Splurge of the Week!

This week's Splurge of the Week is by one of the slightly more obscure designers, Mauro Orietti-Carella Zagliani. This week features the designer's Metallic Python Tote. For those of you not in the know, the designer was a dermatologist-turned-designer. Using his Dermatology background, Zagliani discovered a new technique in the art of handbag making when he came up with the idea of injecting exotic skins such as Python and Crocodile with Silicone to give Exotic skins a buttery soft texture. So needless to say, this designer specialises in Exotic skin handbags.



This belted frame top Metallic Python Bag has expandable gusseted sides and is dubbed as "this season's showstopping 'It' Bag of the season." Availble in Metallic Gold or Metallic Pewter Silver, it retails for $2685 via InterMix. Alternatively, you can also get Zagliani's creations at Saks Fifth Avenue Stores nationwide.

Bargain(s) of the Week!

Ever since Bagaholic Babe came across designer Jordi Labanda's illustrations, I was hooked!. Jordi Labanda is a Spanish Designer who used to do illustrations for Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, etc and the other High Fashion magazines. He soon ventured into Ready-to-Wear, Stationery and Accessories. However, he's still a designer not many people have heard of, and since I love his stuff so much, I thought of sharing his amazing Bags with you, my fellow BagAddicts. Which is why this week's Bargains of the Week are both from Jordi Labanda. (I love his Clothes too! The illustratiions on all his stuff makes it unique!)

First up, is the glasses case.

I don't know about you gals but as someone who wears glasses, I can never find a cute, funky and girly case to stow my glasses in. Well Jordi Labanda has finally the solution to my glasses woes! Retails for just $22.95 via Funky Chunky Handbags


Up next, is the super girly and Romantic-esque Butterfly Tote.


This leather handled Butterfly Tote comes in 2 sizes - Small and Large. Such a fun summer bag don't you think?! Definitely appeals to our 'inner girl!' ;) *Winks* Loving it! Available for $86 (Small size) via Funky Chunky Handbags

To view Jordi Labanda's other products - stationery, Ready-To-Wear, etc, go to Jordi Labanda

For those of you in Malaysia, Jordi Labanda Accessories and Ready-To-Wear is available at Lush Icon Boutique at Avenue K (Opposite KLCC) or LushIcon.com. For Jordi Labanda stationery, it's available at Isetan KLCC and Kinokuniya Bookstores

Don't you just Love his illustrations? I certainly do! *winkz*

Haute New Designer: Shauna Luther - SML Bags

One of the many rewards of reading Bagfetish Unleashed! is that we at Bagfetish Unleashed (unlike other Bag Blogs), instead of just writing about the 'It Brands' and bringing you bags hot off the runways, we're constantly on the lookout to for the more obscure or new designers and their collections to introduce to our loyal readers. Today is such an occassion. Last week we featured Freddy & Ma. This week, Meet Haute New Designer, Shauna Luther, designer of SML Bags, based in Brooklyn, NY. All her bags are made by Shauna's own hand!

Though her bags come in different styles, they all have that distinctive, trademark Saddle-shaped foldover top. Also, all Shauna Luther's bags are Bespoke (read: personalised and made-to-order), yup, so like designers Freddy & Ma that we featured a couple of weeks ago, just choose your fabrics, leather and even floral appliqués if you want, and you have a bag that's distinctively and uniquely yours!

First up, the 'Goldie'

$110



Made of leather, this Plum-coloured 'Goldie' is $120


The 'Vivian' - $125



The 'Stella' is an elongated fabric or denim clutch with an asymmetrical flap. $110


The'Audrey' Wristlet - Choose between a fabric or chain wrist strap, made out of either leather or denim, with any choice of appliqué on the front. Perfect for a night out, this wristlet is just $80!


With gems like these, Shauna Luther is definitely a designer to watch out for! Bagaholic Babe Loves the Goldie in Plum Leather and the Vivian - Love the mustard hue!

To view the entire collection of Clutches, Shoulder bags and small goods, Click Here Now!

All images from SML

Haute Designer: Devi Kroell and her Roman bag in Python

Designer Profile: Devi Kroell
Source: DeviKroell.com

Devi Kroell’s vision as a designer is as varied as her upbringing. As the daughter of a diplomat father, Kroell spent her childhood in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Israel, France and Italy. While Kroell now considers herself to be a New Yorker, her diverse past is effortlessly incorporated into her designs each season. "Very much like New York, I try to take out the essences of all cultures." Each collection creates a perfect fusion of her nomadic past: the postmodern shapes associated with her native Austria, the snake skins of Indonesia, and the exquisite workmanship of the French and Italian.

The Spring 2004 launch of Kroell’s premiere handbag collection was received with high praise from stores, magazines, celebrities and peers in the fashion industry. Soon after the premiere handbags were launched for the Spring 2004 season, the collection was picked up by such respected stores as Barneys New York, Browns, Jeffrey New York, and premium boutiques worldwide. She was instantly held in the highest regard in such publications as Vogue, W, Harper’s Bazaar,
Elle and WWD, where she continues to be a favorite among top fashion editors and writers.

In June of 2006 Kroell was honored at the CFDA Awards with the Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Accessory Design. That same month she also opened her first retail boutique on Main Street in East Hampton, New York. Her pieces can also be found in cities nationwide; including Beverly Hills, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Atlanta.


Here's the Roman Bag in Metallic Python from Devi Kroell's Spring-Summer 2007 Collection of Day Bags


Medium Roman Bag in Bronze Python Tote (Available in Large and Silver) with magnetic closure.
Available for $1,490 at Devi Kroell Online