Designer Handbags

When it comes to the race for the most expensive handbag in the world, the top two competitors can not just blindly rely on handmade craftsmanship, exotic materials and an established name. To achieve maximum hyper-inflation, Lana Marks bumps her Cleopatra clutch up in the ranks by adding 1,500 small black & white diamonds to an 18 carat gold clasp. That should definitely do for a 6-figure price tag, yet short of the most expensive bag in the world. Try harder Lana!

Image via Forbes

On with the realm of the world’s most extravagant handbags comes a bag by a little known designer to the masses. Hilde Palladino, the Norwegian designer, created the Gadino Bag which is made with white crocodile and 39 diamonds which are placed on the clasps. Personally, I’d like my diamonds around my neck or on my ears. How about a trip around the world, a shopping spree, and traveling first class? Take that or the bag for $38,470.

Image via Forbes

First we have the least costly of them all, the Leiber Dandelion Suede Gator Handbag. Coming in at $15,000, this yellow gator bag with 18 carat gold is very limited (only four made) and very chic. I love the yellow but I guarantee you that I would not carry this bag much. Just for some very special occasions on special nights. Hard to think this is nearly the price of two Birkins!

I will be the first to admit that my collection of handbags lacks a croc bag. It makes me sad at times, like I am doing exotic bags an injustice. Don’t get me wrong, I want a croc bag but I just have to find the perfect one. And right now, as much as a croc Birkin would be amazing, it is not on the ‘I can afford this or even get my hands on it’ realistic list. I am fairy certain that I will add a Nancy Gonzalez croc bag to my collection soon, but there can still be contenders. It is time to check out a bag and say Yay or Nay! The Henry Cuir Crocodile Eucaliptus Bag is a large frame bag made with a softer looking croc skin and chunky stitching. I am not really drawn to it. It looks like the croc piece starts over after the middle break in the bag, which is a major turn off to me. Even the coloring looks different, while I would want a mirror image when split down the middle. And it is still pricey; a whopping $6200 via Barneys.

So what do you say? Yay or Nay?

Sleek sophistication at its finest, the Lanvin Metallic Montrogueil Handbag features a sheer metallic gold leather on a stunning structured bag. Lanvin has hit big in the past year, with simple bags that show style and class. As we all know, metallic is still in for spring/summer and this light gold metallic is a stunning rendition of the trend. There is a turnlock closure and a structured zippered bottom compartment to store the not so readily available necessities (perfect spot for medicine you must travel with, epi pen, and anything else ugly or not chic!). Double leather handles or the removable gold chain shoulder strap finish this stunner off. The understated beautiful bag measures 12.5″x16″x6.5″. Buy it through Barneys for $2105.

Image via Forbes

Ralph Lauren must have either been in the dog house or is the best husband ever when he decided to name his chic and luxurious handbag after his wife, Ricky. The Ralph Lauren Ricky Handbag is an exclusive bag said to be made of exotic croc (although there is also a gator version that hit the runway). Silver crocodile gives a metallic shine or you can opt for a shocking orange version, only available at the RL Japanese flagship store. The price of a bag like this is not cheap, $14,000 via exclusive Ralph Lauren boutiques.

Via Forbes

If you had $36,000 spare dollars, which would you buy?

The hoopla behind the Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dresses has yet to die down. It may have taken a small itsty-bitsy step down, but it is far from falling. To me, this is still what DVF is known for, her wrap dresses and sultry apparel line. Who would have known she makes accessories, and enormously pricey ones at that. I am all for thinking outside of the box and following your heart, and DVF does just that, follows her heart full of gold to design the Diane von Furstenberg Heart Bag. Now I am pretty sure Diane herself is not slaving for two months over creating this bag, but this piece of art is created by a master goldsmith over a two month time period. The amount of gold is astronomical for a handbag, or just to own. Merely half a foot in diameter, the gold heart bag is lined with lush black suede and features a silk black strap. Some of you thought the Judith Leiber Bag was only to be looked at, well now what do you think of this? Personally, give me $36k to spare and I’d much rather opt for a stunning BMW 328i Coupe and still have $700 to spare. If you are high rolling, buy this masterpiece of gold art through DVF for $36,000.

What would you buy with $36,000?

{Thanks Caitlin!}

The jungle gym is the best friend to many youngsters. I used to run outside for recess and went straight to the climbing rope. Ask me now to get on a rope and I’ll laugh in your face, but way back when, I loved it. My favorite thing to do was race other kids up the cargo rope, which I of course always won

. Reminiscent of my childhood days, the Etro Basketweave Tote looks like the perfect cargo rope for Thumbelina. Unless you are Thumbelina or Polly Pocket, this bag is hideous. The knotted laced detail along with the basketweave front makes an otherwise simple white tote fugly. Give me the bag, and I will draw faces on my finger tips and walk my fingers up the rope of the bag. Highly extravagant for Polly Pocket and my finger people, but perfectly fitting for the likes of Thumbelina. Via Neiman Marcus for $1625.

I have said it at least 100 times in 100 different entries, the whole over-zealous monogram pattern does not do it for me. I want the beauty of the bag to attract the attention, not the logofied style. Even worse is designers who do not typically use a monogram pattern, or have not found success with one, using it like it is hip. Gag me. Upon first glance of the Michael Kors Jet Set Monogram Satchel, I thought of two things: ‘mmmmmkayyyyy’ by Mr. Mackey and Mary Kate Olsen. Those are two things you do not want a potential buyer to think of when looking at a Michael Kors bag. The shape is great, the leather trim is stunning, the push lock closure is cute, but the monogram-emobossing makes me seriously laugh and want to gag all at once. Kors, stick to what you know works, simple bags without your initials splattered all over it. Especially when your initials will make people think of at least two totally opposite things. I mean really, who thinks of Michael Kors when they first see the initials MK? Not me. And that is not a good sign. Via eLuxury for $328.

Granted this evening bag is quite pricey for the size, but it is also a work of art and a total masterpiece. A Judith Leiber piece nearly guarantees that you have bought an intricately designed bag that will have nearly every gawking. The Judith Leiber Limited Edition Venus Miniaudiere touts a picturesque sea-shell frame with an array of champagne, pink, and clear Austrian crystal detailing which are all meticulously placed in a stunning wave like pattern. Gold-tone hardware and a lock closure finish the simple clutch which dabbles into pure extravagance because of the crystal detailing. The price is not cheap, pre-order via Bergdorf Goodman for $3995, but the craftsmanship and detailing makes the price justifiable.