By Bag Snob Tina on August 18, 2011 12:00 pm Tina Craig

The much-fabled Marchesa Luisa Casati was a glamorous Italian eccentric of the early 20^th century. She donned live snakes as necklaces, strutted with cheetahs on diamond-encrusted leashes, and adored jewels and decadence, to say the least. It is only natural that the couture house named after her would produce a Resort collection of bags, heavy on opulence, gemstones, and animal prints, that are essentially jewels.

Inspired by the French Riviera’s fresh sea air and Slim Aaron’s glamorous photography book, A Place in the Sun, the luster-heavy collection is bursting with hand-beading, inlaid crystals, and embroidery in shimmering skins, bold leopard, and shiny tortoise-shell. Such combinations exude Roaring Twenties charm. The collection also heralds designers Georgina Chapman’s and Keren Craig’s foray into the envelope clutch, set in a generous size that’s sure to get noticed.

The crystal clasps top off the delicately beaded bags beautifully; the hand-woven metal straps (on their signature clutch), and slinky tassels are flirty touches; and the turquoise-beaded square clutch has a true twenties feel, perfect for Marchesa’s fringe-y gowns. Just keep the rest of the look simple when carrying these jewels! Not only do they match Marchesa’s unapologetically feminine and delightfully frothy sensibility, they match their namesake’s indulgent approach to life.