Splurge of the Week!

I've always been a fan of Chloe bags as the brand's designs never fail to disappoint, or perhaps cos' they're just so me!. This season, the 'Paraty' (below) is the new addition to the line of Chloe's ever-expanding icons. Today's Splurge of the Week is the Python version of the Paraty...






You might recognise this bag from one of Chloe's Spring/Summer 2009 ad campaigns (shown above). As we all know, some bags that we see in stores are not sold online. I was searching high and low for this bag so that I can share it with all you BagAddicts out there. Alas, I finally managed to locate this Python leather version. The lambskin versions are imho, a tad boring. This version, on the other hand, is so chic and stylish, perhaps due to the embossed python leather that gives the bag added texture and an edgy appeal. It's black so you can wear it with practically anything! Plus, like most bags out there nowadays, it comes with a detachable shoulder strap for carrying on the shoulder.

I'm a firm believer in having only ONE black bag that you can wear to death, so at £1,873.83 / $3820, it's definitely worth the investment! Get this via Net-a-Porter or Saks today!

Splurge of the Week!

This week's Splurge of the Week comes directly off the Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer '09 runways!





Under-flap view


Interior view

If you're a follower of our blog, you'll notice that this bag looks familiar to you. Yes, this bag was seen in our Fashion Week Coverage. This "Amazon Shoulder Bag" by Marc Jacobs definitely seems inspired by a Jungle-esque theme that was all the rage with all MJ designs this season, including those for Louis Vuitton.

This bag definitely exudes a native-like character with its contrasting textures and colours. This metallic leather multi-flapped bag is made of Zebra-print pony hair, snakeskin and suede with leather tassel, padlock and key details. The colourful woven guitar strap inspired sling strap also takes the whole tribal-ethnic vibe to another more 'authentic' level.

Pre-Order this bag from MJ's S/S 09 runway collection for a price of $2,950 via eLuxury today!

Splurge of the Week!

This week's Splurge of the Week comes from Fendi's new Spring/Summer 2009 collection. Made of multicoloured python the Forever Maxi Python Bag is perfect for your cocktail or evening event. Chic, stylish and definitely a head-turner. What's more, it will definitely go well with your LBD. Unlike the clutch this leaves your hands free, letting you dance the night away! Pre-Order this striking bag at Neiman Marcus today for a price of $3,200.

Note: This bag is expected to be shipped no later than 7th April 2009.

Stunning YSL Beauty

After the much sought-after Muse bag, the House of YSL launched the Muse Two earlier this year. I have never been much of a Muse Two fan, preferring the original Muse instead, as the Muse Two has a more mature and structured look that is similar to that of the Birkin. However, that thought went straight out the window when I saw the Muse Two below.



The rich hues of aubergine and maroon ombre paired with the midnight blue on the flap and trims add an even more super-luxe feel to the already luxurious Muse Two in croc-embossed suede. In suede it may be, but Bagaholic Babe still thinks that this bag is a bargain at $1,995 for a YSL piece. I mean, since the man himself, Mr. Saint-Laurent is dead, Bagaholic Babe predicts that this bag will definitely escalate in value in time to come, as the Muse Two is fast becoming an icon. Get the bag via Neiman Marcus

Splurge of the Week!

This week's Splurge of the Week is the vintage-looking F3 Secret Code Bag by Fendi. This Secret Code bag exudes an old world charm, reminding me of the bags of the pre-Second World War era. Making its first appearance in Fendi's Spring/Summer collection this year, this Secret Code is back this season, in different textures and materials. Today's featured pick is made of mouse karung leather with semi-precious stones and large topstitch detailing. Most F3 Secret Code bags come with a shoulder strap so that it can be worn cross-body messenger style. If this appeals to you, it retails for £1,685.10 via Net-a-Porter .

Presenting: Miu Miu S/S 09 Collection

Presenting: Miu Miu S/S 09 Collection

This coming Spring-Summer, Miu Miu's collection consists primarily of Exotics, particularly Python (though we still see some in leather). Miu Miu, a brand that is known for its usually roomy bags (think Matelasse, Coffer, and all the rest) has turned that philosopphy around, as this season, we see bags which are much smaller in sizes, those of which can be slung in your arm and not on your shoulder. In other words, arm candy. We also see much simpler shapes this season, like the bowler and boston bag.







This bag below, in Bagaholic Babe's opinion, looks like it can be worn as a bra, if flipped the other side up... Lol... That was basically the first thing that came to mind when I saw this particular bag..... BUT I love the contrasting Red python border against the white though! It just pops!

Presenting: Marc Jacobs S/S 09 Collection

Presenting: Marc Jacobs S/S 09 Collection

"Born To Be Wild" or "Out of Africa" best describes MJ's collection for S/S 09. Not only do we see LOTS of exotic prints and animal prints, but also wildly mismatched colours!! Besides that, MJ's underlying philosophies in creating this collection, in Bagaholic Babe's opinion, are contrast, textures, and colours. The key shape of the season also seems to be the messenger as well as smaller-sized shoulder slung bags.


Get ready as Marc Jacobs has unleashes the Exotic kingdom unto us, often with a few of them exploding onto just a SINGLE bag!! The key detail of his collection seems to be padlocks and tassles.





I like the this one though... love the touch of red! 

Here, he adds on to his current collection of Quilted bags, are some in messenger style, with padlock and exotic (lizard) skin detailing. A new element to the quilted range would be the ones with sequin details












The Verdict: Well, in Bagaholic Babe's opinion, MJ is trying to do too much with this collection! There really isn't a thread that binds the collection together as a WHOLE.

The quilted bags are more classic looking, whilst the ones with sequin details and rope straps may add a touch of glam and sparkle to your outfit.

The multi-flapped bags with contrasted textures and exotic skins with exotic skinned tassels all in one just prove to be too much for my liking! I mean, pony hair + lizard skin + python + suede + leather all in ONE bag?! It may be fine if it's in one colour, but all those details and textures PLUS contrasting colours and tassels all in ONE bag is just well, an eyesore. One really doesn't know where to look and what to focus on when you lay your eyes upon it because there is just TOO MUCH going on! However, one thing I do not doubt with all the exotic combinations is well.... the price tag, of course! Just using one type of exotic skin already costs a bomb... imagine the use of 3-4 AT ONCE..!

Presenting: Prada S/S '09 Collection

Presenting: Prada's S/S 09 Collection

Miuccia Prada promised us a simple back-to-basics collection, and simple, it is.

The Verdict: This collection is a tad too simple for my liking. With the use of solid, earthy tones, this collection doesn't really feel like a Spring-Summer collection at all, but more like Fall-Winter. Hm...This season's collection is very basic, with crinkles, creases and drawstrings as its theme. Exotics such as python are used here and there, but the shapes of the bags seem to be identical, regardless of the materials used. Bagaholic Babe, a lover of bright colours feels that it's a tad too plain and not summery enough. I used to be a fan of Prada, but with last F/W and this coming S/S collection, I might change my mind soon...

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

Splurge of the Week!

Chloe Heloise Python East-West Satchel

On our spotlight this week's splurge is the Chloe Heloise Python East-West Satchel.

An extremely rare find, this blue and gray python satchel is pleated at the front and comes with brass hardware. The shoulder straps are braided and has ring insets throughout the strap. Open up the bag with the double zips to a roomy interior that'll cater to your everyday needs.

Suitable for almost every occasion, the bag matches most outfits. However, the gray looks like patches of dirt from a far, the sides of the satchel don't look appealing and the bag simply doesn't go well with brass/gold-looking hardware. And if you were to look more closely, again, we're looking at details.. and lots of 'em. Pleats, folded sides, braided shoulder straps, brass hardware. Too elements contained in one bag alone. But of course, after having reviewed many bags this fall, it looks as if it's a trend among the designers this season.

Anyhow, if you'd like to find out more about this Italian-made satchel, click here

The Chloe Heloise Python East-West Satchel is available for the price of $4,495.00 via Neiman Marcus

Please note: Python is not available in California.

Newsflash -- 100 Limited Edition LV Neverfull Bags

Dear BagAddicts,

The ever popular and soon-to-be iconic Neverfull bag by Louis Vuitton is now available in a Limited Edition version. The Limited Edition piece is available in Exotic Croc skins. Only 100 pieces of these bags will be available. I'm not sure if it will be available in Malaysia though, but sources have told me that it will be available across the causeway, over in Singapore. Limited Edition Neverfull bags will be available this month (July). So if you're an LV collector and wanna get your hands on this exclusive piece, hurry out to your nearest LV boutique. As for the price, I'm not sure how much these beauties cost. Bagaholic Babe has had the privilege to view this Limited edition in Violet croc, though I'm not sure if it'll be available in other colours. But hey, it's a limited edition so I guess the colour doesn't really matter.

Splurge of the Week!

Fendi Fringed Zebra Baguette

This week's splurge is a very unusual zebra printed pony hair with multicolored leather fringe tied to the bag seams throughout. The bag comes with brushed gold metal hardware, 2 detachable multicolor leather shoulder straps (one long, the other shorter)and golden appliques on each side, all items logo-engraved. The baguette opens with a flap at the top and opens up to interior twist-lock closures that allow the buckles to be removed and sumptuous suede lining.

Whenever I look at the baguette, I cannot help but remember the song 'Born to be Wild'. No doubt about it, the prints say it all. Colorful fringes, zebra prints, pony hair.. definitely hard to miss in a crowd.. which I feel is a little too much. The bag contains too many elements together at the same time. It would've been perfect if it was just the zebra printed pony hair alone. What do you think? Hit the comment button below to share with us what your thoughts are on this week's Splurge.

Should you want to know more about the Fendi Fringed Zebra Baguette, visit eLuxury today.

* The Fendi Fringed Zebra Baguette is available for purchase now at $5,420.00

Hermes F/W '08

As always, we never fail to include Hermes as part of the Fashion Week spread. I'm sure you're all eager to find out what Hermes has come out with for Fall/Winter. Well, let's not wait anymore. Let's get right into it..

First up, the famous Birkin..





This season, they're using earthly tones on their Birkin.. keeping it toned down.. Then, there's the Kelly pochette in croc..





Then there's the Kelly.. reinvented into a messenger bag.. Rather impressive stuff.. Definitely loving the white one..







And other messenger bags - also in absolutely dark colors.. Really dull..






And then, there's the brighter patterned pieces that's sure to brighten up your days.. Colorful and very ethnic looking.






Overall, I must say it's a rather boring collection - although.. there ARE one or two which are quite interesting. Click here for a review of Hermes's Fall/Winter collection on Style.com