Update: Aubergine Suede Hobo will retail for $1,790. Call or email Wayne at Derek Lam boutique to order 212-493-4454
I saw dozens of Fall 2011 bags over New York Fashion Week that ran the gamut in design but the singular emerging trend is clear: go SMALL! Gone are the days of oversized, overweight, and back breaking bags (my 5″ heels do enough damage thank you very much). As our back pain and chiropractor bills increase, so has our demand for lighter weight and smaller bags.
Always ahead of the curve, Derek Lam‘s bag line up this Fall consists mainly of smaller bags with re-worked and dramatically lighter hardware. He admitted his first bag collection was heavy as luggage but has since revamped the fabrication and design of both material and hardware of his bags. Gotta love a designer who knows when something didn’t work and more importantly, change it. The new streamlined logo of the now familiar and iconic double ram heads comes in various metals, Derek’s favorite being the black oxidized version.
My absolute favorite bag style of this collection is the 70’s style slouchy hobos in luxe suede (above left) and butter soft leather (below right)– reasonably sized at 12″ wide and oh so light ($1,790). Other notable bags include a structured doctor style bag in hand woven ikat toile (below left), a mini cross-body bag in leopard ponyhair (my friend’s 4 year old went nuts over this bag, you know you’ve made it when a bag snob’s tot snob gives you two thumbs up!) and the only oversized bag in the collection– a delicious leopard tote that’s perfect for the weekend (above right).
This is the petite cross-body bag that got my friend’s daughter all worked up. She may have to fight me for it when it becomes available in the summer, considering she’s only 4 and weighs less than 40 pounds, I think I can take her.
At Derek Lam’s studio the day after his show– I was able to see bags that were not featured on the runway the day before. Such a treat! This aubergine suede hobo ($1,790) is my must have from Derek this Fall. Optional body strap plus two soft shoulder straps will allow me complete freedom when running around with my boy. The style is soft and curves around the body– like a security blanket. All I have to say is Fall 2011 can not get here soon enough.
If you’re impatient like me and demand instant gratification– the Eel skin tote and clutch are currently up for grabs at Derek Lam boutiques. I love Eel skin, so supple and lightweight. The tote also boasts a large side front pocket (hence the fringe zipper pull, Derek does not do anything without thought and consideration) that will fit iPad/Kindle or a mini laptop. I got mine in black but am so tempted to order the vibrant violet clutch. Derek walked in the studio as I was contemplating my purchase, as per usual, the enabler suggested “buy both!”.
Call or email Wayne at Derek Lam boutique to order 212-493-4454. The Eel skin tote is $995 and the clutch $795, very reasonable for exotic skin bags.
More Derek Lam! My hubby will wish I never laid eyes on this post. Love, love Derek Lam.
Wow, Tina, you look amazin’! Gorgeous bags, Derek managed to create something fresh and exciting as well as instantly recognizable-it’s a Snob! xoxo
Fabulous, just fabulous. You have a way with words that make me crave bags the way I crave food. Nourishment for the soul! My poor credit card is about to get a real beating.
The suede hobo on your shoulder is ah-mazing!!! Must have for fall.
Btw, your hat is tres chic
Hi Lina
Long time no hear from you! How’s London?
Xoxo
Thanks, Julie. You must call Wayne & order one. There is also a navy suede but not sure if they’re making that shade. I prefer the aubergine, looks brown in certain lighting and simply plummy in others. Xoxo
Ps
So glad you called Doris and got the tote! Share photos !
how much is the suede aubergine bag?
They had not priced it at the time I was in the studio but they might know now– call Wayne or email him to find out! 212-493-4454
Hi everyone, the Aubergine Suede bag will retail for $1,790!
I’m still faithful to your blog, read it every day! I’m living in the countryside these days and sometimes wear wellies! (shock horror!) Usually try to pair them with a nice Anya Hindmarch tote though!
It’s my Bday today so at home with a glass of wine:)
xoxo
Derek Lam has not ever been on my radar for fashion or accessories, but I NEED that leopard print in my wardrobe now!
Wellies are the new chic status shoe 😉
Happy Birthday! Glad you’re doing well. Don’t be a stranger, always love reading your thoughtful comments.
xoxo