Marni

How much do I love the Marni Layered Leather Satchel, exactly? A lot. I love it a lot. There is nothing not to love about it. I was prepared to whine a little bit that there’s no optional crossbody strap, but lo and behold, there is one. Absent that, I can think of literally nothing to complain about when it comes to this bag. Except, of course, the fact that I don’t currently have one in my possession.

Marni is having a bit of a moment right now because of its excellent, high-profile collaboration with H&M, and the brand seems to be taking advantage of its raised profile quite well by releasing some of its best work to date. If you’re into Marni’s signature take on retro-modernism, you already know of which I speak. (more…)

A few days ago, PurseBlog friend BryanBoy tweeted that Marni designer Consuelo Castiglioni would be the perfect replacement for Karl Lagerfeld once he’s ready to move on from Fendi, and I can’t help but completely agree. Marni’s signature retro-minimal approach gets better and more fully realized by the season, and Consuelo’s sense for accessories and embellishment keeps improving right along with it.

It probably won’t surprise anyone that I think the handbags from Marni Fall 2012 are excellent. They have the signature quirky Marni look without being unappealing to the buying public at large, and the addition of a few flower-embellished pieces alongside the standard neutral leather is a welcome one. Fendi’s aesthetic has been going in a similar direction in recent seasons, and just like Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz seems like Karl’s heir apparent at Chanel, I hope that Castiglioni will be the woman for the job at Fendi. (more…)

Marni Tote, $645 via Net-a-Porter

A couple of days ago, the fashion Internet exploded with news of H&M’s next collaborative partner – quirky Italian label Marni. Forget Versace – this is something I might actually consider standing in line for, particularly because a full menagerie of accessories will also be available, right along with the retro-modern prints and oddball color combinations for which Marni is known.

Because of the nature of high-low collaborations (read: because of PVC ickiness), I never have much hope for the handbags and “leather” goods that will come out of these kinds of partnerships. Versace x H&M included some real leather, though, so who knows what the future (and Marni x H&M) might hold. It will hold some less-expensive takes on Marni’s much-sought-after costume jewelry, and that’s enough for me to be feeling the slight burn of excitement in the back of my brain. Sadly, We’ll have to wait until March 2012 to see this stuff in person. Are you sick of designer collaborations yet? (more…)

Marni Woven Leather Hobo, $2330 via Net-a-Porter.

I can’t believe I haven’t posted about the Marni Woven Leather Hobo Bag already, but somehow it seems to have gotten passed over in the spring shuffle. What I can’t figure out, though, is how that managed to happen – I absolutely love it. I loved it as soon as I saw it on the runway back in September, and my love for the slouchy-yet-stark design has only grown since seeing how soft and wearable the bag would be in real life. This design is proof positive that neutrals don’t have to be boring background pieces. (more…)

Texture is one of the big fashion words on everyone’s lips this year, which means that finding a unique way to incorporate it into your wardrobe is going to be a big challenge in a few months. Most of you seemed a bit tepid toward the prevailing ideas about python and its many uses, and I can’t say I blame you – I saw enough snakeskin during the Fall 2011 shows that I’d be perfectly happy if I didn’t see it again until 2012.

Thank god, though, that we can always rely on Marni to give us an uncommon take on a common idea. The Marni Studded Leather Shoulder Bag makes a bold texture statement without being a slave to one trend or another, and it does that while being neutral and functional enough to use every day. This bag has enough personality to not appeal to absolutely everyone, but who wants to carry a bag that can be seen on the shoulder of every other woman walking down the street? Certainly not me. (Unless it’s a Celine Luggage Tote, of course. Then GIMME GIMME GIMME. Ahem. But that’s beside the point!) (more…)