James Piatt has been designing handbags for the past 4 years in Los Angeles, California and it’s no surprise that, in his own words, he is most recognized for “creating controversial work.” Mr. Piatt created and designed his first handbag in 2004 as a gift. The unique handbag was called the Peacekeeper and it is still being produced today. The latest version of the Peacekeeper is called the Peacekeeper 400, and it may just make your jaw drop. The Peacekeeper 400 does not have a strap for you carry on your shoulder or handles for you to carry it with your hand. The handle on the Peacekeeper 400 is brass knuckles. When I think of brass knuckles gangs, and someone very violent comes to mind, so to see brass knuckles on a handbag is very different but also very unique. When was the last time you can say you saw brass knuckles on a handbag, never I’m sure. Mr. Piatt told us his reasoning for putting brass knuckles on a handbag was because, “He felt it was unexpected” and indeed was he right.

The Peacekeeper 400 is not the only bag James Piatt has designed. Other names of Mr. Piatt’s handbag collection include: The Persuader; Chesterton; and lastly Tinkerbell. The most shocking of them all in the handbag named Tinkerbell, which was inspired by the way Paris Hilton treats her pets. To me the handbag looks like you are carrying a dead dog, but there is more of a message to this handbag. “This design capitalizes on the trend of carrying a small dog as a fashion accessory”, which was quoted straight from Mr. Piatt’s website. When you read the actual message for the handbag, you realize that it is actually quite humorous. The other handbags in Mr. Piatt’s collection are also very unique. The Persuader mimics a machine-gun, and the Chesterton is a roomy handbag that has no stitching and was constructed by interlocking laser cut leather. If you have an artistic and unique way of thinking you will definitely be craving one of James Piatt’s handbags.

Overall, James Piatt is a very creative and unique handbag designer. Mr. Piatt’s handbags are the kinds of bags that you will either love or loathe them. The Tinkerbell handbag may be a little overwhelming at first but, once you realize the real message of the handbag, it’s quite the hilarity. Mr. Piatt’s other handbags are just as unique. The Peacekeeper 400, Persuader, and Chesterton all have their own style and are very different from each other. Like them, or hate them there is no doubt that if you carry one of these handbags all eyes will be fixated on you.

Here is a look of the James Piatt handbags:
All photo’s courtesy of James Piatt
The Peacekeeper 400 (available in Black and Red)

The Pursuader (available in Pink and Silver)

The Chesterton (available in Black and Pink)

The Tinkerbell (available in Black)

Chat Now: James Piatt, the creative handbag designer

Recently, I was faced with just such a dilemma. My friend of twenty-something years had a birthday coming up. She was turning 26 and she is the ultimate handbag collector. Of course, I knew exactly what she wanted for her birthday… a new Fendi bag she had been eye-balling for the past few months. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my friend to death! However, there was absolutely no way I was spending $1500 + on a handbag for HER. Yep, you guessed it! I would have much rather spent that kind of money on a handbag for MYSELF!

So here I was, trying to come up with a creative and thoughtful gift for my handbag-loving friend. Finally, I stumbled across a post Jennifer had made over at the Fashion Row about the following book:

At last, my quest had come to an end! Not only is “This Little Piggy Went to Prada” by Amy Allen a wonderful and clever book, but it also turned out to be the perfect gift for my friend!
(You can check it out here in Jennifer’s post: The Fashion Row » Book: This Little Piggy Went To Prada)

After finding this book, I was inspired to find other gifts that would be perfect for handbag lovers. Below are some of my top picks. I hope you will find them as enjoyable as I did!

Moschino Time 4 Shopping Purse Charm Watch
You can find it here: Save on the Moschino Time 4 Shopping Purse Charm Watch at SmartBargains.com

Silver Plate Handbag Salt and Pepper Shakers
Check them out here: Handbag Salt & Pepper Shakers at Neiman Marcus

And if you are shopping for someone with a sweet tooth:

(Left) Handbag Cookie Jars from Neiman Marcus – Find it here: Handbag Cookie Jars – Neiman Marcus
(Right) Designer Handbag Cookies from Eleni’s NYC – Check them out here: Eleni’s NYC
(Top) Chocolate Purses from Golda & I – Available here: Golda & I Three Fun Chocolate Purses – Saks.com

314 pages filled with colorful beautifully photographed designer clutches, purses, totes, and bags, with Saturday and Sunday on a shared page.

Who’s in there? The elegant: Judith Leiber’s leather appliqué envelope pouch. The bohemian: Hogan’s fringed shoulder bag. The befeathered: Moo Roo’s “Fancy Foo” evening bag. The playful: Stella McCartney’s “Softrock style” guitar-shaped bag. Plus Kate Spades and Will Hardys, Moschinos, Puccis, Fendi Baguettes, and antique bags galore.

A great stocking stuffer or side gift for your beloved fashion friends.

I just ordered mine… I have to wait until January 1st! Bummer.

Speaking of watches, what do you guys think of the Marc Jacobs new line of watch necklaces? I purchased the Padlock and Key Marc Jacobs Watch back in August when it was fresh to store shelves, but have only worn it twice before tossing it back in its pouch and throwing it in my jewelry drawer. Why? It’s cute but like most fashion accessories in my life, I’m bored of it. Also it doesn’t help that I have spotted a handful of people with the same watch. Not with any of the other version, but the Padlock and Key Watch. Bummer.

Get your designer marc jacobs watch here.

Discover the Louis Vuitton Mumbai Travel Notebook
Price: $85

This designer freebie offer is available while supplies last. Limit one gift per customer per transaction. Also the offer does not apply to items on sale and only applies to purchases of regular-priced merchandise. No promotion code necessary.

Go get your complimentary gift!

This little designer mini purse comes dressed in the signature vibrant Monogram Multicolore (creation of Takashi Murakami for Louis Vuitton) body, with shiny golden brass hardware, natural cowhide, and signature yellow topstitching.

Discover the Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolore Berlingot
Price: $270

Marc-ey Marc Jacobs will be working side-by-side with photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott on the 192 page book that will feature fashionable shots of our lovely style icons such as Gisele Bündchen, Vivienne Westwood, Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, and Selma Blair. And it even comes in a pretty package! The fashion-forward book will come wrapped in the limited edition Louis Vuitton gold Monogram Miroir case.

Mark your calenders, you can get yours on October 1 for only $375.

Coffee-Table Chic!

side note: Alexander McQueen and Helmut Lang are next in line to be featured.

Would you rock a mini keychain version of the Paddington?

Side note: If you love this juicy red color and the Paddington-shape of this bag but want the full size version you’re in luck, Chloe released a full size version of this luscious beauty. Get more info @ Chloe.com

Each one is worth the read. Enjoy!

55 Secret Street loves the new Candy Paint Lip Glosses by Carol’s Daughter because they’re grown and sexy!

A new shoe line filled with nothing but ultra-high, ultra-sexy pumps? We’ll take it! Stiletto Jungle (hearts) the brand new Shoe Shop at Arden B.

Bag Snob loves the vintage glam vibe of Zac Posen Aurora Frame Bag!

Beauty Snob shows you how to get your paints on and your lips in 3-D!

Bon Bons in the Bath shares Fall’s latest spin on Tarte’s popular cheekstain.

Coquette knows a gal can never have too many bags. Don’t miss the chance to get your own vintage-inspired Dorothy Valworth Convertible Bags with a special deal for Coquette readers!

Fashion Indie and Polartec are giving one designer the chance to design one item and win $2000. Think you have what it takes to compete in Project Polartec.

What if money were no object? Fashiontribes goes on a fantasy $500,000 fashion shopping spree for fall must-haves.

Clinique’s makeup brush cleaner keeps Girlawhirl’s brushes in tip top condition.

The Dow Jones is a roller coaster, so Kristopher advises you invest in 24k “Feerique” Louis Vuitton shoes.

LA-Story.com loves the mix & match system of CEA Swimwear. CEA makes finding the perfect sexy bikini — or tankini– as easy as sitting on the beach.

Fashion week is nearly here. But as we know it ain’t for the faint hearted. My Fashion Life offers some tips for survival.

Papierblog deconstructs the changes at Elle and what it may mean for fashion.

Exposed! Couture wedding gowns at a fraction of the price? Second City Style looks into the questionable tactics of wedding gown manufacturer, Kanacca.

The time to score a deal on next year’s bikini has come – SheFinds’ found womens swimsuits on sale

Wideleg or Skinnies? StyleBakery.com’s Ultimate Jeans Guide breaks down the latest trends to help you find the perfect jeans.

Stylehive interviews Me&Ro designer Robin Renzi where she explains her exquisite jewelry line’s Eastern influence, shares the best advice she was ever given, and more.

Get high on gemstones and fabricated silver as The Jewelry Weblog looks at jewelry from Original Hardware.

This week at eBeautyDaily we are talking about blow drying your hair – and don’t forget send in your beautiful cat eye photos to win a prize package!