Exotics

When most of us think of Balenciaga Bags, we think of the B-bag craze surrounding the leathers, colors, and celebrity following. Little do many know that Balenciaga does make exotic bags for our enjoyment. A member of our forum, Purse-Oooh, was lucky enough to snag a Balenciaga Crocodile Work Bag which sports a black crocodile body on the coveted Balenciaga Work’s style. Price is around $18,000, which is very steep but great for those that are die-hard Balenciaga fans.

Larger image below!

Bulgari (usually written “BVLGARI” in ancient Roman style) has been setting the pace for over 100 years now on the most elegant and stunning pieces of jewelry. The Italian design house has ventured into the realm of handbags and has done so exquisitely. Halle Berry, who is expecting her first child with model boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, was spotted shopping in LA carrying a Bulgari Bag in olive ostrich. Halle was glowing and looked very happy while she shopped at Minotti, a store famous for their exquisitely-designed sofas and chairs. Her handbag really stands out, which features black patent leather shoulder straps with gold-plated ring detail. The handbag also features two outside pockets on either end. The handbag is elegant and classy, just as Halle Berry is. The price is quite steep, but that is to be expected from the Italian luxury house. $8,050 at Bvlgari (1-800-BVLGARI).

Click to see pics of Halle and her beautiful bag!

The deep hues of blues, reds, and purples that appear almost black but in the right light give a hint of color are drop dead gorgeous. There is no need to be decked out in black at all times. Rather, for an event that most will wear black to, pop a hue of color that makes everyone do a double take. The hottest nail polish right now is the Chanel Blue Satin Nail Polish, which is such a deep blue hue that only with a touch of light does it appear blue rather than black. Going along the same trend, the Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Clutch shows off a deep shade of purple on shiny crocodile leather. The clutch is structured and has a front flap which leads to suede lining. While this Nancy Gonzalez bag is also available in red and black, the purple is by far the best color option. Dimensions are perfect for a night out, measuring 4 1/2″H x 8″W x 2″D. I find this bag to be elegant, stunning, and timeless. Buy through Saks for $1,050.

Beatrice, owner of April in Paris

There is something about Paris that changes people. If you have been, you will know what I mean. If you have not, you must go. Beatrice Amblard, the designer behind April in Paris, was only 16 when she visited Paris for the first time, but it was love at first sight. “The smell of the leather, the glue and the wax went right to my nose. I decided right there on the spot that I would become a master artisan in leather.”

And what better place to work with leathers than Hermes in Paris? Beatrice was hired as an apprentice where she learned the art of creating handbags. At Hermes, she worked on the famous Hermes Kelly for 14 years. The craftsmen and women of Hermes are famous in their own right; as they are able to perfect the double stitch and meticulously create leather masterpieces.

Beatrice took all that she learned and opened her own boutique, April in Paris in the San Francisco in 2000. She focuses on classic and contemporary pieces. Being the only Hermes leather artisan to open a store in the US, Beatrice is able to bring something to the table that is lacking in this “it bag of the season” market, timeless elegance. She spends 60 hours a week using centuries-old tools to make wallets, belts, briefcases, and handbags. While her products are not ‘cheap’, they are a fabulous option to Hermes, the brand that is hard to come by and whose prices are going through the roof. It is very evident that Bea has a Hermes background, as her craftsmanship is divine and some of her bags have a feeling of Hermes.

Every piece is made-to-order, so there is a waiting period of 4-6 weeks. Yet this insures that you can choose a design, color, and material, to make a tailored finished product to your liking. Currently, all handbag orders can be placed via phone, 415.750.9910, or you can Beatrice directly at bea@aprilinparis.us . Right now, there is a shopping option for small leather accessories and belts (all to die for also!)

With every big fashion house pushing out trendy bag after trendy bag, we sometimes forget about the delights of smelling the beautiful leather of a new bag and inspecting every fine detail of a well-made bag. Because of this, I find April in Paris to be a refreshing and delightful line, brought to us by a top-notch artisan.
Visit April in Paris online or at her store located at 55 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118.

Below are 4 of the latest designs by Beatrice:

1) Celeste, black millennium alligator $6500

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After picking up a tourmaline stone on an African safari and designing it into a ring at the age of 13, Kara Ross knew she had a vision and would love to design. Kara Ross is now known for her exotic one-of-a-kind handbags, her divine jewelry, and her use of precious and semi-precious stones. Kara expects a woman who wears her designs to have an ‘independent and unique sense of style and be classic yet willing to take risks and stand out’. In 2002, Kara launched a fine jewelry line which was and still is a huge success. And in 2006, she launched her line of exotic handbags. Her handbags have been widely praised and are being carried in stores like Neiman Marcus and being seen in the hands of many celebrities.

Her vision is clear, her designs are breathtaking, and her pieces are truly different from all others. Kara Ross handbags implement classic elegance with a new age touch. The focal point of her bags is the stone that she may use at the closure paired with the exotic skins. Kara is not afraid to mix and match exotics on each bag, really making the handbag stand out and garner all attention. Below are a few of my favorite bags from Kara Ross. Her designs are eye-catching, stunning, and easy to love. Check out more designs, including her jewelry, at Kara Ross online.

Kara Ross Lucis Silver Python Bag. $2,575
This bag pairs silver python with fuschia alligator to make a stunning compilation! There is shiny silver hardware and rock crystal detail.

See more of my picks below!

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Box Clutch

Oh how this clutch has me jumping for joy!! Sure it is winter many places, but spring is upon us and I am getting ready to book a trip to Bermuda. In Bermuda, the island surrounded by beautiful water and white and blue homes, a bright color will surely pop. I have always had a thing for Nancy Gonzalez exotics, especially her crocodile. She uses colors that are so rich and perfect for every occasion. From turquoise to yellows to stunning pinks and greens, Gonzalez’ use of color is what sets her apart from many designers. The Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Box Clutch is the perfect structured bag in two of the most beautiful bright colors, fuschia and lime green. The clutch is small yet perfect, 6¾”W X 3½”H X 2″D. Most everyday phones will fit perfectly into it and a small lip stick and mirror. While I love oversized clutches, I also appreciate a small compact clutch that will really fit in my hand. There is a hidden magnetic closure which leaves all hardware hidden. All that can be seen on the outside is an exotic crocodile skin in a stunning bright color which opens to satin lining and an open pocket. And yes, the clutch is small, but the price is quite great! Dare I say the price is great enough that I am seriously considering buying both colors and calling it a day. Buy through Saks for $750.

LAI Python Hani Clutch and LAI Crocodile Hani Clutch

The only problem I have with this clutch is deciding which one I like more. Do I go with option A, the python clutch, or option B, the crocodile clutch? Then again, there is always the option to throw all frugality out the window and get both. Lux Couture carries the LAI line, whose acronym name means “luxury accessory international”, which is precisely what their handbags exude. The LAI Hani Clutch has my heart, in both gray metallic python and blue crocodile. I am totally stuck on the fence, wondering which way I should sway. The Hani clutch is a sleek accordion style and both versions are easy to dress down or dress up. There is a handy angled band across the front of both for you to slip your fingers through for ease of carrying. Both are hardware free, which means the exotic materials speak for themselves. Both measure 10″ x 5.5″ and are lined in plush suede and both cost $1,125 [crocodile here and python here]. If you are interested, go to Lux Couture now and tell Sari we sent you, she will take care of you!

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Right now I am vacationing in the land of the fun and funky; Key West, Florida. People here are walking around in bikinis, sandals, shorts, and soaking up the sun. This has been the perfect transition after a cold but beautiful stay in Germany. The bars are hopping at every hour of the day in Key West and the clothing options are flashy and optional. Everyone is getting prepared for New Year’s here, which, in Key West, is always absolutely crazy. The outfit and accessories that you will wear to ring in 2008 will start your year off whichever way you chose. Will you be wearing a black dress with a simple bag, a mini colorful dress with a gold bag, a couture outfit, or jeans and a tee shirt? I am opting for a metallic exotic clutch. I have had my eye on a few, but the Nancy Gonzalez Lizard Clutch definitely deserves a spot in my list of options. Available in both gold and pewter metallic lizard, this framed top clutch radiates. There is one interior pocket and suede lining. This is the perfect hand held clutch, 5 1/2″H x 8 1/2″W x 1 2/5″D, and perfect to wear for the 2007-2008 transition. This is high on my list right now and perfect for someone in Key West or someone in the cold Northeast. Buy through Saks for $1,265.

My eyes are not deceiving me. This is indeed the Gucci Papillon Evening Bag that has caught my attention. There are a few reasons that this is a great evening bag. First is the price; which is by no means super cheap, but in the world of handbag lovers $750 for a bag from a huge designer house and with exotics is relatively inexpensive. Second, the look of the bag is alluring. It mixes the bamboo detail to give it the tropical resort feel, but doing so in black keeps it classy for evening wear. The bags body is designed with black satin and the flap is designed with black ayers (snake skin). Dimensions are 9½”W X 4½”H X ½”D. This is a great evening bag for resort wear and especially great for the lucky ones that live in the tropics. Buy through Saks for $750.

Many of my leather handbags are from huge designer labels. Yet when I look for an exotic, I love turning to new designers. They are able to bring us the exotics that we lust for with a special touch. Sari Brown, owner of Lux Couture, is constantly introducing me to new designers that work with exotics. She recently told me about a great company, Bird Handbags, that offers chic and easily wearable ostrich, snake skin, and lamb leather bags. After looking into this new company, I fell in love. Liz Carey is the designer behind Bird Handbags and has lived a life you would read about in a trendy magazine.

Click here for more on Bird Handbags!