Bally continues to impress and at the rate it is going, it will be about time their bags will make it into the hands of many fashion insiders. I still think that the resemblance of this Rachele leather tote to a bag from Celine is very high but for Bally that is traditionally very traditional, following what is trendy at the moment might just be what it takes to put the brand into the list of the coolest fashion design houses. Priced at USD1,395, it is HOT for a bag made entirely of leather (twill lining inside) and of this size (41cmx31cmx17cm).

Image is courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Two things I would like to point out on this bag – it is definitely a trendy piece for this season (canvas and leather combo) and the leather is not calfskin, not goatskin but shark leather. The first time I know shark leather is used on designer bags are in Reed Krakoff bags last season and now it seems to be gaining popularity (Why not? The texture is amazing!). The beauty about this bag lies in its simplicity and functionality. A potential classic piece, if you ask me. Michael Herz and Graeme Fidler seem to be doing great works in subtle manners in Bally. Price is GBP1,284 at Bally stores or net-a-porter.com.

Image is courtesy of net-a-porter.com

I was not very sure how Michael Herz and Graeme Fidler would reform Bally but this clutch bag seems to have given a good preview of how the direction for the house would be. Made popular by the come back of Celine by Phoebe Philo, the natural, clean and color blocking designs seem to be the order of the day. Do I like it? I definitely do but this clutch looks a little too similar to what Celine would come up with, maybe at a price tag higher than GBP395. Having said that, I have always been a fan of classic Bally and it is great to see that it is going to a more current direction with its bags. Let’s wait and see.

Image is courtesy of Bally

This Bally clutch has generated so much buzz among the Spring 2011 bags that it is just one of the must-have pieces of the season. Make no mistake about its simplicity as the bag has hidden optional handles and detachable strap, making it truly versatile. It is also one of the last pieces Brian Atwood had designed for Bally before his departure.

Brian Atwood has done a good work for Bally over the past few years, revitalizing the image of the 160-year old Swiss brand but his departure has opened the door to duo Michael Herz and Graeme Fidler of Aquascutum London. I really look forward to seeing what this duo is capable of in Bally. Available at net-a-porter.com in red and black leather trims, this clutch is also available in blue leather trims in other stores. Price is GBP685.

Image is courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Consider this a forewarning: Vintage-inspired bags will rule the world soon so make your next purchase counts. From Gucci to Versace, Bally seems not to be left out and why should it be when the bag is looking like this one? Bally Napa Doctor bag is available for pre-order (to arrive in September) via luisaviaroma.com for EUR776. It is such a steal for a classic bag like this one!

Image is courtesy of luisaviaroma.com

The Jana bag is the era-defining bag for Brian Atwood for Bally and is a style favored by Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba and Katherine Heigl. This Suede Python version in pinkish purple color is a left-over from the Fall/Winter 2009 collection and is currently at 40% off from GBP1,550 to GBP930. It is indeed an excellent deal you should not miss. Grab it now!!!

Image is courtesy of Bally

Finally i visited ION Orchard yesterday and while the interior design and arrangement of the mall is pretty much a let-down mainly due to its small walking space and big crowds, the shops are exciting and some are long due to arrive in Singapore. Taking the mall front are Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier and Giorgio Armani and once inside, we have Valentino, Ferragamo, YSL, Dquared (first in Singapore), Car Shoe, Miu Miu, Zegna, Bally and many more on the first level. On the second level, Church’s and Herve Leger are due for opening. Burberry’s store is impressive and big, next to the Harry Winston and Boucheron. Up to the third level we have Longchamp, Furla and 6Five Barcode which carries about 20 brands including Costume National, Galliano, MCM, Just Cavalli and Roccobarocco. Overall, the mall is a nice addition to Singapore’s beloved Orchard Road but the lack of a big upscale department store such as Harvey Nichols or Barneys and the small walking space between shops on the first and second floor is making the mall itself less impressive than its awesome exterior.

Take this cue from me: Everything and anything studded will be HUGE soon for Fall and Winter 2009, they will be everywhere from bags, dresses, coats, belts to shoes and jewelries! Among the line-ups are studded bags from Bally and Be&D. Both bags are very cool, very rocker chic but if you are just getting one, which one will be the one to go? Bally studded bag (left) is available for pre-order via luisaviaroma.com for Euro1,300 while Be&D Garbo studded bag (right) is currently available (in black, purple and beige) for Euro1,053.3.

Images are courtesy of luisaviaroma.com

Taking direct reference from Villemot Bernard for Bally classic poster back in the 1980s, Brian Atwood shows that for Fall/ Winter 2009, Bally is also about pop arts and fun. Big design houses such as Prada and Louis Vuitton have invested interest in arts of various forms over the recent years and as the comeback label to watch now, there is no reason Bally should not be interested too. This bag has striking fuschia Bally logo lining and is made of black fabric with Villemot poster print showing a woman wearing a pair of shoes (supposedly Bally). There are two women on this bag whereas there was only one in the original poster. Villemot Bernard was famous for his pop art posters for commercial brands such as Perrier, Orangina and of course Bally back in the 80s. If you are fan of Villemot’s work, get a copy of his posters at posterclassics.com. Alternatively, this bag serves as a bag and a piece of wearable art too. At USD255 only, it is available at Bally now.

Image is courtesy of Bally