Fashion Trends 2007
Luxury Handbags for Spring

2007
Handbag Inflation - Arm Candy Bags

Celebrity endorsement is what is driving the bag phenomenon. High visibility, with celebrity endorsement, is a welcome advert for the bag producer. Celebrities often get such bags as gifts. Celebrities can soon give the 'it' requirement to specific handbags. But the newest 'it' bag is the customized bag, the made to order bag that no-one else has. The only way to secure it is to part with thousands, either dollars or pounds - it doesn't matter which, when you talk 10,000+. Such customized bags have a price tag of £10,000/£12,000. It's all about luxe, luxe and more luxe.

The luxury handbag is the ultimate fashion statement, it is a major status symbol of today. It's a known fact that the average weight of a handbag in Britain is 3^1/2 lbs. Most women cram personal items into their bags in an effort to be prepared, 'just in case I need it'. But what makes this particular gold bag below so special, is that the Zagliani materials are treated with resin employed silicone injection techniques.

Zagliani make beautiful crocodile bags, which are as soft as silk. In this case Italian dermatologist Mauro Orietti-Carella has pioneered a technique to enable skins, such as python and crocodile, to be transformed into smooth shiny soft supple surfaces.

The crocodile skin in the handbag left has been silicone treated and once softened it is hand crafted into a four figure bag. The process is similar to the use of Botox injections to keep human skin plumped.

This Zagliani handbag right costs £1,280 at Harvey Nichols. Zagliani bags are available in the UK from Harvey Nichols and also from Matches.
If my husband is reading this - darling I'd be thrilled to own 'it'!
A work of art.

As ordinary consumers flash their designer handbags, very wealthy rich consumers feel a need to show their distance, and they want even more distinction from their luxury handbag. Designer bags have become classless, and their purchase is not always dependant on income. This means bag prices are rising and the new market for top end bags is around £3,000.

But that top end is very elastic and finishes around the private collection, 'Wait List' bags, that cost £70,000. Such bags in the latter price range are usually finished with diamond pavé studs. But £2,000 for a bag spend is no longer a rare occurrence.

The picture to the left is of the latest John Galliano designed 'Jeanne' handbag, made for Dior and available at Harrods. The chain mail detailing, takes inspiration from Joan of Arc, and the handbag is available in dark grey calfskin, sand ostrich, mint green stingray and grey crocodile (£10,160).

This is a fabulous bag with an unusual futuristic, but medieval armour feel.

I know I would love a Dior bag like the 'Jeanne' above. I love the proportions and the detail of the Jeanne bag. However, you may have noticed that it is the price of small car, and is pure arm candy. 'Jeanne' is also available at a lesser price (a mere couple of thousand), in nu buck and goats skin. The image is courtesy of Harrods, who are now selling a limited, but growing range of goods onlines.