Usually, I’m a fan of a complicated clutch. The diminutive scale of an evening bag lends itself well to intricacy and detail because it merely provides a taste of a particular embellishment instead of the overwhelming dose that can come when lots of beading and embroidery are applied to a regular-sized tote or satchel.

Every design theory has its limits, though, and the Valentino Embroidered Pouchette pushes my feelings about complicated clutches to the very edge. This little bag has two colors of leather, two separate areas of beading, and one multicolor lace pattern juxtaposed with one monochromatic lace pattern. Oh, and studs. It also has studs, both on a bow and on the bag’s wrist strap. This list is getting kind of long, right? (more…)

I think it’s important to look at this bag for exactly what it is: a novelty item, designed to get attention and make people talk, and also a good collectible for those that love Fendi and want to add something really unique to their stash. Evaluating it like a regular bag is sort of besides the point.

The Fendi DIY Baguette Bag is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a woven, unfinished Fendi Baguette with everything you need to embroider your own bag. It’s sort of an opportunity to have your own one-of-a-kind designer bag, which is kind of cool, when you think of it that way. (more…)

I’ve never been one for embroidery in any form or context – it almost always manages to look too cheap or too twee or too bohemian for me, and the fact that it almost always features floral motifs doesn’t help. I’m also historically not much of a fan of Fendi, despite the fact that I’ve championed several of their bags recently. Conflating the two, it would seem, would almost certainly produce a bag that I’d despise.

Except Fendi managed to make a bag featuring floral embroidery that I love – the Fendi Floral Baguette. It’s overpriced, made of straw, and half-covered in cutesy little flowers. It’s so not me. Perhaps that’s why I like it – everyone needs a total departure from time to time. (more…)