Alexander McQueen Handbags and Purses (Page 2)

Alexander McQueen Calf Hair Crossbody, $2345 via Neiman Marcus.

That would be the summer-to-fall transition, not the spring-to-summer transition that we’re all experiencing right now. Is all this talk about heading into fall driving anyone else crazy? Even though I’m the one doing most of it in these parts, it’s about to shove me right off the deep end, so I know that some of you have probably noticed. Fall seems like a distant dream with temperatures rising and the unofficial start of summer just passing mere days ago, but fashion waits for no woman, and Pre-Fall and Fall 2011 are everywhere.

The Alexander McQueen Calf Hair Crossbody might not ship until early September, but at the very least, it’s the sort of piece that you can wear immediately upon arrival instead of waiting for the weather to turn genuinely cold. That might be of little comfort, but summer in the fashion industry is deathly slow, and we have to talk about something. So fall it is!

Alexander McQueen Gold leaf Metal Skull Box Clutch, $3295 via Alexander McQueen.

With the vast majority of handbags, I tire of a design almost immediately. So many beautiful options abound that I find myself in a constant state of “on to the next one,” and brands that rely largely on seasons-old products with only cursory changes from collection to collection grate on my nerves something fierce. (I’m looking at you, Chloe.) If a brand is going to charge four figures for its bags, I want something legitimately new.

But for some reason, I never get sick of the Alexander McQueen Skull Box Clutches. Part of that is because many of the new versions are wildly creative and do a great deal with the limited visual real estate of a box clutch, but that doesn’t tell the whole story; I love the plain leather versions too, even though I’ve been seeing them season after season for years. For me, these clutches are as close as it gets to a perfect product. Let us know which bags keep tickling your fancy, season after season, in the comments.

The Alexander McQueen Iris Skull Clutch is one of those bags that needs to be seen in the largest photo possible at all times; at a distance, you might mistake the detailed embroidery for printed fabric, and that would be a tragedy indeed. A bag like this can look like a hippie craft project without a very careful hand, but Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 took flowers and butterflies and someone manages to make them look beautifully transgressive. The juxtaposition of a skull with delicate flowers is something that only McQueen can pull off in a high-end way.

After Rachel Zoe confirmed her pregnancy, the fashion world began to buzz about her stylish baby on board. While many speculated if she would have a boy or girl and what her baby would be spotted wearing, I was busy wondering what diaper bag Rachel Zoe planned to carry.

Luckily, Rachel Zoe shared with us that she is going bananas for her Alexander McQueen diaper bag.

Sarah Burton had large shoes to fill when she stepped in at Alexander McQueen. But her transition has not only been seamless but has also continued to bring us gorgeous pieces. Right now I am absolutely obsessed with the Alexander McQueen 3D Hobo. While Neiman Marcus describes this bag as flower-detail, I would like to clarify: this my friends is black leather cutwork leaves. In a time when we have come to expect florals from the likes of Valentino, I feel refreshed with this look from McQueen.

Truth be told, leather flowers are gorgeous but with these floral leaves we have an earthy spirit brought to the design. The Alexander McQueen 3D Hobo is an ethereal beauty, and I can not stop any part of me from wanting it.

When it comes to Alexander McQueen accessories, the box clutch with skull clasp closure is iconic. With countless renditions ranging from plain leather to overall studded, there is an option for everyone out there. I always enjoyed the studded versions, but I also never saw myself carrying one. I like a little bit of spunk and rock, but I have my limits.

Even though ample studs take over the front of the Alexander McQueen Brittania Punk Leather Box Clutch, the perfectly toned down green leather offsets the studs in a manner that leaves the final product much less harsh.

Spring 2011 bag collections have already started to emerge for preorder on all of the major luxury retail websites, but some brands are quicker about having their items posted than others. I have yet to find any Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 handbags up for grabs, but I was able to find a few press pictures of the collection for our mutual enjoyment.

McQueen’s new creative director, Sarah Burton, only showed one bag during the line’s runway presentation, so finally getting to see these promo shots is enlightening indeed. Alongside the requisite fantastical skull clutches, the brand is also offering several pieces that look downright functional under their leather foliage. If these pieces are an indication of what is to come from the brand’s handbags, then Alexander McQueen certainly remains in capable hands. As if spring’s runway show even left any doubt.