Stylish with Substance

I'm not in a place to be giving away many things (I fear the site's not in a place to be giving the chance to many people) - but I know many of us are also not in the place to be giving ourselves lovely bags - or perhaps much of anything.

So in a generous giving of hits, at least in spirit, I will be highlighting fabulous handbag giveaways from other websites!

There is no way we could yet offer the fabulosity and lavishness of what the Purse Blog can, and so I really must inform you of their 12 Days of Giveaways, already on 3.

Today is this fantastic stitched skin clutch, the Corset Clutch by Bird Handbags.

To make sure you head over daily to the Purse Blog / Luxeaholics, just feast your appetite on the first two days of giveaways!

[caption id="attachment_1262" align="alignright" width="245" caption="Phoebe Philo in Fall 2005"][/caption]

Phoebe Philo is back, but not to bring smooshy leather idealism again to Chloé, but as the next creative director of fellow French fashion house, Céline.

LVMH Moët Hennessy confirmed to WWD exclusively on Sept. 4th. The magazine immediately published the news, but in short, almost byte form - so here you get a detailed reaction with enough information to match...

Despite creating arguably the world's favorite IT bag with the company, Philo left the design world completely 2 years ago to stay home with a new baby, who's now 3 with a younger sibling of 18 months*. The deal with Céline that appealed to the new mom is that she would be allowed to stay and work in her home town of London, and not the headquarters of both houses, Paris, France. (*Source) Why the success her Paddington and other beloved purses being responsible for Chloé's clout of today didn't cause Phoebe to merely take temporary maternity leave, with parent company, Richemont, offering this same compromise is beyond me. (Are they so evil as to obligate themselves to pinch pennies and ditch the finer skins of life that Philo inspired in the manufacturing?)

[caption id="attachment_1261" align="alignright" width="201" caption="OUT: Ivana Omazic"][/caption]

Some journalists claim this will be a boost needed for Céline, a company recently faltering, even with Ivana Omazic showing hints at purse innovations recently. One being a handbag with a large mirror on the outside for the veinest of fashionistas - its (lack of) level of stylishness contrasting that cool tongue-in-chic, however. I do hope to see Omazic work on her potential for whomever else she designs, but who?--the fashion business is short-tempered and impatient. Was she sacked, or did she leave Céline and her budding creations and ideas behind by her own choice? LVMH simply said in a statement that she's leaving after three years. (Real loyal parting words, eh?) It must be a tough break to make, for example Philo will nevermore have her Paddington.

[caption id="attachment_1276" align="aligncenter" width="230" caption="Céline's " Watch Me, Mirror" by Omazic"][/caption]

So how excited can we be for Phoebe's purses of the future at Céline? I'm a mix of skeptical and wildly excited. Firstly, Phoebe mentioned to The Herald Tribune she'll re-invent and evolve her fashion aesthetic (they printed no exact quote). It's not to say that a giant padlock isn't exactly an immature style preference, yet I hope to recognize what I do love from the designer in whatever the old self she keeps. And even that definitely leaves promise that coming Céline bags will sport the most divine leather - especially with their current sub-line named "cuir sulky" which is literally intended to be "slouchy leather". Sounds like Philo is the best choice for Céline, therefore I'm not surprised they fought for her.

Céline has two other handbag sub-lines that bring excitement to my daydreams of what my Paddy-designer might do. 1. a "Watch Me __" (move, work, play, dance, etc.) named range that gives opportunity for fun - however currently the styles are mostly dull. 2. "Tourbillon" which represents the "swirl" of their own pattern. Far from monogram, it is however a sturdy coated canvas for everyday (even chores like gardening) with a lower pricetag - swoon. Not much leather there, but I have had curiosity as to what Chloé would do with signature - and Philo is to me the quintessential Chloé designer.

(Now we just need to end this recession and bring back our economy so I can attain a piece [and more to follow] of this fashion history from a favorite designer for my collecting status. [I need more than a price decrease, I myself need a "raise".)

What about Ivana Omazic though? Perhaps she's even been inspired to create her own namesake brand - which is something one doesn't easily leave for others to takeover and break. And that reminds me of my true and long-held hope; that a Phoebe Philo collection, itself, will appear - although with no Phoebe-done Paddies, it's still second in my prayers to her to re-joining Chloé and putting her stamp on the Bay, the Heloise - and bring back 2006 leather. (Did you know that the soft Paddy leather "left" after Philo did the same year of 2006? Um-hum.) But I do think my third choice definitely is now Céline - hopefully, third dream come true's a charm.

Moving on is not always moving up, though, I want to note that when Stella McCartney left Chloé, making way for Phoebe to helm, she chose to produce *icky* "pleather" (ok ok "high quality" vegan imitation leather [yeah right]) purses for her own "dear" name. Uh - downgrade?

Surely that means Phoebe was an upgrade to Chloé, with her seemingly great affinity for  using (and not wasting) lovely skins, and I hope she'll remain the queen of quality hide, bringing that to Céline for now. Even if she can't make a single suggestion for new versions of my favorite bag, I'm not too saddened by that; the best re-invention of the Paddy yet will be featured in a coming post. (Plus I must feature an article comparing Omazic's designs with the Paddington styles, highlighting improvements this maestro could make, with some hopeful merging with the basics of the satchel.)

Maybe new brains' re-workings of IT bags is part of what keeps them fresh throughout the years, even? There's always hope where's there are more/new talented minds.

And that reminds me further of my frustrations with the biz's game of fashionable chairs - the designer of Chloé's Spring 2008 collection, Paulo Melim Andersson, made bags that brought more excitement to me than I'd felt since the classic Paddy (or perhaps the chocolate croc), yet he was axed (soon after the Fall '08 show, also around the time the Spring bags debut at stores).

What is up? Am I out of synch with the style times?--since I am afterall still in love, and always will be, with a bag many turned their noses from long ago. Despite its original status and being the cause of the entire IT bag phenomenon, most but the hugest Chloé fans atually now merely see it as the biggest *fad* bag - a time-sensitive style that's OUT with the trash. Le Sigh.

The entire angle of this article shows that I'm in love with a designer of the past. Yet every one of her fans is, as well - and recycling is a lot of what fashion is. The only reason this new designer for Céline is such a story is because of her particular work with that other brand years ago - and we all know most's fave of her work - I am not alone. My readers are with me, even if not for the Paddington, perhaps just the leather, maybe the Silverado, or even the Edith, or...........

It proves it certain, this historybooks designer retains her following, and is sure to to a great designer of the future, as well.

Welcome back, dear Phoebs - and I wonder - new/contemporary/young/hip baby bags to be born?

Collections to look forward to:

• There is conflicting information, or at least confusing wording, around the web as to when Philo's first collection for Céline will show, but to my understanding it will likely first be walked down the runway in October 2009 for Paris Fashion Week Spring 2010, after being completed in design and mockup next March. (When does she start?!) Phoebe is set to get to work this October!


• See the last of Ivana Omazic's design for Céline in the Thurs., 2nd of Oct. show during Paris Fashion Week.


• Chloé's Spring 2009 collection will debut on Oct. 4th, also in Paris.

Humorous Foot(ankle-bag)note: If you wanted to read about Phoebe Philo's clothing designs, take note; you're reading a handbag blog! ;-)

Further thanks to: Wikipedia.

Based on the style-preference delusion that fashionistas don't detest big fringe, and seemingly out of the 70's, has arrived new bag design house MUXO. Designed and crafted solely by Camila Alves and her own dear mother, Muxo's bags are painstakingly labored over by their own hands, tools and a rarer cowhide from Brazil - no not even sewing machines are used by this team. That's not to say this indie business isn't big biz backed or have gone/are going it alone en route to already-instant fame, for the designer is a fashion-and-Hollywood-insider as a former model and current baby-momma to Matthew McConaughey's newborn son Levi.

So there's no need for Camila to pray to label namesake, an African goddess of water, for help - which is lucky because what does water have to do with land-animal-skinned accessories? No, with unique "ironing" details and bags that go beyond leather-jacket fringe and long straps, such as a frame satchel and several nice clutches - I even predict mother-daughter team will encounter a bit too much success than four hands and not much more electricity than lighting can handle. Perhaps little Levi will help in the future? The 1 month old was recently quoted, "Dad, mom, I wanna go support mom’s purses". Aww! I hope this couple is as open-minded as they'd seem. ;-)

If you're interested in these unique bags, they range from $450 to $1,400, are available through their official website, or you can check them out in person at L.A.'s Kitson.

Apparently Barack's message of change and hope brought "designer" Timmy Woods hopelessly back to vintage style. Even if you love true vintage, you may be bummed by this red, white and blue homage to Obama's "logo". I imagine most recessionistas and even Obama-crushers would not feel a strong desire to show off this branded symbol, even for we who think it holds a better message than Ls, Vs and flowers. Woods's work was previously showcased in Sex and the City and I'm afraid poor, classy Michelle Obama will be forced to "flaunt' this creation, possibly at the Democratic National Convention.

But will she be alone? This garbage bag will sell to the public, with partial proceeds going to charity. I picture this dressing up the walls of handbag-enthusiasts' collection areas much more than dangling far below their shoulders.

I bet, no know, that fellow fashionistas and Etsy crafters could sketch better and more stylish interpretations of political idolatry and ideology. In fact, I'd love to see your work, especially if there's interest in a contest! Leave me a comment.

source

Britney lost the law suit defending against LVMH, but what we care about second to that bit of news is finding this music video, natch!

Britney Spears - Do Somethin'

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=lb-oyK3t7tI[/youtube]

I've added the vid to our No Knockoffs playlist on our YouTube account: Lipped Media, as well, so check it out.

And of course you should check out the news story, if you don't already know all the details.

Dooney & Bourke really knows how to pick a celebrity to give them a little publicity, while also targeting one of their main demographics: teens (no, not sci-fi buffs). Hayden Panettiere has designed a bag for the brand, to come out for the Holidays 2007. Like a hero, super star Hayden, who plays Claire Bennett on the wildly popular, Heroes TV series, actually designed something a bit more toward the classic end of Dooney's style - no, she didn't go the teeny-bopper pattern route. (Miss P., you are redeeming yourself from your past escapades of friend's shirt licking!) Maybe the subtle look of the actress's design will help to mature her peer's own senses of fashion?

A limited edition bag, due to arrive to order in early December, it is however just a bit lacking in creativity and that something special to warrant its exclusivity, stature, and the slightly higher price tag than many Dooney's, at around $500.

Really, in order to warrant me buying a Claire Bennett purse, a kind of plain one, a bit too expensive one --- well I want it to be a true super hero bag and be indestructable, with a warranty for free repairs - or "regenerations" by the Dooney company.

But that's just the Geek Chic in me!

via Bag Bliss

Consumers are cutting back, even fashionistas, even bag ladies - yes, even I am. Are we maturing? singularly, most of us (and me!). Is there a higher cost of living? Of course. Perhaps, it might be due in part to a growing awareness of "right" and "green" and all that. Does the American public have more of a conscience with spending?

I for one have cut back on my IT bags because I've gotten my own apartment, am struggling to work hard enough to keep my income rising and fit it in with managing a home. As a first-time parent-free lass, I have a boom of immediately worse costs, as well. Most of that will get better, but responsible times are ahead. It's today, it's the future.

But one blog, Luxist, suggests maybe designers' efforts to produce drool-inducing must-haves in fact brought upon a terrorist attack on arm fashion beauty. Case in point: Louis Vuitton's "explosion" of popular styles all in one tote. The LV Patchwork Tribute bag may have been the eye-opener to strike some sense into accessory fetishists everywhere. Maybe it's caused us to see ornate handbags as sillier, or perhaps designers' creativity (and sense of aesthetic sanity?) was lost or temporarily damaged in pursuit of dollar signs.

It's something to think about. But rest assured, or perhaps the opposite: the handbag is here to stay of some importance to modern, stylish women. Everything goes in cycles, so if IT bags have either lost their appeal or there just aren't worthy gorgies to satisfy and salivate us --- it'll come back big time again. The market rises and falls, economies change, budgets are balanced and blown --- and presidents swear in and lame duck-tail it out. Fashion is a vicious world of the wild, and it too follows the laws of the circle of life.

Or ... perhaps the IT's still got IT. I mean, handbag always trumps shoes as the iconic symbol of women's true sinful desires .. doesn't it?

Fergie is going to design handbags, but for another company, Kipling, and only for two seasons.

President and CEO of VF Sportswear, Denise Seegal, was attracted to Fergie by her mass appeal and fashionista style on the red carpet. This will be the first celebrity-designed collection of many for Kipling, which actually seems like a nice little bag brand, though relatively unknown.

Stacy Ferguson (Fergie) said,

As with every project that I'm involved with, I plan to put all of my heart and creativity into this one, and I'm thrilled to work with such an amazing brand. I look forward to putting my personal touch on each and every design in my signature Kipling collections.

Fergie will not only be hands on with the designs, but she will do a lot to market the bags, including posing for ad campaigns and making personal appearances - all for the brand.

There will be two collections, one for Fall 2007 and the second for Spring 2008. Bags will hit stores (unsure which) September 1st 2007.

Now let's hope Fergie can get past her devotion to motorcycle bags, as pictured above (a Balenciaga).

Source, Photo Source

It's a summery tote with gold metallic fabric. It's quite trendy, I suppose, but that won't cut it. Where are the Louboutin signature elements? They should think of some - I can:

They have platform shoes, espadrilles, and wedges right? So the bags could be raffia, have wooden elements, or even have pockets on the bottom a la the Zippy by Chloe. That compartment could be a different colour - a tan, perhaps in raffia?

Then of course all Louboutin shoes have the red sole - I think bags could be subtler; red fabric lining. That is a definite must and I will lose all hope if all bags don't have that already. (The store description doesn't say.)

The details it does have are a chain drawstring strap, nice, gotta hand them that - but then a dangling key charm? Everyone does that!

Oh sigh, why am I such a better designer than the professionals? Hmm? I need this job and this job needs moi!

The plus side, this seemingly (Neimans doesn't give size) roomy bag costs only $950.

This tote is from Chanel's new Paris Biarritz collection for SS 2007. Wow!

If all my body fat were removed (please god) all my extra matter would easily fit in here.
My whole torso would fit in here.
Both of my legs would fit in here.
My paddington collection could fit in here.
A weekend's worth of clothing could fit in here.

You get the drill, but ...

It wouldn't fit in ...

On my lap,
Just barely on a car seat,
On a shelf or hook or in my closet.

Oh boy.

Preview more Paris Biarritz below.