Be Inthavong’s New Heritage Weave Bags | Be & D Designer’s Laos Inspired Woven Handbag Collection

Posted on: Nov 13

Heritage Weave ToteOne half of Be & D, designer Be Inthavong, is stepping out his own for the launch of his Heritage Weave collection.

The line is a result of Inthavong’s recent trip to Laos, where he sought to reconnect with his roots. The simply designed accessories are made from tiny strips of leather woven together inspired by traditional Laotian techniques. The leather makes a soft silky material, eventually. With it taking a whole day to weave a single inch of cloth, it’s clearly a labor of love.

Considering how labor intensive the production process is, I’m pleasantly surprised at the prices. The Heritage Weave bags will retail for between $595 and $3295; it’s not exactly cheap but I expected to pay much more.

The debut collection will consist of 40 pieces and nine core styles. Inthavong has told Women’s Wear Daily he expects that 10 to 20 specialty boutiques will stock the Heritage Weave accessories. I can’t wait to see them in the flesh!

[Source: NBC New York]

Be & D Bags on eBay

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Dooney & Bourke Plaid Barrel Satchel | Classic Preppy Tartan Leather Trimmed Handbag

Posted on: Nov 13

Dooney & Bourke Plaid Barrel SatchelI was beginning to tire of Dooney & Bourke’s childish signature prints and whimsical motifs, so I’m thrilled to see the label trying something more grown up. This Plaid Barrel Satchel sees the youth brand in preppy mode.

While the hues of this plaid bag are a bit different from the iconic Nova check, I can definitely imagine Burberry producing an accessory like this. The tartan is timeless, and the tan leather piping and trim gives the satchel a traditional equestrian feel. I also love that distinctive classic barrel shape, which is flattened off at the base to make sure the satchel sits up straight.

This satchel strikes the right balance; it’s not so big that it’ll become unwieldy on a day out, but you won’t need to leave any of your essentials behind either. The interior is well appointed, with leather trimmed pockets designed to survive everyday punishment. I like the choice of dual handles or a longer adjustable strap, but I’m a bit disappointed they’re all so skinny. If you’ve got this satchel loaded up, it won’t be very comfortable to carry!

This flaw is a small misstep though on what is essentially a well designed bag. The $215 price tag seems a bit high for a handbag mostly made from coated canvas, but it’s not exorbitant enough to alienate fans.

More Features of This Dooney & Bourke Check Satchel

  • A detachable logo charm
  • Zip top closure
  • Fully lined interior
  • Dual handles with a 6 inch drop
  • A detachable adjustable strap with a 15 inch drop
  • Measures 12.5 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches

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Kilian Hennessy Designs Clutch Purses | By Kilian Bags from Perfume King

Posted on: Nov 13

By Kilian ClutchMost of us know Kilian Hennessy as a perfume maven, but the fragrance king hopes we come to recognize him as a handbag designer. He’s about to make his first foray into the world of accessories with the launch of his By Kilian collection.

The range features just six clutch purses, but they’re real beauties. These evening bags take their cues from art deco jewelry designers like Jean Despres and Gerard Sandoz, with lacquered plexiglass bodies, smatterings of Swarovski crystal and stingray accents.

These clutches aren’t cheap though, with prices ranging from $1995 to $2995. That might seem overreaching for a new designer, but Kilian Hennessy’s name is so well known in style circles that I think he’ll find buyers. I certainly can’t fault the designs, which are dramatic and truly gorgeous.

If you’ve fallen for the By Killian clutches too, you’ll find them exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman from December 8.

[Source: T Magazine]

Art Deco Clutches on eBay

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Latico Vyntage Braided Baguette | Classic Medium Burgundy Leather Shoulder Bag

Posted on: Nov 13

Latico Vyntage Braided BaguetteI’ve always admired the retro flair of accessories from Latico’s Vyntage collection, and this braided baguette is no exception.

What the line cleverly creates the perfect balance between vintage design and contemporary style. The clean baguette shape is given interest with some carefully placed, curved seams. The braided shoulder strap is another feature designed to make this simple purse seem a bit more enticing, and visually it does the trick. It’s not likely to be as comfortable as a flat leather strap, but it probably won’t be uncomfortable enough to break any deals.

Unzip the classic zippered top and you’ll find a pretty paisley lining made from durable plainweave. That retro print is a bit dazzling, but it’s worth focusing your eyes to see the zip and slip pockets on offer.

You might be able to find something similar for less at your local thrift store if you’re lucky, but $149 still isn’t a bad price to pay for this pretty retro purse.

More Features of This Latico Vyntage Leather Shoulder Bag

  • A single braided shoulder strap with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 6 x 11.5 x 3 inches
  • Made in China

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Marc Jacobs Small Single Quilted Leather Bag | Classy Quilted Ivory Everyday Bag

Posted on: Nov 12

Marc Jacobs Small Single Quilted Leather BagMarc Jacobs line of Single bags recall some of fashion’s favorite accessories from years past. They combine some of the flashiness of the 90s with the refinement of the 1940s, and they do so in a beautifully cohesive way. This small version of the Single is one of my favorites.

The creamy color of the quilted off-white leather is classy and refined. The double-stitching on the criss-cross pattern shows off Marc Jacobs’ attention to detail and the high quality of craftsmanship. The classic rectangular Single shape never changes, and nor should it. I love the square patch closure with refined strap, but it won’t make the bag any harder to get in and out of, as the front flap conceals a magnetic fastening.

Frankly, I can’t think of a more versatile bag. The neutral color will work well at the office, and the shiny gold chain strap will take you right into the evening hours with no problem. This is a fabulous, timeless bag, and for $525, it really doesn’t get much better.

More Features Of The Marc Jacobs Small Single Quilted Leather Bag

  • 9″ x 6″ x 2″ size
  • 22″ handle drop
  • Fully lined in twill

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3.1 Phillip Lim Cameron Leather And Silk Flower Clutch | Gorgeous Avant Garde Floral Bag

Posted on: Nov 12

3.1 Phillip Lim Cameron Leather And Silk Flower ClutchFloral bags have been a really big hit this season. I’ve seen floral printed fabrics, embroidered flowers, and leather-shaped flower adornments, but I haven’t seen anything like this. Phillip Lim’s unique design sensibility is showcased beautifully on this Cameron clutch.

The body of the bag is black leather, but it’s covered in a fabric that is difficult to describe. It’s lace, but with a three-dimensional aspect. The filmy ivory lace has silk flowers attached to it. It looks as though the lace has been sculpted rather than stitched. The effect of the lace overlay combined with the black leather is one of feminine, avant garde elegance.

The shape is a simple square, which shows off the exotic design beautifully. The leather foldover strap closure gives the Cameron excellent contrasting textures and colors. This bag fills the rock ‘n’ roll, leather ‘n’ lace bill beautifully, and without resorting to cliched designs. And all this for $475 is basically a steal.

More Features Of The 3.1 Philip Lim Cameron Leather And Silk Flower Clutch

  • 8″ x 7″ x 1″ size
  • 15″ strap drop
  • Fully lined in beige twill

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Mary Frances Accessories Turkish Nights Clutch | Decorative Beaded Turquoise Minaudiere

Posted on: Nov 12

Mary Frances Accessories Turkish Nights MinaudiereMary Frances Accessories has finally managed to combine decorative detailing with a purse that isn’t too over-the-top in this Turkish Nights minaudiere.

Perhaps the rather simple color scheme is what sets this beaded clutch apart from the other eccentric purses in Mary Frances’ collection. Instead of a multicolored cacophony, this handbag features a mix of bright but ever-popular turquoise stone beads, and simple brown detailing. The result is sophistication in a slightly hippy boho manner, and this gives this purse a much more mainstream appeal than normal.

The vaguely shell shaped form of this Mary Frances clutch fits in with the beach stone and beaded fabric exterior, and it also gives you a few extra curves. The benefits of this, of course, are in the space you have inside, as it maximises the rigid exterior.

The Turkish Nights clutch is a pretty and feminine evening bag.

More Features of this Mary Frances Accessories Minaudiere

  • Beaded fabric exterior
  • Optional long chain shoulder strap
  • Unusual colored fabric interior
  • Single slip pocket

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Elliott Lucca Teba Flap Tote Bag | Convertible Pleated Leather Backpack

Posted on: Nov 12

Elliott Lucca Teba Flap BagI haven’t carried a backpack since I graduated from high school, but this stylish Teba bag has me reevaluating my stance.

This clever convertible tote is really like three bags in one. Multiple anchor points and straps allow you to carry it as a tote over your arm, a cross-body bag, or even a backpack with some minor adjustments.

Whichever mode it’s in, the Teba is a really good looking bag. It’s made of real leather, cleverly arranged in modern diagonal pleats. The elegant turnlock helps to jazz up the traditional flap closure, while also providing that much needed security.

The Teba is a mid-sized bag, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it’s as well appointed as many much larger purses. A pair of open pouches and a zippered pocket in the back wall is almost expected in an oversized tote, but here it’s worth celebrating.

At $268 this is one of Elliott Lucca’s most expensive handbags, but its versatility makes it worth spending a little extra.

More Features of This Elliott Lucca Pleated Tote

  • Cotton lined interior
  • Measures 13 x 13 x 5 inches

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Givenchy Sues BCBG Max Azria | Luxury Label Claims Rembrandt Copies Nightingale’s Stitched Stripes

Posted on: Nov 12

Givenchy Nightingale BCBG Max Azria RembrandtSome say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but fashion brands seem to take mimicry a little harder than most. The latest label to get litigious is Givenchy, who has launched a suit against BCBG Max Azria.

Givenchy claims that BCBG Max Azria’s Rembrandt handbag bears more than a passing resemblance to its own Nightingale bag. It believes that BCBG Max Azria has copied its “decorative double stitched horizontal and vertical stripes on the exterior that visually separate the bag into four distinct quadrants.”

This kind of non-functional element is protected by a legal concept called trade dress, which looks to make sure consumers don’t mistake one product for another.

I can see the similarities between the bags, but I highly doubt that any Givenchy fans would be duped into buying the Rembrandt. Nevertheless, Givenchy is seeking damages and an injunction preventing further sales of the Rembrandt and any bags with similar stitching.

Do you think Givenchy has a case here?

[Source: StyleIte]

Givenchy Nightingale Bags on eBay

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Prezzo Animal Sequin Tote | Large Glitzy Zebra Striped Bag

Posted on: Nov 12

Prezzo Animal Sequin TotePrezzo’s always been a label that embraces glitz and glamour, but even I was taken aback by the gaudiness of the brand’s Animal Sequin tote.

This is not a bag that could ever fade into the background. Zebra stripes are already eye-catching, but when they’re rendered with metallic sequins they’re absolutely dazzling. On a smaller bag I might have been able to stomach all the sparkle, but on this enormous canvas I think it’s too much. Of course, more daring fashionistas may disagree!

For me the most disappointing aspect is the lack of practical perks. Given its massive dimensions, I can’t believe Prezzo only gives us a single zippered pocket. Prepare to spend a lot of time searching for small items at the bottom of this bag.

If you like bling though, you may be willing to overlook this tote’s flaws, especially for the relatively affordable price of $60. Look for it in zebra and leopard prints in gold and silver shades.

More Features of This Prezzo Zebra Striped Tote

  • Double magnetic snaps
  • Dual handles
  • Measures 24 x 15 x 7.5 inches

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