image: alexandermcqueen.com
Everyone knows the Alexander McQueen Demanta Clutch. It is probably one of the better know styles from Alexander McQueen. Well, aside from the many varieties of Skull Clutches, of course. What I have always liked about the Demanta Clutch is the folded corner detail. It sort of reminds me of an unfinished origami project (in a good way). If you’re not into clutches though, not to worry! That’s right, everything you know and love about the Demanta Clutch can be found in the form of an extra large tote style. Meet the Alexander McQueen Studs Demanta Tote!
On February 11, 2010 tragedy struck the fashion world. Paramedics were rushed to McQueen’s home, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. If you have a true love and passion for fashion chances are you were saddened by the news. I personally do not own anything by Alexander McQueen but I found a shirt with a skull on it in my closet and you better believe I wore it. I was sure to wear the shirt on the day he was pronounced dead and the day of his funeral. Alexander McQueen was and still is one of my all time favorite fashion designers, it was the least I could do.
2011 was a year that I fell in love with clutches. Unfortunately, I only have one but boy did I do a lot of window shopping. The most beautiful clutch I saw in 2011 was the Alexander McQueen “Cathedral” Clutch. As soon as I saw it, I fell in love. It was gorgeous, stunning and classy with a capital C. The McQueen brand always releases beautiful clutches but the brand really out did themselves with the “Cathedral”. The “Skull Box” Clutches are always a favorite of mine but I think this one kills them all. I’ve never seen a clutch quite like this and if I could have I would of bought it in a heart beat.
Who is my Bag Designer of the Year? I have so many favorite individual bags but do any of those translate to the comprehensive title? One great bag doesn’t make the cut there has to be multiple bags in a collection. There are designers who have multiple style that I love but aren’t necessarily new designs. I think the designer of the year has to be a trendsetter and have a collection of bags that I covet. It could also be a newer face on the bag scene that is making a splash. So, who makes me want to max out my credit cards??
My frontrunners for Bag Designer of the Year:
Tods. My first designer bag was a Tods and they have really upped their designs this year with fresh styles and shapes, new leathers and a modern edge to classic shapes that will be a staple of a wardrobe for years to come. The Shopper Tote, the Ivy, D-Bauletto, Ava so many amazing bags. Beautiful everyday handbag styles but what about a clutch? for $1300.00
♥ Tod’s AGJ Media Bag available at Saks Fifth Avenue!
Yves Saint Laurent: Always beautiful, quality handbags and I’ve been infatuated with the Roady hobo bag for more than a year now. The Muse is a must have for any fashionista…but what’s new? This Muse Two combines the colorblock trend with a satchel in fun red, linen and navy shades. $1895.
♥ Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two at NET-A-PORTER!
Celine: The Trapeze and Luggage Totes are arguably the most coveted bags of the year. Worn by major models and celebrities, these bags are striking in their chic design and new shapes. But, Celine is very limited in availability. New styles are pretty much limited to in-store shopping at some of the most upscale boutiques and department stores in extremely limited quantities. Availability is definitely an issue. The black calfskin portfolio can be found on Bluefly on sale for $2430.
♥ Celine calfskin portfolio at Bluefly!
Reed Krakoff: One of the newest designers to make a huge splash on the bag scene. Reed Krakoff is the designer behind the most successful brand purchased by everyone from college girls to celebrities. The new line launched with huge success. I also love many of the designs and the bags are great quality too. The Boxer Tote is a beautiful new style and I still covet the mini-crossbody in black. Check out this beautiful red Boxer on mytheresa for $990.00
♥ Reed Krakoff BOXER at My Theresa
Alexander McQueen: You know I adore the clutches. The skull box clutch and De Manta clutches are my absolute favorites, but I’ve yet to see a satchel, hobo or shoulder bag that elevates the entire line above others.
The ocelot printed De Manta is striking and reasonably priced on sale for $367.99
♥ Alexander McQueen De Manta at Zappos!
Fendi: I remember Fendi as a huge line from the late 80s and hadn’t seen much innovation over the years. But this year was special. The Silvana and Chameleon were major successes and the new striped bags are fun and fashion forward. $2300 at Saks in multicolor tote in cobalt blue.
♥ Fendi Silvana at Saks
And the Winner is..
I’m a sucker for evening bags especially clutches. I don’t think anyone designs them better than Swarovski, Judith Leiber, and Alexander McQueen. Swarovski and Judith Leiber are obviously favorites because of their beautiful shining crystals. Evening bags always look prettier when some bling is added to them. However, Alexander McQueen takes away most of the bling, for the most part, and has a clutch just as beautiful called the skull clutch.
The Alexander McQueen brand is absolutely fabulous, anything the brand releases is usually brilliant. For the handbags, the brand usually releases the same bags over and over again just in different colors. I’m perfectly fine with that, because any and every Alexander McQueen is stunning.
The current “Soft” Clutch made me scream, which is odd because it’s in color! I normally only like black handbags but this bag is too beautiful too pass up! The light blue and cream color combination looks so amazing together. Then to top it off, the skull embellishment with Swarovski crystals goes so well with the colors of the handbags. This is honestly, one of the most beautiful handbags I’ve seen this year. Not so much for the style, but the color combination is irresistible.
Alexander McQueen has always been a designer brand that can be categorized in two different categories: unique or classy. There really is no in between with anything designed by the house of Alexander McQueen. Every piece is either something Lady Gaga or Kate Middleton would wear.
