There seem to be two distinct things going on with Valentino’s Resort 2014 Handbags, which are available for just-off-the-runway pre-order via Moda Operandi through July 1. First, the brand seems to be experimenting with a bit of a toned-down “heritage” look; simple, somewhat traditional shoulder bags and totes in tan and navy where the quality and grain of the leather is the main attraction, plus a few conservatively striped shoulder bags in woven textiles. There’s some Hermes influence in there, to be sure.
The second half of the collection is a little wilder, a little brighter, a little more like the Valentino accessories that have made the brand’s bags synonymous with ladies who lunch, but who do so below 14th Street. The brand played with camouflage last season, and now it’s back, this time in both a leather-and-woven format in a blue palette and an all-feather version accented with pink. There are also the Rockstud favorites in bright lime green and cerulean, but I’m a bit intrigued by a new shape, the Chaine De Jour Flap Bag, which bridges both extremes of this collection with soft leather and hidden studs along the chain strap. Check out all the bags below or shop the bags AND shoes via Moda Operandi.
