Designer Handbags

The Marc Jacobs Show was a pleasant surprise of understated class, departing from the bejeweled hobo-layered spectacle that was his spring show. The whole thing was very Great Gatsby, all crisp hats and sleek silhouettes. I think the models should have sipped highballs as they walked. Anyway, on to the bags. What a departure! First off, there were plenty of bags in croc and ostrich, which is not exactly common for Marc Jacobs. Second, all the bags shown are itty bitty things compared to some of Marc’s usual staples. Third, there are no tacky labels attached to every surface, no mass of gems, in fact, just no tacky! These are four of my favorites, though some shots of fuschia ostrich from the side look promising indeed. The croc bag in beige is gorgeous. It’s so delicate and even subtle with the leather flap, and I love the detailing on the closure. The red bag exhibits a similar shape, but it appears to be split into two separate compartments for convenient stashing. I am kind of obsessed with the detail on this closure, too. The geometric shapes are really appealing, especially in that globe-like blue.

Big clutches were also prominent on the runway - the kind you hold in the crook of your arm rather than in your hand. I’m crazy about this look. It’s casual but super classy. The black flap clutch in woven leather is immaculate. It’s perfect for every occasion, I’m not even exaggerating. The basic black and the size make it appropriate for daytime casual or for professional situations, and it goes without saying that it would look smashing with a purple cocktail dress. Lastly, that teal ostrich with what looks like dark blue suede or calf hair trim is making me drool globs as big as those adorable buttons.

I’m in love and I can’t wait to see all these bags in stores in several months!

For more coverage of New York Fashion Week, visit the Shopping Nerd, where I am blogging at full speed.