In 1998, one of the most well known designer handbag brands came into light “Kooba”. Celebrities and even fashionista’s world wide can be seen carrying different designs from the brand on a daily basis. It’s remarkable to see that the brand started just 12 years ago and has already risen to the top.

Abbe Held, who is the creative director of Kooba, and her Mother were avid handbag shoppers that were on a mission to make their own handbag line. Not just any type of handbags though, ones that had a more vintage and organic look than what was already out there.

“The first creations of Kooba were a lot more structured”, said Ms. Held. Handbags were made in ultra suede, mens flannel material and were not made of leather. At first, the handbags were sold to Bergdorf Goodman and Scoop in New York City. Now, Kooba can be found in a variety of stores and online.

The first bag that really put Kooba on the map was the “Sienna”. “We received a lot of recognition from that bag”, said Abbe. Being that Ms. Held is the creative director for Kooba it comes as no surprise that she loves the long hobo’s the brand has to offer. She prefers bags that are hands free, and the “Bryce” is one of her favorites.

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It’s not the handbag, but the woman who carries it… that is Kooba’s philosophy! Since 1998, Kooba has been helping women of all ages and walks of life express their own individual styles. The brand is known for its original styles, distinctive textures, and attention to detail. And as a handbag lover, I can tell you those are all very good things! I guess it’s no wonder then that I am finding myself quite excited for Kooba’s Holiday 2010 Collection!

The holiday season is definitely a time to feel glamorous and sexy! Why not let Kooba add some festivity to your look? The Holiday 2010 Collection has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for some sequins or you’re looking for a yummy leather with a subtle sheen, Kooba has a style that will let you shine! My personal favorite so far? The Brielle Clutch! I love the fun sequins and, of course, the detachable shoulder strap! It is one of several lovely pieces from this collection that are now available on Kooba’s Official Website, with more styles to be released later this month (November 15th)! I am especially excited for the arrival of the Malia Tote in a color called Prism! So pretty!

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Santa is coming early this Holiday season and he’s bringing a gift that’s on every bagista’s list, a purse.

It’s November and were giving away the Kooba bag of your dreams to one lucky BagBliss reader and all you have to do is go onto FaceBook and share with us and Kooba what bag you’re obsessing over this holiday season.

Since this is a FaceBook giveaway, to enter you must be a fan and “LIKE” both BagBliss and Kooba and leave a comment on our pages.
Visit the Kooba FaceBook Page and tell them “which Kooba bag you’re obsessing over this holiday season?”!
Visit the BagBliss FaceBook Page and leave a sign me up type of message.
The Prize: Pick out the Kooba bag of your dreams from Kooba.com!

Deadline: Giveaway comes to an end November 30th at 3: pm pst / 6: pm est

Show your support for breast cancer awareness month and win your favorite Kooba bag!

During the entire month of October (BCAM) when you make a donation at Susan G. Komen you will be entered to win the Kooba purse of your dreams. All you have to do is email your confirmation receipt to Chris@kooba.com and your name will go in the drawing pool to win.

No matter how big or small because every dollar helps – make your donation today at Susan G. Komen

The sweepstakes winner will be notified on November 1st

Kooba‘s Fall 2010 Collection is here! This is such exciting news! I have always had a soft spot for Kooba, they have such unique designs that always seem to please. And, of course, I am always eager to give them the attention they deserve when it comes to my posts. So what has the Fall 2010 Collection brought us? I am loving this Kooba Audrey Tote! This gorgeous piece features a sunburst pattern that was created using suede insets and pleats. I really like tone-on-tone effects when it comes to handbags. It is such a great way to add interest and texture to a single-shade style. I also love the shape of the Kooba Audrey Tote.

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Lions & Tigers, clutches and totes…. Oh,my! These prints are everywhere this season! Sure, leopard and tiger are always visible in some capacity, but this year, you can find these prints by almost every designer with price points both low and high! While I kept being tempted by so many of the styles out there, if I listed them all here, I wouldn’t get to review them in-depth and individually. So here are just a few from brands you know and love to get you started on the hunt yourself!

Judith Leiber Wildcat Crystal Embellished Clutch
I thought I’d start off with a dream bag. Only a few can afford, but will cherish. The quality is jewel-like and so special to see. Silver, gold and brown leopard shaped box covered with fine swarovski crystals. Gold leather lining and a fine, chain link hand that can hide inside the bag finish this bag beautifully. There’s even an designer engraved miniature vanity mirror. Oh so amazing for $5495.
Leiber Boutique at Net-a-Porter!

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Summer is here! And with warm weather comes bright colors! Er… right? While I do love my fuchsia F+C Mini City, I think I might be ready to try something new for Summer 2010. I heard that neutrals were supposed to be really hot this year, so I figured why not. And with that, I was off to check out all the neutral handbags this season has to offer. And do you know what I found? A wide variety of styles in everything from clean off-whites to touchable taupes. If there was ever a such thing as a “neutral rainbow”, this season definitely has it! Below I have listed some great neutral picks, so check them out and see what you think!

The Off-Whites

Salvatore Ferragamo Mediterraneo Vitello Calfskin Satchel
This sophisticated satchel would be perfect for work. It’s structured shape and clean lines create such a polished look.
$850
Salvatore Ferragamo at Bloomingdales!

Kooba Millie Vertical Shopper
A fun shape and angled, linear lines give this shopper a casual feel. It would make a great everyday bag!
$595
Kooba at Nordstrom!

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Started in 1998, Kooba came onto the scene with the goal of designing handbags that are unique and enhance a woman’s style. I believe they continue to achieve this goal with bags that get noticed but do not become the focal point of your ensemble. Their bags are well-priced line with yummy leathers and unique styling.

Many of Kooba’s early bags featured a whipstich detail that gave the bags a casual, dare I say, “western”, edginess. The new Hadley Leather Satchel is the more grown-up and sophisticated cousin of these bags featuring their yummy leather and attention to detail! Kooba just keeps getting better!

The Hadley is a darling leather satchel that would be perfect for everyday whether you’re in a sophisticated pencil skirt or run-around weekend jeans. The leather is softly-crinkled, pieced and pleated forming a triangular pattern that is interesting and chic! Elongated zip pockets enhance the styling on this bag. Handles are rolled which makes them so comfortable to carry and there’s even a removable shoulder strap when you need to be hands-free!

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I couldn’t help but point out some designer accessories sporting some of the trendiest animal prints you could find right now. I never thought I could actually call a search for the perfect animal print handbag to add to my collection, but within the past couple of months, I can honestly say that I’m hunting for one, just haven’t found it yet.

Woah baby! How adorable is that Leopard Baby Bag? FYI, it’s by Rebecca Minkoff. When I think baby bag, I picture fun, quirky colors and prints that you normally wouldn’t fit into your everyday wardrobe and this would definitely fit into that category. Yes it’s a bit busy but I’m completely loving the look, and of course you can’t get any funkier than raspberry leopard!

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