Handbag Designer Spotlight

Not too long ago, Saks invited me to meet handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez. For those not familiar, Nancy has been delivering decadent — read: exotic — handbags since 1998. Think of a Nancy Gonzalez bag as a classic — up there with Chanel and Bottega Veneta — only spicier. That is because Nancy hails from Colombia and splits her time between New York and her native country. She was very warm and vivacious. But when it came her to her bags, she was serious.

Others serious about Nancy's bags include Mary-Kate Olsen, who has recently been carrying her clutches, and a couple appeared in the Sex and the City movie. They're everywhere really; you just have to keep an eye out, as there's no mistaking her bright croc signature. Here's what goes on in the designer's brain.

What made you decide to work with animal skins for your bags?

"I have always worked with precious skins. The collaboration with nature has always fascinated me."

How do you get your colored bags so bright?

"My colors are inspired by the exuberant landscape of my native Colombia. All our skins our naturally dyed and then buffed, which brings out this particular radiant, colorful luster that my bags have."

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I'm totally besotted with Danielle Nicole handbags. What makes Danielle's collection stand out from the rest is her precise eye for detail. Take for example the cream hobo, my fave piece from her collection, seen left; so funky, flawless. It's the perfectly placed fringe knot or purposeful splash of color that makes her creations so refreshing. Quality doesn't come cheap — Danielle's bags range from $200 to $600 — but hey, I like to see it as an investment. Interested? Shop her bags!

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Sometimes, all I want is a simple bag. Sounds easy enough, but you'd be surprised with the number of nasties I've run into lately. Some designers tend to mistake simplicity for drab, but not Jasmin K. Her handbags evoke a cool, modern aesthetic without looking busy. Succinct and sexy.

Jasmin's newly launched line encompasses a casual lux attitude and I'm loving it. My favorite is the Tia Shoulder Bag ($310). I like the slouchy shape and better yet, it's affordable! Most of her bags range from $150 to $300, which is not bad for a handcrafted piece. I suggest you nab one before they go mainstream.

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If the name Liz Carey sounds familiar to you, it's probably because you've seen the model/actress walking the runways of Alexander McQueen or Versace. Or maybe you caught a glimpse of her in the movies Spanglish or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Now fast-forward. Liz has taken a new role — handbag designer — and it looks like she's found her niche.

Her handbag collection, dubbed Bird, is all about the exotic. Taking pieces from her worldly travels, the budding designer has created a line filled with personality and culture. From ostrich to snakeskin to Guatemalan wedding shirts, Liz's rich-hippie aesthetic had me — and Lake Bell, and Rachel Bilson — at hello. Oh yeah, and if you're wondering why Liz named her collection Bird, it's because the word also means "girl" in British slang.

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Andarei handbags are made from fine Italian leather so they are highly reliable. They are feminine but have a bit of attitude to them.

The Fall/Winter '07 collection includes Fede, a pleated satchel; Capri, a pleated clutch with a flap; Sempre, a crocodile clutch; Sogno, a patent clutch (pictured); Nipote, a ruched clutch; and Godere, a tri-color clutch . They can be purchased in store or online at Harmony Lane and Rumor Prices range from $298-$698.

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