Accessories, Fashion Illustration
Accessories Spotlight
Luxury Handbags
A beautiful designer handbag is a true investment in a timeless work of craftsmanship… a piece of art.
Ok so a handbag cannot change your life by itself; however, it can make a dramatic difference in your wardrobe. A gorgeous handbag can make your heart flutter; rejuvenate your style; and be an investment in your fashion future.
The Chanel 2.55 quilted bag is at the top of my ‘Handbag Most Wanted’ list. It is the crème da la crème of French style. Coco Chanel designed the 2.55 as she was tired of carrying her handbag in her arms and decided to create a bag that freed up her hands. Now over 30 new models of the classic 2.55 are produced each year, forming part of the House’s collections.
The design of any luxury handbag is meticulously created with consideration paid to every tiny element – from the inside material to the outside detailing. For instance every part of the Chanel 2.55 bag is rumoured to be attributed to an exact reasoning:
>> The lining’s burgundy colour represents the colour of the uniforms at the convent where Coco Chanel grew up
>> The zippered compartment on the inside of the front flap is where Chanel is rumoured to have stored her love letters… oh la la
>>The back outside flap is for storing money.
>> The famous quilted pattern is believed to have been inspired by several sources, one of which was the cushions in Chanel’s Parisian apartment.
>> The revolutionary chain strap is supposedly inspired by the orphanage Chanel grew up in. The caretakers would hold their keys at their waist dangling from the same type of chains.
Why invest in a beautiful handbag:
Craftsmanship
Each bag is handcrafted with extreme attention to detail and in some bags cases it can take up to 18 to 24hours to complete just one bag. For instance, Hermès does not use assembly lines. Only one Hermès craftsman may work on one handbag at any time – painstakingly hand-stitching each individual piece.
Luxury Materials
Designer handbags may be created in an array of materials, from luxury fabrics to precious metals and exotic skins, including; alligator, crocodile, buffalo, shark, lizard, snake, lamb, oxen, deer, calf and ostrich. The skins are first professionally treated before being dyed in an extensive range of gorgeous colours and shades.
Innovation
The metallic detailing on designer handbags is often plated with precious metals, such as gold, and will not tarnish over time.
Worth The Wait
The term “It Bag” is often used to describe an easily recognisable status bag. Many truly lust worthy bags you will have to wait for…some a very long time! The Hermès Birkin bag can have up to a 6year waiting list.
A Work Of Art
A beautiful handbag is a miniature work of art, which would be as much at home on your wall in a frame as it is holding your belongings.
It May Just Become A Collector’s Item
Hermès is one of the few handbag labels which either hold or increase their value over time.
A classic handbag is one you will still be loving and wearing until your granddaughters are old enough to covet them… truly the title of a ‘quality investment’.
I would love to hear your thoughts. Which designer handbag are you lusting after? Or you do you feel any or overrated? xx
ESPRESSO SHOT OF NEWS
Weekend Fashion Shot
The Art Of Beautiful Accessories
Exquisitely handmade, unbelievably gorgeous heels are themselves works of art. However, Christian Louboutin has taken this concept to the next level. A selection of heels and accessories from Christian Louboutin’s Autumn / Winter 2011 collection, have been transported into some of the world’s most iconic paintings.
Collaborating with photographer Peter Lipmann, well known portraits have been given a Louboutin makeover. A leopard-print shoulder bag has appeared under the arm of Jean-Marc Nattier’s ‘Marquise de Pompadour’ (pictured below left); while Francisco de Zurbaran’s ‘Santa Dorotea’ holds her fruit platter with a carefully balanced ‘8 Mignon’ strappy sandal (pictured above left).
What a brilliant Autumn / Winter campaign… love, love, love this!
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Ralph Lauren For Wimbledon
This year marks the 125th Wimbledon Championship. It also sees Ralph Lauren involved to re-design the official ball boy and girl outfits (pictured below). In chic Ralph Lauren style, the polo shirt in Wimbledon colours features both the signature big pony on the chest along with the Wimbledon logo on the opposite sleeve. Seriously sophisticated…
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Lily Allen’s Wedding Gowns
When Lily Allen (now Lily Cooper) married last week, she wore two gowns. First up for the church service she chose French designer, Delphine Manivet (pictured top right). This was the image that was beamed around the world – with many Allen fans disappointed she hadn’t gone with Chanel. However, it was then later reported, Allen had changed her gown for the reception. And that second dress has just been revealed…
Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, Allen’s second Wedding gown (pictured below right), was uploaded to the Chanel website. The photo shows Allen during the fitting as well as Lagerfeld’s original design sketch.
The Chanel gown featured voluminous bell sleeves and an empire-line cut in sheer white chiffon, staying true to Allen’s love of vintage fashion…
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Happy Weekend! xx
ESPRESSO SHOT OF NEWS…
A Sunday Fashion Shot…
2 Espresso Shots Of News + Chic Last Week + Some Sunday Editorial Inspiration…
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Chic Last Week…
Making it onto the ultra Chic Last Week list (from left to right); Kirsten Dunst, Caroline Sieber and Laura Bailey all looking enchantingly, exquisitely, picturesquely perfectly in Chanel! Then looking adorable in Carven is Chloe Moretz. Who is your best dressed from last week?
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Roksanda Ilincic For Debenhams
Roksanda Ilincic has presented a new line for Debenhams. Her capsule collection, entitled RI by Roksanda Ilincic, consists of six evening dresses. Of the capsule collection Ilincic said, “It’s great to be able to offer some of my mainline aesthetic to a wider audience through this collaboration. I wanted to create contemporary occasionwear for fashion-conscious women that combines fashionable shapes with intricate details and rich colours.” Prices start from £200 and are consistent with the designer’s signature bold colours and ultra feminine silhouettes.
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Camilla Skovgaard – Accessory Designer of the Year
Camilla Skovgaard has been announced as the Accessory Designer of the Year at the Danish Fashion Awards. The award was created in 2008 by jewellery designer Georg Jensen. Skovgaard was born in Denmark and of her connection with it said: “As much as I am British educated and my business is established in London, in certain ways the Camilla Skovgaard shoe business does have a Danish heart – we operate on a Denmark bank and the team in London office sit on Arne Jacobsen chairs and table lamps from Louis Poulsen.”
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Some Sunday Editorial Inspiration…
My Sunday inspiration came in the form of a glamorous sun-filled editorial for Vogue Italia – ‘Summer Glam’. Featuring the beautiful Michaela Kocianova and lensed by Greg Kadel, the editorial celebrates oversized accessories, gorgeous white bikinis and Kocianova’s divine flowing locks! For all those in the Northern Hemisphere, a seriously chic summer is just around the corner… sigh!
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Hope you have all had a fabulously fashionable weekend! xx
Photos from vogue.co.uk
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