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

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

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

I had forgotten how much I loved this Asian luxury brand until recently. At a small cocktail party to celebrate the Lunar New Year (yay Tiger-tinis!) I got to re-familiarize myself with the sophisticated tongue-in-cheek style of Shanghai Tang. Blending ancient motifs of clouds, fans and dragons, their collection of handbags reinterpreted these themes into chic, modern must-haves for today. The Double Happiness clutch at $295 is styled in a fan silhouette in graphic, pop art colors. The piecing is a variation of the classic Chinese symbol and reminiscent of Hong Kong of the 1960s. There were several pieces in silver metallic inspired the moon and clouds. The layered moon bag for $645 is perfectly contemporary, but draws inspiration from traditional Chinese Shan Shui paintings. The sleek elegant dragon clutch was my favorite. A richly detailed dragon was embroidered in crystal for $965.

Chace Crawford AND a hot Foley + Corinna handbag in electric blue? Leighton Meester is one lucky girl. The star hit the “Gossip Girl” set in head-to-toe blue with animal-print tights to boot. I’ll be honest — the hat, coat and tights aren’t really doing it for me, but I adore the purse. That bright blue hue is just what my spring wardrobe needs!

Photo from People.com.

I am woman, hear me roar! Rihanna strolled through airport security in style with giant shades, a gray hoodie, black jeans, a bomber jacket and — what’s this — an eye-catching Maia N Bowling Bag in a wild animal print. Because the rest of Rihanna’s outfit is print-free, this ferocious purse adds a nice little zing and a dash of personality. And props for giving some love to a lesser-known label.

Photo from People.com.

Nothing wrong with tooting your own horn! Just ask designer Stella McCartney, who stepped out toting her very own Stella McCartney Falabella City Chain Tote. I’m guessing she got a good discount. The faux leather handbag is sure to appeal to any trend-setting animal lover, and it’s nice to see vegans get some chic designer options (finally!).

Photo from FabSugar.co.uk.

Tie dye handbags have made their mark on the fashion map this season!
The Be & D Studded Vertical Tote is an oversized leather tote in a gorgeous purple tie dye color with shiny nickel hardware and studs as well as fun whipstitched straps. This vertical tote is extremely versatile; it can be carried as a tote with the longer strap or as a satchel once the shoulder strap is removed. Interior benefits include numerous pockets, interior zip and a key clip. Available for $1,190 at Nordstrom.

Cole Haan’s Jazz influenced luxury goes all the way back to 1928. Classic with a fashionable edge, they count celebrities, socialites and every day fashion fans as customers. Fergie recently walked the red carpet with a clutch, Taylor Lautner is a fan of their shoes…

You can pick up some stellar pieces as considerable discounts Wednesday at noon (EST) online by clicking through here.

The Purse Page’s Mariana Leung visited the design studio of handbag and Jewelry designer Kara Ross for a Fashion Week sneak peek. The designer hosted a lovely breakfast as a little sanctuary away from the Bryant park tents in her showroom. Coming up for Fall and Holiday of 2010, the designer presented some luxurious clutches in python, metallic treated skins and stingray. Many of the bags had her signature jeweled closures.

One of my favorite groups, were the bags with the whip handles. Eat your heart out horse-bit Gucci, the handles on these bags are intricately braided soft leather like the classic horseback riding tool. These bags are also Ms. Ross’s favorite this season too.

A visit to the actual design studio was refreshing. As expected, there were containers and containers of trims, stones, hardware and skins for inspiration and color. However, I also expected a large office where timid assistants come running in to do her bidding. Instead, Kara’s humble desk is in a corner of a large room with her team at similar desks around her, with a central work table in the center.

Also in the works for Kara Ross, is an upcoming collaboration with good friend Tory Burch. The designers are soon to debut a collection of jewelry inspired by a one-of-a-kind piece made for Tory featuring a variation on a classic evil eye motif.