Madonna in Osklen Bag

Let's be honest: nothing Madonna does it subtle. From her over-the-top concerts to her choice of leading men (or boy-toys to be more frank), the mantra "bigger the better" is more than fitting. The same could be said about her flashy accessories--Dolce! Vuitton! More Vuitton! Until now. Late last month, Madge was spotted in Rio de Janeiro dressed inconspicuously in an Adidas tracksuit and toting an equally non-riveting carryall. But that's what's to be appreciated: the fact that this lattice-design bag doesn't scream or shout anything but utility and stylish design. The brand? Relatively new Brazilian label Osklen, a clothing company started in 1989 and whose focus is sportswear (they make a killer swimsuit, natch). This particular white cutout leather bag Madonna carries (a gold version is shown in still-life) is part of the company's spring collection (delivery: mid-May). Dig a little deeper and one discovers Osklen's been doing accessories for awhile now; in fact, the company is environmentally conscious in the sense that not only are all their stores carbon-neutral, many of their accessories use re-purposed animal skin (from fish, farmed for eating) or organic cotton (alas this tote is not). While for celebrities each day can seem like a walk down the red carpet, it's refreshing that bags like this exist for a true palette cleanser--minus the dreaded calories.

$897, available at Osklen stores in New York (97 Wooster St., 212-219-8250) and Miami (1111 Lincoln Rd.)