Designer bags have become unbelievably expensive over the last year, and prices have become so unrealistic (Chanel bags over US$3,000???) that it’s enough reason for me to go for less expensive bags.
Less expensive bags don’t necessarily mean cheaper materials were used or the bags are of lower quality. The irony of it all is, the more expensive designer bags might not even be fully disclosing where they manufacture their bags. You could have bought a bag that says it’s made in Italy but is actually assembled in China and finished in Italy. Yes, it is alarming, but sources have told me that this is becoming common practice among some big designer brands. Which brands though, I can’t really mention. Bottom line is this, there is nothing wrong with China- made bags as long as the brand fully discloses that to their consumers– and hopefully the prices also reflect the brand’s lower labor costs.
I hold Donna Karan (DKNY)– the woman and the brand in very high regard. Karan has been in the fashion business for a quarter of a century this year, and she’s actually been with the industry for well over 25 years. DKNY has kept its prices real and is up to the times. No crazy price hikes in their leather goods division, and that can only be good for us consumers. If you have seen their Fall/ Winter 2010 booties, you will love them like I did. Here’s one of them, straight off the runway.
These shoes below which appeared on the runway have been modified for retail sale– but they are examples of how creative the design team had been in coming up with them!
My eyes were on this Fall/ Winter 2010 bag. It’s a beautiful, classic bag that will outlast trends. This is the one bag you’d want to keep for a very long time, and she will definitely not sit at the back of your closet either. I can already see how much use this bag will get from me once I get it 🙂
It vaguely reminded me of the Chloe Edith bowler bag (which I also loved), although the Edith is slouchier and has a smaller exterior pocket.
Oh, here’s an important tidbit: the Edith also happens to be more expensive. 🙁
What I especially love about the DKNY bag is the size of its exterior pocket! If you’re looking for a good work bag that doubles as your travel bag, this is it. There’s structure, there’s form, and there’s definitely function. Perfect for the modern working woman on the go.
And speaking of Donna Karan, did you see how gorgeous Susan Sarandon was at the Emmys? She wore a Donna Karan gown and definitely sparkled and stood out!
(photo credit: Usmagazine.Com)
Elizabeth Moss of Mad Men also worked the carpet in Donna Karan.
Gorgeous! (photo credit: People.Com)
I already have 3 pairs of DKNY heels, all of which are sooo comfortable, and I can’t wait for this DKNY bag to hit the stores come Fall 2010! I will probably be the first to get that bag online at www.dkny.com. I am thinking I’d get it in black. This is definitely a bag that will transcend trends and all other “it” bags. It’s a certified keeper!
x
Mrs. T