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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)

I am the eternal optimist and prefer to focus on the positive no matter how negative things get. All I hear these days is the gloom and doom of the economy and its detrimental effect on the fashion industry. On the contrary, I think the recession has made many bag designers more mindful of their designs-- they now think as much about what women want to carry as what they want to create for us.  I'd say that's a step in a positive direction!

I know I am starting to sound like a broken record but one of the most conscientious designers right now is Derek Lam. You will never find a denim/fur patchwork mess emblazoned with clownish logos from him. You will, however, find thoughtfully designed and beautifully made bags at reasonable prices. It's no wonder the last two bags I featured from Derek (Tod's purple python and the Elsa python clutch from his own line) sold out almost immediately!  When I saw him in LA last month, he excitedly showed me the restyled "D" bag, his latest creation for Tod's Fall 2009. A casually elegant tote made of the most sumptuous Italian leathers, "it will be for Tod's what the Kelly bag is for Hermes" Derek told me. I fell in love with it and custom ordered a gray one on the spot (similar to the one Diane Kruger carried at Cannes).  The one above in tan calfskin is another gorgeous option that will patina beautifully as it ages.  It also comes in a to die for crocodile-- the softest I have ever touched. 

A good bag wardrobe is one with solid foundation pieces like this that you can pull out to use season after season without worry of current trends.  Whether you are a novice bag snob learning to build your bag wardrobe or a seasoned pro, you can not go wrong with a timelessly chic Restyled "D" bag in your collection!  Available in 2 sizes, the Piccola (small 27cm- $1,345) and the Media (large 32cm- $1,445) ranging from 8-10 colors in three different skins-- patent leather, calfskin, and buffalo.

LA - Call 310-285-0591 or email Carla at Tod's Beverly Hills to order.
NYC- Call 212.644.5945 or email Farrah Vlosov!

Bag photo: Tod's/ Diane Kruger photo: Fab Sugar

Katie Holmes is on my watch list lately and not just because she is a devoted mommy! Katie has developed a very diverse bag collection (almost entirely purchased by Tom or herself I was told)-- from edgy Gryson totes to this classic Valextra shopper, Katie doesn't follow trends and is really maturing into a fashion icon in her own right. A woman who carries this Valextra shopper is one who does not seek attention, this is about as subtle and understated as you can get!

I love Valextra bags, they are made impeccably well and are so simple chic-- my purple Boston bag has been around the world squished in a suitcase and I never worry because I know it won't fall apart. I'd love to have this shopper for traveling, it fits magazines and a lap top perfectly.

At Barneys New York. Or call Cory at Barneys -- 469-221-4727
What about you?  Do you love Valextra?  (Photos: Valextra and Justjared.com)

Everyone is mixing exotic skins together but no one does it like Chanel. In all its incarnations, this flap is the most extraordinary. Not only because it is fabulous exotic but because the flap lends itself perfectly to this design. It already has the two elements instead of doing alligator front panel and python sides, or alligator trim or pockets. I also love that it does not have the traditional chains, it makes it stand out from the rest, as it should and does. You also get the bang for your buck this way, the alligator is on the prominent flap so really all you are focusing on is that. And look at the scales, perfect and large! Are you in love or what? It also came in white but this must be black to show it properly. And I used past tense because this bag is sold out. Like I said, you really get bang for your buck for this at $10,200, an all alligator Chanel flap is closer to $30,000.

A clutch that doesn't look like a clutch! Love it. You can actually hold it with the handle or opt for the traditional under your arm. Options, that's what I love. The straps not only add a punch but it is a twist on the norm for a clutch (well, of course the Proenza Schouler PS1 has that detail but that's what I love about that as well). I really really hate bringing a big bag out with me at night because I use such giant bags during the day but sometimes, it is just plain inconvenient with a clutch. Like going to the bathroom and having nowhere to hang the clutch. Or when walking for a long time, my fingers actually get cramped up from holding it in my hand. OK, fine, I may sound like a big baby but these are considerations I make when choosing a bag. This is the ultimate clutch for your entire summer needs, the color is perfect for everything and the casual style allows for day to night without a hitch. At Luxcouture for $575.
$575

Is there another brand cooler than Balenciaga? (Balmain is close behind but Christopher Decarnin has yet to prove he's worthy of the outrageous prices and that he's more than a one season wonder!). The Brilliant Pouchette Bague Black Lizard showcases everything I love about Balenciaga under Nicholas Ghesquiere-- he pushes the envelope yet manages to retain the essence of the brand.  The two gusset flap front with studded hardware is edgy urban but in classic lizard-- it remains tasteful.  I can just picture Carine Roitfeld with this, she eschews large bags and prefers little clutches.  This one is kind of an odd size at 6" x 6.5" x 1.5" but that's part of its charm!  The squareness has a vintage-y retro feel to it that I love.  $2,675.00 at Barneys New York.

Tell me, do you love Balenciaga, too?

We attended dinner at the DVF studio over Fashion Week in NYC (the Diva herself sat with us for over an hour, mainly because we were seated with her sister-in-law and family but we'd like to think it's cuz she loves Bag Snob *_* jump for video of the dinner) and got an exclusive peek at the Fall 2009 bags.  I was told DVF hired the bag designers behind Marni bags to revamp her accessories line and I am beside myself with excitement!  I've been holding back for 3 months and finally given the go ahead to post the photos of the to die for bag collection. You ready?   First up is the "Hayworth" python tote with gun metal studs worthy of a Rock Goddess. Do I even need to tell you why you have to order this bag?  Anyone with eyes and any sense can see this is going to be the MUST HAVE bag from DVF for Fall '09. I saw it in gold, pewter and black and have to say black is my favorite. A timeless yet edgy rocker chic style in the most luxurious python skin, it just screams Pat Benatar and everything cool about rock and roll!  The studs are also very subtle so it doesn't look trendy, notice it along the inside of the handles-- I almost passed out with excitement when they showed it to me.  The size is just at 14"/33cm wide in a classic style.  And the price, you are going to die when you find out how much it is, $1,950- for a large PYTHON tote!

I must have this bag and will not rest until it's MINE!  I've harassed everyone at DVF for months now and will continue until the Hayworth is dangling from my arm!

Email Laura Cook at DVF boutique in NYC (python prohibited in California!) and get on the wait list, like- pronto!  Make sure you tell her Bag Snob sent you!  Or call 646.486.4800. Meanwhile, keep an eye on the DVF online boutique here.

There have been a lot of Frugal Snob options lately that really are fantastic. OK, this may not be the most exciting bag, but for the price, $438, you get a nice designer label and soft supple leather in beautiful dreamy colors. The double strap adds the touch of interest on an otherwise "classic hobo" as the name suggests. You have to see it on otherwise the bag collapses into a scrunch, like the taupey one called "Pebble" seen here. This may be a problem if you tend to put your bags on the floor but for those girls I say, "Don't ever put your nice bags on the floor!!". You know how dirty the floor is and how stained the bottom of your bags can get?!!? EEEEK. You are not going to write home to tell all your girlfriends about this one, but for those who are looking for something affordable, stylish and functional, this has got all that. At Neiman Marcus for $438.

I love the swagger of stylish, hip girls in their 20's. They exude a carefree independence that boosts their confidence. And for the exceptional few, these girls use moderate luxury bags like Kooba and make them look like a million bucks. And with good reason, Kooba knows how to compliment this girl with bags that are just as carefree and independent as their spirit. This hobo with the giant loose bow (it's more of a knot but has that bow feel) is not so polished and serious and allows a lot of room for personal character. There is no need to spend a ton of money when you've got it all going on! Easy for everyday with the thick comfy strap and wide gusset for a roomy interior. This lilac is soft and pretty but it also comes in white which is just as fabulous. At Kooba for $575.

Forget all the silicone induced hype about Zagliani bags-- let's focus on this gorgeous luscious python shoulder bag/clutch in go with everything denim blue (I am obsessed with this dreamy color!).  This is a giant, I mean really really big bag but it's so squishy and lovable looking I want to cuddle it.  Love the triangle flap-- it properly shows off the pleats and the slightly puffed with pleated bottom is what gives it that flirty girly look!  It also has a leather and brushed gold chain handle you can hide and convert into oversized clutch or use as shoulder bag.  I personally think it looks better as a clutch, the chain is a bit too delicate for such a large bag but at least you have the option should you be at a party and want both hands free to toss back spritzers and munch on canapes at the same time.

By the way, if you have never touched a Zagliani bag you must go and feel its softness.  It will make you think differently about scaly bags forever!  ZAGLIANI - PYTHON FLAP SHOULDER BAG here. 1500 euro/ $2036 USD.