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CLICK HERE to bid on the Miley Cyrus autographed bag (auction up to $800 already)

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Jimmy Choo’s Tamara Mellon teamed up with Richard Phillips to create two Limited Edition art bags for the Spring/Summer 08 handbag line. The first bag, the Jimmy Choo Face Canvas Bag, was not accepted widely by all of you. On the face bag, the four faces are taken from Phillips portrait Riot (1998). For the 70’s style Jimmy Choo Face Clutch, the sensual Richard Phillips Nuclear portrait is showcased on the smooth curves and red background of the bag. The frame of the clutch is made with Bakelite (resin) and gives off a very vintage look. For me, the clutch is a huge improvement from the tote. The tote is said to be a beach bag, and I just find it a bit creepy really. But the clutch is subtle and sensual, adding an artistic touch without being overboard. Pre-order through Saks for $595.

I learned about the ultimate Bottega Veneta Bag, the Cabat, while in Venice, Italy. Between the bag being entirely hand woven inside and out, the four layers, and the small amount of artisans that have the weaving skill to finish this bag, the Cabat is well worth its hefty price tag. For spring/summer season, there is a new rendition of the Cabat, the Bottega Veneta Barcelona Cabat which features Platino Ossidato leather (a brown and bronze combination) on the large frame (17.6 x 7.8 x 12.9 IN). There are only 500 pieces of this version being made, and like the other Cabat’s each piece features an inside pouch numbered plaque. I have had a huge crush on this bag since I first laid eyes on it. I would even venture to say that it rivals a great Hermes Travel Bag. The problem is the price also rivals a Hermes Bag, and at $7250, it is just not as accessible to many. Pre-order through Bottega Veneta for $7250. Also shop Bottega Veneta through Saks and Net-A-Porter.

Exciting news for fans of exclusive bags and cars alike. In a similar move to Lamborghini’s previous collaboration with Versace, Bugatti plans to revive a relationship between Emile Hermes and Ettore Bugatti that was initiated as far back as the 1920s by creating a Limited Edition Veyron. The new super sports car is suspected to have a more over-the-top interior with a lot of delicate stitching and embossed logos. The new Veyron is scheduled to be revealed at the Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva from March 3rd to March 16th 2008. Expect the new project to be sold out very swiftly – also expect a very steep and unattainable price. We can only hope for a special bag compartment for the complementary croc Birkin!

Click on the images to enlarge!

“We have been quietly building the Momoberry brand to reflect the desire of the upscale Hello Kitty customer,” says Andrea Sobel, Vice President of Marketing at SANRIO. “We are true fans of Rebecca Minkoff’s designs, and feel her understanding of our brand will translate perfectly into a unique Momoberry handbag collection.”

“I have been a fan of Hello Kitty and Sanrio since I was a little girl and I feel very fortunate to be working with Sanrio as a designer,” says Rebecca. “This has been an amazing process since the beginning and I’m excited to see the response to this unique line!”

   

We were lucky to be sent all four of the bags to take pictures and review. I am in love with the Hello Kitty Rebecca Minkoff Leather Satchel, the brown Italian leather offers a subtle shimmer in the finish with looks perfect with the gold hardware. $600 at SANRIO.

   

The black leather on the Hello Kitty Rebecca Minkoff Leather Tote is so lush and supple that I could not keep my hands off. The frame top opens up to a huge compartment that can be filled with all work goodies (also great dimensions for a travel bag). $650 at SANRIO.

The Hello Kitty Rebecca Minkoff Clutch combines lush black leather strips on top of the Rebecca Minkoff/Kello Kitty design. The clutch can fold over to save space. $375 at SANRIO.

Lastly, there is the super cute Hello Kitty Rebecca Minkoff Leather Coin Purse which uses the same beautiful brown leather as the satchel and has Hello Kitty embossed on the front. $150 at SANRIO.

Additionally, the bags can be purchased through any of the locations below!

Momoberry by Sanrio
Beverly Center Mall
131 N La Cienega Blvd Suite 814
LA, CA 90048
Phone: 310.657.7040

Sanrio – Times Square
233 West 42nd Street
NY, NY 10036
Phone: 212.840.6011

Sanrio – Ala Moana
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 808.949.2990

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing the fabulous Rebecca Minkoff and after getting to see more of her handbags in person I can not get enough! I ordered three bags from the Rebecca Minkoff sample sale and while I wait for those to arrive I will continue to lust after her designs until I can ease my addiction. The Rebecca Minkoff Morning After bag has been a huge hit, and many people are yearning for the mini version. Neiman Marcus is carrying an exclusive brown suede with espresso leather trim Rebecca Minkoff Mini Morning After Bag which is perfect for the season! This mini bag uses brown Italian suede which is trimmed with glazed leather and offset with brass plated hardware. The top handle has rings and a detachable shoulder strap. Rebecca’s bags are made to be used, hence are highly practical. There is an easy to reach zip pocket with flap detail on the front and inside there are three open pockets and one zip pocket. The mini’s dimensions are 6 1/2″H x 12 1/2″W x 7″D. Buy this color exclusively at Saks for $585 to nab one of the hottest bags right now!

The Stam Bag always appealed my eyes with its chunky hardware and quilted leather, but it was just a bit too much for me. I never really jumped on the Stam bandwagon. Many people did not realize that the ‘regular’ Stam was actually huge. It could really overpower you. So for all the Stam lovers that wanted a Stam with a more compact size, Marc Jacobs introduced the Marc Jacobs Quilted Little Stam Bag also known as “The Kid”. The Kid features all of the Stam’s characteristics, in a smaller size, including quilted metallic grained leather, golden brass hardware, and a removable chunky chain link shoulder strap. The top sports a gusseted frame with an oversized kiss lock closure, just like its big sister. The dimensions of the baby Stam are 11″x 7″x 4″ (while the regular Stam is an overwhelming 16″ x 11″ x 6″). The metallic gold color is exclusive to eLuxury. Available at eLuxury for $1195.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said, “The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service”. Behind the impeccably skilled designer, Zac Posen, is a man with a charitable heart for a cause that reaches out to us all. Zac Posen has partnered with DHL to create the Zac Posen + DHL Tote For Teachers and will donate 100% of proceeds benefit Teachers Count. Teachers Count is a non-profit organization that prides itself in furthering teacher appreciation. Without teachers we would all not be who we are today, for it is the teachers that have nurtured our minds and expanded our thoughts.

The Tote For Teachers is made with supple red Italian leather and features a yellow shoulder strap. Being able to convert to a messenger, the handbag is practical, featuring room for all goods on your way to class or your job. The dimensions are 12” wide by 14” tall. Bold and vibrant coloring, the tote implements DHL’s colors, red and yellow, to help it stand out and illuminate your horizons. For a great cause, purchase this bag for $400 at Tote For Teachers.

Brought to you by Zac Posen, DHL, and Teachers Count.

More pictures of the fabulous Zac Posen and the bag below!

Symbolizing temptation and eroticism, the snake has been a creature of great mystery. Judith Leiber touches on the temptation of the snake, as it was used to tempt Eve and take over her heart. To an outsider, the Judith Leiber Heart & Snake Miniaudiere is simple, but the symbolism runs deep, alluding to sin and evil along with lust and eroticism. The Austrian black crystal embellishments take over the heart, showing it is dark and tainted, with the silver-tone snake overture and hardware. Beyond symbolism, this miniaudiere features and optional chain strap, double-sided mirror, and matching coin purse. This piece is a conversation piece, used to get people thinking. Some may be offended, some may take it lightly, but either way this piece has symbolism that runs much deeper than merely an evening bag. Pre-order via Neiman Marcus for $1995.

A luscious hue of emerald green is reminiscent of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Pairing this divine color in an sleek sophisticated handbag gives Zac Posen an edge over the rest of his competition for a hit. eLuxury exclusively carries the emerald Zac Posen Antonia Bag, which will lure in handbag enthusiasts and green color lovers worldwide. The green patent leather provides a sleek and sophisticated touch along with the aged gold metal hardware. There is a front flap with a hexagonal ring pull. This handbag exudes a feeling of prim and proper, for the business lady or the woman with her Chanel suit. Then again, pair this with jeans and be casual chic, the possibilities are endless. Fall is calling for clean lines, structure, and patent leather, so could this handbag be more of a hit? Lush suede finishes off the interior and measurements are 15″x 11″x 4″. Exclusively at eLuxury for $1200. Grab yours before this color is no longer available!

Marc Jacobs is clearly proud of his bod — and bares it all again in the latest edition of Visionaire. The 168-page oversize book, sponsored by Louis Vuitton, includes nude photographs of a bevy of models, actors and celebrities, including Jacobs, this edition’s guest editor. Visionaire co-founder Stephen Gan said the concept was conceived more than two years ago and most of the photos were taken late last year. “The idea was to do personal nudes of famous people. We came up with a list of who are considered the most beautiful people in the world,” he explained. That list includes Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Mariah Carey, Drew Barrymore, Naomi Campbell, Scarlett Johansson, Christy Turlington, Gisele Bündchen, Jamie Dornan and Selma Blair, all shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Though most of the images are quite revealing, “not everyone is stark naked,” Gan said (Lopez and Anthony appear clothed, most of the models, including Daria Werbowy and Natalia Vodianova, do not). Thus, the latest edition is entitled “Private.”

Photographs of Jacobs appear in the last pages of the book, where he appears lying across an oversize teddy bear in one image and draped in black rope in several others. (”His photographs were not retouched,” a Visionaire staffer added.) Jacobs is no stranger to baring it all: He appeared naked on the September cover of Out magazine, and on the cover of WWD in September 2006, along with his business partner, Robert Duffy, to raise awareness of skin cancer. And Jacobs hasn’t posed naked only when he’s fit — the designer also bared all for Vanity Fair in the Nineties.

Voyeurs and others can buy the issue for $375 beginning in early October; 2,500 copies will be printed. But before sulking at the hefty price tag, consider “Private” will be sold in a limited edition Louis Vuitton gold monogrammed case. At least they thought to dress the book up, even if its subjects inside aren’t. — Stephanie D. Smith

Via WWD

A slight tinge of gold is the ideal way to add metallic shine without overpowering your handbag, your outfit, or you. Designed with a touch of burnished golden leather and set off with brown leather, the limited edition Chloe Heloise Cherry Bag adds just the right touch to a simple design. The Heloise is based on a simple shape design, so small additions on the bag help it stand out. There is braided leather on shoulder strap with gold-tone rings, which may very well dig into your shoulder if you are toting a ton inside the bag, but still adds a great dimension. Accessible on the outside are slit pockets and a small patch pocket with a snap closure. Dimensions are 10″H x 16″W x 4″D. This is another Saks exclusive bag, which is now available on pre-order for $2030.

Neiman Marcus continues to celebrate their 100th birthday with a range of exclusive products that are sure to garner ample attention. Judith Leiber has designed special edition clutches for different years and events at Neiman Marcus and for this notable anniversary Leiber has brought the butterfly into the forefront. The Leiber Butterfly Celestrina Clutch is specially designed for Neiman Marcus’s centennial, spotlighting pink, lavender, lilac, and clear Austrian crystals. There is silver tone hardware throughout along with an optional chain shoulder strap. Showing that this piece is extravagant inside and out, there is 100% alligator lining and a double-sided mirror and matching coin purse. Many that own Leiber pieces see them as art pieces, which is what they are. While this clutch is a masterpiece, getting enough use for the price would be hard. Yet if you are a collector, I would jump on this opportunity. Pre-order through Saks for $5995.

As Neiman Marcus celebrates their 100th Anniversary, part of the party involves swank online offers. An array of Neiman Marcus exclusive products are dotting their website that can not be passed up. Extravagant in both price and materials, the Prada Croc Clutch manifests luxury with pink crocodile and gold-toned corner guards and logo. A removable shoulder strap is included. Sassy pink and exotic crocodile are a divine combination, but the price tag is out of this world. If luxury goods continue to exponentially increase as they are now, our pay checks need to coincide or else the designer market will suffer (so don’t do it to us!). Pre-order via Saks Fifth Ave for $8990.

Big news in the handbag world. Chanel has announced the newest limited edition and highly coveted handbag. With only 13 available worldwide, this handbag sits upon the accessory throne as one of the most expensive luxury handbags in the world. The Chanel Diamond Forever Classic Bag will debut in December adorned with 3.56 carats made up of 334 diamonds, 18 carat white gold hardware, and white alligator skin. Five of these ostentatious handbags will be available in the states. The price tag on this number is a staggering $261,000. Yes the price is sky high, but these bags are masterpieces, works of art. With only 13 being made, owning one would be similar to an art collector owning a Picasso.

Let’s discuss: Is this bag worth the price? If you owned it would you carry it or think of it as a piece of art? Who do you think will be one of the lucky 13?

Following up with her first article on the World’s Most Extravagant Handbags, Hitha Prabhakar at Forbes interviewed me again for this article. Article and exclusive pictures below!

It’s never too early to start thinking about your holiday wish list.

Sure to top it this year? Chanel’s “Diamond Forever” tote (pictured left). In December, the company will debut 13 of these diamond and alligator handbags just in time for the holiday shopping crunch. Each is a stepped-up version of the classic Chanel shoulder bag, with the iconic Chanel “Cs” encrusted in a staggering 334 diamonds (a total of 3.56 carats) set in 18-carat white gold. The alligator skin is farmed and treated with a matte finish.

The total cost: $260,150.

While few may actually end up owning this bag, the demand for other high-end handbags has skyrocketed. Online retailer eluxury.com saw sales of luxury handbags (those over $500) increase 11% last year.

“People want to spend their money on frivolous things,” says Pamela Danziger, author of Why People Buy Things They Don’t Need and founder of luxury goods research company Unity Marketing. “[And] handbags definitely fall into that category.”

Scarcity is also driving desire for these totes. Something that is hard to obtain or impossible to find will be more valuable, says Meaghan Mahoney, editor of the daily news and handbag review online site purseblog.com.

“A handbag [such as] the Chanel Diamond Forever bag is more of a collector’s item than something you use on a daily basis,” she says. “Like an exquisite car or a rare painting, it’s the limited availability and high demand that make this handbag more valuable.”

Read the rest at Forbes

A bigger sized picture of this gem attached to the Purse Forum thread linked below!

If I could explain the fascination easily, then you would all find my sister and I crazy, but let me just say that my older sister and I have a special place in our hearts for pigs. It is a total inside joke. I am a huge fan of Leiber Miniaudiere’s and have been waiting until I begin attending more galas and events that would call for such an elegant art piece. I was tickled to see the new Judith Leiber Pigtail Miniaudiere which resembles a chubby pig like that of Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web. This handcrafted designer art piece is fully beaded with multicolor Austrian crystals from head to toe on top of silver tone hardware and a push lock closure. Even better is the fact that a double-sided mirror and matching coin purse are included. I am not head over heels about the detachable chain shoulder strap, because I think the pig would look a tad silly just dangling off your body and heaven forbid it falls down. Cute piggy dimensions are 4 1/2″H x 3 1/2″W. Now this would not be a Leiber piece for my mother, but for a chic and still somewhat young girl like myself, it would be perfect. Pre-order via Bergdorf Goodman for $3600.

While in Venice, Italy, Vlad and I made ourselves quite comfortable in the Bottega Veneta Venice store. Aside from the fact that all exotics BV makes were there, and the colors and choices were divine, there were a few limited edition pieces that deserve tons of credit. Available online in the stunning metallic Ottone color (gold), the Bottega Veneta Limited Edition Large Cabat is an oversized attention grabber. Thanks to Ms Piggy via tPF, she shared some great information about this bag: “This bag is entirely hand woven, both inside and out. So there are actually four layers (unlike the other Intrecciato whereby it is actually a large leather panel with the weaves going through the slits on it). And apparently there are very few artisans in Italy that has the woven skills required for the Cabat.” Truly a piece of divine beauty and a limited edition bag, with a numbered plaque on each bag. I nearly went ga-ga for the Large Cabat in Old Petra, but the price held me back. As I was told, the large would be a great travel bag, measuring 18 x 8 x 13 IN. But the price may take your breath away; $5650 via BV. Either way, this bag is unarguably stunning.

In the race for Forbes’ Most Extravagant Handbags, it comes to be no surprise that Hermes takes the cake. The Hermes Birkin in Croc Porosus Lisse is no boring ‘ole standard issue 35cm Birkin, but made on special order only. The limited bag is set with over 10 carats of shiny diamonds, and with a price tag of nearly $150,000 I am quite confident that the number of orders on this beauty are quite limited as well.

Many thanks to Hitha Prabhakar, Megs was very excited to be interviewed by Forbes for the article! Read the full story here.