Recently in Exotics Category

One of fashion's most dynamic jewelers, Lara Bohinc, is also a bag designer worthy of a look. Her line of bags and clutches are whimsical and stylish, much like the designer herself. Take the Bubble Tote below, now this is a bag to pull out when you need cheering up! This could have totally gone down the road of tacky but in a jeweler's hands, the bubbles and silhouette is happy and fun. It's made in goat skin which is ultra durable so the little bubble petals will keep its shape. I prefer the black but it's also available in honey and maple red goat leather with brass hardware. GBP 1200/$1,958 USD. If you're more traditional and can't get into the funky shape-- check Bohinc Tatum clutches below. I love the platinum python clutch with platinum plated hardware (GBP 759/USD$1,238)-- the deco inspired silhouette is a perfect way to show off python scales and love the way the platinum hardware blends with the bag. The Tatum in white ostrich print leather with satin gold plated jewellery will also be chic on a summery night (GB659/USD$1,075).  

I discovered Lara Bohinc through my new friend and former Bergdorf buyer, Stephanie Kuo, over ice cream cocktails at La Luz in Taipei (so yummy that the owner's wife, Charlotte Kuo, claims you won't even know you're drunk until it's too late!).

Check Lara Bohinc site for stores.

Check out Kristin Davis (Charlotte) with a Nancy Gonzalez crocodile tote while filming scenes in NYC for Sex and the City II. Davis accessorized her green dress and turquoise suede heels with a $3,380 turquoise Nancy Gonzalez tote.  I love this shade of turquoise and ordered a hobo for Spring 2010 in the same shade!  It's so fresh and pretty, we are raining cats and dogs with Typhoon weather in Taipei right now and seeing this brightly colored bag makes me so happy!  There is a black version of the Nancy Gonzalez tote here if you're not into the color.

Quiet luxury is what VBH is all about but sometimes even the quiet beauties need to pipe up and stand out for all to see. This envelope clutch has crystal details along the seams, a perfect way to show it's true grace. But it is still modest while making a statement. Too much bling is gaudy and tacky! The pewter python will go with just about everything making this the perfect all around clutch for all your cocktail and formal events. At Brown's Fashion for $2767.

I attended the most fabulous event in Taiwan last week. Roger Vivier Creative Director, Bruno Frisoni, hosted a glam cocktail event at the Vivier store opening (in the new Bella Vita building) followed by a beautiful dinner at the Grand Hyatt in Taipei. The event was packed with local socials and celebs carrying the latest Vivier bags. A gorgeous sequined clutch called the "Prisme" (above) caught my eye the minute I walked in. The prism shape really shows off the sequins and allows them to catch the light-- shimmering at every angle-- incredible!  Bruno was a charmer and showed us all the larger day bags he's been working on as well.  My favorite was the "Metro" collection (below) in every imaginable skin, texture and color.  Rich suede, luxe python, supple leather, all with the iconic Vivier buckle.  We reported on the Carlo Bruni Couture bag from Vivier a while back and thye've promised us exclusive photos of the ready-to-wear version of the bag!  Stay tuned!  (Jump for more photos of bags and party fun)  

 

Saw the back of this bag first and heart quickened a bit. Then saw shot of the front of the bag and heart slowed to dull thud. Why do we need heinous logo plates in the dead center of a bag? I understand branding, and don't mind small and discreet stamping.  But this big thing, why not place it on the sides where the black patent leather is?  It'd at least blend in and not stick out like a sore thumb. And speaking of black patent, why the shiny patent with the leopard? Makes it look so cheap!  How about a nice buttery black leather or lambskin to compliment the calf hair leopard print?

Kate models for Longchamp so I know she was gifted this and I refuse to believe she'd actually go out and pay for this.  Don't get me wrong, I like most designs of Longchamp bags, I just can't get over the nameplate on every single damn bag. This is from the past spring so it's probably in the clearance bin for 75% off by now.

Mark your calendars snobs, Carlos Falchi is offering up his luscious exotic bags at up to 70% off this month! 

When: October 28 and 29th, 10am-7pm

Where: 260 West 39th St. 7th floor (bet 7th and 8th) 

The black Carlos Falchi Python Tote($3,140) is a stunning hobo with a twist, the braided leather handle is much sturdier than the python versions. 

If you have not picked up the season's must have color-- Falchi's Red Python bag is a sassy attention getter!

This was just another python bag until I saw it in person! Wow! It is so super amazing. This is the kind of bag I can use without changing out for months. Which we can't exactly speak to in realistic terms or my husband will really start to wonder why I need so many bags =) But seriously, buy wisely and invest in a few great bags and you will save yourself some money. This large tote style hobo / messenger, as the description suggests, is extremely versatile. Python is great for being lightweight but even with leather lining, which is lush, it is still incredibly easy on the shoulder. The cross body strap makes it feel like feather. It comes in various colors, which you can custom order, but I love this natural python with a taupey hint, it'll not only wear well but will wear with everything! Exclusively online at LuxCouture for $1750.

As you can imagine, I have seen A LOT of bags. But I have never seen anything like this! Tattoo on ostrich!! Is that insanely brilliant or what? The hand-engraved and one of a kind tulip tattoo is set against matte vanilla ostrich for contrast and impact. This is not just drawn in, this is actually done like a tattoo where the ink is put into the skin. It is then brushed down to prevent rub off but you still get the buttery finish of the ostrich. It is elegance meets edgy done just right. Fabulousness at this level gives me the ultimate high, I love what I do so much!!! This "folio" is a large clutch and the best part is that it's big enough for work papers so you can be the coolest person in the office. It has a magnetic closure that is amazingly tight yet really easy to open. It measures 13.25" long x 8" tall. Each piece is custom made and requires 3-5 weeks to deliver, email Paige to order, $3400. Take a look at Paige Gamble's website.

Some of my friends in NYC (the lower east side crew- yes you-- Caroline, Wendy and Audrey!) are trying to make me (as they say) "downtown".   Though I see nothing wrong with my uptown sensibilities I do love their street edge styles and would like to mix it up with my current stash of luxury bags.  That's when I turn to GRYSON bags.  No one is cooler and more downtown than designer Joy Gryson (hello, she designed and launched Marc Jacobs' bag line with the Venetia and Stella bags!)  For fall, Joy offers up the "Painted" bags (hand painted on soft leather or eel skin!).  A multi functional bag with adjustable straps (looks chic as a shoulder bag and very hip as messenger style), zippered pockets in front and back plus a sprinkling of grommet studs on the straps that lends the functional bag a healthy dose of current trend.  Sized at 14"x11" it is very wearable no matter your size.  And the price is amazing for the work-- it's hand painted!

Gryson Painted Violet Bag is $755 here

Gryson Painted Eel Violet Bag is $995 here.

We are so excited to share the latest from the House of Bottega, Cruise 2010 bags! Each season we find more reasons to love Bottega Veneta, one of the few design houses that offer truly modern and edgy interpretations of its timeless styles. We previewed the Cruise 2010 collection at the showroom last week and Kelly and I almost got into a wrestling match over the samples. My favorite is the amazing Truffle Soft Crocodile Fume Tote with grommets on the sides and handles ($13,500 above left). I love that the grommets are subtle yet make a really powerful statement. So rock and roll but still so Bottega! The iconic Knot clutch also gets an updated make over for Cruise in fabulous Ring Lizard with Oxydized Silver Knot.  Available in Fluo Yellow, Fluo Pink, and Fluo Orange for $1,980 each.  (Jump for more!) Bottega Veneta also at Net-a-porter.com