Holy crackers, Versace has gone and made a bag that I like.
Quite honestly, I thought I was pretty safe from the charms of Versace’s accessories line. It has always seemed like either way too much or not nearly enough for me. On the one hand, a lot of it is blinged, studded, quilted, rouched, and covered with hardware and fringe to the extent that I’m not sure if it would actually function as a handbag. On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve seen handbags of theirs so boring while still being so astronomically priced that they gave even me handbag ennui. The Versace Multi Ring Hobo (almost) gets it right, though. I don’t love the color, but it may come in others, and the leather looks like it would be obscenely soft and supple. The shape is nice and wearable, and I like the pleated effect of the construction. This bag’s tragic flaw, though, is the price – at over $3,000, I’m not sure that it’ll go to the top of many wishlists. Please, Donatella, rethink your accessories pricing – it might get you a much larger piece of the pie if you keep designing at least mildly attractive bags. Buy through Saks for $3145.










“We knew Donatella Versace had picked Halle Berry to star in the next Versace campaign but we could hardly have expected her to look this good. Photographed by Mario Testino in LA for the spring/summer 2006 ads, the Oscar winning actress follows Madonna and Demi Moore in becoming the face of the label and Donatella’s new best friend. “I have always chosen inspirational women to represent Versace,” says the Italian designer. “Halle represents everything that is great about this collection someone who loves colour, has a real sensuality, who is strong yet feminine and who is a real woman who has lived. For me she is easier to relate to and more relevant than a model and of course she looks simply beautiful in the clothes. Furthermore I have known Halle for many years and have always admired her determination and her professionalism. Our campaign was photographed during the shooting of X Men 3 and as she only had one day off in which to complete it, she worked tirelessly from 5am to 1am the following morning 20 hours straight without batting an eyelid.””
Many of you may have realized that I sure do have a thing for clutches. I can’t get enough. Because spring is in the air (it really is not, but let’s all pretend), Versace has presented us with florals to warm up our hearts. The Versace Orchid and Shell Print Clutch is edgy, fun, and daring. With a fuchsia polka dot pattern as the background, this clutch is dazzled with vibrant colored orchids and swirly shell patterns and is trimmed in natural cowhide. Now remember, this bag is making it into the resort collection. So when we all venture out from hibernation, we can graciously carry this bag in the sun and sand. The clutch has a wooden frame with wicker trim which further shows off some island flair. The perfect finishing touches are added to the clutch; a cowhide belt that closes over the frame, and a lucite-and-gold-metal Versace medallion on a rope which dangles from the side of the clutch. Open this flower powered clutch up to find a fuchsia satin interior with an inside zipped pocket. Don’t be fooled, this is no small clutch. This is one big bag, measuring up at 14.2″ x 8.3″ x 2.4″. If you dare to prepare yourself for spring, do it in style. Grab this clutch through 