Nothing says new season like a fresh new bag. In honor of the start of May — and carefree warm-weather days — here are 50 of Spring 2012's most drool-worthy, highly covetable bags. Camera styles from Proenza Schouler and Lanvin, clean-lined totes from Celine and Phillip Lim, wild-hued satchels from Givenchy and Mulberry — they're all right here, they're all super chic, and they're all just perfect for starting the Summer off in style.
Photo: Greg Kessler
As much as we're dying to see what NYC-based designers will be sending down the Fall 2012 runways, we're equally excited to see fashion's It girls donning some seriously cool Spring '12 accessories. While it was hard to narrow down the season's best pieces, we're sure that these ultra-luxe, jaw-dropping add-ons are just what the front-row lineup ordered. From Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra's sexy, colorful ankle-strap heels to Charlotte Olympia's exotic-print clutch, here are 15 Spring-perfect items just begging to be captured in a glossy street-style shot. Click through to see our editors' 15 standout picks now.
>> Inspired by the "power of symbols," magic, and the occult, Eddie Borgo's black, white, lavender, and cream-colored Spring 2012 collection riffs on his signature cone bracelets and tassel earrings while also introducing a few new structures, including fractured hearts and pentagram stars. "I'm always looking at the dichotomy between light and dark, hard and soft, aggressive and feminine," Borgo says. "The challenge is to do that with new techniques while always keeping a rock'n' roll sensibility." Click through to preview the collection, currently available for preorder on Moda Operandi.
>> Kelly Wearstler's taste for sculptural interiors carries over naturally to her jewelry and bags. For Spring 2012, it was all about turquoise cube motifs, box clutches, hammered metal in geometric shapes, and chunky chains. Click through to preview the collection, currently available for preorder on Moda Operandi.
>> Colorful, hand-painted pearls and baguettes are back for Tom Binns's Spring 2012 collection, mixed amongst sparkly Swarovski crystals and safety pins. Cameos get a neon dip-dye treatment and crystal collar necklaces are emblazoned with the words "Punk" or "Rich B*tch." Click through to preview the collection, currently available for preorder on Moda Operandi.
>> Activewear that hits a highly feminized note is a big story for next season — and Loeffler Randall's Spring 2012 collection manages to strike that sporty-pretty balance perfectly. Here, designer Jessie Randall has mixed tech fabrics like Velcro, mesh, and wetsuit neoprene with natural materials like raffia, leather, and canvas — all in a Fragonard-inspired palette of Popsicle pinks, delicate nudes, and Springtime greens. Silhouettes are easy going with plenty of appeal; amidst Randall's signature twist-knot flats, there are also chunky platforms and high-rise pumps as well as a new round-peg heel shape. Also in the mix: metallic polka-dots, textural snakeskin, and a nice dose of contrast neon. Click through to see the whole collection, now.
>> Charlotte Dellal looked to the sunshine-infused glamour of Miami and Beverly Hills for her Spring 2012 Charlotte Olympia collection. Ankle-strap platforms, sculptural heels, and Dellal's signature Pandora clutches get a dose of retro poolside whimsy with the help of suede leaf cutouts, raffia braids, and blush-colored feathers. Click through to preview the entire collection, currently available for preorder on Moda Operandi.
>> Nicholas Kirkwood took off to Bali in August and came back inspired by the florals and tropical brights. “[It] was my first holiday since starting the business seven years ago,” he explained. “And I came back wanting to do something more colorful and a little softer than before.” Preview his Spring 2012 collection — including runway collaborations with Peter Pilotto, Roksanda Illincic, and Erdem, in the slideshow — all now available for preorder on Moda Operandi.
>> Curious what Christian Louboutin, Brian Atwood, Eddie Borgo, and Tom Binns showed in their Spring 2012 presentations during the recent Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks? We've got a peek at each — plus looks at Tabitha Simmons's latest collection — and more in the slideshow.
>> From Valentino's latest studded clutch to Louis Vuitton's luxe croc carryall, we've rounded up Paris Fashion Week's best handbags for next Spring. See them all in the slideshow.
