Alexander Wang Devere Shoulder Bag, $855 via Net-a-Porter

Obviously, we believe in the power of pictures. Our entire business model is based on them, and the right photo actually is worth a thousand words – or, in the case of a high-end handbag, a thousand dollars. Sometimes, though, with some bags, a picture doesn’t tell the entire story. When I finally saw the Alexander Wang Devere Shoulder Bag in person, I realized that perhaps I had judged it too harshly. When looking at it face-to-face, it turns out that I totally love it.

As with most of Alexander Wang‘s product, this bag is designed with a very specific girl in mind. She’s young, urban, interested in design and fashion. She probably wears a lot of black. She sounds a lot like…me. Still, though, I was dubious about this bag in photos. Would that much mirrored patent look cheap? What about the little fur puffs – would they be a step too far?

I’ve seen the bag being carried by others twice in the past two months, and I can confidently say that for the right customers, this design is totally chic. The hard lines and severe material make this futuristic bag look a bit like a stylized space ship, and the little tufts of fur give it just enough softness. Particularly against the pastels trend that spring will bring, a bag like this is just the right thing, if you’re just the right customer. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $855.