signature quilted Chanel bag was also updated in chunky tweeds and the chain handles were often accented with feathers or fur.

Spotted in the front row: Alexa Chung, Vanessa Paradis, Yi Zhou

posted: March 10th, 2010
category: Chanel Handbags, Fashion Runway Reports
comments: 1 Comment

In a gilded salon in Paris, the designer label presented a sad and majestic collection for Fall 2010.  The talented Alexander McQueen ended own life, but left a legacy of impeccable tailoring and beauty.  The pieces that were shown had elaborate swirls, ornate embroideries and sweeping brocades  The classics of Byzantine art and rococo influences also contained eerie motifs of angels and skulls.

Some guests viewed the show with tears in their eyes.  The notes from the show said it best, “Each piece is unique, as was he.”

posted: March 9th, 2010
category: Fashion Runway Reports
comments: 3 Comments

The House of Givenchy has come along way since Audrey Hepburn was a fan.  Several current designers have gave the iconic label their spin.  For the Ready-To-Wear  collection, current director Riccardo Tisci restrained himself from his more Gothic tendencies to show very accessible sportswear.  The uber-sexy black pieces were off-set by sedate beige jackets.  The big pop color of the collection was a tomato red.  Black fur, leather and lace was were toned down with interesting variations of fair-isle knits.

Handbags were few.  The few purses I did spot were in the for of soft, beaded pouches.

Spotted in the Front Row: Fellow designers Alexander Wang, Gareth Pugh

posted: March 9th, 2010
category: Fashion Runway Reports, Other designer Handbags
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John Galliano showed a very sexy collection last week for Christian Dior‘s Ready To Wear offering.  It was a mix of English equestrian meets the Libertine and the naughty moppets who love them. Menswear fabrics were tailored into feminine jackets and jodphurs.  Frilly chiffon dresses were accompanied by constructed vests.

Handbags were luxurious satchels, interpreted in velvets, ponyskin and pleated soft leathers.  Otherwise, there were larger, box clutches of several sizes with gilt chain handles.

Spotted in the front row: Charlize Theron

posted: March 9th, 2010
category: Dior Handbag, Fashion Runway Reports, Other designer Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

So much of fashion week coverage and designer collection inspiration is pretty shallow.  What does the customer want this season? Color? Black? Cashmere? What does a chic fashionista wear in Paris?

Albert Elbaz on the other hand reached beyond and considered this question in global terms.  This examination led to a project in Africa via the United Nations.  He realized women on an International level want vocational skills and empowerment.  How did this translate aesthetically?

While pounding tribal drums played, the looks increasingly showed a power play of pronounced shoulders, austere suits.  The color palette was an urban-friendly charcoal grey, olive, black and taupe. However the outfits were embellished with lavish ethnic embroideries, big native statement necklaces and stiff feathered accents.

The handbags were small, but not discreet.  Chunky chain handles were accessorized with feathers, motifs.  The bags echoed the patterns of African animal skins.

Spotted in the Front Row: Juliette Binoche, Jared Leto, Jade Jagger

posted: March 9th, 2010
category: Fashion Runway Reports, Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments