Recently in Runway Category

Left: Mat quilted leather bag ($1,915) Right: Leo embellished shoulder bag ($2,920),

We have been waiting to share these photos with you for weeks! BALMAIN bags will launch on Net-a-porter.com on Monday, October 19th but we have the exclusive photos now so you can choose what you want and buy the minute they appear on the site!  My faves are the Mat quilted bag and Leo embellished bag above.  If you look closely-- the Mat quilting is not symmetrical, giving the classic quilt pattern a modern twist and at $1,915 it's not that unreasonable (though not cheap either).  I have to admit I was expecting 5 figure bags considering the cost of Balmain RTW but the bag prices (for the most part) are acceptable.  The suede punk rock studded bag below left is the star of the collection at a whooping $3,925 but the workmanship is amazing!  I'm not usually a fan of multi hued studs but this one is strategically designed and feels very haute couture, detailing that Decarnin is known for.  The original leather bag (white) has to be seen in person to be appreciated, the whimsical fringes add fun and pizazz to the simple shoulder bag.   

BALMAIN Bags at Net-a-porter.com on Monday morning!  Happy weekend, all!  I'm still home in Asia and having a blast.  Lots of new photos to share with you soon!

Left: Punk suede shoulder bag($3,925) Right: Original leather shoulder bag($2,315)

J'adore CHANEL, and the Spring 2010 show this week at the Palais was nothing short of spectacular (read about it here on Garance Dore).  Theatrics aside, we took a close look at the bags and found a few refreshing additions to the classic styles and a few that just made no sense!  The multi embellished 2.55 versions were safe and as expected and the oversized 2.55 messenger was fabulous.  Wicker basket styles with ribbons interwoven were not my favorite but older CHANEL devotees do enjoy them in the warmer months.  And the 80's style bronze leather bucket with pressed camillias??  Just plain bad.  Now for the really bizarre, the giant bird/flower/fruit basket thing (below center)-- wow!  What do you think?

Marchesa showed their Spring 2010 gowns with a new clutch collection! As well as drop dead to-die-for jewelry from Garrard, which you can see on the hands of the models. Garrard is the English jeweler who makes the Crown Jewels for the English Royal family. Fancy! They showed 9 clutches, all evening of course, and absolutely stunning. I loved that they did a presentation so that I can go up close and personal to inspect the intricate details of each clutch. And the models are so nice and cooperative - they held them out for me as I ogled each one. All are box clutches in satin with pleats and flowers, all over beaded and one in alligator. The closures are like jewelry, either one giant piece of crystal or crystal embellished hardware clasps.

Go to the jump page to see all the pictures.

We were invited to Oscar de la Renta's showroom and studio the day BEFORE the Spring 2010 show to preview the new bags and collection. Oscar himself explained the new bag collection to us! Seriously!?!? It was the highlight of our entire week! Especially when we were told that the only people that had been allowed the sneak peek were Anna Wintour and Cathy Horyn of the NY Times. We felt warm and fuzzy all over and tried our best to stay out of the way while we watched Oscar and his team work on the final fittings. Everyone was so calm, but I guess with Oscar at the helm and in the studio daily there is no chance of anything going wrong.  We just got home and will have the complete review of the new bags up soon (you will see them in the video-- the best bag collection ever from Oscar!).  Oscar also agreed to a Virtual Personal Appearance on Bagsnob soon so you'll be able to chat with him directly-- stay tuned!  (Jump for part 2 of video and more pictures).
To satisfy your Oscar urge right now, I recommend grabbing this glittering distressed gold python roll clutch here.
Gold is not just meant for the dance floor; I like carrying sparkling clutches to luncheons, too!  This one has a functional detachable shoulder strap and a gorgeous embroidered love knot on the front flap.  Sized at 8.25" x 4.75" and retails for $1,390.  Call Mindy for more info!  214-346-0400

Call Wayne to get your name on the list for any of the bags including the Elsa clutch ($790) in amazing pool blue! 212-966-1616
 

Derek Lam delighted us with more must have bags for Spring 2010. It still has the same edgy vibe and asymmetrical cuts but in new shapes like the tote and doctor bag (Penelope). The white ostrich doctor bag is insanely hot!! It has black trim to set off the skin and the sideways pocket in the front and hardware placement gives this everyday shape a modern twist that only Derek can do. The tote with the same details in two-tone bronze and silver is the functional everyday without the mundane.  I mean who else is going to have this bag in the office?  If you can't do sparkly at work, he has regular leather, as well.  The Elsa clutch is a Snob favorite and we must order the turquoise version!  Another option for evening, the wristlet in python is super fabulous!  The handle twists around and there is no hardware, just interesting shape and beautiful skin.  I have more pictures after the jump that I took with my iPhone, which are obvious not great quality but show the tote in all bronze, the side view of the wristlet and the front detail of the doctor bag.

photos: NY Mag

I'm obsessed with the Runway clutches from Michael Kors for Fall! Not only are clutches still in vogue, they are stronger than ever this Fall thanks to designers like Kors who keep tempting us with sleek and chic designs that are timelessly and wearable. Of course the snob in me wants the crocodile version ($4,000) but the sensible girl is shouting, why not get all the colors in leather ($595) for the price of one croc!?!? The neon colors are fierce and very on trend with the love affair we are having with the 80's. I am way too old to be running around with neon bright sneakers and matching off the shoulder sweatshirts like I did in junior high but an elegant neon clutch? Bring it on! Clutch it like a supermodel and check out the actual runway looks here! There is also a python version of the 8"x15" clutch. See Michael Kors Runway Clutches here starting at $595. My absolute fave of the collection is the zippered version below. Combining rock and roll attitude with luxe croc skin is genius and sums up my generation in one perfectly shaped clutch. Zippered Crocodile clutch $6,000 at Michael Kors.com.

Bruno Frisoni is a man after our own hearts!  For the iconic shoe brand, Roger Vivier's Fall Couture Collection, he chose to focus on the ultimate accessory, the handbag.  Black feathers, agate stones, Lesage-embroidered clutches and other luxurious details make the line dramatic yet utterly wearable.  Frisoni explains his fascination with bags: "You can place them on a shelf, dress them up or undress them, hide your love letters in them."  Okay, so the feathered piece on the upper left looks like a crazy mess but look closely and you'll see the delicate chains are being held down by dragonflies! 

I am most intrigued by the genuine gold leaf paint on the simple black crocodile bag, it's like a glittering piece of jewel and has a very glamorous old world appeal.  The workmanship is incredible, I hope to one day see them in person-- haute couture bags are by custom order only so chances are slim but still... a snob can dream.  Source: WWD 

I previewed one of the most exquisite Chanel collections I have ever laid eyes on at the Fall 09 trunk show yesterday. It was an elaborate celebration of culture, art and fashion-- one that only the Kaiser (and the Mademoiselle herself) could have executed so perfectly. The Paris-Moscow collection is a collector's dream-- many pieces are by custom order only (three month delivery) which make them even more collectable. Glittering jewels, exaggerated pearl/beaded belts, embellished leather motorcycle jackets, embroidered cashmere coats, ornate dresses, handpainted and laser cut leather bags, matryoshka doll minaudieres-- everything was fit for a Tsarina!   The Paris-Moscow collection will be one remembered as the moment Chanel brought luxury back!

Beyond the theatrics, however, there were more than a few gorgeous and very functional bags.  I ordered the "Portobello" tote in black below (also available in grey and brown).  The zipper detail is not merely decorative-- it has two uses- to zip up the front pocket and to use as adjustable strap!  It's around 32cm and will be my daily easy tote!  (jump for more!)

(The must have bag from Chanel Fall 09-- The Portobello-a distressed lambskin tote that may be buttoned into a lady like bag or left open and casual. $2,375 call Alexis 214-520-1055 to order)

Jean Paul Gaultier did it again; as with the JPB birkin a few years ago-- he tweaked on the uber popular Hermes birkin just enough but not so much that it's not recognizable. Gone are the straps, hardware and flap, or are they? This is an amazingly creative use of Trompe-l'œil, now why didn't I think of this? It's genius! You don't have to worry about the buckle scratching or the straps catching. It's just fabulously fun! Maybe it will cost less as there is no hardware, a recessionista birkin perhaps? Of course the birkin is still center stage in black croc but it's nice to see the alternative. The Goodlock clutch I debuted yesterday shows up again in somber autumn colors and I am awaiting info on the fabulous long crocodile clutches!  Stay tuned!  What do you think of the new birkin?