Prada debuted it's Fairy bag earlier this year in a simple cream deer skin base but did you know it's also available in a plum color? The catch? There's only one available! The bag is offered through Prada's Prototype Auctions so unless you're really lucky, it won't be yours.

Sorry.
:(

Image via Fashionising

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Shoes Fashion Jewelry

What's Haute is a friend to Handbag Designer 101 so I was honored to join the preliminary judging panel for the 2nd Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards. Over 600 photos were submitted and I, along with Handbag Designer 101 founder Emily Blumenthal and several others, pored through all of them to select five finalists in each of the following categories:

Best Green Handbag, Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design, Best Handmade Handbag, Best Student-Made Handbag, and Most Socially Responsible Handbag.

It was difficult to choose since the quality of the bags was incredible, and the talent in the handbag world is simply amazing! But here's a look at a few of my faves who were picked to be finalists (their bags are pictured above)

Nelle Handbags: I fell in love with her adorable black ruffled clutch, as did the other judges. The detail is perfect can you believe it's handmade?

Diego Rocha: another stunningly handmade python bag, though we nominated this one for Best Overall Design. The design, detail and construction are incredible.

Lina Motoki: we were captivated by this student-made red hobo-style handbag and can't wait to see it in person!

How could you not love gorgeous handbags that help to save the environment and give back to their communities? Tracy Penwell's 'green' bag is made up of recycled watches - how cool! And La Chica Chic works with TodosPelaeducacao, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering the children of Brazil and the bags are beautiful!

Congratulations to these and all the rest of the finalists!

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Shoes Fashion Jewelry

I'm in love with python. Some people don't like the scaly feel of snake skin but python is just so luxurious to me, but pricey. So anytime I can get my hands on an affordable python piece, I grab it! LuxCouture has one of the best selections of luxury bags (thus the name LuxCouture!) and they have an enviable selection of python bags. This one in particular caught my eye. I was surprised to discover it actually isn't python but looks so much like it I love it anyway! The Ultra in Printed Leather is by Minority and it's a brilliant bronze-y oversized clutch with scalloped, snakeskin-like leather detailing. $725 is a price typically reserved for authentic python skin but this bag is so gorgeous it might just get a pass! And for those of you who don't like snakes, this one's for you!

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Shoes Fashion Jewelry

I never thought I'd see the day I put John Paul Gaultier on a 'Not Haute' list. But designing a women's clutch inspired by men's boxing shorts? That's not haute. Every time I look at this clutch I feel like pulling out my boxing gloves and hitting the speedbag. Ok, he gets points for creativity but really, what woman wants to carry her stuff around in a pair of luxury satin boxing trunks?


Jean Paul Gaultier Satin Boxing Pochette, $415, eLuxury.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Shoes Fashion Jewelry

When I think of Venus and Serena Williams, I have to admit that high fashion is not the first thing that comes to mind. But Serena was recently spotted out shopping looking casually chic in Nike sweats and carrying a black patent Valentino Nuage bag. The bag is a large hobo with a big patent bow on the side. It's overly girly and cute and very un-Serena like, but I love the pairing of casual wear with a luxury, haute off the runway bag.


$1,195, Bergdorf Goodman

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Shoes Fashion Jewelry