There’s this idyllic version of the perfect day in my mind, and that day always involves NYC in the fall. The crispness in the air is enough to take away any unwanted smells, the few trees on the streets leading into Central Park have leaves turning various shades of yellow, orange, and red, and the classic New York City buildings – from brownstones to historical landmarks – are found on either side of me as I walk down the street. Scenes from one of my all-time favorite movies, You’ve Got Mail, could easily be seen as part of this perfect day and when I think of what I’d be wearing, my fall outfit always revolves around a fall bag and shoes. Certain bags stand out as fall and winter bags so well, they immediately take me to that happy place in my mind, and the new line of Jimmy Choo Varenne Bags manages just that.
I could easily picture myself with one of the Jimmy Choo Varenne Bags (I’d go for the Bowler, more to come on that below) and a pair of Jimmy Choo boots (so many to choose from). Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo, has a vision for the brand’s handbags to have a more substantial offering and place in the accessory world. With fall tapping at our windows, the brand released its new line of handbags that show a refreshed vision that’s ideal for cooler weather wardrobes, not only with its color offerings but also with its bold designs. Introducing the Jimmy Choo Varenne Bag family for Fall/Winter 2019, a line that is defined by equestrian references with a modern British twist.
We all know Jimmy Choo shoes and handbag lovers also know their bags, but this collection looks to give Jimmy Choo bags a permanent seat at the brands we know table. The lines on the Varenne family of bags are sleek, elegant and refined and all stand out boldly with the newly introduced JC monogram. This signature family of bags offers a handful of distinct silhouettes in multiple sizes and various materials and colors. The Varenne family of bags is defined by a distinctly British heritage that feels very refined and clean while remaining wearable.
THE VARENNE BOWLING BAG
The Bowler ranks among one of the lesser worn shapes, but when done correctly, it stands out beautifully. The Jimmy Choo Varenne Bowling Bag comes in a variety of colors and materials and is available in two sizes (small and medium). This Bowling Bag is a modern, elevated twist on the Bowler, allowing for maximum usage, coupled with interesting design elements.
Seeing the finished product, we often forget the work that goes into its creation, not considering the steps it took to arrive at the final design. Jimmy Choo aimed to perfect its Bowler by drawing over 40 sketches and taking 3 months to achieve their intrepretion of the perfect bowling bag. The Bowling Bag is made up of 160 different pieces and 72 distinct patterns. Each bag is handmade in Italy by 6 artisans, each with a different skill set, and after completion its edges are then hand painted three times to achieve an optimal finish.
As for the new JC Monogram, the brand aimed to showcase a monogram that would make its bags identifiable by the well-known shorthand for Jimmy Choo. The brand settled on the interlocking JC initials in brushed and polished plated-brass hardware with distinctly beveled edges. The Bowling Bag also features the Jimmy Choo family hallmark of the multi-buckled leather harness that criss-crosses on the surface, paying homage to bits and bridles of dressage. The equestrian touches gives the bag a sophisticated look, which makes this bag ideal for daily use in either size. Both have an optional shoulder strap and dimensions of the small are 9″ length X 8″ height X 4″ width, while dimensions of the medium are 12″ X 10″ X 5″. The interior is fully lined in suede.
THE VARENNE CLUTCH
Feast your eyes on this divine-looking clutch, the structured and sophisticated Varenne Clutch in dark green patent python ($1,650). The stunning jewel toned dark green skin offers a dressy feel that works for evenings out in a black dress or day time carrying against a camel coat or even a denim jacket. This clutch is offered in plain leather, python and croc-embossed versions in multiple colorways.
The clutch design is straight forward, with a fold-over closure and detachable gold-tone chain strap. The JC logo hardware adorns this clutch as well and though the logo is prominent, it acts as a jeweled focal point. Overall dimensions are 8.5″ X 6″ X 2.5″ with a shoulder strap drop of 20.5″.
THE VARENNE XB CROSS BODY BAG
A regular reader will know that I am a fan of a great cross body bag, as I find a well-made hands free bag to be a handbag wardrobe staple. The Varenne XB Cross Body Bag features the most gorgeous and supple vacchetta leather. The shape can be classified as casual, but Jimmy Choo created this bag in a way that allows it to still feel very clean and classy. The fold over flap closure opens to the internal compartment with a zipped pocket. Dimensions are 11″ X 8″ X 3.5″ with a 19″ drop for the shoulder strap which allows for true crossbody wear as a throw-on-and-go bag.
As for the shoes, you need to pair one of these bags with a great shoe and Jimmy Choo is the place to look. From the perfect bootie to an over-the-knee boot that would stop anyone in their tracks, to a simple flat, an option for everyone and every occasion exists. Each shoe has a way of elevating the bags and completing your fall-ensemble ideally.
Not a fan of the big initial hardware. Otherwise the crossbody is interesting to me. It’s a bit reminiscent of the Tom Ford Jennifer bag.
Agreed, I wonder if designers, prior to marketing their bags, ask the public their opinions? If so, I would have loved to suggest a smaller logo for these gorgeous bags. IDK if designers create large logos so some interested party can see it from a block or two away? It’s just an immediate turnoff.
I despise the logo.
The silhouettes are stunning! I oddly don’t mind the JC logo hardware, seems every brand is doing it now.
And what’s with that herd mentality? Everyone is doing big ugly logos so let’s do one too. Simply STUPID.
Not a fan of logo either. It reads Juicy Couture to me.
Hate the large logo. So cheesy.
If it didn’t have it, I’d think about the green suede bowler bag, but as it is… hard pass.
Wow these are awful. Anyone else thought “JCPenny”? ?
PS: I glanced at the “article” and was surprised how much it sounded like a pitch directly from the brand. Then I scrolled back up and saw “In Collaboration with Jimmy Choo.” Enough said.
Aaah You’ve got mail <3 <3 <3 "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."
My all time favorite movie!
The shapes are great, especially the Bowler. I have to get used to the JC hardware but I actually like that it’s different from every other already known brand with big hardware, I’m gonna check it out!
Give me the boots! Going to splurge on the Minori, they’re beyond!
I love the green. Glad to see a structured bag coming from Jimmy Choo. The logo doesn’t bother me. It looks great in the bowler. Definitely going to check it out.
The green bag looks much better in the photos here than it does on the JC website. Nice bag although the strap seems a little thin. Unlike you, though, I just can’t get over the logo. Pass.
How could these people call themselves Purseblog and yet not have written about the Balenciaga hourglass bag?…? Shouldn’t they be ahead of the trends and IT bags, not behind…? This site has gotten pretty mainstream and boring in the last 5 years I gotta say.
The bag you mentioned has been covered. If its too mainstream in here for you, move along.
Pretty mainstream yep, but it’s basic like most people I guess so makes sense ?
We covered the bag here before it had a name: https://www.purseblog.com/balenciaga/balenciagas-fall-2019-campaign-celebrates-love/
Thanks for the link to those photographs. Loved them all over again!
So over it on these giant lazy monogram logos and hardware. Everyone is taking a basic font and throwing some letters together. Then making them two inches big. I am not a fan of big logo hardware in general. But it would be more appreciated if they at least put some effort into the logo – so it seemed like the letters were designed into a single piece.
I like the price point of this line
Those boots! I’d happily take them. And the bags I even like too.