FabSugar

Glitterati: UnEarthed

FabSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 03:30:33 -0700

UnEarthed, by sisters Gina and Karen Koenig, is a result of a mutual love of fashion, art and leathercraft. All three elements are evidenced in the sophisticated-cum-edgy collection of cuffs, earrings and bangles. The duo vowed never to use embossed leathers and imitation skins, so everything you see is made of real crocodile, alligator and snake skin, even this Plum Snakeskin Silver Cuff, $33. The color is obtained by a dye and the slick sheen by hand polishing. Just the perfect accessories for a Wild Thing!

To see more animalistic designs, read more

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Customize Your YSL Roady

FabSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:22 -0800

YSL Roady owners, listen up - from Nov. 19 to Dec. 1, take your bag into any YSL boutique in LA or NYC for a chance to customize its handles. There will be artisans on hand to snazzy them up via skins like ostrich, crocodile, lizard, and a variety of colors. Costs range from $225 for the lizard, $385 for the ostrich, and $515 for the crocodile. For further personalization, your Roady can also be monogrammed inside with initials, free of charge. Will you get your Roady up to speed?

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Goes Antianimal, Hermes Goes Pro

FabSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:00:22 -0700

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has the pick of the litter when it comes to wearing sumptuous designer creations but her selection might be a little more limited now that she's vowed to be more animal friendly. "I do not wear, buy, or own fur or animal skin other than leather or skin of animals raised for feeding purposes. I am not a vegetarian and I don't find it illogical to wear skins of animals whose meat is also eaten." said Bruni-Sarkozy in a recent letter to PETA. Will Carla inspire others to do the same?

Meanwhile, Hermes has just announced it will start breeding its own crocodiles to keep up with the high demand for its iconic handbags. Despite the recession, Hermes produces 3,000 crocodile bags a year, which is not enough for the crazy waiting list - often several years long - of customers. "We cannot face demand. We have massive overdemand. The world is not full of crocodiles." said Hermes chief executive, Patrick Thomas.

Certainly two different views on using animals for fashion. Are you on team Carla or team Hermes?

Source

Nancy Gonzalez Loves a Challenge

FabSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:00:22 -0700

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."

To read the rest, read more

Which is your favorite bag from your latest collection?

"I am always attached to those bags which are hardest to do. Such as the woven crocodile ones. In particular, one woven in the shape of leaves."

Your bags are pretty pricey. Are you going to be doing anything in a lower price point in reaction to the current economic crisis?

"One's own state of mind will inform the time and style in which one lives. My job as a designer is to interpret the times with imagination, artistry, and daring. I want to provide a chic, effortless, modern, approachable, and beautiful product at the right price."

Describe the women who wear your bags.

"Every woman that wants a universal, unique, true, exciting, sincere, and joyful experience."

Source and Source

Trend Alert: What a Croc

FabSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:00:22 -0800

Ashley Olsen has been toting around her Fendi crocodile bag for months now - it's obviously a fave. But really, it perfectly suits her fierce and luxe style. While I know not everyone will perk up at the idea of wearing a crocodile skin on their arm, it is a proven luxury item in today's world of fashion. For those who do like the structured, upscale material, faux versions abound. So what's it going to be: a $12,000 crocodile handbag? A $400 one? Or are you saying to yourself: What a croc?!

Source

Trend Alert: Crocodile Rock

FabSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 08:00:33 -0700

I've found the chic pebbled skin of the crocodile to be controversial. A lux material indeed, would you fancy wearing an aquatic reptile on your arm? You know I've got a thing for python, so I'm thinking I could do the crocodile rock. These slithery handbags are streamlined and serious - they are the season's most urbane accessory. Will you rock it?

Furla Katia Large Shopper, $465	Sigrid Olsen Venice Croco Tote, $198
Perlina Handbags Soft Gatherings Shopper (Black), $219	ANN TAYLOR Crocodile O-Ring Tote, $198
Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Top Handle Tote, $3,600	Furla Medium leather bag, $168
Miu Miu St. Cocco Bugatti, $1,095	Donald J Pliner Leather Satchel, $565

Precious Pooch Purses, Part II

FabSugar — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:07:12 -0800

Since you loved our first installment of Precious Pooch Purses, we decided to feature three more dapper doggie carriers. We know that both you and pup like to tote in style so here are a few more beautiful bags to choose from:

The Doggie Bag, by Ralph Lauren is their first dog carrier and will debut in this season's holiday collection. It has the same type of construction as their best selling Ricky bag and is made from luxurious black crocodile skin with brass hardware.

It won't be available online, but you can purchase it by calling (800)377-7656 or in person at either the Madison Avenue store in NYC or the Beverly Hills store. This puppy is $17,000.

A couple more, so read more

Juicy Couture Exclusive Quilted Dog Carrier is especially made to help make traveling easier. There is a special side pocket for easy access to your wallet and keys and everything in the bag is washable. This bag is available in black, bronze or antique rose leather with either silver or gold hardware. There are ID tags attached to the top of the bag and the shoulder straps are removable. Buy it here for $395. Also comes in pink!

This gorgeous Italian Epi Leather Dog Carrier is for the sophisticated and elegant woman who is looking for subtlety when toting her 10-pound pooch. It is 100% leather, and has a small logo and tasteful hardware details. The head opening is made from sheepskin so it's plush and durable, and the two
outside pockets have magnetic closure for simplicity. Buy it here for $380. Available in black, red or camel.

Somerset croc-embossed large satchel - Black croc - $278.00	Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Clutch - $1,750.00
Yves Saint Laurent Crocodile Uptown Bag - $26,995.00	Longchamp Roseau Crocodile Satchel - $370.00
Nancy Gonzalez Small Crocodile Satchel - $2,550.00	Jill Stuart Handbags Brigitte Patent Handbag - $495.00
Jimmy Choo Crocodile Ramona Bag - $14,000.00	Carlos Falchi Medium Crocodile Tote - $3,795.00
Bottega Veneta Patent Crocodile Envelope Bag - $5,900.00	Lauren Merkin Char Croc-Embossed Clutch - $220.00
Miu Miu Crocodile-Embossed Patent Bowler - $1,095.00	Nancy Gonzalez Matte Crocodile Tote - $3,600.00