Its going to be a fall full of Rei Kawakubo thanks to her high profile collaborations. While the Third Estate has to wait till November for her collection with H&M. But her work with Louis Vuitton is making its debut next Wednesday in a temporary concept store in Tokyo designed by Rei herself. Because its not a money making venture for Vuitton supposedly (har har, though it does "quietly mark its 30th anniversary in Japan) you can only place your orders at this pop up but you will not be back to get your bags till 2009. If we were planning a trip to Tokyo anytime in the near future we might actually consider buying this "noodle" handle bag.

Vogue and and the New York Times remember modeling maverick Jerry Ford.

Form versus function frustrates athletes. The sister debate, modesty, is also gaining some traction.

Reports are coming out of WWD Magic that buyers are sticking to comparatively cheaper American made lines.

Charles Nolan is doing his part to keep his partner Andrew Tobias, The treasurer of the Democratic National Committee, hip despite the best efforts of handlers.

J. Brand Jeans and Topshop are working together for a lower priced denim collaboration coming out November 30th. The jeans are to be named after New York neighborhoods. The skinny jean, one of J Brand's classics, is to be named the Brooklyn. We would have gone with the Williamsburg.

One last piece of current season love we haven't dished out from our Island Life photo shoot is that slim, neon clutch. In the photo the clutch, by designer Andrea Brueckner, looks bright yellow, but that 'ol Holga Robert Malmberg uses, knows how to keep a few secrets. In truth the clutch is more of the acid green variety and the leather is super soft and buttery. We have to say, the handbag is really well-made, and though we aren't really clutch toting chicsters, we kind of fell for this one. Brueckner, the Canadian beauty who (as far as we can tell) models in all of her own look books, learned her craft from her years working closely with bespoke tailor, Craig Robinson. Brueckner's bags are said to reflect that experience and we have to say, judging by the clutch we received, we can tell she knows a thing or two about making quality products. Below, some of her current season bags from JCMadison.

Three key pieces made our Island Life shoot from eLuxury. Namely, a hot pink Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, and a patchwork bag and pair of patent peep-toes by Dolce & Gabbana. Our concept for the shoot was swimwear and acessories: the only purchases outside of a sample sale that make sense this time of year, and so these pieces made our wishlist from the e-commerce site. A rundown of their draw, below.

Dolce & Gabbana Runway Miss Pocket Patchwork Bag: Clocking in at four grand, this bag is intricately detailed and luxe in the best sense of the word. Narrow horizontal panels of genuine snakeskin make up the exterior of the bag and a super-soft grey suede trim adorns the frame. Trust us when we say this bag, in person, is a show-stopper. Each panel of snakeskin has its own unique color, sheen, and perforations making it look, from afar, like a beacon of exotic skin dangling off the arm. On the practical side of things, there's a cell phone pocket inside and has (we love this in a bag) a long strap and short handles, so you've some styling options at the end of the day.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Little Tate Tote: This bag certainly falls in a different category that the patchwork number but it still made our wish list for eLuxury nonetheless. We thought the $158 dollar nylon tote, for its color and size, would be an apt accessory for the remaining summer months. One thing we hate about the generic canvas tote is how supple the material is and how dirty they can get in a matter of days. This bag is easily washable and would not pick up every grain of sand it touched. Furthermore, the Tate Tote is quilted, giving it more girth than your typical beach-tote (which makes it feel more like an actual handbag).

Dolce & Gabbana Patent Lace-Up Bootie: Reasonably priced and Fall-ready, these shoes made our list for their sheer end-of-summer appeal. Because they are open-toe, these booties are more than appropriate in warm weather and, come fall, could be worn with a sheer sock or pair of stockings just fine. They're sexy, masculine, and trend-appropriate shoes and they are, indeed, something to swoon over. For the shoot, our pairs were grey and snakeskin but the shoes also come in patent black. As we know, seven hundred dollars in today's world can buy you one sick pair of shoes.

This morning we were reminded what Dooney & Burke put out before those blinding monogram knock offs. Our network partner, Fops & Dandies, discovered the structured, preppy bags Dooney & Burke used to produce at a flea market in Brooklyn. These bags remind us of the vintage clutches and bags we've inherited from our mother's and grandmother's wardrobes, that we're sure, in their time, were variations of a more expensive handbag, but surely nothing like the gross knock-offs we know now. In fact, what's nice about them is that they're kind of brand-less; just simple bags for the gal who might not want (or can afford) the latest exotic skin tote bag. Visit any flea market or vintage store and you'll surely find a bag like this, even if it's not a vintage Dooney & Burke. Just like a pair of classic Ferregamo loafers, there are some vintage staples that are neither hard to find nor difficult to incorporate in one's wardrobe. Although we think 'vintage' is not the empire it was a decade ago (thanks to Uniqlo, American Apparel, Topshop, and H&M), we still appreciate the fact that there is something to be had for less than fifty dollars that will spark up your wardrobe in a pinch.

The handbag doyenne responsible for much of young Hollywood's arm candy offered us some insights into her covetable collections. From staples such as the now-classic, slouchy Nikki bag (we're craving one in wine) to seasonal styles like her French Tote, there's something to keep us happy, season after season. Minkoff goes above and beyond to fit her customers' lifestyles, offering additional strap, chain, and scarf add-on options that allow a girl to customize the bag any way she fancies. It's this kind of versatility and attention to detail that make a Minkoff bag a standout, and probably the reason so many women have flocked to her designs.

Can you tell us a little bit about how you started your own company?
My handbag line really started when I was designing clothes and my friend Jenna Elfman was shooting a movie and asked me to design a bag for her. I have been sewing since age seven and had been educated in design, so that helped get things started. I used my savings and with hard work, it took off.

Was the move to step away from the clothing line and focus on the handbags a reflection of your own interests, or did the momentum of the bags' success just take you in that direction.
The momentum!

Your designs are regularly seen on the arms of celebs. While it's hard to deny the role celebrity plays in building buzz, some designers embrace the exposure, while others shun it. Where do you stand, and how do you feel about about the efforts of new designers to get famous faces on board?
I think support from celebrities can be positive and it always has been in my situation. It really helps propel the brand and get women liking the bags.

How do you feel about using green materials versus leather? We want the truth from a working handbag designer. Do you really feel it's possible to create products of a look and quality similar to the leathers used for most high end handbags?
PVC for example is much more harmful to the environment than leather is. Hemp and organic canvas are the only real environmentally substitutes for leather. I used canvas for my eco-tote, the bread and wine bag.

At the age of 27, your collections have been sold in boutiques the world over and worn by bold-faced names. What was the key to successfully managing such a fast-growing business?
A combination of great PR, marketing and sales teams, and persistence!