Celestina Roseanne Blacklip Clutch
Jun 26, 2009 / Posted in Evening Bags, Novelty Bags by Amanda Mull.I’ve made no secret that I’m a huge and adoring fan of almost every clutch that Celestina has ever made. The materials used are those that are rarely found in such abundance in other clutches, and they’re used to amazing effect. The level of intricacy is unbelievably high on everything that they make, and they leave no detail unattended. But that doesn’t mean that their clutches are overdone – they’re usually sleek and modern-looking, despite their incredible uniqueness.
Which brings us to the Celestina Roseanne Blacklip Clutch. I can’t imagine that anyone could look at this and have a negative reaction – it’s sleek and simple, covered in diamond-cut tiles of blacklip mother of pearl. The colors are earthy and warm, but deep enough to function as a cold-weather event option despite the material. It reflects a great deal of light and would likely change colors fantastically in different settings. If you were to take it to an event, you’d easily stand out in a sea of boring black evening bags. Buy through Barneys for $1290.
That is gorgeous!!
Stunningly simple. Beautiful.
I have to agree that this clutch is stunning. It is so amazingly intricate. This is one of those cases in which the bag truly looks like it is worth its price. Thanks for the review, Amanda!
Caroline
http://www.twitter.com/salescoop
Regarding CELESTINA BAGS: I agree with some of the posters in the previous articles about Celestina. Don’t buy them at those ridiculous prices! Tina Maristela-Ocampo was a model in the Philippines, and considers herself a “socialite” now. I do not believe that just because you are a socialite, you can use your name to overprice merchandise that, not only can EASILY be found and produced locally in the markets in the Philippines, but also are very common here. You can get the exact designs for much, much less (as little as $20-50). These bags aren’t exactly hard to make, considering that mother of pearl is readily available here in the Philippines. If you buy it at this price, you’re getting ripped off. Instead, I suggest travelling here to the Philippines and buy these bags from local women who get paid so little for their own hard work.
Just had to share my opinion.
Well, it’s pretty much impossible for most people to travel to the Philippines for the purpose of buying handbags. If things like that are this common there, it amazes me that businesses haven’t been set up to export them to the US; there would definitely be a market.
All I’m saying is that I’m disappointed to learn that she has been selling her bags at this price. If it’s true that her laborers or materials are from the Philippines, then why the high cost? The local women here aren’t paid much at all for work like this, so it’s disappointing that they aren’t the ones benefiting from this. The Philippines is a poor country, and most of us don’t have the funds or ability to penetrate the world market like the designer of Celestina does. In almost all cases, it’s only the very rich people who are capable of getting through the red tape of the government.
I’m just surprised that she’s charging such prices. You know, it would probably cost more to buy the bags at these prices than to travel here and buy a bag.
I love the clutch its totally divine but i have to take E Santos’ comments into consideration. I think i would prefer to come see your beautiful country instead
I disagree with E Santos. Those small-time entrepreneurs/designers are way more talented than Tina! Waittaminute, Tina doesn’t even pay her staff! she gets all those ballooned profits herself! (and her gay husband)
E Santos, I agree with Amanda that NO ONE is going to travel all the way to the Philippines for the purpose of buying handbags. Once you take airfare, lodging, food, and other travel expenses into account (and not to mention time lost to traveling), you will have spent more than $1290 for a handbag.
Locally made goods are ALWAYS cheaper to buy locally than exported goods. This is a no-brainer. But Tina was smart and saw a way to make money. The local designers/artisans weren’t.
okay.. seems like there’s sort of a debate going on now. here’s my take on it. i’m someone who actually lives in the philippines, and just last saturday, i went around the malls and saw BOTH celestina mother of pearl clutches (which retails for about $1230 to $2300++) from a high end boutique and locally made mother of pearl clutches being sold at a local department store (which costs around $120 to $150) and i must say, there IS a difference. while the difference may not be huge, upon comparison you will definitely see that celestina’s bags are intricately crafted from the best materials while the ones in the local department store are not as nice. so i guess it all boils down to which the buyer would prefer: quality or price. as the saying goes, you can’t have the best of both worlds
This clutch is absolutely phenomenal. It’s just perfection all around.