By Michelle Crowe
Princess Grace of Monaco with her Hermes bag. A match made in fashion heaven.
Even as so many are enjoying summer’s last hurrah this long weekend, the call of new fall stunners waiting to be worn is growing louder and louder. While it certainly will be too warm for all but the most dedicated followers of fashion to wear more than just a few transition pieces, we’ve already spotted a few of the bigger hits from recent fundraising runways around town.
A wonderful floral version of the Rogue bag from Coach.
And of course, new handbags are making debuts all over, at lunch spots and cocktail parties. Thank goodness for our bags—always the perfect transition item, just because splurge and have-to-have it impulse buy. This is a nice moment too, when there are loads of lovely options to suit individuals. It’s much preferable to the days of it bags appearing suddenly on every arm around and then falling out of favor just as quickly. This is a moment for each lady to flaunt exactly what she loves and whether that’s a sporty cross-body, a refined top handle, or a sleek clutch, it’s out there.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Ladybird minaudiere.
There is also a contingent of creators who went big—really big. Celine, Michael Kors, Balenciaga and Chanel all sent enormous bags down their runways. These massive totes and zip-tops make for wonderful images and are certainly fab for long days and getaways. We’ll be sticking to more petite styles most of the time.
Miu Miu top handle in Absinthe. The strap may be switched out for a wild, muppet-type fur version.
Emboldened perhaps by the freedom of not creating a blockbuster bag, design houses felt free to embellish, embroider, and add on to classic shapes.
Can’t decide on one bag? Leave it to Gucci to find a way for multiples to work.
Many will fall in love at first sight with these tote able works of art. Many others will be inspired to add their own bag charms, scarves and other bits of bling to either a forever favorite or a brand new bag. It’s a good moment. Enjoy.
Before designing her own sleek styles, Victoria Beckham was known to take matchy matchy looks to new levels.
