Louis Vuitton has teamed up with five UK galleries to launch the Young Arts Project. The initiative will help young London-based artists get involved in art and see their work publicly displayed.

Louis Vuitton will work with the Hayward Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, South London Gallery, Tate Britain, and Whitechapel Gallery to realize the initiative.

The Young Arts Project looks to “extend opportunities to younger, often less privileged people to access the art world.” The three-year scheme will see the creation of five panels of London-based youths aged between 13 and 25. These groups will enjoy special art exhibition tours and participate in workshops and creative sessions led by the UK’s most prominent artists, museum directors, and art collectors.

Louis Vuitton’s investment in the project is rumored to be more than one million pounds. That’s definitely impressed London mayor Boris Johnson, who had this to say about the scheme.

“What is particularly exciting is that Louis Vuitton wants to use its cachet and its cash to involve young people in the arts and is working together with such high profile cultural institutions. This chimes with so much of our work at City Hall to provide positive opportunities for young people and to promote culture in these difficult times. London needs businesses like this to think creatively about what they can give back.”

It’s always inspiring to see a luxury label looking beyond the world of fashion and giving back. Well done Louis Vuitton!

[Source: StyleList UK]
[Image Source: Digital News Agency]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Coccinelle has struck the ideal balance between contemporary good looks and versatility with the Cindy Satchel.

This bag pushes the envelope just far enough, with its distinctive curved zipper and gently pleated body. The buttery leather body gives the Cindy its softness, a delicious counterpoint to the shiny hardware. That zip, with its long pull tags, reminds me of the accent on Chloe’s popular Bay Bag, although at just $450 this Coccinelle version costs a lot less.

Chloe fans might assume that price sees us sacrifice true luxury, but that’s not the case. The interior is just as large as I might like, and its well appointed with durable leather trimmed pockets. Those compartments should be enough to suit most of us, but if you’re still craving storage space don’t forget about the large one in front. That zip is more than aesthetically pleasing you know!

The Cindy might not have the Bay’s It Bag status, but for this price I don’t mind one bit. Get the Cindy in this summery mustard yellow shade or more traditional ivory and black.

More Features of This Coccinelle Zippered Satchel

• Floral print lining
• Zip top closure
• Dual shoulder straps
• Measures 10 x 10.5 x 3.5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Coccinelle Cindy Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Coccinelle bags on BagBunch
• The Chloe Patent Bay bag, a great alternative to this zip bag.
• Searching for more Coccinelle bags on eBay
• Other leather satchels on eBay:

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Yves Saint Laurent has relaunched its official website with a collection of luxe products available exclusively through the fashion house’s online store.

Fans of the brand’s lauded embossed sueded crocodile will be thrilled to see the skin adorning the iconic Large Muse Bag. This luscious exotic inspired fabric brings a new dimension to this famous It bag. Those with a shoe fetish are also catered for, with the embossed sueded crocodile making an appearance on a selection of Trib Too Pumps.

The Large Muse bags are available in classic gray and beige at YSL.com for $1695. The Trib Too Pumps are available online in gray, beige, and natural tones for $850. If those prices are too steep for your budget, consider YSL’s safety pin tote. At $195 I still think it’s exorbitant for a cotton canvas bag, but its exclusive nature should still help it sell. We expect to see more exclusives at YSL.com, so this could be a site worth bookmarking!

[Source: The Purse Blog]

Yves Saint Laurent Muse Bags on eBay

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Chinese Laundry adds some modern style to the traditional hobo bag with the Dolly.

It looks luxurious from a distance, but it’s actually made from a high-quality synthetic. While fashion snobs may prefer real leather, I’m just happy this manmade material slouches in all the right ways. The subtle crocodile embossing adds to the illusion of luxury without distracting us too much from the other details.

Grommets around the top of the bag add modern style. I think silver hardware would have been a better pairing with the soft gray color, but the shiny gold isn’t a deal breaker. A drawstring threads through the eyelets, creating more soft, slouchy pleats as it goes. A long tassel completes this contemporary boho look.

The interior is generous, in terms of size and features. A zippered envelope separates the space into three separate compartments for easy organization. There are more pockets in the side walls, and a secure magnetic snap for double security.

We’ve come to expect modern styling for less from Chinese Laundry, and the Dolly is no exception. Pair her with dark denim jeans and a soft blouse for a versatile day-to-night look.

More Features of This Chinese Laundry Drawstring Hobo

• Lined with purple nylon
• Dual handles with a 12 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 16 x 5 inches
• Made in China

Get this Chinese Laundry Dolly Handbag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Chinese Laundry bags on BagBunch
• The Chinese Laundry  Dolly 2 bag, a great alternative to this hobo bag.
• Searching for more Chinese Laundry bags on eBay
• Other Chinese Laundry hobo bags on eBay:

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Once upon a time, patchwork purses were Coach staples. But then the stitched fabric swatches fell out of favor, and Coach abandoned them for sleeker, leather alternatives. And so this Poppy Canvas Butterfly Tote feels like a return to form for the American brand, a reinvention of the popular art of patchwork.

The concept is simple, which is perhaps why I like it so much. Take one white canvas tote, classically shaped, and traditionally colored. Then add the trimmings; a gorgeous butterfly rendered with a rainbow of scraps of colored fabrics and patent leathers. Metallic sequins add just a hint of bling, while bold magenta handles are ideal for summer.

The gentle white canvas exterior is paired with a spring green fabric lining inside. This space is also simple, but that’s just what this tote calls for. There are a couple of pockets in the sides, but not enough to clutter the generous space. You’ll put this to good use taking fresh produce home from the markets and Frisbees to the park.

Yes it’s kitsch, but we’re just about to enter the warmer weather of summer, a time where in the fashion world anything goes. As we all loosen up a little, this level of irreverence might be just what the season called for!

More Features of This Coach Patchwork Tote

• Zip top closure with nickel ring pull
• Two Coach hangtags
• Measures 16.5 x 3.5 x 12 inches

Get this Coach Butterfly Handbag:

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

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• Check The Hippie Chic Style eBay store to see if this Coach Patchwork bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach Patchwork bags on BagBunch
• The Timmy Woods Tissie bag, a great alternative to this patchwork bag.
• Searching for more Coach Patchwork bags on eBay

Whilst some handbag designers can expect you to pay hundreds for a pretty metallic box. Thankfully, Aldo only charge you a grand total of $11.98!

OK, so you don’t get the exquisite materials that you get in the designer version. Gone is the beautiful silver leather, and in its place Aldo have used a snakeskin print embossed synthetic fabric. You don’t get super-expensive metallic hardware either, but the cheaper alternative should serve you fine as an occasional evening bag.

The Wish clutch, whilst not at all posh, is a great looking purse. The structured shape, although not flexible, looks smooth and clean and sleek. The art deco style ball clasp contrasts with the rectangular shape, and I could see this working happily with a black gown!

Close your eyes and make a wish on this affordable Aldo purse.

More Features of this Aldo Wish Bag

• Also available in gold
• Optional short chain strap
• Synthetic exterior
• Kiss clasp closure

Get this Affordable Box Clutch:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Aldo bags on BagBunch
• The Bourne Tallulah clutch, a great alternative to this box bag.
• Searching for more metallic bags on eBay
• Other Aldo bags on eBay:

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Laga Handbags has been changing the lives of impoverished Indonesian women since 2004, but it wasn’t until the brand was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show recently that the world really began to take notice.

Laga Handbags employs women from villages in the Aceh province affected by the 2004 tsunami. They are trained to use sewing machines and create the intricately embroidered bags Laga is famous for. Working for Laga Handbags gives the women a creative outlet and the funds to support their families and educate their children.

While the prime-time exposure on The Oprah Winfrey Show clearly benefits Laga Handbags’ bottom line, the altruistic design house says it just brings them one step closer to their goal of helping 1200 Indonesian women reclaim their lives.

“I never imagined we could take Laga this far,” admitted Laga founder Roy van Broekhuizen. “To be able to build better lives for these women who survived one of the worst disasters is all we ever wanted.“

Laga Handbags are available through the brand’s online store.

[Source: PR.com]
[Image Source: Laga Handbags Facebook page]

Laga Handbags on eBay

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Diesel has been bringing more and more fashion to its sporty handbags over the past few months, and this clever tote is the latest addition.

The shape of the bag itself isn’t actually all that stylish. However, the flexible size and multiple pockets are functional, and that makes up for the certain lack of sleek silhouette. The clean white too isn’t particularly on trend, but it does help channel that sporty tennis-friendly look even more extensively.

What is fashionable, however, is the cute little front feature of this Diesel The Bright Side tote. Slits in the exterior canvas reveal glimpses of colorful strips beneath, making this bag both fun and teasing at the same moment. This sense of casual fun (rather than the formal staidness of a black leather purse, for example) is carried on in the bright contrasting exterior, and is the main reason I find this bag so pleasant to look at.

Fun, colorful and summery, this may well be the ideal sports bag if you want an exciting break from the norm.

More Features of this Diesel Glimpse Tote

• Also available in 4 other colors
• Multiple interior and exterior pockets
• Canvas interior and exterior
• Zip closure throughout

Get this The Bright Side Shoulder Bag:

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

You may also be interested in:

• More Diesel bags on BagBunch
• The Tommy Hilfiger Iconic striped tote, a great alternative to this sporty bag.
• Searching for more white bags on eBay
• Other Diesel The Bright Side bags on eBay:

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Popular baby brand Bugaboo is doing its bit for charity with the launch of its Bugaboo RED diaper bag. Bugaboo will donate 1% of its revenue raised from the bag and other Bugaboo products to The Global Fund’s efforts to eradicate AIDS in Africa.

The limited edition baby bag is made of white leather offset with iconic red stitching and a red water-resistant lining. While the exterior has a minimalist design, the interior is packed with features including a change mat and removable, insulated food and bottle compartments. There are also convenient storage pockets for parental essentials, including credits cards, cell phones, and car keys.

The Bugaboo RED diaper bag’s clean, gender-neutral design should please new moms and dads alike. I’m not sure how practical white leather will be around sticky toddler fingers and children’s playgrounds though! The Bugaboo RED diaper bag is available from selected department stores and the Bugaboo website for $229.95.

[Source: The Purse Page]
[Image Source: Bugaboo]

Bugaboo Diaper Bags on eBay

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For a tote with uptown style, consider the slouchy yet structured look of the Normandie Tote.

The leather body is lovely, but what really makes this east-west bag is its rows of gathered pleats. These puckered accents see the leather slouching softly, creating a look which is feminine but modern all at the same time. The effect is so striking, I’m glad we see it continued on the back of the Normandie.

The Normandie is an oversized tote, but its clever organization ensures it never feels too big to handle. A zippered compartment runs along the center of the interior to divide the tote into three separate sections. Add a zippered pocket and a handful of open pouches for gadgets and you’re good to go.

Charles David may not have the reputation of a Chanel or a Prada, but that works in our favor. While these design houses would charge thousands for such a stylish tote, we can own this one for just $315, and even less now it’s on sale!

More Features of This Charles David Pleated Tote

• Silver-toned hardware accents
• Purple fabric lining
• Protective feet on the base
• Dual rolled 23 inch handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 16 x 10 x 5.5 inches

Get this Charles David Normandie Handbag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Check the A Pinch of Rosemary eBay store to see if this Charles David bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Charles David bags on BagBunch
• The Charles David Normandie Barrel Satchel bag, a great alternative to this tote bag.
• Searching for more Charles David bags on eBay
• Other Charles David totes on eBay:

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