The idea behind this purchase was to curb my materialistic desires, especially in the arena of luxury handbags. I guess it doesn't help that the majority of the blogs I follow are fashion-minded and that I have over 5 fashion magazine subscriptions. At any rate, I am loving the book so far and can't seem to put it down. One of the overarching themes in the book is that luxurious goods have lost their star-quality, if you will, in that possessing these exclusive commodities has gone to the extreme of globalization and capitalization; these items do not belong to the extreme-wealthy anymore and is more accessible to the modern day middle-class. This sort of global shift has made acquiring these luxurious items to take on a whole different meaning, whereby owning a high-end purse like Gucci or LV used to be a privilege of the elite and wholly demonstrated the aristocrat's right to superior quality and an exercise in the ultimate "pampered buying experience"; instead, partaking in these luxurious goods has transformed into a corporate, profit-driven excursion where quantity supersedes quality and the dark side of these fashion houses are rearing its ugly heads. I think its a must-read for designer handbag gurus, and I've noticed that all too often, most owners of high-end purses do not know the history behind how/why these designer entities came into being. Perhaps reading this will force one to think twice about making that frivolous purchase (especially during this nasty recession of ours). Get the book and let me know what you think...
So, you know how I said that I bought the book to quell my inner greedy desires of owning designer handbags? Well, when I was in NY visiting family, I met up with one of my favorite fashionistas [name undisclosed] and we all got into a lively discussion about handbags and what the top 10 "It" bags really were. I have wonderful news- I FOUND THE LIST, compliments of about.com!
Top 10 "It" Bags
by Stella Kaefor About.com
An "It-Bag" is a designer handbag that is deemed the "must-have" item of the moment as a result of a combination of celebrity usage, clever marketing techniques, superior quality and their ability to represent the mood of the season. They are generally produced in limited edition quantities.
These are the 10 "It" bags of seasons past and present, that we feel every handbag enthusiast should own, or at least know about.
1. Hermes Birkin
The Hermès Birkin bag is named after the iconic actress Jane Birkin, who once had a highly public relationship with influential french singer, Serge Gainsbourg, to whom she bore a child (Charlotte Gainsbourg). The 'Birkin' is the symbol of ultimate luxury, due in part to its exposure on popular television shows such as 'Sex and the City'. An authentic 'Birkin' costs upwards of $6,000 and can have a waiting time of up to 2 years.
2. Chanel 2.55
This little classic will always be "in". It was born in 1955 (hence the name 2.55) after Coco Chanel decided she wanted a shoulder bag to free up her hands and is inspired py the quilting on Jockeys coats. Karl Lagerfeld released a second, updated version in 2006.
3. Chloe Paddington
The Chloe Paddington was created by designer Phoebe Philo in 2005 and is considered to be the quintessential 'Boho-Chic' bag because of it's slouchy, unstructured shape and exposure by stars such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, who are known for their bohemian sense of style. A leather Paddington typically costs around $1,500.
4. Balenciaga 'City' Motorcycle
Balenciaga's line of motorcycle-inspired handbags are created out of distressed goat leather, which is what gives them their unique, relaxed shape. The 'City' bag in particular, caused quite a stir after becoming the official handbag of choice for notorious fashionistas like Mary-Kate Olsen. The Balenciaga 'City' bag is not available online and retails for about $1,200.
5. Alexander McQueen Novak
The Alexander McQueen Novak represents the structured shapes of Fall 2005 and was inspired by Kim Novak, a vintage-era starlet who appeared in Alfred Hitchcock films. It's original run consisted of a mere 200 bags, which caused mass hysteria among handbag lovers everywhere and elevated the bag into permanent "It" status.
6. Marc Jacobs Stam
The Marc Jacobs 'Stam' is named after the designers close friend, Canadian Supermodel, Jessica Stam. The bag features quilting and gold hardware similar to that of classic quilted Chanel bags, but differentiates itself with it's relaxed look, gusseted frame and kiss-lock closure. Practically everyone in Hollywood has one and it retails online for around $1,300.
7. Fendi Spy
The Fendi S/S 06 'Spy' Bag is priced starting at $2,100 and is a favorite of style stars like Hilary Duff and Linda Evangelista. It's notorious status is caused partly by it's enormous waiting list, which can last up to 3 years.
8. YSL Muse
The Yves Saint Laurent muse is a status bag of the highest quality. Crafted out of the finest embossed leather, this oversize structured tote features expertly minimalist gold hardware and is often carried by celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Moss and Jessica Alba. They are often sold out and are priced starting around $1,200.
9. Prada Gauffre
One of the latest "It-bags" to hit the market is the Fall/Winter 06/07 Prada Gauffre. Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry, Beyonce and Madonna have all been photographed with theirs. It is made of Nappa leather and retails for $1,800-2,650.
10. Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 30
The Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Speedy 30 is more of a mainstay classic than a trend, but that doesn't stop it from maintaining "must-have" status all year round! Jessica Simpson carries hers practically every day. It is the ideal city bag, featuring a roomy interior with natural cowhide exterior and golden hardware. Price: $620.
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*** So much for the book because I can think of at least 3 handbags on this list that "I die" for!
"O.O.C.",
P
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