Gucci has gone high tech with the launch of its new online flagship boutique today. The shiny new website features a host of extras for fans, including a virtual front row seat at Milan Fashion Week, hologram window displays, instore iPad stations, and a brand new welcome video.

Gucci creative director Frida Giannini has overseen the development of the website, which has been some 18 months in the making. During that time Gucci has experimented with cutting edge technology to create an experience reminiscent of real world shopping in one of the brand’s global flagship store.

To celebrate the launch, Gucci fans can sign up for an e-ticket to the women’s spring/summer 2011 fashion show which will hit Milan on September 22. This is the first event hosted by Gucci Connect, a channel which looks to take live fashion show streaming to the next level. Home viewers can share their own web videos and interact via social networking, as well as viewing the event from anywhere in the world.

Once I finally accessed it the new Gucci site looked impressive, but I wasn’t so thrilled by the long loading times. Hopefully this is just a symptom of high traffic during the launch and things will settle down soon. After all, no matter how wonderful the website, no one’s going to spend all day waiting to see it.

[Source: Gucci]

Gucci Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Gucci handbag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Fringing and hobo bags go together like Dolce and Gabbana. While the combination is somewhat predictable, when done well it can be the perfect way to add a touch of boho to your outfit. So does Furla succeed with the Halley?

I’m still a little torn on this one. It’s hard to fault a handbag like this. Its coffee colored leather is a timeless choice, and the fringing hangs just so. But there’s also nothing to really rave about here either. I feel like I’ve seen it all before, and that’s problematic when you’re competing for handbag dollars. What will convince us to pick up this fringed hobo over the many others on the market?

Probably the price won’t do it. With a retail value of $725, this is more expensive that many of those comparable bags. You’ll definitely find pricier fringed hobos as well, but they’re likely to be made by high class brand with dedicated followers. Furla isn’t in that same league, so on cost alone the Halley’s likely to be passed over.

The carrying options could help to convince us though. The twisted strap is lovely, but probably not so practical once this rather large hobo is full. That’s when the longer cross-body strap comes into its own. Both are detachable, so you can enjoy a clean look no matter which handle you’re using. I also like all the space Furla offers, even if its pair of pockets don’t really cut the mustard.

There’s a lot to like about the Halley, but without a lot to really separate it from its competitors I worry that it’ll get lost in the crowd.

More Features of This Furla Fringed Hobo

• Magnetic top closure with snap clip
• A gold-tone Furla keychain
• Measures 18.5 x 12 x 2.5 inches

Get this Furla Halley Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Furla Halley, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Furla bags on BagBunch
• The Prezzo Fringe Hobo bag, a great alternative to this leather bag.
• Searching for more Furla bags on eBay

Diane Von Furstenberg is the latest designer to collaborate with British charity website Whatever It Takes. The site has just released a limited edition tote bag with a graphic design based on a vintage photograph of Von Furstenberg herself.

Diane Von Furstenberg’s limited edition tote joins a range of other celebrity designed accessories and homewares. Amongst the new items are slouch bags designed by Jimmy Cauty of The KLF and Nicole Kidman and shoppers designed by Donna Karan, Lily Allen, and Charlize Theron.

Sales of these accessories are donated to charities of each celebrity’s choosing. Proceeds from the Diane Von Furstenberg bag will benefit 21st Century Leaders, a non-profit group which nurtures schoolchildren who show leadership potential.

That’s not bad for a tote which costs just £14.99. It and other celebrity designed items are available online through the Whatever it Takes store.

[Source: View on Fashion]
[Image Source: Whatever It Takes]

Whatever It Takes Bags on eBay

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Frye has created a handbag which lives up to its name here. This hobo is a real softy!

The name comes from the superior leather used to construct this generously sized hobo. It gives the bag that trademark hobo slouch, and feels gorgeous to the touch. I also love the way it ruches gently around the gathered top. Not that the Softy is a complete pushover; the smattering of hardware along the strap helps to toughen this bag up.

The Softy is the kind of hobo that could easily become your everyday bag. Its strap is long and wide for comfort, and there’s plenty of space for everything you need inside. You may struggle to keep those items organized though, as the handful of pockets probably isn’t enough for a bag of this size. It’ll require regular clean-outs to keep the clutter at bay.

At $498 this is one of Frye’s most expensive handbags, and I’m not quite sure the brand has done enough to convince us to splurge. Still, when compared to other comparable bags from the high end designers, I think we’re getting a fair deal.

More Features of This Frye Leather Handbag

• Twill lined interior
• Magnetic closure
• A single shoulder strap with a 9 inch drop
• Measures 18 x 11.5 x 7.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Frye Leather Handbag:

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

[phpbay]Frye Softy hobo, 2, “”, “”[/phpbay]

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Frye bags on BagBunch
• The Frye Molly hobo bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Frye bags on eBay

Marc Jacobs always has a sharp eye for what’s going on, or what’s about to happen, in fashion. Which means that sometimes his designs look a little weird. New is always weird at first. And the Marc by Marc Jacobs line has a lot more room to be experimental, as it has a more street smart audience and a lower price point. Even taking all these things into consideration, I have no idea where it’s coming from with this Nico bag.

The fabric on the Nico is luxurious anthracite shearling lamb. Only it doesn’t look luxurious. It looks like roadkill. I know that’s a little harsh, but seriously, it looks like a gremlin or something you might find rummaging through your garbage. Ick.

The bag could have a perfectly lovely shape, but I really can’t tell, because the fur is so fluffy that it just comes off as completely amorphous. So, let’s talk about the strap, instead. Seriously? This jaunty, sporty strap looks like it should be on either a gym bag or an extremely pricey leather good made by Gucci. Really, though, aren’t those the Gucci stripes just changed ever so slightly?

The most prominent thing about the Nico is the Marc Jacobs logo plaque, which is unfortunate, because it’s just taking the reputation of the label down. I can’t see anyone paying $495 for the privilege of carrying this bag. If you paid me that much, I might be seen with it, but only in neighborhoods where no one knows me.

More Features Of The Marc by Marc Jacobs Nico Lamb Shoulder Bag

• 12″ x 9″ x 4″ size
• 22″ strap drop
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Internal zipper pockets
• Fully lined in brown suede

Get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Nico Shoulder Bag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Marc Jacobs bags on BagBunch
• The Marc by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Hobo Bag, an edgy, but wearable,  alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Marc Jacobs handbags on eBay
• Other shearling shoulder bags on eBay:
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I have recently become a huge fan of the Nancy Gonzalez line. The Colombian designer has an extremely light design touch and maintains exacting quality standards for the materials of her exotic accessories, and the results are impeccable. To be honest, I’m not crazy about this conservative style, personally, but it definitely has a classic look that will stand the test of time.

The burnt orange color of this bag is eye-catching, but also versatile. It reminds me of the classic  Hermes orange, and instantly calls forth images of luxury and refinement. It is also a fabulously unique color to see in crocodile. This is one fancy reptile.

The shape of the bag is structured and ladylike. I love the all croc clasp on the fold-over flap and the simple, narrow, rectangular, shape. The top strap is very sweet, but it also has a removable shoulder strap that is a bit more practical.

The only thing that isn’t practical about this bag is the price. At $3,200, it’s a lot more expensive than the Gonzalez bags usually are. Disappointingly so, I’m afraid.

More Features Of The Nancy Gonzalez Structured Crocodile Bag

• 11″ x 9″ x 6″ size
• 6″ strap drop
• Interior zipper pocket
• Fully lined in beige suede

Get this Nancy Gonzalez Structured Crocodile Bag:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nancy Gonzalez bags on BagBunch
• The Botkier Jaden Hobo, an everyday alternative to this bag.
• Searching for more Nancy Gonzalez bags on eBay
• Other orange crocodile bags on eBay:
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It is no secret that I am head over heels in love with Kate Spade’s Cornelia Street tote. It therefore came as a rather wonderful surprise when I came across a Noel Blair version, just in time for winter.

The difference, of course, is in the shape. Gone is the vintage inspired bowler bag shape, to be replaced with a sleek and functional rectangular hold-all design. It’s much more sensible, and consequently much more work friendly. I have to admit a bit of a twinge at the absence of those utterly stylish curves, but at the same time this folder-friendly design slots a lot more easily into my mental dream wardrobe!

Aside from the shape, Kate Spade has stayed loyal to the Cornelia Street style. In particular, there’s that op-art fabric against the stunning red patent. This is nice year round, but with a sleek tweed coat and some winter sweaters, this tote really has a chance to shine. In fact, it may be too over the top for a sunny day, meaning that it is perfect for brightening up the rainy days of December.

Ideal for carrying folders in style, this classic tote is very high up my current wish list!

More Features of this Kate Spade Noel Blair Tote

• 14 carat gold plated hardware
• Patent leather and fabric exterior
• Single interior zipped pocket
• Dust bag included

Get this Luxury Cornelia Street Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Kate Spade bags on BagBunch
• The Kate Spade London Quinn tote, a great alternative to this classic bag.
• Searching for more patent leather bags on eBay
• Other Kate Spade bags on eBay:

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I am getting used to seeing visually exciting bags from Serpui Marie. This little black straw clutch takes its signature material and makes it into something more than a little eastern inspired.

You could say, of course, that any raffia-esque bag is eastern inspired. However, the black lacquered effect on this particular beauty means that it looks far more eastern than any others that I have seen lately. In particular the short square frame closure and oversized button remind me of Chinese films and stunning cinematography.

In addition to the increasingly typical design quality in this Serpui Marie clutch, I am impressed by just how much the brand have managed to force straw into a luxury market. I wouldn’t feel silly wearing this with a little black dress or an evening outfit, which is pretty darn impressive! This is even more the case when you add the thick and chunky chain handle into the equation, although it may not be to everyone’s tastes.

Although fragile, this pleated straw clutch is a clever way to bring texture to a smart purse.

More Features of this Serpui Marie Straw Purse

• Also available in green and brown
• Complex optional chain handle
• Fully lined
• Woven straw exterior

Get this Pleated Slouchy Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Serpui Marie bags on BagBunch
• The Big Buddha Martini clutch, a great alternative to this straw bag.
• Searching for more straw bags on eBay
• Other Serpui Marie bags on eBay:

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Franchi reminds us that opulence doesn’t always been excess with this Queenie Clutch.

With its regal name you might expect the Queenie to be dripping in jewels. But instead it relies on understated style to make an impact. There are gems, but rather than large faceted jewels we instead see tiny crystals dotting the diamond quilting. That quilting is really the star. It adds texture to the satin body which is classic, but still striking.

I also love this muted gold shade, which is much more subdued than the metallic tone tends to be. There’s not a hint of brassiness in this shade, which makes it perfect for pairing with an elegant cocktail dress or formal gown. Then again, it probably wouldn’t look out of place paired with a casual daytime outfit either if you know how to travel light.

Even though you’d never call the Queenie large, it’s got a decent amount of space compared to many evening bags. It doesn’t matter if it gets too heavy either, as there’s a chain strap inside to ease the burden.

It might be fit for royalty, but Franchi has made this purse attainable for common fashion fans. You can add the Queenie to your collection for $130.

More Features of This Franchi Quilted Clutch

• Satin lined interior
• Magnetic snap closure
• A chain strap with an 8.5 inch drop
• Measures 4.5 x 9.75 x 2 inches
• Made in China
• Also available in black

Get this Franchi Queenie Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited stock in black)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Franchi bags on BagBunch
• The Bally Alexya bag, a great alternative to this quilted bag.
• Searching for more Franchi bags on eBay
• Other quilted clutch bags on eBay:

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H&M has us all guessing about their next designer collaborations. The affordable retailer recently released two teaser videos on its Facebook page designed to get tongues wagging.

The first is of a male designer speaking in a European accent. His face is obscured, but one fashion fan is convinced that it’s Bottega Veneta’s Tomas Maier.

“It’s Tomas Maier. I did a close up on his hands at a Bottega Veneta show and they are exactly the same,” the eagle-eyed commenter said, before adding that the shoes are made of Bottega Veneta’s signature woven leather.

H&M are being coy, but did add that the commenter has a “Good eye there!” Could this be an admission?

The other video runs along the same lines, but instead has an obscured female designer. Carolina Herrera seems to be a popular guess, but there’s no confirmation yet from H&M.

What a clever advertising campaign this is, as it’s generating some major buzz before the official announcement. That will come on September 9, so until then guess away!

[Source: TMCNet.com]

H&M Bags on eBay

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