Thankfully, that was as controversial as it got. All the fur used on the bags was fake (and here was I wondering how many cute furry woodland animals had to be sacrificed for the bags). Theme-wise, think Eskimo-meets-Yeti-meets-the-Arctic and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what was on show. From backpacks to hot water bottle carriers, to slinky evening bags lined with fake fur and faux python.

Classics (as always) were re-interpreted, and while I adored the ’splattered’ Classic Flap, the one with too much fur and what look like recycled friendship bands (remember those?) left me scratching my head.

And last but not least, my personal favourites from the Fall-Winter 2010 Womens Chanel runway presentation; the white furry evening bag and the ice cube clutch with the fur-trimmed diamante-filled logo. Precious!

Images: Gorunway

Additionally, it comes with a shoulder strap as well as tote handles, so you can carry it one of 2 ways. The price ain’t bad either, retailing for just SGD280 which is really decent for those looking for a casual weekend tote.

My only gripe? If you order it direct from the online site you will only pay USD72.50 (or 50% off the list price due to the fact that it’s already on sale). Which only proves my point about Jack Spade locally. Not only are we getting past seasons’ collections, we are faced with having to pay for those pieces at full retail prices. It’s no wonder then that more and more fans of Jack Spade are buying it online instead.

Image: Jack Spade

The rope ties at each end are also a nice nautical inspired addition as well don’t you think? No exact release dates yet, but I do know it will tentatively retail for USD598 a pop.

Image: Coach

Still, I won’t let this stop me from wishing and hoping that one fine day soon I’ll get my very own suit (though honestly, I would have to be part of someone’s wedding entourage every other month just to justify the cost of getting one).

Fittingly, these gorgeous men were spotted on the red carpet of the Oscars all dressed up in the dapperest (is there such a word?) of suits. Gerard Butler for instance, came all sharp and handsome in Gucci.

Jake Gyllenhaal in Burberry. Cute!

And last but not least, Ryan Reynolds (a perennial favourite here by the way), looking swish in Tom Ford.

I really do want a suit of my own one day.

Images: Oscars

Boxy, unlined and clean. Introducing the Mulberry Tooled Roxanne Tote that retails for GBP195 (in Singapore it is retailing for SGD550). Personally I’m torn. On one hand it’s not a tote that’s really special, but on the other hand you can’t really fault it since it is basically a simple tote in full leather at a rather affordable price.

Yay? Or nay?

Image: Mulberry

I am writing as I noticed in Urban (Straits Times) recently, a series of articles on what they consider to be icons of design in various areas. I was quite disappointed by the feature they did on bags and was wondering if you could share your list with us. I am very keen to know what would make it to your list of must-haves and I am sure my missus will benefit greatly from it as well (she is a huge fan as well by the way).

Hope to hear from you soon and thanks in advance!
Andrew Dorai

A: Dear Andrew, thank you so much for writing in. To be honest, everyone will have differing opinions on what they would consider ‘iconic’ and frankly, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer. And to answer your question, I recently did 2 short pieces for inSing.com where I picked my 10 favourite icons which includes the Alma (Louis Vuitton), the Amazona (Loewe), the Bayswater (Mulberry), the Classic Flap (Chanel), the City (Balenciaga), the Coffer (Miu Miu), the Knot (Bottega Veneta), the Muse (YSL), the Peekaboo (Fendi) and last but not least, the PS1 (Proenza Schouler).

Click here and here to read the full write-ups in 2 parts. And while many may wonder why the Birkin (Hermès) is missing, it was intentional. There is no doubt that it’s an icon in its own right, but I did want a list of bags that were also generally more affordable as well.

And don’t forget to let me know what your wife thinks of the list.
Love, Bagaholicboy

And other bits:
1. Tracy, I always apply the ‘country of origin’ rule when trying to figure out which brand will be cheapest in which country. And given your list of brands and the countries you will be visiting soon, I would say that Chanel and Louis Vuitton will be cheapest in Paris, while Gucci, Miu Miu and Prada will be cheapest in Milan. And don’t forget to check out the outlet stores too for even better deals.

2. Coreen, the main difference between ‘a covered’ and ‘a non-covered’ are the studs. If you look closely, ‘covered’ means the studs are covered with leather as well, while ‘non-covered’ simply means the hardware is exposed. In Singapore, Balenciaga is located at Hilton Shopping Gallery (#01-09/10).

3. Piggy, given your options and requirements I would say that the Balenciaga Work will be your best bet. It’s a classic, it’s lightweight (when empty of course) and it’s definitely roomy. In Singapore it retails for SGD2330 for the regular and SGD2890 for the GH.

4. Sarah, Balenciaga is cheaper in Paris and London, as compared to Singapore. Another good place to get them online would be HGBags, will sells authentic bags at very attractive prices. Given your height I would say go for the Balenciaga Part-Time most definitely.

5. Cindy, prices for Goyard are almost the same between Paris and London, though some still say it is slightly cheaper in Paris after the currency conversion and tax rebate. If you’re looking for something more structured do check out the Goyard Croisière (similar in shape to a Speedy).

6. Chloe, the Tod’s Pashmy in Cotton I featured in November last year is actually laminated jersey. Lightweight and affordable (just SGD1500 each), it is also durable and easy to maintain due to the material used.

Image: Chanel

With that said however, there are still women in the world today that face oppression, and you can do your part to support causes that benefit the unprivileged. For example, you can pick up Diane von Furstenberg’s compilation CD, Proud to be Woman, an album to benefit Vital Voices. Priced at just SGD27 each, proceeds from the sale of the CD will benefit the organisation, dedicated to empowering women worldwide.

Local jeweller Goldheart is also offering a special 13.8% on top of all existing jewellery discounts till 14 March 2010. And from 15 March 2010, they will also be giving away a SGD500 gift voucher when you purchase from anything from their Ascenté collection worth above SGD3000.

Happy Women’s Day ladies!

Images: DVF & Goldheart

It’s Friday, and I’m taking it really easy today. After 2 weeks in ICT, I seriously need a short little break and I thought I’d just leave you guys (for now) with some backstage snapshots featuring the Ms Sicily (along with an iPhone case) from the recent Fall-Winter 2010 Womens Dolce & Gabbana runway presentation.

Weekend here I come!

Images: Dolce & Gabbana

Besides the lovely black satin Chandra, she was also decked out in Bulgari jewels, including a yellow gold, mother-of-pearl and diamond Serpente bracelet (see wrist) that’s absolutely gorgeous!

Here’s a close-up of the new Bulgari Chandra. I better find out what the differences are soon.

Other celebrities who showed up at the event in Milan included Claire Danes, Clive Owen and Rachel Zoe who has been all over the place lately and I frankly don’t get the hype. Am I missing something?

Images: Bulgari

Image: Kate Spade