If there’s one regret 2011 that I couldn’t achieve was not being able to obtain certain fashion pieces throughout the seasons. I’m leaving this year with more on my want list than on my acquired list. The good thing (or sometimes good thing) about the fashion world is that designers update their products instantaneously; hence with time, it’s impossible for your lust list to remain short. So my three favorite handbag selections, in random order, for the 2011-year were also three pieces that I unfortunately didn’t add to my collection, yet will carry over into the 2012-year.
There’s a new Couture House that kept the oversized studs fashionable and popular. Alexander Wang carried a distinctive collection of handbags that carried hardware in abundance. Hobos, satchels and my favorite, the Diego Bucket Bag; each arrived with a unique silhouette and a uniformed array of metal studs at the base.
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..
The large and practical Roady by Yves Saint Laurent has received a noteworthy makeover this season. The French house has skipped the holiday festive and introduced shades of scarlet, whites, and classic black into an image of cheerful poppy floral prints.
This season, floral appliqué seemed to be pretty popular amongst many fashion designers but I tend to prefer prints to textile appliqué. The oversized poppy presentation highlights the sketch and prevents the look of your grandmothers’ floral curtains. I’m no botanist, and I was first introduced to the Poppy flower via Coach’s poppy collection several years back. Although I always admired the collection, I never acquired one of their pieces, who knows, this may be my chance to finally obtain a poppy-print handbag for once.
I knew I was on to something when I wrote about the Coach Boucle Chelsea Bag! Remember how I said I liked Fall-ready fabrics on handbags? Well look at what just popped up over the horizon, it is certainly no Coach! Meet the Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two Prince of Wales!
We are about the approach the season of sparkle and holiday reds! Whether you can efficiently pull of shades of crimson or if you’re a simple admirer of the trend, designers and artists are giving us their best bags in the hottest reds for the season.
Burberry presents one of its best with the Burberry Leather Mini Bag. Its bowling bag shape is lined in one of the riches naturally grained leathers from the collection. The fire hydrant red along with gold-toned hardware makes this satchel the perfect holiday essential.
Did you know that Yves Saint Laurent has a bag made out of recycled goods? But not just any bag, the Muse Two. Yves Saint Laurent has partnered up with female artisans in Burkina Faso to produce the ‘Muse Two Artisanal Recycled’ bag, a hand-crafted masterpiece made out of recycled plastic bags and fair-trade cotton.
Do you remember the Big Bag Trend a couple years back? Gosh I’m really hoping that trend doesn’t return, I have never really been a big fan of carrying all that you need plus more in one big ol’ bag. And hello I don’t think anyone wants a back ache after lugging around their bag all day. I would much rather opt for something small and hand held, like a spacious clutch.
One that caught my eye is the stunning Yves Saint Laurent Chyc clutch with “Y” hardware, which I like much more than the traditional stitched YSL signature logo detailing. Now I know what you’re thinking. Clutch, can I really fit that much in there?
