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The duffle is definitely one of the most, if not the most, loved shape of bags. There is no wonder why Louis Vuitton Speedy is such a good-seller and every house has its own iconic duffle bag design. Marc Jacobs might have been a little late into the game but boy… this is probably one of the best duffle bag designs I have seen over the past few years. The Westside duffle is still all about Marc Jacobs’ iconic details such as the quilted leather, padlock and interlocking chains on its handles. The price, IMO, is very good too at USD1,150. It is currently available for pre-oder at Neiman Marcus.

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Diane von Furstenberg bags have been receiving rave reviews on our blog. I had no idea they when they started making Minaudieres but same as their bags, this Minauriere is just adorable and impressive. At USD325, this is a good and much affordable alternative to any Bottega Veneta Knots or any Lieber clutches.

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

There is a mythical creature in Marc Jacobs’ creation for Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The creature is half a dragon and half a horse. There are also plenty of bags to choose from from the  man collection itself, which makes me certain of two things - Louis Vuitton is recognizing the importance of man bags (and how well they are selling) and the importance of the Asian market (in particular China market) for the company’s future. I like the following three bags the most out of the lot. Why the creature? It just looks bad-ass. Why the green Damier? I am a sucker for green.

Images are courtesy of GQ.com

Ferragamo bags might not be the hottest bags most of the time but their clutches are growing better and better and becoming a classic piece to own. The Capra is the newest addition to the Ferragamo clutch family. As its other siblings, it is simple, elegant, timeless with the iconic Gancini detail as the lock. The Capra is currently available at Neiman Marcus for USD695.

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

The Bottega S/S2011 men are more casual than the usual incredibly sharply tailored Bottega, Tomas Maier is known for. I am sure the quality of the workmanship is not impaired. Here are my top 3 favorite pieces.

Images are courtesy of GQ.com

David Villa might not have reached the mega celebrity status like Beckham, Kaka or Ronaldo but I think he deserves some celebrity limelight on. Despite his relatively small frame, IMO, Villa always looks gorgeous and well groomed with good hair in place and facial hair at the right places. One thing I have noticed is that, he loves Louis Vuitton. Three occasions, three different Vuitton pieces. It is always nice to see a world-class football player wears or carries something classier than an Adidas. The most right picture is Villa carrying a Loewe bag, not a Vuitton, but I am digging his overall look.

Ladies mostly appreciate watches more from its aesthetic point-of-view but watches from A. Lange & Sohne were made to serve beyond that so one of the best watches you could get for that most important woman in your life (if money were never an issue) will be this gorgeous baby. The reason? It is a watch that a Queen might be caught wearing. Everything screams “Royal” about this watch; from its royally blue color, the diamonds, exotic stingray skin strap and blue mother of pearl dial to the “magical” details that make the hands move and provide the basic duty a watch is supposed to. This piece of art costs USD52,000 before discounts. I said if money were never an issue, didn’t I?

Image is courtesy of A. Lange & Sohne

I like the “Berluti” leather treatment on the leather used on the bags and the Birkin-like shape bag in man bag size. Both seem going to be hot item next year at Gucci.

Images are courtesy of GQ.com

While not exactly new designs, Hermes S/S2011 man bags left me wanting them very very much, I don’t know how to cope with them. Besides the bags, I am also so much into the clothes. Oh shit…

Images are courtesy of GQ.com

The Doctor bag is one highly classy and bag design of which Marc Jacobs’s iconic Stam was based on. Dolce bags have not always been on our primary radar all the time but I have to say that this bag is a worthy investment. Another thing I love about this bag is the fact that it is lined with leopard print into which the bag opens. Then again, the usual problem with Dolce bags is the price point, which in this case is USD1,945, around USD500-USD700 higher than a standard Marc Jacobs Stam bag.

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Leopard is going to be the hottest print for Fall and while it is not exactly new, on this large Fendi Mama bag, it is HOT!!! The bag is made of leopard-print calf hair, available for pre-order at Neiman Marcus for USD2,400.

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Hello Purseholic

I am a 30-year old corporate lawyer in Hong Kong and a purseholic. I have been dreaming of owning an Hermes Birkin bag ever since I bought my first designer bag with my first pay cheque (it was a Gucci). Since I have been a good repeat customer to the Hermes store in Central, HK for a few years now, I was recently offered a Togo 35 in gold with gold hardware but for whatever reason, I am now hesitating on whether or not I should get it. The bag is still on hold for me until next Tuesday. What do you think?

Mandy in HK

Hi Mandy

An Hermes Birkin or HAC in size 40 is also one of the bags I will have to have one day. However, the fact that recently I have seen more Birkins in a day compared to say, Vuitton Alma, is pretty off-putting. It could also be one of the reasons you are hesitating now. I don’t have a perfect answer to you but if you looking for something different, try to get a Birkin Jpg like the one Victoria Beckham is carrying in the picture above instead as it is rare. Having said that, the piece that you are being offered by the boutique is a worthy combo (gold Togo with gold hardware in size 35) so if it looks good on you, I think you should go ahead. Why? First, because you have a fabulous day job to justify owning a status bag like the Birkin and second, you could always sell it at some profit if you don’t really like it after a while.

J Purseholic

Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Valextra is one of the high-end brands out there I have to own at least a piece one day. Like Hermes, the brand is all about timeless elegance, creativity,  superb quality leather and impeccable workmanship. The Carla Reversed is one of those bags which design is versatile enough to go from work to shop and play and at around 40cm long, perhaps as man bag too. I have not seen the bag in person so I can’t judge but judging by the fact that Valextra is making bags in beautiful bring colors like this magenta, seems like it is ready to be loved and admired by the younger crowds around the world. Hermes should watch out as this is one is  truly a  worthy competitor. This beautiful baby is available at Barneys for USD2,450.

Image is courtesy of Barneys

Nothing flashy, only classic shape men’s briefcase with superior quality leather and impeccable workmanship. This is all a true gentleman will need to pull off a stylish and fuss-free look. Price is around USD3,100 in your nearest Bottega Veneta stores.

Image is courtesy of Bottega Veneta

I am not, in particular a big fan of designer rings but I am weak when it comes to heritage and diamonds and this Gucci Bamboo ring is exactly a combo of those two. It is nice, isn’t it? This bling costs GBP1,940.

Image is courtesy of Gucci