Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2011 Advertising Campaign | Daria Werbowy & Clement Chaubernaud Star in Film Inspired Commercial

Posted on: Mar 7

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring Summer Advertisement

Salvatore Ferragamo looked to the world of cinema to inspire his new spring/summer 2011 advertising campaign.

The Italian designer’s latest commercials nod to the classic European film of the sixties, La Piscine, otherwise known as The Swimming Pool. The erotic drama was set in a coastal villa in Cote d’Azur, and these vivid photos convincingly transport us right back to its French Riviera setting.

A swimming pool is the centerpiece of these photos, and its sparkling turquoise water provides a great backdrop for Salvatore Ferragamo’s tan color palette. This shade is the centerpiece for this season’s feminine boho-chic collection. Macrame and crochet might be throwbacks to the 60s and 70s, but they give Ferragmo’s new line a relaxed free-spirited vibe which seems playfully modern. And if you can’t relax on those lazy summer days, when can you relax?

Models Daria Werbowy and Clement Chaubernaud have great chemistry here, draped all over one another in languorous summer poses. The shots captured by photographer Massimiliano Giornetti and styled by Anastasia Barbieri are sultry, sensual, and steamy!

Does Salvatore Ferragmo’s latest advertising campaign make you crave the warmer weather ahead, or are you a bit cool on it?

[Source: View on Fashion]

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Big Buddha Ray Hobo | Faux Suede Fringed Teal Handbag

Posted on: Mar 7

Big Buddha Ray HoboBig Buddha has fun with fringe with the Ray hobo.

The Ray takes the hobo back to its boho roots with its funky, flower child fringe and supple faux suede. If you’re not committed to fringe this bag probably isn’t for you. The loose tassels cover the front and sides, making the Ray seem untamed and free spirited.

I love the effect of all that fringe, so I’m a bit disappointed that Big Buddha hasn’t used it on the back of the bag. I suppose this decision was about keeping costs under that magic $100 mark, but it makes the Ray seem a bit unfinished.

There are no such complaints about the interior though, which is kitted out with plenty of practical features. A large zippered compartment runs down the center, separating the interior into three user-friendly sections. One side pocket has a roomy zippered pocket, and the other has two open pouches for holding your cell phone and sunglasses.

The Ray’s quirky bohemian charm is best seen in bright teal blue, but the Ray is also available in mellow shades like beige and white if you prefer something more subdued.

More Features of This Big Buddha Fringed Hobo

  • Golden hardware
  • Polyester lined interior
  • Zip top closure
  • A zippered compartment on the back
  • A single handle with a 12.75 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 16 x 6 inches
  • Made in China

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Anya Hindmarch Market Large Canvas Tote | Sassy Feminine Canvas Bag

Posted on: Mar 7

Anya Hindmarch Market Large Canvas ToteAnya Hindmarch has been making good headway as a designer the past few seasons. She went from being an almost unknown to an editorial commonplace in a relatively short period of time. I have maintained an ambiguous relationship to her designs, which vary widely. While this Market tote is cute, it’s not particularly interesting from a design perspective.

The natural color of the canvas material looks great contrasted with the deep raspberry print. And I actually really love the folksy print of plants, produce, and plant markers. It’s sweet and feminine and lovely.

The shape of the bag is also not only attractive, but also well-constructed. The grommet strap hangers and leather straps make it sturdy and durable. Unfortunately, it isn’t lined, and the one small interior pocket just isn’t enough.

At $135, the Market bag is terribly cute, but it’s also a little over-priced and under-designed.

More Features Of The Anya Hindmarch Market Large Canvas Tote

  • 15″ x 13″ x 7″ size
  • 8″ strap drop
  • Internal zip fastening pocket

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Diane von Furstenberg Alexandra Pleated Leather Messenger Bag | Classy But Practical Tan Leather Carryall

Posted on: Mar 7

Diane Von Furstenberg Alexandra Pleated Leather Messenger Bag

Diane von Furstenberg makes iconic pieces that become classics almost instantly. There’s something about her clean cut bohemianism that really appeals to American women. This Alexandra pleated leather messenger is a great example of von Furstenberg’s style at its cleanest and most minimal.

This medium tan color has been very popular this season. It’s a color that I like to call “paper bag brown” and it goes with almost anything, even if like me, all you ever wear is black. The silver hardware keeps the look cool, but is totally understated.

I am not a fan of messenger bags, but I really love this one. The problem with messengers is that they’re often way too utilitarian to be stylish. Well, not the Alexandra. It’s equal parts practical and attractive. The size is generous enough to be a perfect bag for the office, but it’s reasonably sized so that you won’t feel like your laptop is luggage.

The Alexandra is what business casual should look like. And at $525, it’s priced low enough that even discount mavens might be willing to make the investment.

More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Alexandra Pleated Messenger Bag

  • 20″ x 12″ x 6″ size
  • Adjustable, detachable shoulder strap
  • Fully lined in designer-stamped twill

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Latico Makes Bags from Chicken Skins | New Eco-Friendly Amazonia Collection

Posted on: Mar 6

Latico Amazonia ClutchLatico is the latest handbag label to go green. The American brand is preparing to launch the Amazonia collection, a range of handbags made from reclaimed chicken leather.

The bags are made from unwanted skins sourced from poultry farms. It sounds a bit macabre to create a material from leftover chicken skins, but the finished product is surprisingly luxurious. The resulting leather is strong but soft, with a raised grain texture that appears like a cross between crocodile and ostrich skins.

Skilled artisans then work with the “eco-exotic” leather to create the shopper tote, clutches, mini bags, and convertible chain bags of the Amazonia collection. The handbags are available in the neutral, conservative colors of black, blue, brown, and oat.

A limited edition range of Latico’s Amazonia purses will hit stores later this month. This will give us a taste for the complete line, which will arrive in retail outlets this August. No prices have been announced at this point, although we never expect an exorbitant bottom line from Latico. Hopefully these Amazonia bags won’t be any exception.

I applaud Latico’s lateral thinking here. It’s refreshing to see a brand making bags from new and sustainable animal products. But the strictest environmentalists will probably wish these bags were vegan. Would you carry a bag made from chicken skin?

[Source: Latico Leathers website]

Latico Handbags on eBay

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B. Makowsky Whitney Satchel | Sophisticated Practical Gray Leather Handbag

Posted on: Mar 6

B. Makowsky Whitney SatchelI wonder whether B. Makowsky was inspired by MTV’s stylish reality TV star when he created this Whitney satchel. It’s just the sort of thing I can imagine Ms Port carrying on her travels around the country!

This satchel is all about understated luxury, from its simple satchel shape to its gentle gray color. I love the subtle cross-hatched texture B. Makowsky’s used on the leather; it’s more interesting than a traditional pebbled finish but it’s not overwhelming either.

The Whitney’s minimalist style only tells half the story though. This is one practical bit of gear. You’ll note the zip and open pockets on each end, which complement the cleverly designed interior. The walls are packed with pockets, which are lined in more of that leather for extra strength. I also love the quilted satin lining, which makes this purse feel a bit richer.

The Whitney feels like a luxury bag but it doesn’t really have a luxury price tag. $258 is very reasonable for a satchel so smart and sophisticated. I think the simplicity of the matte leather is a great complement to the Whitney’s classic style, but it’s also available in a range of colored snake prints for girls with wilder tastes.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Classic Satchel

  • Zip top closure
  • Protective feet on the base
  • Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
  • Measures 9 x 13 x 4.5 inches
  • Made in China

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Ugg’s Luxurious New Collection | Casual Fashion House Readies Upmarket Handbag & Footwear Line

Posted on: Mar 6

Ugg Luxury Collection

Ugg accessories are set to become a bit more luxurious this year. The fashion house known for its shearling boots and handbags will release its opulent Ugg Collection this September.

The new line features 30 different handbags and shoes rendered in earthy colors like olive green, tan, and black. Pops of royal blue and leopard print will help to jazz up the subdued tones. Handbags including a side-strap satchel, large weekender bag, and hobo will be crafted from Italian Toscana leather, suede, pony hair, and Ugg’s favorite materials sheepskin and merino. The shoes are also a cut above the casual boots the brand is famous for. Look out for stacked wedges, knee-high leather boots, and cute booties.

The new Ugg accessories are markedly more expensive than the current ones. Their iconic boots currently cost around $180, but the Ugg Collection items are priced between $500 and $1195. That’s some mark-up!

With most fashion houses launching more affordable diffusion lines, it’s surprising to see Ugg going in the opposite direction and creating a more expensive collection. I’m not sure whether a label like Ugg can successfully reposition itself in the fashion marketplace, but it’s going to be interesting watching it try. Do you think Ugg’s fashion gamble will pay dividends?

[Source: Racked]

Ugg Handbags on eBay

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Rampage Juliet Envelope Clutch | Classic Navy Satin Flap Purse

Posted on: Mar 6

Rampage Juliet ClutchFall in love with the elegance of this Juliet clutch from Rampage.

This is a classic creature, which looks just as we’d expect an envelope clutch to look. The metal trim helps to emphasize the gently curved flap, but really this is pretty stock standard stuff. In a world where fashion designers are constantly trying to reinvent the wheel, I find that simplicity refreshing.

The interior offers a few practical perks I didn’t expect though. The zippered pocket is much more functional than the tiny open pouches we typically see in purses of this kind. This is a large clutch, so I’m thrilled to see it also comes with a drop-in chain. This is sure to make carrying it a lot easier, especially if you’re taking advantage of all that space. The strap is removable too, so you needn’t worry about it cluttering the inside of your Juliet when you’re not using it.

If this Juliet seems a bit pedestrian for you it’s worth looking at the snakeskin printed options. Their mottled finishes in gray and brown are certainly colorful, but their synthetic material makes them seem a bit cheap. I definitely prefer the matte satins, which have oodles of style for just $68.

More Features of This Rampage Envelope Clutch

  • Satiny lined interior
  • Magnetic closure
  • A removable chain with a 7.5 inch drop
  • Measures 8 x 13 x 2.5 inches
  • Made in China

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Christian Dior Reopens Hong Kong Flagship Store | Limited Edition Purple Purse Released

Posted on: Mar 5

Hong Kong Lady Dior BagAfter all the negativity surrounding John Galliano’s recent dismissal, it’s refreshing to see some good news from the Christian Dior camp. And that came with the recent opening of the fashion house’s newly renovated Hong Kong store.

The three-storey space at One Peking Road spans some 1000 square meters. American architect Peter Marino oversaw eight months of renovations which transformed the store into a luxurious, modern boutique. The ground floor has been dubbed “World of Bags,” and it’s got just enough arm candy to warrant the title.

A spiral staircase takes you to the other levels. The first floor is home to shoes, ready-to-wear, and knit apparel, while the top is about high-end items including watches and jewelry. This final floor also has a cocktail area, which you might just need if you’ve shopped up a storm below.

As part of the store’s reopening, Christian Dior has released a handful of limited edition accessories. We’re particularly fond of the rich purple lambskin Lady Dior handbag pictured. There are just 40 of the bags available, so if you’ve fallen for it you’ll need to visit the Hong Kong store pronto.

A pair of sculptured heels, a rose decorated scarf, and a sapphire crystal and diamond decorated cell phone are also part of the limited edition line. Each one features the same lush purple color chosen to signify royalty, romance, elegance, and mystery.

Will Christian Dior’s Hong Kong flagship store make the itinerary for your next Asian getaway?

[Source: The Star Online]

Lady Dior Handbags on eBay

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Pullman Gallery Sells Vintage Louis Vuitton Shoe Trunk | Malle Chaussures Chest For Sale in London

Posted on: Mar 5

Louis Vuitton Shoe Trunk

If your wealthy aunt has just kicked the bucket or your Lotto numbers have come up, you may be interested in the Louis Vuitton Malle Chaussures shoe trunk currently available through London’s Pullman Gallery. Because that’s the only way you’ll be able to appreciate its whopping $68, 500 price tag!

The rest of us will simply have to dream about owning this shoe lovers’ dream from the 1920s. It recalls a glamorous time in Western history, when travel was for the wealthy and every voyager had trunks just like this.

Its canvas upholstered frame features Louis Vuitton’s iconic tan LV monogram print, which has remained unchanged for more than a century. Carrie Bradshaw would be proud to own a case such as this, as it features compartments for 30 pairs of shoes in their protective boxes. There are also extra drawers and trays for holding a shoe-cleaning kit and other footwear essentials. Every drawer is luxuriously padded and finished with a nameplate and leather pull tab.

The Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks book released last November had me salivating over vintage trunks and chests just like this. Now if I only had a spare $68, 500 lying around, it would be mine!

[Source: Luxist]

Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks on eBay

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