70s MACRAME

Here is a selection of macrame and jute bags mostly from the 70s. I was doing a little bit of research on woven bags and elastic and came across these on etsy. Don't you just love that site?!



I was extremely tempted to purchase this one which was going for just US$26, but really, do i need another bag? No!


I just love the neat rows of macrame that make up this bag and the contrast of the wood handle with the crafty feel of the main body of the bag. I also love the colours - just off whites which are so summery and fresh.


The slight deco patterning which adds a bit of subtle embellishment to the pattern.


The range of patterns and styles are just endless, and these are just a few of the images i found when i searched "macrame bag" on etsy. I wish i could do macrame, although mine would end up in a different category altogether. Perhaps experimental macrame or something like that.

My obsession with macrame continues on this previous post... http://anotherbagblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/macrame-and-stringy-bags.html

STUDIO TOOGOOD

These bags are from Studio toogood, creative consultancy... its the kind of place that does, in my book, truly creative work. Everything on their site, i just stare at for ages... i don't even know where to start with these bags.


They are an eclectic collection of odd camera and lens cases, fixed up and lined with a futuristic gold lining fabric. Little straps have been added here and there, but overall they retain their gorgeous vintage feel.


Both the bags themselves and the installation / display which was part of London design week last year, are just sublime... the type of thing i wish i was involved in.


The bags look like archaeological artifacts dug up for display at a science convention...


Coupled with the modest, humble surrounds and the stark white walls, the bags are given individual personalities. Hanging from little hooks ready to be plucked by the lucky new owners.

Read more about them here: http://www.studiotoogood.com/Projects/Super-Natural

CROCHETED AND STRINGY BAGS

I recently started doing some crochet. Its fun, if not a little hit and miss. So far i have sort of got the impression that it doesn't really matter if you make a mistake, it still looks cool.



Anyway, this inspired me to look into crocheted bags, i really like the cleanness of these. They are simply and minimal but still have that gorgeous crafty feel.


I like the idea of using really thin elastic to crochet bags so they are a bit bouncy.


This one here is by The Jackson Twins based in West London.


Mostly the rest of them i found on etsy. I think the coloured crochet really works well with wooden hardware. Not sure why, it just does.

70S SUEDE PATCHWORK BAGS

These 70s style suede bags are nice. I like the craft meets fashion styling. I found them on etsy.

90s EMBELLISHED BAGS

Decoration is back. I'm loving embellished bags, 90s style. Geometric structured patterns work best. Hardcore studs, rivets and chains are the way to go. Mixed metallic finishes on heavy weight black leather is the way to do it.

JAS MB AT TRANOI FEMME PARIS

Bonjour, I just got back from Paris and the hustle of Fashion week where i checked out Premiere Classe and Tranoi Femme tradeshows. There was some absolutely fantastique stuff on show.


One of my favourite brands of all time is Jas M.B. Jas was at the show and I was even tempted to make a little personal order myself - which is this amazing 'Camera Case' cross shoulder mini handbag that you see above. I can't wait to receive it!


The brand has done some amazingly cool backpacks which are really lifestyle inspired and also pretty for what its worth.


This double strapped backpack is satchel inspired with the long leather straps and classic detailing.


In classic Jas M.B styling, this tote made from a coated canvas is accented with leather details.



The quality of leather is just to die for, take this, for example, clutch with removeable shoulder strap made from large grain leather. Pure luxury. I am really loving the simple shapes coming out right now with minimal hardware.


And for a little bit more bling, Jas M.B has done these tote bags with a very geometrical array of 'diamond' studded bolts.

I absolutely love the understated-ness of this brand. Minimal branding, minimal bling. Made in the UK and just good old fashioned fashion.

ALEXANDER WANG

This sexy little number by Alexander Wang is an 'it' bag that people actually buy and wear, i have spotted it being sported around shoreditch many a time. Its super accessible and you don't even have to live in west london to have it.


What i love the most is the soft marbled leather. Did i mention that beautiful soft supple marbled leather? Oh my god, its so nice. poor cows. I also love the slinky chain and the metal zips on the front two pockets with facing zip pulls.


This bag reminds me a bit of an old pair of jeans. Nothing too flash but luxurious in its minute and subtle details.


Slouchy is another word that comes to mind.


and here is a close up of the leather which has a sort of denim look to it. Back to watching CSI now...

Emi Kameoka at Home in Tokyo: THE SELBY

I love the Selby - its a site where photographs are taken of the interior of celebrity and interesting people's houses. These photos of a chanel bag collection are taken in Tokyo at Emi Kameoka's house. She is a fashion assistant at Vogue Hommes Japan but more interestingly has a keen collection of Chanel hang bags.









Photographed by Todd Selby., she also has a wierd fascination or obsession with My little Pony.
Check it out here: The Selby

VINTAGE YVES SAINT LAURENT HANDBAG

Finishing friday afternoon off with a bang of a post. This one i have been saving. Its a typical mumsy style handbag from the archives of Yves Saint Laurent. With its miniature sized logo print and its tanned leather trimmings, i think it is a real winner.


Again, i have to admit finding this one on etsy as well, i did go through the site with a fine tooth comb and there are billions of amazing finds on the site. To save myself from going broke buying bags, i have just posted it here for everyone enjoy.


This shows the compact side view, this bag is what it is, with modest detailing in that classic 1990s style. In fact, my mum recently handed down her (what is now vintage) Christian Dior bag to me which i have in pride of place on a shelf and it has a very similar construction. Its almost like a saddle bag construction on the back to sit flat against the body when worn.


What i really love about etsy.com is the care and attention that people go to to photograph their products. It leaves ebay for dead so thanks alot for posting this, i wish i could credit you but i can't find you again on etsy, even though i know you are out there!



I'll leave you with this three quarter view showing the front buckle detail and that lovely shoulder strap width - not too narrow, not too wide. Love it!

VINTAGE HIDDEN PURSE BAG

This is another post from ETSY. Its from a seller called vintagetotes. Looking at this little black bag from the outside you would never notice anything suspicious about it - that is until you open it.


And you find in side two dinky little coin purses fixed on the inside in a bright green and a bright red.


They give me the feeling of being the gutz of the bag, the entrails that are hidden deep within.


Or a pleasant little surprise, like the sexy lingerie of a conservative little black dress, these foxy little inside pockets add a new level of excitement.

GILES DEACON SPRING SUMMER 2010

Giles Deacon has to win the prize for the most prehistoric bags at the paris shows this season. They are really playful, cute and slightly crazy, but i'm not sure how much they would fit inside them, you certainly couldn't carry around an a4 notebook in any of them.