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The Luxe Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Collection

FabSugar — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 10:46:57 -0800

The ever classic Louis Vuitton is changing with the times. This is one successful brand that knows how to keep their image fresh and still manage to evoke old world elegance. For the first time since it's debut in 1888, their original brown-on-brown checkerboard pattern Damier collection of bags and leather goods is allowing the color blue into the mix.

This collection was inspired by and designed to reflect life on the French Riviera. If you ask me, the color is well suited to match the sparkling water of the glorious Mediterranean. Bags available in this new pattern are: the Speedy, the Keepall, the Noé, the Saleya and the Pampelonne. Other pieces in the collection are: the vanity case, the accessories box, sandals, hair cubes and flip flops. Customized hat boxes and trunks are available as well. Click here to purchase items from the Damier Azur Collection.

Handbag Designer Spotlight: Bird

FabSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:00:22 -0700

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.

To see more handbags from Bird, read more.

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Jasmin K

FabSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:00:22 -0700

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.

To see more designs from Jasmin K, read more.

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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."

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On Our Radar: Mischa Barton Turns Handbag Designer

FabSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 02:00:22 -0700

Besides being busy making stops at Cannes and Britain's Best 2008, Mischa Barton has also been passing time by creating her own handbag collection. As of July 2nd, Londoners can hit up John Lewis, Debenhams and Fenwicks stores to pick up one of Mischa's vintage-inspired bags, made from snakeskin, leather, fabric, and finished with a flower logo designed by the actress. No word yet on if the bags will travel across seas for US fans. I hope they do (if they're cute)!

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: November XVIII

FabSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:00:08 -0800

You know when a bag's leather is so soft and buttery you just want to eat it? OK, that's a bit extreme, but you know what I mean. Meet November XVIII. The designer, Patricia Lukoszek, is all about slouchy, soft bags with a nondescript allure. You'll find no flashy hardware. Lukoszek claims, “I actually approach the handbags as if they are clothing.” The collection, which is named for her birthday, will be available at Barneys in the Spring and I'm calling it the next big bag thing. The prices aren't cheap - wholesale prices from $210 for a clutch to $395 for an oversize bag - but it's that yummy leather we all covet.

To see a few more November XVIII bags, read more.

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Alexis Hudson

FabSugar — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 14:34:19 -0700

"It" bags are great, but chasing every fleeting handbag trend can leave you broke-not to mention holding a lot of last-season styles. That's why the designer duo behind Alexis Hudson created a line of purses meant to be the opposite of "it" bags. These relatively affordable, classic styles are designed to last forever and occupy all of your handbag needs. Though the designs are highly functional-with details like adjustable straps and roomy compartments-they also don't skimp on details, with luxurious Italian leather and gleaming gold hardware. Here are some of the looks from the line.

Tuscana Hobo in Black, $525, available here.

Orbit Bag in Blue, $595, available here.

Mini Monarch Bag in Tan Croc, $395, available here.

To see the rest, read more

Olympus Bucket Bag in Bronze, $595, available here.

Cleopatra Bag in Black, $495, available here.

Monarch Bag in Purple Croc, $595, available here.

Alexis Hudson Brown Tuscany, $525, available here.

Handbag Designer Spotlight: Aleya New York

FabSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:00:22 -0700

Joann Padilla graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked with buyers from Nordstrom to Urban Outfitters, carving out quite the career in fashion.

When she had her daughter Aleya in 1996, everything changed. As Aleya grew, Joann's handbag line grew. In the beginning, she just spent her free time designing and making bags for friends. Soon, strangers on the street were approaching her and asking about the scalloped satchels. Before she knew it, Aleya New York was born . . . and it was much more than a hobby.

Aleya NY Handbags run $295-$605 and available at AleyaNY.com.

To see more from Aleya NY, read more

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: Nivaldo de Lima

FabSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:00:22 -0700

Nivaldo de Lima has created quite a buzz with his intricately handcrafted handbags. Run out of a small family workshop in Mallorca, each of Lima's designs are made with the utmost care and consideration.

Known for classic styling with a modernistic twist, his approach to designing came from the unusual partnership of photographer Louise Bobbe. Bobbe's city flavor and Nivaldo's classic instincts melded together to create timeless, coveted creations. His recently launched online store will surely garner the attention of many urbanites looking for a cute and functional bag.

To see more from Nivaldo de Lima, read more.

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Handbag Designer Spotlight: psnob

FabSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:00:22 -0700

In fashion we always like to talk about the fusion of art and style, and nothing in that mix speaks louder than designer Rebecca Robinson's psnob handbags.

They truly are a work of art. Somewhat of an art snob, Rebecca set out to create unique, hand-painted clutches, which will one day become collector's items. That is yet to be seen, but one thing is apparent now: Her creations, retailing from $500 to $1,200, are stunning.

Rebecca's background in Visual Communications includes fine art, art history, printmaking, photography, graphic design, and advertising. Unlike a real snob, however, Rebecca is all about giving back. Her special donation program, Collage for a Cause, offers an organization the opportunity to auction a psnob accessory in order to receive profit towards the charity or benefit project.

To see more melding of art and fashion from psnob, read more

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