Designer Handbags

I’ll take bad ideas for $5,000,000,000 please. The thought of Burberry moving to China will face such a negative backlash that the brand will merely attempt to survive. The signature Burberry checkered pattern is “quintessentially British”, and a move to China will leave the company far from the same. Hell, even Prince Charles is rebelling!

PRINCE CHARLES has intervened in a row over plans by Burberry, the upmarket clothing firm, to shut down its Welsh factory with the loss of 300 jobs. He is understood to have contacted government ministers to ask if there is anything he can do.

The move is the latest in a backlash against Burberry, which wants to move production of its “quintessentially British” products to China, where labour costs are lower.

Ioan Gruffudd, the Welsh actor and Hollywood star, has also intervened, because the polo-shirt factory in Treorchy, Rhondda, is close to where he grew up.

Gruffudd’s move could prove embarrassing for the firm, which also counts Madonna, David and Victoria Beckham, and supermodel Kate Moss among its fans.

A year ago it recruited the actor to become one of the two global faces of Burberry, along with the

actress Rachel Weisz. Advertising shots of the actors have been the centrepiece of Burberry’s promotion for its London fragrance collection.

This weekend, however, it emerged that Gruffudd has written to Angela Ahrendts, Burberry’s chief executive, asking her to keep the plant going.

Tomorrow Leighton Andrews, a Welsh assembly member for Rhondda, will publish a letter he has received by e-mail from the actor, sent from Canada where he is currently filming.

In it, he says he has written to the Burberry chief executive asking her to look at “an alternative course of action” to closure.

Andrews said: “Burberry advertises itself on its website as ‘a luxury brand with a distinctive British sensibility’. If it wants to be seen as a British brand, it needs to keep manufacturing jobs in Britain.”

Burberry workers from the Rhondda demonstrated with their union the GMB outside Burberry’s two flagship West End stores in New Bond Street and Regent Street last weekend.

Billed as “the authentic British lifestyle brand”, Burberry was founded in 1856 in Basingstoke, Hampshire. The signature check emerged as a brand signature on various products in the 1960s, although now it is only used on 10% of Burberry products.

Burberry’s image is still centred on its Britishness. Behind the scenes, however, the focus of the company has been shifting to Asia, where the label is growing in popularity.

Via Times Online

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

… Literally. Gwen Stefani is no doubt known for her singing, her hot hubby, her baby Kingston, and of course her fashion line, L.A.M.B. Stefani has colleborated with Tim Schifter to introduce L.A.M.B Luxurious Line of Handbags that will hit Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Henri Bendel’s, Holt-Renfrew in Canada, eluxury.com, and in a select group of specialty stores like Intermix. The luxe line will contain 33 different styles of handbags. Schifter describes the bags as follows:

The bags themselves are closer to the European luxury feeling than the American contemporary handbag category. I think they’re highly differentiated but priced in the contemporary. Gwen’s unique personal take on fashion incorporated her signature elements like Rasta colors and the old English lettering. For spring, we’re incorporating velvet into the collection. For this first launch, there are two collections-the Signature collection and the leather collection which is called Love.

Stefani’s style is very edgy and colorful and I look forward to seeing more of what she has in store for us. Already sporting one of her new bags with Rasta colors, Gwen is making sure we all see how hot her new line of bags will be. Gwen is most likely using this bag to carry Kingston’s goodies while she spends the day with her little man and hubby.

{via The Daily Fashion}

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

This summer my job was less than 100 feet from the side entrance of the David Letterman Late Show. What this meant was many visits to that side door to see the celeb of the day. The stars that appear on Letterman are always dressed to impress and the ladies carry the hippest handbags. This week a certain celeb paired her little black dress with a Burberry Handbag. While I can not find an exact match for the handbag, this bag resembles the Burberry Icons Collection Manor Bag. The Manor Bag shows off quilted house check with leather trim, handles and polished brass hardware (available via Burberry for $1295). Do you know the ‘celeb’ (calling her a celeb is really just relative) seen outside of Letterman with this Burberry bag? Find out after the jump.

Yep, it is Fergie Ferg who was toting the Burberry bag and attempting to promote her new solo album. I suppose it all makes sense; Fergie Ferg sings about her London Bridge and carries a Burberry London bag. Don’t sweat it Ferg- we love you long time (or so your song goes).

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

Many associate Stella McCartney with being the creative director of the house of Chloe in Paris back in 1997 or have visited one of her flagship stores around the world or know her as the vegetarian who refuses to use leathers or furs in her products. No matter how you know Stella, from a young age she has been a blooming fashion designer. The Stella McCartney Large Traveler is animal friendly being made with 60% PVC, 20% polyester, 15% cotton; 5% polyurethane fabric. Antiqued golden hardware combines perfectly with denim blue fabric. Casual chic adds shoulder straps with rings, buckled sides, and a zip top closure with logo-embossed pull tabs. Stella McCartney has truly paved her way through the fashion world, but this bag is too pricey for what you are given in my opinion. Available via Bergdorf Goodman for $995.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

Right off the bat I will let you all know that the animal lovers will abhore this post. Gucci has decided that the materials of Fall 2006 are fur and exotics. I must admit, some of these are quite gorgeous. It is now time for me to cordially introduce you all to the Gucci Fall 2006 Handbags

The Gucci Britt Medium Hobo is designed from mystic white petis gris with caper leather trim and GG detail. The hobo measures 13 1/5″H x 17 1/5″W x 2″D. Pre-order through Neiman Marcus for $2395.

Next the Gucci Britt Medium Tote is made with roccia python with GG detail and its dimensions are 10 2/5″H x 16″W x 5 3/5″D. As all of you in California know, this bag can not be shipped to you. Buy it via Neiman Marcus for $2690.

Short pony hair and brown leather trim comes together in the Gucci Bouvier Large Hobo. This hobo is a classic Gucci shape with a different texture. Sizing up at 12 3/5″H x 17 4/5″W x 2″D, the hobo is available at Neiman Marcus for $2200.

The Gucci Britt Medium Shoulder Bag manifests its deep beauty in dark red snake patchwork with GG detail. Perfect color for fall and also a great evening bag, the dimensions of the bag are 12 1/5″H x 13 2/5″W x 1 1/2″D. This bag can also be pre-ordered through Neiman Marcus for $3290.

For a bag that looks warm and cuddly, take a gander at the Gucci Pelham Medium Shoulder Bag. This is by far one of my favorite shapes done by Gucci; it fits perfectly under the arm. This shoulder bag features natural mink in a checkered pattern with brown leather trim. Measuring 13″H x 17″W x 4 3/4″D, I must admit I like it. Buy it via Neiman Marcus for $4590.

The sister bag of the one shown above is the other Gucci Pelham Medium Shoulder Bag. The difference is that this bag is designed from natural fitch with brown leather trim. It also measures 13″H x 17″W x 4 3/4″D and costs $3895 via Neiman Marcus.

Finishing off the bunch is an iconic anniversary bag. Believe it or not Gucci is celebrating its 85th Anniversary. The Gucci Large 85th Anniversary Hobo shows Gucci’s greatness in a multicolor patchwork snake pattern with horsebit detail. As shown, the back of the bag shows off a Gucci 85th Anniversary enameled plaque. Rounding out the Gucci Fall 2006 bags and sizing up at 14″H x 18″W x 2″D, add a piece of Gucci history to your collection for $4595 via Neiman Marcus.

There is your view for the exotic bunch that Gucci is releasing for Fall 2006. Expensive, over-the-top, and chic Gucci welcomes fall.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

I’m in a clutch mood this weekend. The Burberry Trench Check Clutch combines funky brown, tan, and yellow buckle trench print alongside brown leather trim. The clutch has a bit going on but also has a preppy feel that I love. The front of the flap has a circular golden lock closure. While this clutch would not be the clutch that matches most outfits, it is fun and cute for fall. The dimensions are 4 1/2″H x 13 7/10″W x 2/5″D. Buy it via Neiman Marcus for $595.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

While so many of the accessories we lust and obsess over are not essential, when you are a new mommy a diaper bag is essential. You have to be prepared at all times with diapers, bottles, food, toys, wipes, pacifiers, and whatever else I am leaving out. For the new mom who does not want to spend too much and wants a stylish yet casual bag the Burberry Denim Messenger Diaper Bag is a bull’s eye. Rather than overpowering the outside, the inside of this diaper bag is lined with the signature Novacheck pattern while the outside shows off practical and casual blue denim. Because this bag is all about practicality, there are two side pockets, a path pocket on the front flap, and a terry cloth changing pad included. The dimensions are 11″H x 5 1/2″W x 11″D. I may not be a mommie but I am half tempted to buy this bag for everyday use. Casual chic Burberry style is available through Neiman Marcus for $229.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

When you think of Burberry what comes to mind first? The classic check pattern, right? But sometimes going away from the ordinary can make something extraordinary. The Burberry Leather Pocket Shoulder Bag manifests itself in divine beauty and simplicity. Made from pebbled leather along with a side buckle and shackle details, this bag will have you simply intrigued. Perfectly fitting, the bag is accented with brass hardware. I see this bag being quite the perfect day bag for so many posh ladies out there. For carrying there is a single shoulder strap with a drop of 11.5″. Right in the center you will find the turn lock flap closure that comes from the zip top. This turn lock is snuggled in perfectly between the two exterior pockets. Inside, this bag boasts two open pockets, a zip pocket, and canvas lining. A bit different than so many Burberry bags out there, buy this leather beauty which measures 9″H X 15″L X 2″W through Saks for $895.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

I just realized that I actually do not own a Burberry handbag. Gasp! I own some scarves, a coat, and some other little accessories but no bag. Whether or not it makes sense, I would love to own at least one bag from all of the big designers. I just chuckled out loud thinking what my father or any other rational person would say to this. Oh well. If I were going for a Burberry bag, I think I found a very cute one that is a bit different from the rest. The Burberry Plaid Canvas Tote reminds me of spring and picnics. I can just see myself wearing this more vibrant plaid print with its bright leather trim to the park or out in the country with Vlad. Ahh the thoughts of warm weather and butterflies makes me happy. This tote has double top handles, two outside pockets with drawstrings, two inside compartments with dividers along with zip pockets, and measures 12″H X 16″L X 8″W. I can see not everyone liking the crayon colored plaid pattern, but it suits me well enough for my picnic dates in the country

Available via Saks for $495.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

For those of you who celebrated Christmas yesterday, I hope it was a good one. Santa thought I was a nice girl this year so I am smiling. And Vlad must have thought I was really nice this year too, because he treated me with a beautiful Dior wallet!! (pics to come

). For those of you who got some money to spend, why not jump right into the search for a perfect bag (or for those of you who have yet to celebrate this holiday season). For those of you who love the classic check pattern of Burberry, but also love some simplicity, the Burberry Leather Hobo Bag is quite appealing. This bag shows off a small check trim which lines the leather hobo bag. The bag is available in black, white, and cognac. Personally, I really like all three options. The simplicity of this bag is pulled together with a leather tab with a snap and button closure. Keepin’ it classy as usually, Burberry uses brass hardware to accent this bag. On the inside you will find a zip pocket and canvas lining and a cell phone pocket. This bag is not too big, not too small: 10″ x 8″ x 3″. I do wonder how the bag will fit under your arm and hang, because we all know we don’t want some good looking awkward fitting bag under our arm. But I do know that this Burberry handbag is a classy option if you are looking for a practical leather bag. Spend that money you just got via Burberry for $650.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum