Simon Doonan; Isabel Toledo's Showroom

The Couture Council of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is awarding Isabel Toledo with their 2008 Award for Artistry of Fashion on September 3. In celebration of that award Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar and Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at FIT hosted a cocktail party at the Toledo’s atelier in Manhattan’s garment district. The event was attended by Mathew Modine, Simon Doonan, Cynthia Rowley, etc. We were invited but could not attend so we sent our local New York writer, Eva Tsou.

by Eva Tsou, fellow blogger
Coming out of the subway in the heart of the garment district, now mostly filled with bead stores and knock off handbag wholesalers, I spotted a woman with a black and white feather plume hat and a harlequin print jacket in 90 degree heat and 80% humidity and I knew if I just followed her she would take me to my destination. Sure enough she takes me right to the door lined up with New York’s fashion elite. Upon entering their loft, Ruben Toledo is there at the door greeting guests as they arrive, handing out fans that were individually hand painted and signed by him with a portrait of Isabel Toledo. Where does one get a husband like that?

Jump for more photos of the party...

Gwyneth Paltrow has certainly been making up for lost time since coming out of motherhood-hibernation. Snagging the Tod's Fall campaign as its new face with a short film for Tod's to be debuted in Cannes, it's clear that Gwyn is baaaaaack!!!!!!! She said in a recent interview that she never misses a day of working out and even while traveling, she exercises with her trainer via the internet. Now that's dedication-- and it really shows, look at her legs! She also said it's hard work to look the way she does (two hours a day 7 days a week) and that she does not wake up looking like this-- especially now that she's a mother of two toddlers. I love her candor, how many actresses pretend they never work out and that they roll out of bed looking gorgeous!?!??! (Jump for more!)

The lovely Felicia Sullivan of Harper Collins sent me the most decadent treat today, the Sex and the City book! Its pages are chock full of photos from the series (season 1-6) and the movie; including every outfit, shoes, and bags the girls sported broken down to the designer! This is so great because there were a few bags that stumped me but now I have the answer and can do another in depth entry on the bags in the movie! I know what you're going to say, enough already but I can't get enough! I loved the movie, it's like the best chick flick ever-- with fabulous bag to boot. What more could a girl want? Get your book now or try to win a book on Felicia's site. I felt so giddy as I pored over the pages of quotes from SJP, Michael Patrick King and Patricia Fields. It's as if I've discovered the treasure map! Here are more pictures from the fabulous NY Mag blog, The Cut, edited by Amy Odell.

Check out the new Oscar de la Renta website-- it not only offers the latest collections from the legendary designer, there are photos of his life from childhood and his years as a young designer. With the recent passing of Yves Saint Laurent, we feel incredibly lucky that we have had not just one but several occasions to meet with Oscar in person and discuss his love of designing beautiful clothes. He is one of the last great designers of a lost era and one we should all cherish. We love the fresh new look of the website-- go check it out!! (jump for more photos!)

I found myself with several hours of free time on my hands yesterday morning, and decided to go watch Sex and the City-- alone. I have never gone to the movies alone at 10am on a Sunday before but after two hours and 15 minutes of pure mindless entertainment, I was glad I went and can't wait to do this more often-- it was so therapeutic to sit in a theater alone! I was also relieved the movie turned out so enjoyable, after all the hype I almost didn't go see it. I loved the series and was afraid I would hate the movie but it was as if the show never ended, the girls slipped back into their roles without missing a beat! I don't want to give too much away for those of you who have not seen it but the movie was a sweetly spun tale about love, friendship, and forgiveness (albeit one filled with mucho product placements). But please do not expect any earth shattering performances, the cast, after all, is merely prop for all the fabulous gowns, shoes and bags! Now, on to the bags, there were so much eye candy for me in each scene, many that we've featured here in the past:

From On the Runway by Cathy Horyn
Wow-- turns out the "exclusive" Nina Ricci dress worn by SJP to the premiere of Sex and the City in NYC wasn't so exclusive after all. According to the NY times blog, On the Runway, Parker was led to believe by both Nina Ricci designer Olivier Theyskens and President Mario Grauso that the dress had not been worn before. SJP was upset because she remarked to Theyskens during the fitting that she was surprised the dress hadn’t been worn before. He assured her it hadn’t.

“He didn’t say, ‘Well, actually I just escorted Lauren down the red carpet at the Met.’ ” said Parker, adding, “I just wish it had been handled differently and they had been straight about it.” (Jump to vote!)

My YSL vintage Haute Couture Gown circa 1972 purchased from Decades-- one of my prized posessions.

I was so saddened to hear of the death of Yves Saint Laurent and would like to take a moment to reflect on one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. The man who put women in sexy smoking jackets, freeing them from poufy skirts of the '50s and whom coined "effortlessly chic" with his revolutionary ready to wear designs (he is often referred to as "The Godfather" of RTW) will be missed by many. Last month we had the honor of hosting an event with Lou Lou de la Falaise, his muse of over three decades and who inspired the YSL smoking jacket, and had a lovely conversation with her about YSL. His legacy will no doubt continue on through the name he leaves behind.

You've all been asking about the bags showcased in SATC-- here are a few from LV that SJP and cast sported!


The Richard Prince Motard Firebird Bag, given by Sarah Jessica Parker to Jennifer Hudson, who plays her assistant, as a holiday present. This would not have been my choice to give my assistant but seeing that it's a $5400 bag, I am sure she was ecstatic. But if she wasn't, there is always eBay!
The Limelight Clutch bag, carried in the film by Sarah Jessica Parker. Of course Carrie would save the cuter bag for herself! This clutch is cute and unassuming, a total thumbs up from the Bag Snob! $1200 at Louisvuitton.com

2nd Update- Oui! To Louis (Vuitton) I go!!! Hello lovelies, I have been invited to the original Louis Vuitton House and Atelier in Asnieres (about 20 mins outside of Paris) for a grand tour of the facilities-- (some bags are still being produced here!). This is where the very first trunk, with a flat poplar frame covered in waterproof canvas, was made by Louis Vuitton himself!!! I am most excited because despite what everyone had to say about the brand, Louis Vuitton's rich history and influence on the global luxury market can not be disputed and it is an honor to receive such an invitation. I will, of course, have lots of photos and give you every detail of the tour. I will be in Paris for two weeks in June so-- mark your calendars! (as a side note-- I am also invited to the Hermes private museum so this is going to be an amazing trip to say the least!)

Thanks to all the fabulous readers and friends who attended our party last night. The evening was a smashing success! We had such a huge turn out we ran out of champagne three times! Luckily, Steven Mathieu-- the Retail Manager At Large for Oscar de la Renta replenished quickly each time. A big thank you to our our friends from the press who came in support of the event-- Rachel of WWD and Jennifer Chan of Fashionweek daily and of course the photographers and videographers from Splash News and Patrick McMullen! (see more photos after the jump!)

From WWD

NET-A-PORTER now has the newest FASHION TARGETS BREAST CANCER (FTBC) exclusives, so you can look fabulous all summer and feel even better knowing that all net proceeds from the sale of the products will benefit local breast cancer charities around the world. These latest items are part of the global partnership with The Council of Fashion Designers of America/CFDA Foundation Inc. Check them out, they are perfect for the hot weather right now. Love the DvF dress!!

Diane von Furstenberg Tuvallu jersey dress $355;

I was at the Christian Louboutin personal appearance at Barneys in Beverly Hills yesterday. What can I say? I was starstruck and giddy to meet the man who took women with a simple shoe fetish and turned it into a cult following. You can image what the scene was like at Barneys with his most devout in frenetic worship mode, shopping like it was a 90% off sale. Well, it was full price and it was to get his signature heart signature on those signature red soles. If there was one day in my life when I felt lucky to have giant feet, it was today because I had no trouble getting everything in my size (40, thank you very much). The other regular sized feet gal there, including my friend Cindy who is a 38, had no luck because everything was sold out. They were all frantically searching and trying on, willing to get anything in their size. A girl next to me bought the very unpractical Anemone stiletto pumps with a giant bow in the back as a last resort (she had a hard time walking in them). I happily brought home two gorgeous pairs that makes me feel fiery hot and sexy just knowing I have them: Marilou woven sandals ($870) in pewter and the City Girl slingback platforms ($795) in luggage.

How Chanel obsessed are you? Enough to get a Chanel bike? This uber chic bike can be yours for $13,595 and there are only 3 left! It, of course, comes with its own bag for your trinkets and ice cream money. Look at the quilted chain guard! I doubt you'll ever find anything as sophisticated on your Schwinn beach cruiser. It really does have all the Chanel design features which makes this a viable purchase, if you need a new bike. Can you imagine riding down the beach with this thing? Or how about riding this through Beverly Hills or Fifth Ave? OK, yes, you would be a total freak and you would one-up those loony ladies who walk around Neiman Marcus just to show off their latest plastic surgery work. I wonder if it comes with an attachment to hold all my shopping bags? Call Chanel (800) 550-0005 to inquire and purchase.

Thank you to all the amazing girls who showed up to support Genesis Women's Shelter at our Bags and Bubbly event last week! Your efforts were greatly appreciated and we sold lots of bags, jewelry, and shoes! Thank you to Suze restaurant for the yummy desserts and champagne! Photos of the party after the jump!!! Don't forget to come see Kelly and me at the Oscar de la Renta boutique on Melrose in LA on May 20th, 5-8pm, for another fabulous Bags and Bubbly event!

A peek of what's in store for the Fall season from Louis Vuitton (if you don't care, skip to the next entry); I am going to take the high road and only review the bags that did not make me cringe (you have eyes, go to Style.com to see the scary ones for yourself). I fear I have turned in to a major grouch when it comes to LV bags but then today I came upon my set of antique Louis Vuitton luggage my friend gifted me when I gave birth and it brought back all the love I used to have for this brand. As you see, for Fall, the monogram and logo remain strong. It's the brand's bread and butter, why change it and go all simple and logo-less a la Bottega Veneta right? I mean how fun would that be? Who would we make fun of if Marc Jacobs started offering understated and subtly chic bags? We love Marc Jacobs because he shakes things up! So, back to the bags. Richly textured (looks like suede or could be fabric according to my source) with exotic detailing like python handles and ostrich trim, it is so lovely I can even overlook the monogram. I am especially liking the winter white version with python shoulder strap, it looks so luxurious next to the white cashmere coat. Is there anything more delicious than a white cashmere coat? I have to say, the Louis Vuitton ready to wear from MJ is exceptional this season. I can't wait to see the entire collection in person. What do you think? Will you ever be lured back to Louis Vuitton bags?

In its latest ad, Louis Vuitton features an unexpected Spoksperson and no, it's not a glamazon Supermodel nor a preteen starlet; it's a raggedy looking, eyeliner wearing and deeply wrinkled Keith Richards. Yes, as in Rock legend, as in the definition of cool, as in if he uses Louis Vuitton, it's safe to go back to the monogram. At least that is what the masterminds behind this Core Value campaign is hoping to achieve. What do you think? Will this tempt you back to the brand?

Source: WWD

I had the pleasure of meeting Andrea Ciaraldi, Creative Director of Giorgio Armani, last week. First at a fitting for Armani Privé Haute Couture (trust me, there is no experience like being fitted for Haute Couture, apex to apex) and later at a dinner at Fashionista Founder Heidi Dillon's home. Andrea is the ultimate charming Italian man. He insisted I try on the Haute Couture sample pieces and when I came out he raved in his delicious Italian accent "You are amazing, why are you hiding under layers of wool and boxy jacket? You must show this body off! Most models don't even fit into our sample sizes, you are perfect!" Talk about ego boost, I almost ordered the pink beaded gown on the spot. The cost of an average Haute Couture gown made to order, is a whooping six figures. But considering it takes over 300 hours to apply the beading and beautiful details, it is well worth the price, isn't it? There are a mere 2,000 Haute Couture collectors worldwide, while most are over the age of 60, there is a growing group of young girls (20's and 30's) buying into the art of Haute Couture. After this amazing experience, how can I go back to off the rack ready-to-wear?

We are always looking for new talent in the bag industry and our young (and tres ambitious) friend Daniel at Fashion Indie has put together an awesome Project Handbag contest with Maurices. They have narrowed it down to Ten Finalists and want you to vote for your favorite! I won't say who I voted for because I don't want to influence your choice. Help find the next great bag designer - Go vote now!

Call Jasenka at 214-265-0136 for further details and bag prices!

I wish I lived in the Jetson age so that I could've beamed myself to Milan earlier this week. I wanted to attend the Bottega Veneta show (what I actually said was "I want to come to the show and I want to have dinner with Tomas Maier" - I know, so demanding of me- but we think he looks like he'd enjoy a good dinner with a couple of Bag Snobs :) and was told "Come to Milan!" by their PR director whom I met at a dinner over Fashion Week. I was tempted to hop on a plane but having a three year old son makes it difficult to fly off at a moment's notice. As you all know by now, I adore Bottega and after seeing the Fall 2008 collection, I am kicking myself for not going to the show! Tomas Maier created another drool worthy collection of fabulous frocks, sumptuous coats, and beautiful bags (all you need for the ultimate Fall wardrobe!). Everything seemed so different yet familiar (Tomas is the master at reinventing the old without changing the integrity of its roots) even Bottega's classic woven details are blown to exaggerated proportions on a python clutch, making it fresh and fun while the iconic knotted clutch has been elongated for a more youthful vibe. Exotics ruled the runway once again (a yummy ostrich clutch wrapped in crocodile anyone?), and if you have not owned a piece of Bottega exotic skin, you are truly missing out. My anaconda bag fell into a tub full of bubbles (please don't ask, it pains me to even think about it but a three year old was the culprit) and I thought it'd be ruined. I really couldn't be angry with my son though, as he sweetly said "mama, you love bags right? I wash for you nice and clean." Uh, okay. I swallowed my tears and let the bag dry overnight, it was good as new, amazing!

We started Bag Snob two and a half years ago and are blown away by the strides taken by the fashion blogging industry; from Fashion week invitations to showroom visits, designers are now aware of the positive influence of fashion blogs and reaching out to us. Kelly and I were invited to Oscar de la Renta's showroom yesterday to preview his latest bag collection, we were told Oscar would join us and we just about fainted- how many people can say they hung out at Oscar de la Renta's showroom (and his private workroom loft, I was told most people do not get access up there!) with OSCAR himself!?!? We spent the first part of our visit playing with the new bags (THE strongest bag collection of the season-I will have more details on the fabulous Shagreen Goya bag I am carrying in the photo) and the Fall '08 RTW collection, not only did I touch and feel all the samples, I was able to try them on! (most fit me perfectly, which means the 6' tall models are a size 0!?!?) It was like playing dress up in your mother's closet, except every item is an Oscar de la Renta masterpiece. The clothes were even more beautiful in person, the details in the stitching, beading, and embroidery were absolutely exquisite and extraordinary. Oscar applies the same meticulous haute couture detailing to his ready-to-wear as he did during his years as the Director of Pierre Balmain couture. From the runway we saw gold leafing, in person, the gold leafs are actually hand painted feathers!