For reasons I cannot entirely explain, I find British celebrities sort of fascinating. I’m not an anglophile by any stretch of the imagination, but British pop culture seems so slavishly dedicated to such a particular group of people that it’s like there’s this parallel universe of fame out there, people who are just people in New York or LA but who attract paparazzi hordes in London. Notoriety is, of course, dependent on the cooperation of those around you. That strange sense of otherness is part of why I got a little obsessed with looking at paparazzi photos from London Fashion Week events.
It was a strange mix of British fashion celebs that we all know (Kate Moss, Stella McCartney) and British people that few Americans can probably identify on sight (Abbey Clancey, Donna Air), with a random American thrown in for good measure (Olivia Palermo?). Naturally, they were all carrying totally covetable handbags – fame may vary by continent, but designers accessories largely do not. Check out the best bags from outside the shows and after parties below!
Who else to start with but one of the most famous Brits in the fashion universe, Kate Moss? She toted a Lulu Guinness Lips Clutch to the AnOther Magazine party. Buy through Lulu Guinness for $465.
Daisy Lowe carried this Miu Miu Bugatti Bowler Bag to tons of shows. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1,790.
British rock royalty Amber Le Bon chose a petite Dior Panarea Pouch for her trip to Fashion Week.
On the other end of the size spectrum, TV presenter Donna Air carried a large Celine Trapeze Tote.
Singer Ellie Goulding chose a bag that was also popular with the New York Fashion Week crowd – the Loewe Amazona Bag. Buy a black suede version for $2,400 via Net-a-Porter.
Laura Whitmore might be unfamiliar to American audiences (she’s a host at MTV Europe), but her Louis Vuitton Fascinante Shoulder Bag is likely recognizable. $2,200 via Louis Vuitton.
Singer Eliza Doolittle also showed up to fashion week carrying a Louis Vuitton Bag.
Model and rock star progeny Georgia May Jagger kept it close to her British roots with a Mulberry Willow Tote. Buy through Matches for $2,132.
Burberry is one of the biggest draws of London Fashion Week, so naturally we caught several celebs toting the British brand’s bags. Among them, Alexa Chung with this Burberry Small Heart Pouch. $1,395 via Luisa Via Roma.
Over-the-top singer Paloma Faith sported a Burberry Blaze Studded Satchel. Get a similar bag for $2,195 via Saks.
Olivia Palermo also attended Burberry’s show, but I’m pretty sure what she’s got there is a Fendi Baguette Bag carried as a clutch. Buy a similar Baguette through Neiman Marcus for $3,350.
Kelly Brook chose a tasteful grey frock and a Chanel Classic Flap Bag for her jaunt to Fashion Week.
Stella McCartney carried one of her own handbags, because that’s what you do when you have your own handbag line. Pick up a similar Stella McCartney clutch for $1,230 via Neiman Marcus.
Victoria Beckham also has her own line, of course, and although she’s never done evening bags before and there weren’t any in her Spring 2014 show, the triangular print of this little clutch suggests it may indeed be from the collection. Shop Victoria Beckham bags via Net-a-Porter.
Model Abbey Clancy, hand in hand with another showgoer, chose an animal print Saint Laurent Betty 2 Bag. Buy for $1,990 via Saks.
I have hidden this image of Lily Allen at the end of the post because I feel bad for using such an unfortunate photo of anyone, but you do get a really good view of her Louis Vuitton SC Satchel. Buy through Louis Vuitton for $4,850.