Thursday 26 February 2009

Katherine Fleming at Liberty

I went to Liberty yesterday to have a look at the new store layout and also a press launch of Katherine Fleming's bags. They are super well made, beautifully constructed by hand in italy. The price tag, however, is slightly steep at £1,100 for a medium sized handbag.


Liberty is looking really nice, much more commerical, especially all the space around the new shoe section and the beautifully jewellery emporium with a much lighter and brighter touch. Worth a visit.

Wednesday 25 February 2009

Classic Clutches

Time for a bit of credit crunch cutting back. These classic clutches are the way of the future. Beautiful, simply constructed and non-ostentatious, the 'it' bag of the future.

Proenza Schouler as seen all over the streets in the arms of gorgeous celebs.


Chanel 2.55 enough said.


A top shop interpretation. Nice


The famous Mulberry clutch with the classic antique gold clasp. A timeless classic.

Sunday 22 February 2009

Vivienne Westwood Red Label | London | Autumn/Winter 2009/10

Hot off the press yeah. I was waiting to see what Westwood Red Label would be up to this season. It looks pretty toned down and casual. Nothing ground breaking to be seen so far on the catwalk, i think everyone has run out of money.


Not sure about this too small to be all that interesting bag with court jester style pattern. I don't think it really suits the outfit the model is wearing either. I hate it when designers feel compelled to make their models wear bags when it just ends up looking like a bit of an afterthought.


These three bags are pretty plain and of a fairly standard structure. I would need to get a closer look but it looks like the are going for a more classic timeless look, more in the vein of LV than anything we would expect to see from Westwood.


As i suspected, bags are taking on a more classic look. Gone are the times when designers use bags to make ridiculous statements testing the boundaries of what Japanese womens are going to spend £800 + on, the credit crunch has meant that the design houses themselves need to sell the bags and in volume. We all need to make a bit of money at the end of the day.

Louis Vuitton and Stephen Sprouse

Here are a couple of pics of the result of Stephen Sprouse's collaboration with humungous fashion house Louis Vuitton. It launched at the beginning of 2009. Its luxury fashion meets street sport cool, from shoes, bags and other small accessories, this collection is pretty out there and colourful. Bold, expressive and brave are also words that come to mind.


I wish i could say that i hated this collection but the truth is, i don't. I think it rocks.


I'm not sure if i would ever be caught dead wearing any of these items but i'm sure there are alot of people who would. Its going to be ripe for knock-off city though, just you wait, all those chinese manufacturers are going to start leaking wonky versions of this purposefully wonky print.

Saturday 21 February 2009

Diesel Black Gold New York Catwalk Bags

I'm at home in Hackney on a Saturday afternoon checking out the New York fashion week accessories like a good little fashion conscious designer. Not much interesting has captured my attention but maybe thats because i'm slightly hung over and generally unimpressed. However, i did take a look at Diesel Black Gold.

Diesel Black Gold were on the New York Catwalk recently showing off their Autumn/winter 2009/10 collection. Here are some pics of their bags which i think are a high point of their collection. The show had a distinctly vampire look about it with models covered in face nets and bright red lipstick. The bags are hit and miss.


This bag looks its made up with a bit of Marni and pinch of Chanel. Admittedly, it has a nice slightly grungy feel about it but i can't help but to think i've seen it before.


Although the same could be said about this one, i do like the slouchy oversized-ness contrasted with a narrow shoulder strap and small flimsy handles.


This is probably my favourite from this season's collection. The shiny polished leather contrasted with the soft almost tumbled inner section, like the gutz spilling out of an outershell. It looks as though it has been squashed at the bottom of a pile of heavy bags in a charity shop and that is why i like it.


I'm not sure about this one, the proportions look all a little bit too forced. The handle drop length looks slightly too long to be cute whilst the squat front buckles seem a little too squat and close together. I reckon there is a little bit too much going on.


This bag here has a definite unisex feel and is testament to the fact that it is not yet the end of the oversized bag for women. It looks like a thin format, stiff exotic leather construction with a modern detail in a vertical zip down the right side of the front panel. Its not the slouchy-est of bags around but its manly feel ties into the general Diesel brand DNA. I like it.

Tuesday 17 February 2009

MARC JACOBS Autumn / Winter 2009 Hot off the press!

Hot off the press from New York Fashion week. Marc Jacobs stole the show with his '80s extravagaza. Next to the huge shoulder pads, crazy hair dos and metallic power suits, the bags did not escape his '80s treatment.


This satin quilted clutch with plastic chain is super shiny with little beaded details integrated in the quilt design. Still with the plastic chain strap, the softness of the shape makes it a very tactile evening bag.


I love this black number with the purple coloured polka-dot style beading. A slick, sexy bag with a hint of playfulness.









Monday 9 February 2009

Viktor and Rolf Mirror bags

They are like pieces of a cracked mirror pasted together and added to a bag. These are pretty ugly but in some strange way, Viktor and Rolf can pull it off, especially the more angular mosaic looking clutch bag.


Thursday 5 February 2009

Jil Sander Spring Summer 2009

These bags belong to Jil Sander's spring summer 2009 collection. They are also available to buy from oki-ni, the small 'show bag' is a whopping £459, and its only made from canvas to boot!


The angled front pocket is a signature twist, a nice quirky touch for a mans bag. Details such as the asymmetric buckle on the handle strap works both for adjusting the length of the bag but also to add a touch of metal detailing.


Shoppers are definitely becoming more of a unisex bag shape which we have been seeing all over the place on the catwalks but i'm still waiting with baited breath to see them start to be worn by straight men on the street.


I'm not so sure about the three angled pockets but its a simple yet effective design feature that in Jil Sander style is paired down and elegant.


Influenced by the lightweight canvas shopper, it will take off soon, probably by this summer, men out there you will find that this bag can fit a surprising amout of crap inside.


This much more commercial courier / satchel style take-down works wonders especially in that electric blue. Wouldn't it be nice if it didn't have to cost £459 though?

Monday 2 February 2009

Crochet counterfeit bags

Watch out, these bags can be really deceptive to those unfamiliar with the genuine article.



YSL mombasa hobo bag


Chanel 2.55 in black



Gucci hobo with 'd' ring hardware detailing

I think these crochet bags are just craft heaven!! imagine the amount of detailing that has gone into creating these beauties. I would love someone to turn up to a catwalk show with one of them though, that would be a great laugh! Anyone know where you can buy one?


Marc by Marc Jacobs Backpacks Spring Summer 2009

Backpacks are making a comeback and this time there is a formal edge to them. Inspired by sportswear, these classic day backpacks were on the catwalk in a number of different colour combinations. Canvas with leather trims, Marc Jacobs is perfecting the backpack.






Marc by Marc Jacobs backpacks from the Spring summer 2009 catwalks. For guys and girls.

SKULL BAG by Jacqui Ma

Just playing around.


Tote bag with relgious symbol graphic print application.


Leather bag made from perforated leather with oversized metal skull hardware attached to front.