IN THE BAG

I recently met handbag designer Constance Victory at a Swarovski event.* I wasn't surprised to find Constance toting a bag from her own collection, Victoire Focx, that launched March of this year. (The bag was exquisite, btw.)

Crafted with exotic skins, antique chains and Swarovski crystals, Victoire Focx bags are unique -- I dare say timeless. It's like investing in a work of art. Should be, they start at $1,150. 

I know I can't be the only accessory junkie to protect a handbag like a newborn -- you know, not taking it out in the rain or putting it down just anywhere, swaddling it... these bags are worthy of that care.

Currently these beauties are made to order, but Constance informed me that several retailers are interested in carrying the line for 2010. 

If I had the funds, I'd be rockin' this tomorrow. A girl can dream, can't she?  

* Stay tuned to hear about my pleasant and unexpected evening at the Swarovski store.

MADE TO ORDER

While planning her wedding, Rebecca Minkoff got a 

firsthand look at how limited stylish bridal accessories can be. 

(Not having planned a wedding, I'll trust her on this.) 

Taking matters into her own hands, she designed custom-made 

bags for each of her bridesmaids, thus the "I Do" collection was born. 

Her designs are a marriage of elegance and edgy, 

a winning combination for any handbag.

Classic creme and black are available, 

or (even cooler) you can provide your own fabric. 

Something to match their dresses perhaps? 

Prices range from $190-$225, with a minimum of four bags. 

A little steep for the average gal, but if you have the funds, 

your bridesmaids will thank you! 

Represented by Shine Media PR

FOR ART'S SAK

Leave it to Sakroots to create a handbag line that is a 

mindful contribution to the world. Their latest project 

for Spring 2010, the Sakroots Artists Circle, 

supports the Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees campaign 

and offers an excellent opportunity for undiscovered artists. 

The collection features original prints created by artists 

who share the brand's hope for harmony and peace. 

The series starts with Brooklyn-based artist Diane Barcelowsky.

This bag is my favorite. I like that the complete 

illustration is visable and printed in it's entirety.

It's like carrying a piece of art on your shoulder.

Diane's One World drawing grabbed the attention 

of a Sakroots employee at a Brooklyn gallery exhibit. 

Diane told me that when she got an e-mail from the 

company expressing their interest in designing a line 

of bags around her work, she thought it was a joke and ignored it. 

Good thing the people at Sakroots were persistent!

The intricate detail of her piece is incredible. It looks like a tapestry. 

Diane Barcelowsky

There are nine different bag shapes available in 

eco-canvas and eco-nylon, in two color palettes. 

The collection will retail for $79-$99, and will be 

sold at all major department stores and thesak.com.

Stay tuned-- Sakroots will introduce 

another artist for a brand new collection each season.

A GUST OF GREATNESS

ME GUSTA Gustto!! I previewed the fall 2009 collection yesterday 

and here are some of my favs. 

 Available in blue and silver python printed leather. 

Available in blue, burgundy and black.

Available in beige and brown.

Available in beige, purple, and brown.

Need I say more?  Maybe just that the leather was like butter.

Represented by Berri Goldfarb public relations