Anya Hindmarch accessories just got a bit more special with the online launch of the label’s new bespoke service.

Anyone shopping at Hindmarch’s Pont Street store has been able to enjoy this personalization service for some time, but now it’s available for everybody, no matter where they’re located.

Customers can choose to customize everything from leather bookmarks, if they’re on a budget, to Hindmarch’s beautiful Ebury totes and evening purses. Accessories lovers can choose their own leather or fabric, the recipient’s name, a special message, or even a precious photograph as pictured.

The personalized goodies make perfect presents, as they come packaged in boxes with the recipient’s name hand-tooled on the front. Or at least, they’ll make great gifts if you can part with them!

Hindmarch said she’s forever searching to find perfect presents, and believes that personalized gifts are the ones treasured and held on to for generations. “These pieces are not of a season, but of a moment in your life and are designed to have your name on them rather than mine,” she added.

I expect Anya Hindmarch’s bespoke service will get pretty busy around Christmas, and it seems the designer does too. Normally the bespoke orders call for a ten-day lead time, but to ensure demand is met the last Christmas orders will be taken on November 26.

[Source: Elle UK]
[Image Source: Anya Hindmarch website]

Anya Hindmarch Totes on eBay

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Even the best designers don’t always get it right. While Alice Temperley has wowed us with the purses from her Temperley London label, it seems this Quintel Clutch was created on an off day.

It’s not that this is a bad clutch, but it is a bland one. Its shape is dull, and its black leather predictable. Less than exciting bases can work when the details are interesting, but the silver discs covering this clutch fall flat. I like the way they’re subtly embossed with the Temperley London logo, but that’s where my admiration ends.

The interior is only a bit more impressive. Its side wall is appointed with card slots and a bill pouch, so we can leave our wallet behind. That leaves more room in the main compartment for cosmetics, keys, and other evening essentials. Sadly Temperley London hasn’t thought to add a strap to that space though, so we’re left clutching the Quintel by hand.

The Quintel’s far from ugly, but sometimes mediocre is a bigger fashion sin. After all, a designer never wants one of its creations to fade into the background. And sadly this clutch does just that.

More Features of This Temperley London Disc Decorated Clutch

• Magnetic fastening
• Measures 9 x 6 inches

Get this Temperley London Quintel Handbag:

• Available to buy at The Outnet
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Temperley London bags on BagBunch
• The Temperley London Royal bag, a great alternative to this clutch bag.
• Searching for more Temperley London bags on eBay
• Other studded clutch bags on eBay:

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We could soon see Coach Inc. on the Hong Kong stock exchange. The American handbag firm has sought approval for a listing through the Hong Kong depositary receipts, which could be approved as early as the first week of November. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. is reportedly handling the agreement.

Coach Inc. already has a successful listing on its local New York Stock Exchange. It’s thought that it may be the first American company to seek a second listing in Hong Kong.

If the results of other high profile accessories brands are any indication, the joint listing on the Asian market is likely to pay dividends for the brand. Prada SpA raised $2.5 billion when it launched its IPO on the Hong Kong stock market in June. In the same month Samsonite International also listed and raised $1.25 billion. However a company spokesperson says the double listing is more about “marketing than finance.”

There’s no denying that the Hong Kong listing could raise valuable awareness of the brand in luxury-hungry China. If all goes well Credit Suisse estimates that Coach will generate $1 billion, or roughly 14% of its sales, from the Chinese marketplace by 2016. That’s a real jump from the current $187.5 million, which represents around 4.5% of sales, its current 66 Chinese outlets bring in.

[Source: Accessories Magazine]
[Image Source: JMRosenfeld/Flickr]

Coach Bags on eBay

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When Tano first burst onto the scene I was excited by its crunchy Italian leather accessories with their bright berry colors. However after seeing so many cookie cutter creations I started to tire of the label. So I was thrilled when I spotted Tano doing something new with its Slick Shift Messenger.

This is a real departure for the brand. Its nutty almond color is much more subdued than the tones it typically plays with, and its design much more practical. The crunchy leather we were so familiar with has also been replaced; it’s still leather but it doesn’t have that quite the same weathered gloss.

I appreciate the Slick Shift’s functional design. It’s not too big and not too small, so we can easily carry it across our body and fit everything we really need inside. There’s a place for all those items too with plenty of interior and exterior pockets.

But its leather is a real disappointment. It’s very thin, and has a plastic-like luster. Some customers suggest that it’s hard to believe it’s leather at all. I wouldn’t suggest that Tano is duping us, especially considering the Slick Shift’s $198 price tag. However if it had opted for synthetic we’d be no less impressed. Sometimes change isn’t always for the better.

More Features of This Tano Leather Messenger Bag

• Zip closure
• Cotton and synthetic lining
• A single strap with a 19 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches

Get this Tano Slick Shift Handbag:

• Available to buy at Piperlime
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Tano bags on BagBunch
• The Baggallini Around Town bag, a great alternative to this practical bag.
• Searching for more Tano bags on eBay
• Other Tano messenger bags on eBay:

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Ohio-based accessory label Stella & Dot made a big splash last year with its stunning jewelry. Now in 2011 it’s expanding its empire with the addition of handbags.

The purses are made from superior leathers including lambskin and goatskin, and put together in the same production houses as Coach, Kate Spade, and Marc Jacobs accessories. Happily though, they typically cost around a quarter or even half the price of those high-end brands.

Stella & Dot’s debut collection features large tote bags, cross-body purses, smaller clutches, key pouches, wristlets, and iPad and iPhone cases. They’re available in a range of finishes, including traditional matte, snake embossed leather, and a crinkly patent.

The Stella & Dot purses haven’t been on shelves for long but the fashion rags are already beginning to take notice. The September issue of InStyle magazine mentions the La Coco Clutch pictured in its “Launches You’ll Love” page. I’m also fond of this simple but stylish purse, with its gentle pleating and polished silver clover zipper pull. I really love the elegance of the black New Zealand lambskin version, but the metallic goatskin one would be ideal for after five wear.

The La Coco Clutch and its stable mates are all available from the Stella & Dot website.

[Source: Cincinnati.com]
[Image Source: Stella & Dot website]

I wouldn’t say that I mind Susan Farber’s usual feminine styling, but if I see another of her bags covered in ruffles and frills I think I might scream. So I’m thrilled to see the designer taking a less saccharine approach with this Newport Cross-Body Bag.

It’s still a little girly, but it in a much subtle way. I love the way the curved flap mimics the Newport’s gently rounded body. It gives this cross-body a great retro vibe which is further enhanced by the bold turn-lock closure. I could do without the tassel though. This bohemian accent really seems out of place here. However if you feel the way I do, it’s worth noting that it’s easily removable.

So too is the braided strap. With it attached we can sling the Newport across our body, allowing it to sit casually on our hip during the day. But it’s also detachable, so we can leave it at home and use the Newport like a clutch once the sun sets.

I usually hesitate to carry a white handbag, as this color is prone to showing age more than most. However as the Newport is finished with a glossy glaze, most stains should simply wipe away, ensuring it looks better for longer. At a reasonable $148, I think it’s worth a gamble on this notoriously difficult color.

More Features of This Susan Farber Cross-Body Bag

• An exterior patch pocket hidden underneath the flap
• A cross-body strap with a 27 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 6.5 x 3 inches

Get this Susan Farber Newport Handbag:

• Available to buy at Nordstrom
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Susan Farber bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Aster cross-body bag, a great alternative to this turn-lock closure bag.
• Searching for more Susan Farber bags on eBay
• Other white leather cross-body bags on eBay:

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You might just have to catch me; I’m feeling a major case of puppy love with this Stuart Weitzman Whippet Clutch.

After gazing upon far too many frilly, jewel encrusted clutch purses, the Whippet’s edgy design has really struck me. On one hand it’s just your traditional rectangular flap clutch. But its details make it so much more. I love the burgundy lizard print decorating its leather. This mottled embossing is the ideal foil for the black whipstitching which decorates its borders and center. The accents are dramatic and daring, just perfect for the modern woman.

I like the Whippet in standard mode, and just as much once the strap comes out to play. That’s a rarity for me. Ordinarily I think a clutch works best as a clutch; most tend to lose their impact once we sling them over our shoulder. But by using the same black leather we saw on the stitching, Stuart Weitzman’s made the converted design appear really coherent.

The Whippet’s rebellious design makes it perfect for pairing with jeans during the day, or carrying to that hot new club once the sun sets. At $575 it’s on the expensive side, but its unexpected versatility and quality should help you get your money’s worth.

More Features of This Stuart Weitzman Lizard Embossed Clutch

• Satin lined interior
• Magnetic closure
• A tuckaway strap with an 11.5 inch drop
• Measures 5.5 x 12 x 2.5 inches
• Made in Spain

Get this Stuart Weitzman Whippet Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Stuart Weitzman bags on BagBunch
• The Marcela Calvet Capucine bag, a luxury alternative to this lizard embossed bag.
• Searching for more Stuart Weitzman bags on eBay
• Other lizard embossed clutch bags on eBay:

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Gucci headquarters has responded swiftly to complaints of inhumane working conditions in its store in Shenzhen, China.

Store employees banded together to report the problems to their local newspaper, the Global Times. The workers complained that they were required to work many hours without pay or snack and toilet breaks. They reported that the conditions resulted in urinary and stomach illness and even miscarriages.

“It was a kind of torture for us to stand for more than 14 hours every day,” they said in the letter. “Short rest, water, or food was abandoned even for a pregnant employee.”

The complaints trickled through to Gucci headquarters, who promptly investigated the matter and replaced the senior manager and assistant manager at the center of the scandal. It also established a confidential communications channel between senior management and staff to facilitate further talks. Management training programs have also been revamped, with renewed emphasis on employee welfare and working conditions. Gucci has also recruited external consultants to conduct a “comprehensive review” of the welfare of its staff in China.

“Gucci does not and will not endorse or tolerate the alleged malpractices,” a spokesperson reiterated. “Gucci always sets and seeks to achieve high standards for itself, its management, people and products, wherever we operate our business.“

I’m impressed by Gucci’s decisive actions, but also concede it really had no choice. China is one of the label’s key markets, and it can ill afford the bad press. After all, there are many other prestige labels just waiting to take the dollars of the luxury loving Chinese fashionistas.

[Source: Vogue]
[Image Source: Gadgetdan/Flickr]

Gucci Bags on eBay

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Straw Studios shows us how to wear raffia out of season with this Addison tote.

In natural tones this structured handbag is perfect for summer, but in basic black I think this purse could work well at any time of year. While its raffia finish keeps it casual, its versatile color and studded wooden handle ensures it doesn’t look too relaxed.

I really like the appearance of the wooden handle. Its treatment makes it look like it’s made from brushed antique bronze from a distance. However don’t expect it to feel comfortable in your hand, particularly if you’ve loaded the Addison up. Cut-out handles never do.

The Addison looks like a minimalist bag, but its interior is surprisingly detailed. A sunken zipper running along the top ensures our precious cargo stays safe. Those items will stay organized too as there are three separate pockets. Raffia is a notoriously brittle fiber, but the cotton lining should help protect it for a while.

That material does have its limitations though, and without any feet on the base I expect it to show wear before too long. Thankfully at an affordable $81 it won’t cost too much to replace it.

More Features of This Straw Studios Raffia Tote

• Measures 6 x 17 x 12 inches

Get this Straw Studios Addison Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

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• Check the eBags eBay store to see if this Straw Studios bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Straw Studios bags on BagBunch
• The Salvatore Ferragamo Maia Gancio tote bag, a great alternative to this raffia bag.
• Searching for more Straw Studios bags on eBay

The auditions are done and Project Accessory is almost ready to launch. The reality TV spinoff, the latest addition to the Project Runway empire, will premiere on Thursday October 27 on the Lifetime Channel.

The competition will see 12 amateur accessories designers battling it out to take the title. With these talents specializing in bags, belts, hats, jewelry, and footwear, it’ll be interesting to see how their different disciplines come together for the challenges. I’m certainly curious to see what new handbag designers the creators have unearthed!

American model and actress Molly Sims will step into the hosting role alongside judges, fashion and accessories designer Kenneth Cole and InStyle’s editor Ariel Foxman.

Project Accessory will have every chance to succeed as it hits screens at 10:30 pm, after the Project Runway finale. That’s a fairly late time slot, but I’m sure plenty of Project Runway devotees will stick around to see what’s in store.

Project Runway has proved such a winner for the Lifestyle Channel; I only hope Project Accessory can continue the franchise’s winning ways. Bringing in a new host and judges is a bit of a gamble, but hopefully they can breathe some fresh life into the program. Will you be tuning in?

[Source: InStyle]