Despite reports that the luxury industry will continue to see some disheartening bottom lines this year, some fashion companies are pushing forward with their supremely expensive marketing ploys … I mean, community art projects.

Not to be outdone by other brands, Prada has dropped mega-bucks, $10 million to be exact, to raise a temporary structure in Seoul that will function as a place to display fashion, art, and film shows. The future-esque, tetrahedron-shaped building is named the Transformer because of its ability to be rotated to create a completely different shape.

Many Korean designers and actors attended the opening event for the Transformer along with Miuccia Prada herself. The current fashion exhibit within the structure is a display of 100 skirts entitled Waist Down.

The Transformer will keep residence on the Gyeongui Palace grounds until later this fall when it could make its way to other cities. Click here to see a slideshow of the opening event.

[Source: WWD]
[Image: jpellgen/Flickr]

Prada Handbags on eBay

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Alexander McQueen is known for his edgy, irreverent designs, and Samsonite is known for creating sturdy luggage that will last a lifetime. So what do you get when you combine them? Two great tastes that taste great together!

I should probably offer the disclaimer that I ordered this bag for myself today. Which should go a long way towards showing you how much I like it, since I look at more bags daily than most people look at in a lifetime, and am largely immune to their charms. Another thing I should say is that this isn’t really a handbag, it’s more of a carry-on (the Samsonite might have clued you in), but I think it can do double duty, and I intend to expect it to. 

The shape of this bag is something like a bowler, and I can already imagine how nicely it will fit under my shoulder. The smooth edges and streamlined shape are perfect for showcasing the smooth white leather and croc-embossed details. The zipper goes all the way down to the base of the bag, which makes it easier for packing and unpacking.

My favorite thing about this bag is the wraparound strap, which balances out the shape of the bag and has the extra benefit of keeping your valuables safe, whether you are taking it on a trans-Atlantic journey or just across town. The interior is well designed, organizationally speaking. It includes a zipper pocket, an open pocket, and a PDA pocket, which is just enough to keep all your things in order. 

The rolled leather handles are great for hand carrying, but I am glad that it comes with a detachable shoulder strap. Since the bag itself already weighs 6.4 pounds, once full, it would be a real burden to carry by hand. The weight is the only significant problem I see with the bag, and I overlooked it because I mostly want to use it as a carry-on. At 19″ x 13.75′ x 6.75″, it’s just a little too big and a little too heavy for me to see it as an everyday accessory.

More Features Of The Ivory Shoulder Bag By Alexander McQueen For Samsonite

• Signature feather print interior lining
• Includes luggage tag
• McQueen fingerprint zipper pulls

White Leather Carry-On Bags On eBay

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I’m not always a fan of shiny patent handbags during the warmer seasons since, to me, the material just looks more appropriate on a deep, rich tone for fall or winter. However, sometimes a spring or summer bag can look fabulous in patent when paired with the right color and details.

That’s what makes the Hobo International Wendy just right for this season, despite its glossy exterior. of course, it’s hard to look at a bright yellow purse and not think it appropriate for the upcoming months of sunshine.

Although the Wendy comes in a rosy pink, white, and black as well, it’s the yellow version that caught my eye when browsing. The brightness of the tone makes the delicate topstitching pop out more than on the others. The wavy pattern almost has a woven look to it, but that’s only a trick of the eye due to the closeness of the stitching.

This isn’t going to replace an oversized handbag that can hold nearly all of your worldly goods. The Wendy is by no means a large purse, but it could be rather versatile from daytime to evening because of its patent sheen and clutch-like shape. The slim shape is great for tucking away a few non-bulky necessities plus a few extra things. This sunny Hobo International shoulder bag retails for $138.

More Features of the Wendy Shoulder Bag

• Measures 14 x 6 x 1.25 inches
• Single strap with 7 inch drop
• Patent leather
• Zip top closure

Hobo International Shoulder Bags on eBay

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• Get this sunshine yellow Wendy Shoulder Bag on Amazon
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From the house of Comme des Garçons comes this gorgeous wallet, an accessory which combines understated elegance with individual style.

The first thing to catch your eye is that vibrant red color. There’s really no missing the scarlet shade! These days red is almost regarded as a neutral anyway, but if it’s a little lurid for you that’s no problem. It’s also available in white and an appropriate Irish green.

The leather is embossed with circles and Ireland’s symbol, the clover. Unlike Comme des Garçon’s butterfly wallet, this design is minimalistic and chic. It’s touted as a women’s wallet, but I can imagine it being just as popular amongst men.

The exterior is lovely, but the inside is a little disappointing for serious shoppers. The billfold compartment is convenient, and I like the coin compartment with its secure snap closure. But did Rei Kawakubo really think four credit card slots would satisfy any woman?

This purse is also available in a large size, with more credit slots and a handy pen holder to boot. Of course, that takes the retail value from $185 to $325! Ouch! If you can afford the extra cash, you’ll be happier later. But the rest of may have to cut back on the cards if we want that cool Comme des Garçons look!

More Features of This Comme des Garçons Leather Purse

• Zip around closure
• Leather lining
• Measures 4.5 x 2.5 x 1 inches
• Made in Spain

Get This Comme des Garçons Clover Wallet on eBay

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• Click here to see more from the easysalePlano store on eBay – A Comme des Garçons Handbags Retailer
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Louis Vuitton tends to be the sue-er rather than the sue-ee, but the tables have been turned on the handbag giant. The fashion label is being sued by gourmet butter mogul Clint Arthur for fraud.

The case came about when Louis Vuitton set up a boutique outlet inside Takeshi Murakami’s exhibit at Los Angeles’ Museum of Contemporary Art in 2007. The store sold handbags for around $1000 and prints for between $6000 and $10, 000.

Mr. Arthur picked up one the prints, took it home, and discovered it was made from the very same materials as the purses. In essence, that means he could have saved thousands by simply hacking up a handbag and stringing it up on a frame himself!

One of Louis Vuitton’s key arguments is that Mr. Arthur should have noticed his print was placed next to purses which looked just like it and connected the dots.

Mr. Arthur has shot back “It’s not my responsibility to inspect their handbags. I’m only interested in collecting fine art.“

Something tells me this case is going to close without Mr. Arthur seeing a cent. As a man in the gourmet butter industry, surely he knows a thing or two about markups. Whether Mr. Arthur agrees with the materials and methods, there’s no denying that Louis Vuitton’s prints are still art. And while they are art, can the practice really be counted as fraud? It seems to me that Mr. Arthur should be more furious at himself for laying his money down.

[Source: NBC Los Angeles]
[Image Source: AchimH/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Murakami Handbags on eBay

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Ever since the financial crisis hit, I’ve been on the lookout for those elusive brands that deliver stylish accessories for less. Aldo is one of my favorites, and purses like this Castelnuovo show you why.

This retro-cool purse manages to get it right, combining 1950s styling with a modern attitude. The ivory synthetic is a neutral fabric for the ruby red accents. This show-stopping shade is utilized to dazzling effect with reinforced corners, tassels, piping, a rolled shoulder strap, and a wide belt which acts as a drawstring. There are a lot of embellishments, and under the hands of a lesser designer it could easily look overworked. But here everything is in harmony, adding interest without overwhelming.

I think the use of contrasting red and ivory adds to the Castelnuovo’s retro appeal, but I know this color combination may not be everybody’s favorite. So it’s surprising to see it’s the only choice. A more complementary color combo, or a traditional black and white bag would be welcome options for more conservative tastes.

The lurid paisley printed lining looks like someone’s regurgitated a rainbow, but thankfully it’s tucked away inside. Once you adjust your eyes to the colors you’ll find an interior that’s more practical than it first seems. With a zippered pocket in one wall, and a couple of slip pouches in the next, keeping your bits and pieces in order should be easy.

This cute Castelnuovo purse retails for $50. Of course that price will never get you genuine leather or real gold hardware, but it rarely buys you style like this either.

More Features of This Aldo Castelnuovo Bag

• Gold-tone hardware
• A rectangular nameplate

Aldo Shoulder Bags on eBay

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Looking for a luxe evening accessory to jazz up last year’s formal gown? Start with this Yves Saint Laurent Satin Ribbon Clutch and it will hardly matter what else you’re wearing. It may not exactly be cost-efficient, but it will add an of-the-moment piece to your look, whether you’re going to a charity event or a wedding.

This is a statement bag that doesn’t scream too loud. The black on black detailing keeps the look of criss-crossing satin and velvet ribbons subtle, with a proportionately large velvet bow providing the main decorative statement.

The bag is small, so it will look nice with shorter frocks but would perhaps get lost worn with a large, opulent gown.

In a classic box shape, the bag features gold-tone hardware (silver might have been chicer and more modern) and fastens with a black and gold clasp. There are two pockets inside, but I’m not sure what you could actually fit inside them other than a credit card and a lipstick.

More Details About The Yves Saint Laurent Satin Ribbon Clutch

• Measures 6 x 4 x 1 inches
• Fully lined

Yves Saint Laurent Clutches On eBay

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Bottega Veneta isn’t the only designer getting some attention from Bergdorf Goodman. Carlos Falchi has earned his fair share of the spotlight, too, and the retail store is honoring his achievements.

To commemorate his decades of business in the fashion world, Bergdorf has opened a new installation featuring archival pieces from the Brazilian-born designer. It will also sell a limited edition collection of his handbags inspired by New York City, where his company’s headquarters are located. Falchi’s intricately handmade items are still as much of a wonder today as they were when he first opened shop 30 years ago.

Lucky customers at the store this afternoon were treated to a special appearance by the designer for the opening of the showcase. Falchi stopped by the Fifth Avenue location to help shoppers customize their own personal Carlos Falchi creation.

[Source: style.com]
[Image: NY Mag]

Carlos Falchi Handbags on eBay

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There is something that seems so odd about paying almost $230 for a handbag that has a description of itself plastered on the front. As quirky as always, Marc Jacobs actually chose to have the words “Type: Big Tote” printed on this Overlay Tote.

Of course, fans of the Marc by MJ brand will probably recognize the designer’s Standard Supply logo, which has appeared on other items like shopper handbags and cosmetic bags with their own appropriate descriptions. The signature utility-like print is simple and very plain when on a canvas tote, but it becomes something much more on this floral version.

The Standard Supply Overlay bag is not your typical spring floral, though. This is very different than the bold look of the Dooney & Bourke Cindy Tote, which is the kind of print I tend to prefer on a flowy top or sundress rather than a purse.

Instead, the flowers here are much more muted in soft pinks and gray-ish blues. The pattern almost disappears from afar due to the clouded PVC overlay. The coating also makes the tote doubly practical because of its water-resistant, durable texture. It still seems a little strange that a handbag with canvas straps could cost so much, but I suppose it will never be boring when Marc Jacobs is involved.

More Features of the Standard Supply Overlay Tote

• Measures 19.5 x 14 x 11.5 inches
• Double handles with 8 inch drop
• Zip top closure

Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply Bags on eBay

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This bag from MadisonAveMall is undeniably pretty. In neutral shades and with delicate beading, it harks back to Victorian tea parties, sumptuous balls and elegant occasions. With vintage permanently on the rise, this bag is not just on the bandwagon, but probably part of it. We in the industry would call this tribute vintage inspired, and it is nice to see an example that sticks as religiously to the era’s styling and color schemes.

Whilst you get Victorian looks, you are also secure in the knowledge that this is a bag made with quality, modern materials. The tapestry is thick and heavy, the delicate and elegant metal work is in pewter. My only hesitation with this is the relative softness of pewter. I worry that after a few trips out this bag could return home battered and bent out of shape. This won’t happen, of course, if you use this purse in the calm, sophisticated situations for which it is intended, such as dinner and dancing!

The bag is quite limited in function, and with it’s short beaded handle it wouldn’t be suitable for daytime use. However, this does mean that you get true evening beauty and elegance. Even the beading is color coordinated, with the autumnal russets and greens blending gently into one-another. It looks good, it holds things, it’s oh so very now! The producer sums it up beautifully, stating “This charming evening bag recalls the grace and elegance of a bygone Victorian era when no lady went a step outdoors without her reticule in hand.” Lovely!

Tea Parties? Here we come!

More Features of This MadisonAve Mall Purse

• Pewter scrollwork metal frame
• Heavy tapestry fabric, with multi-color beading
• Measures 6″ x 6″
• Convertible beaded handle

Tapestry Evening Bags on eBay

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