SURevolution has released a limited edition collection of Mochila bags to celebrate summer. The woven tribal style purses, which are amply proportioned at 12 x 9 x 9 inches, are perfect for the festival season!

Each bag is handcrafted by women from the Wayuu tribe, a people living in the Guajira region between Venezuela and Colombia. The ladies use time honored techniques that have been passed through generations of the South American tribe. Their weaving is so intricate that it actually takes a whole month to create just one bag!

The tribal design featured on each Mochila bag is more than simply aesthetically pleasing. The geometrical patterns tell tales of the Wayuu tribe and its myths and legends. Each one is just a little bit different than the one that came before, which is a real plus for girls that don’t like to be just one of the pack.

The Mochila bags are available for $325 from the SURevolution website. That’s fairly pricy for a handbag that doesn’t feature the luxury materials we’re all used to, but it’s not exorbitant when we consider the handiwork that goes into each one.  There are several different colors and patterns available. Which one is speaking to you?

[Source: FabSugar]

Wayuu Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Wayuu, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Woven leather is a high end designer trademark, but you needn’t spend the big bucks to enjoy this look. J. Furmani replicates this luxury staple with this more affordable woven metallic clutch.

OK, so no one’s going to mistake this purse for a Bottega Veneta. Its weave is too chunky, and its synthetic too stiff to ever pass as real leather. But from a distance this purse projects an air of luxury.

The rhinestones decorating the metal frame probably take things a step too far. I really think the silvery synthetic offered enough bling already, but girls with more ostentatious taste may disagree with me! To that end, I do wish there was a subtler option. A black or white purse would have helped this style appeal to anyone who isn’t into metallics.

I’m used to clutch purses having detachable or hidden chains, but a handle like this one is more unusual. This short handle is curiously made of solid metal. Honestly I can’t help but think of a kettle handle when I look at it. I can’t imagine it’ll be very comfortable to carry, but it does give this purse a very distinctive appearance!

J. Furmani’s created a bag that is unashamedly glitzy and glamorous, and very affordable at just $35. For that price, we can afford to embrace our flamboyant side and have a bit of fun!

More Features of This J. Furmani Metallic Clutch

• Kiss-lock closure
• Fully lined interior
• A small slide pocket inside
• Measures 2 x 9 x 5 inches

Get this J. Furmani Woven Handbag:

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

[phpbay]J Furmani metallic woven clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More J. Furmani bags on BagBunch
• The J. Furmani Pleated Metallic Flap bag, a great alternative to this metallic bag.
• Searching for more J. Furmani bags on eBay

The movies aren’t the only exciting element of the Cannes Film Festival. Louis Vuitton will make sure the French movie event is a glamorous affair with the launch of a new pop-up store in La Croisette.

The temporary store is easy for fashion lovers to find, as it’s right next to Louis Vuitton’s existing Cannes digs. It’s a suitably enchanting space decked out with all the evening wear you need for those red carpet film premieres and swanky after parties. The goodies are dividing into three essential festival collections: Cocktail Party by the Pool, Iconic Evening, and Evening Grand Soir.

Louis Vuitton president, chairman, and chief executive officer Yves Carcelle said he hopes the new Cannes pop-up store will offer visitors to the French film capital an “alternative and exceptional” shopping experience.

The temporary location features a long central passageway which resembles a romantic French pier. Screens in the walls display scenes of the French Riviera to get shoppers in the mood. Pop-up shops have certainly come a long way since their inception. That sort of atmosphere isn’t even created in most permanent stores!

If you can drag yourself away from watching the films and spotting the celebrities, a visit to Louis Vuitton’s pop-up Cannes store sounds like an excellent way to pass the time!

[Source: Vogue UK]

Louis Vuitton Evening Bags on eBay

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

Isaac Mizrahi tests our sanity with this Chic Gesso Printed Tote.

The designer plays by the rules here, giving this tote a traditional boxy shape and pair of rolled handles. It could have come from any fashion house, which is both a blessing and a curse. I love the clean look that Isaac Mizrahi offers, but the very best designers know how to make their mark without obvious logos and signature prints.

This is the kind of tote that could work for any occasion thanks to the marriage of casual and more upmarket materials. The natural canvas is summery and relaxed, while the nude leather trim dresses things up a bit. It’s a nice combination. Not outstanding or remarkable, but nice.

This tote is a good size for everyday use, and it’s appointed with all those little extras we expect from a high-end label. Note the metal feet designed to protect the leather on the base, and the luxurious leather lining. But this tote falls down on the basics. The short handles are awkward to manage, there’s only a single pocket to keep the interior organized, and there isn’t even a clasp to close it.

Oh, and I’m not overly enthusiastic about the price. At $1600 this tote is much more expensive than any canvas bag should be. To buy this tote you’d have to have more money than sense!

More Features of This Isaac Mizrahi Canvas Tote

• A zippered interior pocket
• Dual handles with a 4 inch drop
• Measures 14.75 x 14 x 4.75 inches
• Made in Italy

Get this Isaac Mizrahi Chic Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Isaac Mizrahi bags on BagBunch
• The Isaac Mizrahi Spazzalato bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Isaac Mizrahi bags on eBay
• Other canvas tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]canvas tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Dolce & Gabbana neatly demonstrates the difference a little class can make in a leopard print clutch.

You see, leopard print can be kind of tacky. Done wrong, it looks more “tarts boudoir” than “exotic luxury,” and it just isn’t good. However, when a label like Dolce & Gabbana turn its hands to it, you see why this pattern and print is so intensely popular, why it never manages to go out of fashion. It is, you see, complex and rich and utterly luxurious, as one glance at the Lory clutch will tell you.

I particularly like that the Lory isn’t made in the seemingly compulsory haircalf. Instead, it lets the print deliver the texture, and keeps the fabric plain and simple, with a nice fur pattern. This lets the bold box shape do the talking, especially when accompanied with the cool (but kind of pointless) gold spheres on the zip, and of course the thick gold zip itself.

The Lory purse may be quite beautiful and it may have attitude, but I am not sure there is anything remarkable enough about it to justify the $995 price tag. What do you reckon?

More Features of this Dolce & Gabbana Lory Box Clutch:

• Leopard print fabric exterior
• Thick wrap around zip
• Gold balls zip accessory

Get this Luxury Leopard Print Purse:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Dolce & Gabbana bags on BagBunch
• The D&G Lily Twist purse, a great alternative to this leopard print bag.
• Searching for more leopard print bags on eBay
• Other Dolce & Gabbana bags on eBay:

[phpbay]dolce gabbana handbag, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Inge Christopher’s created a black bag that’s far from basic with this Mallorca clutch.

Inge Christopher has taken the traditional frame clutch and given it a quirky makeover. The satin body is folded origami style into a series of Oriental pleats, which are complemented by the intricately beaded frame. This frame is so unusual, with a unique bow-like shape that really sets it apart.

Inside it’s pretty stock standard stuff, with an open pouch and chain strap tucked away. I don’t take these features for granted, especially the chain, but I’m so used to seeing them that they don’t exactly make my heart beat faster.

The biggest disappointment for me is the Mallorca’s small stature. This purse is so striking that I really just want more of it! A few extra inches would have made all the difference, allowing us to carry a little more inside and helping the Mallorca make an even bigger impression.

Those quibbles aside, Inge Christopher’s given us real value here for our $135. That money buys us an evening purse that is both vivacious and versatile, which is a special combination indeed.

More Features of This Inge Christopher Satin Clutch

• Satiny lining
• Clasp closure
• A chain strap with a 6.5 inch drop
• Measures 4.5 x 4.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Inge Christopher Mallorca Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Terris Heavenly Handbags and Things eBay store to see if this Inge Christopher bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Inge Christopher bags on BagBunch
• The Ellington Hannah bag, a great alternative to this pleated bag.
• Searching for more Inge Christopher bags on eBay
• Other Inge Christopher clutches on eBay:

[phpbay]Inge Christopher clutch, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Chloe has parted ways with its creative director Hannah MacGibbon. Pringle of Scotland’s Clare Waight Keller will replace her on June 1.

MacGibbon worked for Chloe for the past decade, including the last three years as head designer. However Chloe decided not to renew her contract, although it’s a little unclear why.

Chloe’s official line is that MacGibbon is looking to “pursue new projects,” although she “will always have a deep affection for Chloe.” However that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill buzzing that the split wasn’t as amicable as the press release suggests. Rumors suggest MacGibbon had a less than cordial relationship with management, although that’s pure speculation.

While I’ve admired some Chloe designs of recent years, I must admit that they’ve never excited me as much as the work former creative director Phoebe Philo produced for the line. Perhaps by moving in a new direction Chloe can recapture some of that success.

Do you think that Clare Waight Keller is the right woman for the job, or would you rather another designer step up to helm Chloe? And where do you think we’ll see Hannah MacGibbon popping up next? While her collections have been a bit uneven, she’s certainly a designer with great promise who could do great things in the right fashion environment.

[Source: Business Week]
[Image Source: Chloe website]

Chloe Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Chloe, 2, 63852, “”[/phpbay]

Imoshion goes wild with this Roxbury tote. I just wish it had reined in its enthusiasm.

A faux fur bag like this is the ideal compromise for girls who love the look of animal skins but have ethical reservations. But I’ve seen the fur alternatives used more convincingly than this. I think the biggest problem is that Imoshion didn’t let the fur do all the talking. There are too many details to distract us, including chunky pyramid studs, zips and tassels. The black and gray fur was already interesting. Rather than adding embellishments, perhaps Imoshion should have just made the Roxbury’s shape more striking than this bland box.

But we have what we have, which while a little unsatisfying aesthetically is quite functional. That zipper running down the center doesn’t just add edge; it allows this tote to expand. The interior has the prerequisite pair of pouches and spacious zippered compartment. While the black lining makes it a bit difficult to see what’s inside, it’ll also hide stains.

At $80 the Roxbury is one of the cheapest faux fur bags I’ve seen, but that bottom line isn’t everything. Personally I’d rather save up for something that comes together more smoothly. How about you?

More Features of This Imoshion Faux Fur Tote

• Synthetic trim and handles with a 7 inch drop
• Measures 14.5 x 14 x 3 inches
• Made in China

Get this Imoshion Roxbury Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the Anna’s Collection eBay store to see if this Imoshion bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Imoshion bags on BagBunch
• The Imoshion Helena cross-body bag, a great alternative to this faux fur bag.
• Searching for more Imoshion bags on eBay
• Other Imoshion tote bags on eBay:

[phpbay]Imoshion tote, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Louis Vuitton has proven itself to be the world’s most powerful luxury force, after taking out the top spot on Millward Brown Optimor’s annual luxury list. The standings consider revenue, profits, and overall brand value.

Louis Vuitton has dominated the list for as long as I can remember, and surprisingly its valuation always gets bigger. Its 2010 standings showed a 23% increase on its 2009 figures.

No wonder Louis Vuitton has again edged out its nearest competitor Hermes, whose value is less than half that of LV. The rest of the top ten spots, in order, are occupied by Gucci, Chanel, Cartier, Rolex, Hennessy, Moet & Chandon, Fendi, and Burberry. The list reminds us of the importance of a well-rounded approach to luxury, with handbags, fragrances, and clothes all playing a part.

Some of these are predictable names, but I’m almost as interested to see who didn’t make the cut. Perhaps most shocking is the absence of Prada and Christian Dior, two fashion houses I always associate with the upper echelon of luxury.

Are you surprised by the rankings, and who’s holding the top spots, or do you find the selection all a bit predictable? Who would you have expected to see on Millward Brown Optimor’s annual hit list?

[Source: The Purse Blog]
[Image Source: Wikipedia Commons]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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

The Russel has a masculine name, but this Hype satchel is a real lady.

The Russel manages to interpret the feminine structured bags of the 50s on a much larger scale. Our eyes are instantly drawn to the front panel with its even diamond weave, but this isn’t the only element of interest. Its flap-latch closure and metal reinforced corners are a lovely complement to the pale pearl leather. The shape is also intriguing; it’s slender with a sexy curved top and strong angular base.

Such a slim bag requires careful packing, but with a little effort you should be able to fit everything you need inside and a few extras as well. Front and back pockets are complemented by even more inside.

The short handles are perfectly retro, but not so practical. When you’ve got traveling to do you can attach the longer strap for more convenient carrying. I don’t think this chain has quite the same visual appeal, but it’ll get you where you need to go.

The Russel is a great option for girls who’ve always admired the Mad Men look, but couldn’t pare down their possessions enough to suit such small bags. This satchel helps to bring that vintage vibe into the present day.

More Features of This Woven Hype Satchel

• Brushed gold-toned hardware
• Dual tubular handles with a 5 inch drop
• A chainlink strap with a 13 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 13 x 2 inches
• Made in China

Get this Hype Russel Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Hype Russel satchel, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Hype bags on BagBunch
• The Hype Russel tote bag, a great alternative to this satchel bag.
• Searching for more Hype bags on eBay