Finally! A chic bag from Chloé! I feel like I can breathe a great, big sigh of relief. It has been so very long since I craved a Chloé bag! But the spell has been broken, thanks to the Bianca. But really, it’s the work of the label’s latest creative director.
Clare Waight Keller just completed her second collection for the house (after Hannah MacGibbon announced her departure last year), and she’s already off to an encouraging start. Clare is another cool Brit following in the footsteps of Stella and Phoebe. The former Pringle of Scotland designer entered with a lot of expectations – which she accurately described as “nerve-racking” – and she is delivering.
Like the Chloé we came to know and love (though it’s been a bumpy road), the Bianca is decidedly French in flavor, but it’s got that London-girl bite. Elemental, archetypal, and with just enough hard in the hardware, this is a desirable new flavor for the brand that I can’t wait to sample – especially in bright yellow. Welcome back, Chloé! At Barneys New York for $3,495.
Pair with: Up the Euro-sophisticate factor with Marni’s gray-and-navy leather belt. Sitting comfortably on the waist (or as low or cinched as you want it to – it’s super-adjustable), it makes for a clean, modern touch. On Net-a-Porter for $220.
I have no problem spending money on new handbags, but am I the only one who is completely blown away by the price of this bag?