Splurge of the Week!

Gucci Medium Original Backpack


Check out our new splurge of the week - a Gucci hobo that doubles as a backpack. It is highly in demand and one of the latest additions to the the Gucci collection. Available in classic GG-printed cotton jacquard, this hobo bag comes with handstitched leather trim, three front zip pockets, a detachable ID tag with embossed logo and inside zip, cell and PDA pockets. Just perfect for the trendsetter who loves extra storage.

Like it? Pre-order this item via Saks Fifth Avenue at $2,590.00

Splurge of the Week!

It goes without saying that every Chanel bag qualifies as a splurge, and this week's Splurge of the Week is no exception.



We present to you the pink quilted jersey 2.55 by Chanel as this week's splurge. With the mademoiselle turnlock closure (that's the square turnlock clasp in Chanel terms), quilted and made to look as if it is in crocodile skin from afar, this jersey 2.55 is in such a bright and fun colour! It's perfect for those who always wanted a Chanel 2.55 but think that the Classic 2.55 in lambskin looks too mature, then this is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on one! The pink gives the 2.55 a much more vibrant and youthful vibe. Like it, it retails for $3,450, but you can get it at a discounted price (yes, you're eyes aren't deceiving you!) at $2760 via Bluefly . A certificate of authenticity is included.

I know that for jersey it's still a splurge, but hey, at least you get it at 20% off right? ;) *wink*

Bottega Veneta S/S '09

Out are the times where people make purchases for seasonal items. Instead, the majority of them seek classic/evergreen items they can collect and wear over the years. And thanks to high fashion and luxurious labels, you'll never have to throw out your newly purchased bag because the zipper's out of order - although you've only really made use of it for 3 months!

This coming Spring, you're looking at luxury in muted browns. Bottega Veneta, well known for its woven bags, shocks us again this season with an extensive range of bags, purses and clutches in caramel right through to dark saffron, copper and chestnut. Check them out below..




















































An AMAZING collection, wouldn't you agree? Lots of hardwork and dedication was required to bring about such a fine collection - even right down to the intricate details. Fabric treatments and handcrafted leathers were not overlooked as it was necessary to give you all the vibrant summery, earth tones you have today in this collection.

I personally recommend the half woven, half tarnished copper shopper hobo as well as the shopper as they're hot from the oven! I believe they look great with just about anything, they're roomy and not to mention, great arm candy as well! ;)


Courtesy of Style.com

Bagging For Attention

By Dzireena Mahadzir


A Thai designer makes unusual and beautiful bags from combining exotic skins with semi-precious stones. But it's all just a hobby to him.

PIROON Wacharamontri is an unlikely bag designer, considering his day job. A lawyer by training and profession, he makes handbags as a hobby.

But his bags, which are made of exotic skins and lambskin and embellished with semi-precious stones, have become so popular, his hobby might just become a full-time career!To date, his bags have been sold in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and the United States, with high-end stores like Neiman Marcus and Lane Crawford carrying his designs. The latest market is Malaysia with his creations being sold at the new Tang's at Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur.



[Red and green dominate the Fall/Winter 2007 collection]



For now, however, the boyish Piroon, 34, is content to design the bags that do not even carry his name. In KL, they are being sold under the label, Bagatelle.

Piroon started making bags five years ago. His interest was sparked by his love for semi-precious stones. The leather was more like a canvas for him to play with the gems.

"It started when a friend in Hong Kong, who owns a gallery that sells jewellery, asked me to design some pieces. He said why not think up something different, so I ended up putting precious stones on bags. So the concept is more like semi-precious stones on good leather," he says during an interview in Bangkok.

"I have two lines, Seasonal and Classic. The Seasonal's first batch has only 15 bags. If they sell well, I'll make 30. The maximum number for each style is 50, and only two for each country.

However for my Classic line, I won't make more than 30 pieces. I also custom make pieces for my clients in Bangkok who tell me what they want."



[The Ibiza bag, perfect for parties]



Piroon gets his ideas from his travels; this season he was inspired by Spain, so the main colours are red and green.

His collections initially comprised clutch bags because he thinks they are sexy.

"But now I have moved to other bags. This Fall/Winter I'm using onyx, pearls, smoky quartz, tiger eyes and green jade. For Spring 2008, I am looking at corals and turquoise. Gold is the colour this year but silver is also popular, so I have chosen pewter. I like exotic skins, and I like amethysts and smoky quartz."

Piroon doesn't seem concerned with making very practical bags as most designs offer little room to hold things and yet are rather heavy. But there's no mistaking their wow factor. Carry one and you can expect attention. A Bagatelle is so well embellished, it could be the only accessory you need for the evening.



[Piroon Wacharamontri calls his creations jewellery bags]



Not surprisingly, Piroon says his customers are mainly in their 30s and older, as he believes you need to attain a certain level of sophistication to appreciate his bags.

"I don't like the word 'fashion', I prefer 'style'. Why don't you have your own style, be different. I call my bags jewellery bags."

What's interesting about these bags is that the stones are so beautiful that you feel like taking them off the bags and wearing them as jewellery. In fact, Piroon, says he has designed handbags where you can take the "handle" off and wear it as a necklace!

Although his bags are a hobby, Piroon does have his eye on expanding further: "I'm looking forward to distributing the bags in more countries, but in limited pieces. I don't want everyone carrying the same bag. I'd also like to design a home collection, I used to design candles with semi precious stones. Now I'm looking at the business aspect, so one thing I'd like to see is my bags being sold all over the world!"

*Bagatelle's Fall/Winter 2007 range, and Classic line are available at Tang & Co, Tang's, Pavilion, KL. Prices range from RM2,000 to RM3,500.


Courtesy of Clove Two

Newsflash -- Design Your Own Personalised Fendi Baguette

In conjunction with Fendi's 10th Anniversary for the iconic Baguette bag, this fashion house has come up with a white coated canvas Bagutte that you can design yourself! The initial intention of this DIY Baguette was the competition that Fendi held, that was open to everyone in the Asia Pacific Region and Celebrity designed Baguettes. The winning designs will then be auctioned along with the Celebrity bags.




Due to overwhelming response, it's also now available in stores. So, if you've always wanted your own personalised Baguette, here's your chance! It comes with 10 Pantone Universe markers for you to decorate your bag with, and paint whatever you desire on your very own personalised Baguette. What's more, the interior twist-lock closures on the bag allow the buckles (that are used to attach the shoulder strap) to be remove, so you can also use it as a clutch! This 'Paint-Your-Own Baguette' bag comes in a beautifully packaged Fendi box and is available for $1300 via eLuxury

Bargain of the Week!

This week's bargain features the Fendi's bronze croc embossed linen mini 'Chef' baguette.

Fendi bronze croc embossed linen mini 'Chef' baguette

An unusually patterned/colored 'Chef' bag, this mini baguette is simply fabulous for a night out on the town. A bronzed croc embossed laminated linen fabric with nappa trim all the way from Italy, this pretty piece comes with Fendi's signature goldtone logo charm that hangs from the strap of the bag. A flap top with snap magnetic closure is one of the features of the bag for storage convenience.

Definitely something you'd want to have in your closet. The 'Chef' bag is from Fendi's evergreen collection and you'll never go out of style with one of these. Whats more, you're looking at a 20% off discount for a seasonal piece that you'll never see again if you don't get your hands on it.

The Fendi bronze croc embossed linen mini 'Chef' baguette retails at $508.00 and is obtainable at Bluefly

Bulgari Cocktail Bag

If you're looking for a Cocktail or Evening Bag to go with your LBD, then this would be it. The reason for my saying this is because this bag is so unique (from the Deep Fuschia colour to the Details and design of the bag) that if worn with anything other than an LBD, your bag will not be getting the attention it very well deserves. What I'm trying to say is, with such a special bag like this, it needs to stand out, and what better way than against a black canvas (hence your LBD)? Made from Ibisco and Python Velvet with Gold details, this Cocktail Frame Bag by Bulgari is definitely a conversation piece and is, in Bagaholic Babe's opinion, deserves to be called a 'Classic', in the same league with the Chanel 2.55. If Fuschia is not the colour for you, this Cocktail Frame Bag is available in other colours and materials. Hop on over to your nearest Bulgari Boutique to enquire.

Splurge of the Week!

Yes, we all know that more often that not, every Chanel bag is a splurge, and this one is no exception.



This Week's Splurge of the Week, as featured in the March issue of InStyle Magazine is the Alligator Bag in Blue by Chanel. Slightly bigger and longer than Chanel's Classic 2.55, whether you're young or more mature, it's definitely a timeless, elegant bag that you can use over and over again throughout the years, and when the time comes, you can even hand it down to your children! And yes, by that time, it'll probably be under Chanel's Vintage Category, worth a gazillion times more than its price tag - $14,950! So it's definitely an investment! Get this via your nearest Chanel Boutique or call 800-550-0005.

A. Testoni 'Turtle Basket' Bag

A. Testoni 'Turtle Basket' Bag

If you BagAddicts are wondering why I'd chosen to feature this, it's because of it's unusual and unique shape. For those of you who aren't in the know, A. Testoni is an established Italian leather goods brand. The Structured 'Turtle Basket' Bag comes in Hobo shape as well and in other colours like Black, Green, and Orange. Part of A.Testoni's 'Classic' range, like the Chanel 2.55, this bag never goes out of style because they always have it in their store as part of their evergreen collection. And I guess 'Turtle' makes sense because if you take away the dual leather handles and flip it over, it's the same shape as the Turtle's shell! With the structured leather forming a 'frame' of sorts on the outside, the interior is a gusset pouch with topzip closure. Get this unique bag for $1533.95 from Zappos Couture . You can view the 'Turtle' Hobo there too.. But Bagaholic Babe thinks this Basket Bag is much cuter.

Embellished Chanel 2.55 in Metallic Silver

Embellished Chanel 2.55 in Metallic Silver

Sent down the runway during Spring-Summer '07 Preview for Fashion Week is The Classic Chanel 2.55 with the 'Mademoiselle' turn-lock in Metallic Silver with Embellishments. If you don't like the metallic silver, it comes in black too, and also in the form of a clutch bag. The embellishments on the bag look like various Chanel-themed pins and/or brooches that have been attached to the bag. The Result.....a younger more funky version of the Classic 2.55! Bagholic Babe was never a fan of the 2.55 because it tends to look a bit mature, but she's LOVING this funky new versioN! ;) *winks*

New Chanel 2.55!

Chanel 2.55 in Metallic Gold

(Image from Style.com)

New Chanel 2.55 in Metallic Gold Croc (non-quilted) from the Spring-Summer 2007 Collection. Chanel seems to be doing a lot of Metallic exotics on their Classic 2.55's this Spring-Summer 2007 -- they also have the Python Metallic Gold and Silver Quilted 2.55 (sorry no picture available for that one!) Hmm...there seems to be a trend here. Perhaps Chanel is moving away from its Classic Lambskin Look for the 2.55 range and is instead evolving the 2.55 into Exotics?