If you’ve been griping about the high cost of luxury leather handbags, you’re not alone. The fashion houses are also complaining as the price of calfskin soars.

The price of the prized leather increased by 43% last year, and in the first six months of this year it’s already risen another 21%. Apparently these high prices are driven by the skin’s scarcity. With less premium leather in circulation the price of the material has increased. And when the price of leather goes up, so does the cost of all goods made with it.

Apparently this is just a case of supply failing to meet the demand. Shoppers have become more selective after the financial crisis, so they’d rather spend money on a high-quality investment piece than a throwaway accessory. With more consumers choosing leather goods over canvas and synthetic ones, luxury brands have added more accessories using the skin to their collections to meet demand.

The problem also lies with consumers eating less beef. Cattle production has fallen in key European markets, and that’s restricted the availability of premium blemish-free hides. The export duties on hides from Latin America, China, and India have also increased.

Sadly it seems most fashion experts don’t expect the trend to change any time soon. Most predict the prices will still be soaring well into 2012. There’s still plenty of leather handbags around, but it seems we’ll have to pay top dollar to enjoy them!

[Source: Business Week]
[Image Source: Stephen Davies/Stock Exchange]

Calfskin Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]calfskin, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Kavu’s back doing what it does best with this Himuka Bag.

The label is nothing if not consistent. Its accessories are far from the flashiest on the market but they’re always affordable and designed with practicality in mind. The Himuka is no exception, with its adjustable rope strap and large side pockets. If I’m going to get picky I’d have appreciated more than the single zippered pocket inside, but with the exterior pockets at hand I don’t feel we’re short on space for small items.

Looks have always been secondary for Kavu, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. Like so many of Kavu’s bags the Himuka gets its personality from its array of prints. My inner girly girl fell for this pale pink bubble print, but there’s also the subtle geometric patterned Butter Dash and diagonal Candy Stripe. Traditionalists are catered for too with a basic black version.

I do worry that it’s a case of getting what you pay for though, as customers have reported their bags have come apart at the seams before too long. However at just $40, it won’t cost too much to replace this bag if it does fall apart!

More Features of This Kavu Cotton Shoulder Bag

• Nylon lined interior
• Measures 1 x 12 x 6 inches
• Hand wash and line dry
• Made in China

Get this Kavu Himuka Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kavu Himuka, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kavu bags on BagBunch
• The Kavu The Chat’em Tote bag, a great alternative to this large cotton bag.
• Searching for more Kavu bags on eBay

Campari has teamed up with accessories label Bric’s for a new limited edition range of suitcases and handbags. The colorful fashion goods were created to mark the 150th anniversary of the alcoholic aperitif.

This is the alcoholic company’s first foray into the world of fashion accessories, and looking at the results I’m hoping it won’t be the last. The vibrant creations were inspired by the late Bruno Munari’s artwork Manifesto Campari.

The label commissioned the piece way back in 1964 to mark the opening of the Milan underground. All the trains bore the colorful print, while the stations were plastered with Campari lettering. I’m impressed by how fresh the design looks so many decades later, and that Campari’s managing to get some extra value from those original advertising dollars.

The collection is quite exhaustive, with a laptop bag, cosmetics case, credit card holder, key ring, notebook holder, and small purse appearing alongside the tote, suitcase, and cabin bag pictured. They’re all emblazoned with Munari’s bright red logo print and made from PVC with leather detailing.

The collection is available at the stores you’d usually find Bric’s luggage, major European airports, and the Campari gift shop at the label’s Sesto San Giovanni headquarters. International shoppers can also purchase the new Campari accessories through the Bric’s website.

[Source: The Moodie Report]

Kathy Van Zeeland delivers a hobo that’s a little less flashy than her average with this Line Drive bag.

Its moniker is pretty confusing, as this hobo doesn’t seem to have anything to do with baseball. It does have many of the hallmarks of a Kathy Van Zeeland accessory though, including bold studs, a belted accent, and an animal printed version. Personally I’d steer clear of that leopard spotted creation; the hobo looks much cleaner in a matte synthetic. But Kathy Van Zeeland wouldn’t be Kathy Van Zeeland if she didn’t give us the option of being over the top!

I appreciate that Kathy Van Zeeland has opted for a buckety shape rather than the traditional hobo crescent. It affords us extra storage space, which is always a plus. Kathy Van Zeeland backs up those generous dimensions with a zippered pocket and trio of open gadget pouches. And remember, we can also utilize those zippered pockets at the front for the items we want on hand.

For $89 Kathy Van Zeeland has delivered a solid hobo with the Line Drive. It probably won’t earn the designer many new fans, but it’s likely to serve the label’s devotees well.

More Features of This Kathy Van Zeeland Belted Hobo

• Made of vinyl
• Zebra printed fabric lined interior
• Zip closure
• A single shoulder strap with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 16.5 x 13.5 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kathy Van Zeeland Line Drive Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kathy Van Zeeland Line Drive hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kathy Van Zeeland bags on BagBunch
• The Kathy Van Zeeland Lounge Lizard hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Kathy Van Zeeland bags on eBay

As a woman I’m predisposed to loving flowers, but I also find the real blooms a bit disappointing. One moment they’re looking splendid and the next they’re withering away. So perhaps a Rosebud purse from Kathrine Baumann is the perfect solution.

I’m going to forget about the price tag and just dream for a while. The red Swarovski crystals covering the rose’s petals are dazzling. I love the way that black and white gems create depth on the design. I’m not so fond of the black tassel that hangs from the base, but I suppose it adds a bit of Middle Eastern charm. Even with the offending decoration this rose is such a work of art that it’s easy to forget that it’s actually a purse!

A small push lock clasp helps you open up the bud. It’s so tiny that it’s pretty ineffectual, but you should be able to fit some loose change inside it. There’s also a mirror embedded into the lining, so it’s not completely useless!

The lack of functionality is to be expected with purses like this. And sadly, so is the exorbitant price tag. At $2825 this minaudiere costs much more than my first car. If you’ve got money to burn this purse is a great way to burn it!

More Features of This Kathrine Baumann Flower Minaudiere

• Measures 5 x 4.5 x 5 inches
• Comes with extra Swarovski crystals

Get this Kathrine Baumann Rosebud Handbag:

• Available to buy at Kathrine Baumann
• Check the Shoes&Art&Sunglasses&Watches eBay store to see if this Kathrine Baumann bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kathrine Baumann bags on BagBunch
• The pink Kathrine Baumann rose bag, a great alternative to this red bag.
• Searching for more Kathrine Baumann bags on eBay
• Other rose minaudiere bags on eBay:

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Yves Carcelle, the longtime chief executive officer of Louis Vuitton, is standing down. He will be replaced by Jodi Constans, a managing director of French yogurt firm Danone.

It seems like a strange transition moving from the world of dairy treats to fashion, but the 47-year-old senior executive won’t be thrown in the deep end. He’ll work closely with Carcelle through 2012, until the esteemed CEO eventually steps aside. Carcelle is perfect for showing Constans the rope as he’s held the position since 1990.

Constans’ appointment isn’t as left-of-field as it first seems, as many luxury goods firms have recently hired senior executives from the world of consumer goods. It makes a lot of sense if you think about it, as the way these luxury businesses are expanding into emerging markets isn’t so different to the way that consumer firms grew two decades ago.

Carcelle will continue his association with Louis Vuitton even after stepping down from the top job. He’ll take on the newly created position of president of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a new space for promoting the arts. He’ll also continue to serve as the executive of Louis Vuitton’s parent company, LVMH.

I’m interested to see how Louis Vuitton grows under Constans’ care. He’s got big shoes to fill, as Carcelle is credited with making the French fashion house one of the most profitable in the world. Do you think he’s up to the task?

[Source: Business Week]
[Image Source: Sparx 11/Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Louis Vuitton, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Kate Spade seems to have been inspired by sweet hard candy when she created this fun Seersucker Treesh satchel.

It’s very simple, but I love the playfulness of the flamingo pink and cream stripes. These adorable stripes are continued on the rolled dual straps to create a look that’s pretty as a picture.

I’m in two minds about the patent leather though. On one hand I suppose it successfully mimics the shine of a hard candy treat. But it’s also a bit plastic-like, especially around the pleats. I can’t imagine synthetic would have looked any less luxurious, and we’d likely pay a lot less for it.

The Seersucker Treesh bag also leaves a bit to be desired on a practical level. Those handles look lovely, but they’re too short to easily sling over your shoulder. We really need that carrying option when a bag is so big, particularly if it’s filled to capacity.

I’d be nervous to do so though, as there’s no closure along the top. The interior pocket really has to work hard to hold all our valuables as there’s no other option, and without any leather reinforcement I’m not sure it’s up to the task.

Perhaps the Seersucker Treesh has more in common with hard candy than I first though. It looks so irresistible at first glance, but if you indulge you may regret it later!

More Features of This Kate Spade Striped Satchel

• Magnetic closure
• Jacquard lined interior
• Protective feet on the base
• Dual handles with a 4 inch drop
• Measures 8.5 x 13.25 x 5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Kate Spade Seersucker Satchel Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Kate Spade Seersucker Treesh, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Fashionvictimtoo eBay store to see if this Kate Spade bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade bags on BagBunch
• The Kate Spade Harrison Street Jenny Ann wristlet bag, a great alternative to this striped bag.
• Searching for more Kate Spade bags on eBay

Inspired by the way medieval alchemists turned lead to gold, the modern eco-warriors at Alchemy Goods transform trash into accessories to treasure.

The label’s bags are made from blown-out inner tire tubes, unused seatbelts, and old advertising banners. A small number in the upper right corner tells you what percentage of the accessory is crafted from upcycled material. This sort of disclosure makes a real change from so many labels who claim they’re attempting to go green.

The company started small when its creator Eli Reich’s messenger bag was stolen. Unable to find the perfect replacement, he set about making his own using nothing more from discarded inner tubes and a sewing machine. Soon his friends wanted their own, and word spread until Alchemy Goods was born.

Purchasing your own Alchemy Goods handbag is the most obvious way to support the label, but there’s a little more that you can do. All REI stores, many Trek outlets, and the majority of Seattle bike shops participate in Alchemy Goods recycling program. Just drop your old inner tubes into your nearest store and they’ll do the rest.

Alchemy Goods stands by their products and happily repairs any manufacturing defects for free for the life of the bag. They’ll even fix your bag for a small fee if you’ve caused the damage. It’s that sort of aftermarket service that helps Alchemy Goods stand out amongst the green fashion labels.

[Source: Alchemy Goods]

Alchemy Goods Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Alchemy Goods, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Kara Ross serves up a clutch that will look just as sleek during the day as it will at night with this Mia purse.

The sleek eelskin body and classic design are the keys to the Mia’s versatility. Strips of the exotic skin create subtle vertical lines on this simply shaped purse. The unusually cut corners and strip of matching stingray make the front flap really interesting. Kara Ross pushes things just far enough, ensuring the Mia is appealing but not overwhelming.

The Mia is very slender, and there’s not a lot of give in the exotic body, so we’re limited to only carrying the essentials. The suede lining makes the interior feel a bit more luxurious, but I’d prefer practicality to flash. A few extra inches and a shoulder strap would have made all the differences.

We expect to pay a pretty penny for exotic materials, but the Mia is still too expensive at $775. Eelskin is actually one of the cheapest animal skins around, and I don’t think Kara Ross has done enough with it to justify the extra dollars.

More Features of This Kara Ross Eelskin Clutch

• Magnetic closure
• Measures 6 x 11.75 x 1 inches
• Made in the United States

Get this Kara Ross Mia Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kara Ross bags on BagBunch
• The Latico Eelskin Flap Clutch bag, a colorful alternative to this exotic bag.
• Searching for more Kara Ross bags on eBayOther eelskin clutch bags on eBay:
• Other eelskin clutch bags on eBay:
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Juicy Couture thankfully keeps the velour on the inside for this fun Live for Love Canvas Tote.

Perhaps I should stop expecting Juicy Couture to create frothy velour monstrosities, as we’ve been pleasantly surprised by many of the label’s creations over the last year. This Live for Love Canvas Tote hardly pushes the fashion envelope, but it’s another playful and restrained addition to the line.

I really appreciate the “Live for Love” slogan, which is a lot less obnoxious than some of the lines the brand used to favor. It’s rendered in feminine silver, aqua, and lemon hues, which contrast beautifully with that pretty cantelope shade. It makes a nice change from overused coral, and even more predictable pink.

It looks like your average canvas tote, but that velour lined interior boasts a few practical perks. In a high end leather bag the two slip pockets and the zippered pouch would be stock standard, but here it makes us feel spoilt. If only there was a zip or some kind of clasp across the top I’d feel completely satisfied!

I like the look of the leather handles, but unfortunately they push the price up to $148. I always hesitate to spend more than $100 on a canvas bag, but this one has such charm I’m tempted to break my rule!

More Features of This Juicy Couture Canvas Tote

• Open top design
• Dual handles with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 17 x 13 x 6 inches

Get this Juicy Couture Live for Love Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Juicy Couture Live for Love tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

• Check the Happy Face Boutique eBay store to see if this Juicy Couture bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Juicy Couture bags on BagBunch
• The Juicy Couture For Nice Girls Canvas Tote bag, a great alternative to this canvas bag.
• Searching for more Juicy Couture bags on eBay