Select handbags carefully for this accessory, perhaps more than any other, makes a clear statement about your personal style. This season's offerings come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours, from structured totes, work-friendly satchels and multi-hued hobos, to oversize clutches, small cross-body jobs and cool bucket bags. Here are a few options that should make you look stylish wherever you happen to venture this season.
Ralph Lauren showcases its iconic Ricky and Soft Ricky bags from the Saddlery collection. The edges of the bags are formed from three layers of leather and then buffed, stained and hand-skived to ensure a flawless contour. Designed for ease of opening and to be carried unbuckled (if so desired), the bags are available in an array of seasonal colours as well as in classic hues. Custom-made in Italy from distinctive, hand-drawn patterns, each individual piece is measured, cut and put together by hand before being stamped with the instantly recognisable logo.
Kate Spade New York has unveiled its Holiday 2013 collection which consists of four handbag lines, All a Glow, Carroll Park, 2 Park Avenue and Terrace Drive. Inspiration is drawn from fanciful cocktail parties _ suggested by images like cocktails in crystal coupes, flickering chandelier lights and sparkling bubbles of pink champagne _ with pieces embellished in sequins, bedecked in crystals and created from metallic fabrics in soft tones like blush and rose gold. The collection also features nautical pieces for a winter getaway and brightly optimistic candy-coloured pieces.
Longchamp, the French fashion house, turns the spotlight on its most iconic bags, reinterpreting them in new formats, with new colours and new materials. Four new bags have been brought out for this season: the Roseau Box, Legende Verni, Gatsby Sport and Balzane Roots.
The Roseau Box is a new tote in patent calfskin with a glossy, transparent finish in classic shades (dark aubergine, warm cumin, blue-green cedar and rich carmine). Available in two sizes, the smaller of which has a removable shoulder strap, the bag is signed with the Longchamp racehorse in its familiar leather oval and the emblematic bamboo toggle with a bright nickel finish. Inspired by a vintage doctor's bag, the Legende Verni combines mirror-effect patent calfskin with exotic animal prints _ there's a panther in opulent plum tones and a python in graphic black and off-white.
The Gatsby Sport is a supple, destructured satchel which has been made in a new material, a lizard-patterned sheepskin whose "worn-in" patina and classic black and cognac shades add to its vintage appeal.
Joining the two existing shoulder-carry styles, a new smaller satchel is designed to be slung across the body for a casual, urban look.
The Balzane Roots is a hobo bag, inspired by equestrian elegance. It showcases the line's signature saddle-style flap, revisited in lizard-print cowhide, and is available in three muted shades (mauve, taupe and cumin). Contrasting smooth mocha leather trim adds flair to this chic, sporty design.
Tod's, the Italian luxury goods brand, has unveiled its new Sella which takes its inspiration from a dressage saddle. The bag is fashioned from a strip of fine leather, gently curved like a saddle, displaying clean and sinuous lines. The inspiration from horse-riding extends to the metal details, which reference bridles and their joints and brass rings. The bag also features welts and tubular stitches. The materials used are calf leather, python and crocodile (in a variety of colours, including tan, rust, purple and warm yellow) as well as ponyskin in zebra- and leopard-print patterns. Three different formats are available _ a shopping bag with zipper, and a more structured version that comes in two sizes.
