Collezioni Close Up: Women Bags - 2 Issues - 1 Year

Autumn/winter 2010/11 takes us on a fascinating voyage of rediscovery in pursuit of some of the great classic bags of Italian and French fashion houses. Kelly bags, cases, handbags, totes and, last but not least, rectangular shoulder bags are brushed up and modernised using new techniques and materials all carefully reassessed using the age-old craft of leatherworking. The choice of leather, and tanning process, is fundamental for enhancing the soft handle of nappa leather and calfskin or precious natural reptile and crocodile hides. Without forgetting invasions of other materials, fur, shaggy Mongolia and smooth sheepskins, astrakhan and pony skin with printed animal and zebra patterns plus hand knitted fringe effects. The iconic Louis Vuitton bag featuring the Fashion House?s monogram by Marc Jacobs is reinterpreted in several versions including delightful lace and black rose models, whilst Rochas re-launches it in gold to evoke memories of the eclectic 60s. Even the Kelly, the legendary Hermès bag, is reintroduced in endless ways, mini and maxi, stiff or slouchy, as a clutch or handbag, each example a dream come true, an authentic novelty: in leather, crocodile and sheepskin, embellished with rhinestone, studs or chains. Fendi presents shoppers, photographer bags in hammered leather with reinforced corners, in both ostrich or suede intarsia. Bottega Veneta launches a maxi version of the brand?s characteristic woven bag. Dolce&Gabbana play with the colour and materials of the Miss Sicily bag. From quilted to leather, from black to ruby red, finishing up with an eccentric total black fur bag. For the day, Versus depicts messages by Bruce Weber on

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