Coutorture

coutorture — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Rebecca Minkoff Launches New Blog

Handbag and clothing designer Rebecca Minkoff just launched a new blog, called Minkette. With guest bloggers who tackle subjects like how to spot a hipster--those who wear "ugly heinously unflattering weather-inappropriate crap"--and why New York club Ave. is a "total waste of time", there's no shortage of juicy unrestrained blogging. The new blog operates as an independent wing of Minkoff's official site.

Shopping: Handbags Love Hardware

coutorture — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Clockwise from top left: Miu Miu $1295 @ Net-a-Porter, Alexander Wang $795 @ Kirna Zabete, Jimmy Choo $1595 @ Net-a-Porter, Lanvin $2180 @ Barneys, Chloe $1360 @ Net-a-Porter, Stella McCartney $725 @ Net-a-Porter

Many designers fell for hardware this season and revealed bags rendered with oversized zippers, grommets, studs and clasps. For the most part, extra hardware gives a handbag a cool, irreverent edge--something that popular designers like Miuccia Prada and Alexander Wang have nearly perfected. Our favorite choices from the season, above.

coutorture — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:26:08 -0700

J. Crew's Affordable Minaudière A Summer Must-Have

A minaudière, or box clutch, is the perfect accessory for summer. We love the simplicity and weightlessness of this style--it's only big enough for a slim wallet, a cell phone and one can't-live-without beauty item. Much to our delight we recently discovered an affordable but just-as-chic version by J.Crew. Rendered in navy, mint, hot pink, gold and silver, and retailing for only $98, this bag is definately a summer must-have. Wear it in the evening with an effortless cocktail dress or during the day with boyfriend jeans and smart flats.

Shopping: Square Statement Shoulder Bags

coutorture — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:34:57 -0700

From left: Chloe $2560 @ Net-a-Porter, Marc Jacobs $3400 @ Net-a-Porter, Rebecca Minkoff $395 @ Kitson

Eye-catching square shoulder bags are a great way to add some excitement to a simple outfit. Rather than the more formal rectangular versions, square shoulder bags denote daytime fun. Wear them cross-body with jeans and a t-shirt or hanging from one shoulder with an easy summer frock. Our favorites, above.

100 Handbags From Paris Fashion Week Fall 2009

coutorture — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:15:33 -0700

Each season Paris Fashion Week reveals some of the best collections and the most coveted handbags too. From Louis Vuitton to Miu Miu, it-bags are in abundance during the Paris shows. Below, check out our round up 100 different handbags from Paris Fashion Week. In the market for handbag now? Do your research by checking out our roundup from the Spring season.

coutorture — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:03:07 -0700

Be&D Kan Kan Tote In Cream Must Be Somebody's Must-Have

We recently stopped by the Be&D showroom and workshop to learn about their Fall 2009 range and acclaimed collaboration with Doo.ri this season. While we were there we fell in love with their signature Kan Kan tote which appears in the upcoming Fall collection but is available as part of Spring 09 as well. We've never carried such a statement-making handbag before but something about the muted color and ultra-soft leather made the oversized ruffles and vertical hardware seem an easy pill to swallow. We'll be moving on to Be&D's Fall 2009 range shortly but we just had to mention this attractive bag first and foremost. Click on the title link to tempt yourself.

Shopping: Colette Moves On From The PS1

coutorture — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:45:00 -0700

From Left: Suede and leather handbag with jewel snap apx $1,557, Black and blue portfolio handbag apx $1,544, Suede and satin handbag with jewel snap apx $1,517. All Proenza Schouler @ Colette.

As handsome as Proenza Schouler's now infamous PS1 handbag is, we were pleased to see forward-thinking Colette stocking other styles from the brand. After all, if there's anything the 80's taught us, it's not to pair strong shoulders with big handbags. Proenza Schouler might still be producing every variation of the PS1--even 14,000 dollar renderings--but they seem to know that smaller, more ornate styles might suit a specific customer as well.

Bulgari Fall 2009 Handbag Range

coutorture — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:10:29 -0700

We see our fair share of handbags on the runway every season but in that context it can be difficult to focus on the item alone. That said, Bulgari's new range for Fall deserves its own moment to shine, especially considering how dynamic are the materials and how hefty the price tag! This season two of the most successful lines for Bulgari, Dalya Doppio Tondo and Leoni, were reinterpreted in new, refined versions and rich, wintery colors. Check out some of the new Fall 2009 styles, with pricing and product information, in the gallery below.

In The Showroom: L.A.M.B. Handbags Fall 2009

coutorture — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:08:06 -0700

Last week we stopped by the Paul Wilmot Communications Fall 2009 press preview and caught a glimpse of next season's LAMB handbag range. Always a crowd pleaser, these colorful, graphic bags have earned their spot in the contemporary market over the past few years. This season called up their signature retro shapes and color combinations, our favorites were zebra printed with a cobalt and yellow strap closure. Check out our snapshots from the new collection below.

In The Showroom: Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2009 Handbags

coutorture — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:53:00 -0700

Earlier this week we checked out Rebecca Minkoff's late summer and fall handbag offerings. From lower-priced nylon diaper bags to faux croc laptop cases, Minkoff knows that her loyal clients want more than just the signature morning-after bag. Speaking of which, the designer has also recently revisited ready to wear, and you can buy her pared down (but definitely not plain) clothing range online now. Before you go stocking up on all kinds of spring goodies, check out our snapshots of the Fall 2009 handbag range below.