The term handbag dates back to the early 1900’s. It may be hard to swallow for the guys out there to know that at first, a handbag referred to men’s luggage. During that same period, ladies bags began to develop progressively with added compartments etc.., and ever since, ladies had taken over the term handbag. In the mid-twentieth century, (in the USA) pocketbook was the term used to describe a ladies handbag. I often wonder if this term will resurface and become fashionable again? I quite like the ring of it: Pocketbook.
The modern purse, handbag, pocketbook or clutch rose to (accessory) fame during the Industrial Revolution in much part due to the increase in travel— on the railways.
Since then, ladies, let’s face it, handbags are your trusted sidekicks! More to the point, they carry all of your necessities- and then some!
These days, modified silhouettes along with a full-range of nifty sizes are often peaking consumer interest. Today’s racy offerings reflect a set of values that I think many people are craving right now, namely to reduce and to simplify while adhering to modern day need and requirements. In fact, as the brand Delaroq notes ‘True luxury means genuine satisfaction, and for my customer, genuine satisfaction requires integrity’.
In my opinion, when it comes to wearing a handbag with style and power, American women do it best-hands down!
The ideal American business women sports her power bag with unparalleled confidence and strength. More to my point, American women know how to balance a relationship between handbags and apparel. It is a ratio that they get all too well. They are almost always spot-on with the total look. In addition, as elegant and sophisticated as an American businesswoman may be, she will defiantly give the bag a test drive prove it is fit for the job.
It is important to always have a go-to handbag that can be used for all occasions,-work, errands, party or date and luckily these designers are here to introduce new styles and silhouettes that are ready to be your new go-to-bag. Bucket bags, mini cross bodies, classic tote bags and satchels with a new design spin, take a look at these fresh styles to start off in 2021 as I am sure and certain you’ll be ready for positive change moving forward!
Current product offerings featured below have developed creative new ways to include pockets, side pouches or even additional openings and closures to ensure multiple ways to access the precious goods inside. In fact, Bruno Magli has designed a bag with a fresh design philosophy in mind by proudly exhibiting the marriage of modern practicality and sophisticated elegance.
8 BY YOOX:
8 BY YOOX —This mini leather bag has been designed to hold your smallest personal belongings when you’re moving about the city or traveling. Made in Italy, it can be worn around the neck using the detachable strap and opens to a main compartment with two card slots and secures with a concealed snap button closure. More colors available. $60
Bruno Magli:
Bruno Magli– The structured, clean lines and general ease of the Bruno Magli Chain Notched Crossbody exhibit the marriage of modern practicality and sophisticated elegance that are quintessential to the brand. The vibrant red makes it the only bag needed during the holiday season. Dress it up or dress it down, the style is large enough to accommodate essentials on daily outings yet also compact enough to be worn anywhere. The custom hardware on the bag’s face and faceted chain finish off the sophisticated design with an added dimension of luxury. $695.00
Christian Wijnants:
Christian Wijnants —The Christian Wijnants Arjana Bag is a modern, slik minimalistic piece perfect for all your Fall/Winter outfits. This large leather bag features a zipper closure, adjustable straps and is made in Italy. $775
Delaroq:
Delaroq– Troisième Tote in Spotless White and Troisième Tote in Pitch Black: The Troisieme Tote from inception was created as an accessory that reflected a set of values that I think many people are craving right now, namely to reduce and to simplify. It aligns with the values of many well-informed consumers who want a better world, who want to buy less and buy better.
Beyond developing another novelty bag or accessory, the Tote is a reference point to how we can live intentionally and allow the woman to consolidate their wardrobes without sacrificing their personal style. We integrate a minimal exterior with an organized interior to deliver the perfect union of form and function. Historically, luxury has often been equated with that which is out of reach, but these days, that thinking feels out of touch. True luxury means genuine satisfaction, and for my customer, genuine satisfaction requires integrity.
We source the highest quality of unused stock leather and re-purpose that ‘waste’ to manufacture in a holistic up-cycled process. An old saying goes, a good designer knows how to “make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear” which really speaks to the ingenuity of transformation. In a sense, we’re sort of crowdsourcing the leftovers in a very analogue way. $478
Dooney & Bourke:
Dooney & Bourke Designed in America and crafted in Italy, the elegant Alto Viola Bag is made of exceptionally beautiful Italian leather with a rich matte finish and gold plated brass hardware. Inspired by retro 50’s style, this silhouette has a ladylike shape and a hand stitched rolled top handle. The interior is outfitted with numerous pockets to keep contents organized and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap offers multiple carrying options. This is an elegant and classic bag for work days, date nights and everywhere in between. Perfect for any handbag lover! $575.00
GUNAS New York:
GUNAS New York—GUNAS New York is an independent fashion label committed to being a 100% vegan brand. Named after the very famous Gorilla Hanabiko “Koko” for short, the Koko Satchel and work bag is designed to be the go-to bag for the working woman. Handcrafted with premium ostrich embossed rubber fabric, textured cotton lining and multiple zipper pockets this luxury handbag features every bit of extravagance you could desire including our ornate signature zipper charm, beautifully structured handles, and the removable chain shoulder strap.$245
HiVa Atelier:
HiVa Atelier—When we introduced ASTRUM in 2018, it quickly became our best-selling style – propelling HiVa into the fashion spotlight in Turkey and quickly emerging as a statement piece for the fashion crowd. Compact and elegant, it was the first model HiVa introduced that really connected our mission and product – offering sophistication and style, without sacrificing functionality and versatility, to stylishly support all women in taking ownership of their own stories and lives. Constructed out of premium calf leather, the timeless piece easily complements any woman’s wardrobe and is designed to be styled and worn three ways – carried by hand with a top handle, worn as a cross body or around the waist. The ASTRUM to this day continues to be a favorite of women around the world, as we now expand our focus beyond Europe to the United States. $210
ili New York:
ili New York—The classic leather hobo is one of the best sellers in our line, introduced in 2017, it immediately became a staple. Due to it’s classic good looks and clean lines, it appeals to most everyone and represents the best of ili New York. This soft leather bag combines the relaxed, nonchalant feel of a hobo with the structure of a carryall, and the quality will last for years. With pockets inside and out, it will hold all of the essentials keeping you organized and looking great while carrying it! $185.00
L’AGENCE:
L’AGENCE — L’AGENCE’s Le Tote is the ultimate in understated luxury. Fabricated in Italy from fine-grained lamb leather, each fabrication features a soft hand that’s both upscale and practical for daily wear. $495
Lafayette 148 New York:
Lafayette 148 New York-The season’s must-have clutch, this Italian-crafted design reimagines a classic jewel box with sculptural minimalism. It artfully combines Lafayette 148’s signature Infinity Knot hardware in a polished gold-tone shade with an understated, easy-to-wear chain link strap, while the lacquered finish makes it striking with any look. When purchased from December 1 through December 14th, 20 percent of sales go to God’s Love We Deliver. $798
Mark Cross:
Mark Cross The Madeline Leather Bucket Bag plays off the shape of the signature keyhood that adorns every Mark Cross bag. With a classic bucket silhouette top fastened with a cotton drawstring closure, the Madeline Leather Bucket Bag can be styled with the detachable shoulder strap or carried as a top handle bag. $1,790.00 USD
Radley London:
Radley London—Radley London is a London born brand that creates beautiful handbags and accessories for women. Radley has come a long way since starting the handbag journey in Camden Market in the midst of the 1980s. Driven by a passion for color, luxurious leathers and FUN, Radley creates the perfect combination of style and functionality since 1998. Each season, new styles are inspired by the shapes and colors from exhibitions, design trips and catwalk trends. Keeping an open mind (and a sense of humor) is key to creating styles that are packed with personality. Styles range from tote bags to small leather goods as well as various accessories and footwear. Non-leather options are also available. $375
SENREVE:
SENREVE— Stunning, structured, and 100% vegan. Introducing The Fiore Bucket Bag: the latest addition to the vegan lineup, made of our newest Amica Misto leather— a sophisticated combination of vegan croc-embossed and vegan smooth leather. More than a year ago, we set out to create vegan versions of our classic silhouettes in our commitment to be more sustainable. Unlike most luxury brands, we wanted to do something different by creating a 100% vegan bag with a traditional luxury craftsmanship approach. No part of this bag is made with animal products or by-products. The Fiore Bucket Bag is the SENREVE take on the classic bucket bag. Handcrafted in our new Amica Misto vegan leather, it’s the best of both worlds— a structured shell in vegan croc-embossed leather contrasts beautifully with the soft interior pleat. Worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag, The Fiore Bucket Bag has just the right mixture of texture and structure to elevate your look with function and beauty. $795 USD
Siembra Heritage:
Siembra Heritage-The Lavinia handbag pairs a classic, crossbody silhouette with rock & roll style featuring luxe leather and fringe detailing. Keep the leather-stitched, crossbody strap on for an easy daytime look, or remove it to rock it as a statement piece. This year’s collection boasts an unlined, leather interior to reflect the rustic, organic feel of artisanal craftsmanship. This handbag is part of a collection designed, created, and manufactured by a women-owned leather accessories company, Vallimanca, based out of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Available in Hielo, Chocolate and Black (and coming soon in a mini version). Plus, knowing a pair of hands are behind each Siembra Heritage item, they pledge to give 10% of their revenue back to the communities that create their goods! $150
Studio Cult:
Studio Cult—The Binder Clip Bag is a bestselling item for the eclectic accessories brand, Studio Cult. A binder clip, scaled up to human size is a perfect example of how Studio Cult is inspired by everyday objects to make clever items. The Binder Clip bag mimics the trend of how many people used to use the item as a petite pocketbook for their Barbie dolls, making it an extremely nostalgic item amongst younger generations. Guaranteed to turn heads, this accessory is made for those who want to wear something expressive and out of the ordinary. $100
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