Second City Style Fashion Blog - Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping

Gucci Brothers Launching Handbag Line—To Be G—in Spring

Brothers Alessandro and Guccio Gucci, great-grandsons of Guccio Gucci, will be launching To Be G handbags for spring. They are making it known that they are not trying to imitate the Gucci brand itself explained by Guccio, “We have our own vision.” He continued on to say, “There’s a solid experience behind the project and a structure to support it and we have a specific idea of what the product should look like.” Guccio designs the bags whereas Alessandro is involved on marketing and communication.

Picked as the dominant theme and representation of the bags, was a lily pattern from an original Liberty print. The flower is tweaked with interwoven leather strips. Included in the collection will be many, as Guccio labels them, “grandmother bags” that are small crocodile bags with an added retro pizzazz. A country-style inspiration is also in the talks because Guccio’s companion,Nuria Rincon, who resides in the country, also helps with the designing of the bags.

The handbags retail at a range of $821 to $1,343, and the Crocodile totes at $4,479 and $8,958.

Source: WWD

Photo Source: WWD

-Heather Youkhana

Coach Designer to Launch Own Line at NY Fashion Week

There will be a new face at New York's Fashion Week in February: Reed Krakoff of Coach. The designer will be launching his eponymous line likely either on Monday, February 15 or Tuesday, February 16. It is yet unknown whether he will be showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week or elsewhere, but this is certainly exciting news!

The designer registered "Reed," "Reed Krakoff," and "RK" at the US Patent and Trademark Office along with two logos. Everything from ready-to-wear and leather goods, to body sprays and pet products are possible. 

Stay tuned!

-Nina Krek

Story Source: Fashion Week Dispatch

Photo Source: WWD

My Bag. The Physhion Collection...Where the Physical Meets Fashion.

I was first introduced to Physhion bags when I noticed a friend carrying this amazing very large black shiny bag. I was instantly smitten and thought "that would make the perfect baby bag!" (What can I say? My life has become about strollers, diapers, baby bags, etc. in anticipation of my impending motherhood). Turns out it was the Vixen bag from the luxury athletic bag brand Physhion Collection. I couldn't get the bag out of my mind. Even though the bag is intended for the woman who lives at the gym (which I do, er did, before I became hugely pregnant) with it's outside water bottle pockets and industrial strength lining and a multitude of inside pockets...this style screamed baby bag to me. Bonus! A double duty bag. One I can actually still use once my baby is no longer a baby! Of course all the baby bags I thought I really wanted weighed a ton (which I am told is a no-no) or cost a fortune. I was looking for something light, fashion forward and affordable.

 
The Siren in grey with white accents

A few weeks later I was having lunch with Physhion Collection founder, Lisa Tave and I was totally won over by the entire collection. I felt like I knew her forever (instant BFF's). This spit-fire mother (of four boys!) started her line of beautiful bags out of her own personal need for fashion-forward accessories for her very active lifestyle. Running from the gym to work to picking up her boys, she wanted to look fashionable while schlepping everything she needed. After searching and searching she figured she might as well create the perfect bag herself. Viola, Physhion was born.

 
View of the inside

What makes these bags so amazing?

All bags are 100% waterproof coated lightweight twill canvas and trimmed in Italian patent leather. Every bag also has it's own little swanky functioning lock and gym card holder...genius.

Each bag includes:

-waterproof liner
-interior shoe sleeves
-removable wet/dry pouch
-detachable waterproof toiletries pouch
-pockets for cell phone, PDA, iPod...and baby stuff!
-interior zippered pocket
-key chain holder

See doesn't it also sound like the perfect baby bag too? Just add your own changing mat (which you can find for under $30 at Babies R Us) and you are good to go.

 
The Vixen in black (and my new baby bag!)

 
The Mystic in Camel which incidentally holds a yoga mat.

 
The Fashionista in grey with white accents.

There are currently 6 styles (Fashionista, Hipster, Vixen, Siren, Mystic and Lolita) so find your favorite!

Shop physhion.com

You can also find them at David Barton Gym in Chicago.

- Lauren Dimet Waters

The 5 It Bags To Buy This Fall

Go for broke and buy the bag!

Heatherbelle Bridgeview for Second City Style Magazine

It will never make you feel like you’ve gained those 5 pounds and never, ever make your feet hurt: the handbag. So why not invest in something that is useful, makes you feel great and (if taken care of properly) might actually be worth a few Franklins one day? This fall, look for two trends: larger bags with shorter handles and small bags with long chains. Just say no to the ones with the studs and pass on the messenger bags.

1. Gucci Medium Drawstring Icon Hobo $1250

2. Maison Martin Margiela X-Shaped Hobo $1295

3. Lanvin Happy Partage Metallic Lamé Bag $1915

4. The Mulberry Mitzi Hobo $750

5. Anya Hindmarch Minton Leather Shoulder Bag $795

Sale Alert! Ignes Bags 35% Off on Customized Bags For One Week Only!

We love Ignes Bags, mainly because you can create your own unique, high-quality leather bag! Choose your design, leather, lining, hardware, and even an engraving inside. Better still is that for one week you can save 35%  when you create your own! Just follow this link (ignesbags.com) and get started! The discount is already programmed!

If you are having trouble choosing the perfect design, email mestrada@ignesbags.com for help or to send you customer pictures of previously designed bags for inspiration. Or you chat with Maria in the Live chat on the main website ignesbags.com

Naomi Cambell Donates Birkin For Hermes' Annual Vintage Sale

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell will join legendary style icons like Jane Birkin and Princess Stephanie in donating one of her Hermes bags to be auctioned off for charity as part of the handbag house's annual vintage sale. In past years, Birkin handed over one of her own namesake bags and the Princess of Monaco contributed an Hermes belonging to her mother, Grace Kelly. Now Campbell, who's celebrating her 25th year in the fashion industry, has signed up to donate her own pale green alligator leather bag back to Hermes. The auction will raise funds for The White Ribbon Alliance, a campaign launched to prevent women dying during childbirth and a cause for which Campbell is a global ambassador. Along with British prime minister Sarah Brown, Campbell has been promoting the The White Ribbon Cause through recent video messages to Silvio Berlusconi and other G8 leaders. The supermodel's message, perhaps in her signature no-nonsense manner, appeals to the G8 leaders to take action against maternal mortality in developing countries. Hermes' annual vintage sale will be held on November 10th.

Article Source: WWD
Photo Source: askmen
-Alia Rajput

NYC Event. Bags & Bubbles: A Botkier Fall Collection Preview

This past Wednesday evening Second City Style attended the Botkier Fall Collection Preview and Monica Botkier Q & A at HoneyMag's offices in Soho.

The Uma tote and bag are to the left and the Logan (black bag) are some of the season's standouts.

My favorite: the Marti boot. The heel is the perfect height for city walking. I must own a pair!The Syndney Hobo is behind the boot.

I loved this pairing. The Angie fringe tote and clutch.

More from the Blotkier fall '09 collection (that is not my glass). Shown here: The Taylor Collection

Monica's inspiration for her Fall '09 collection was New York rocker chic. She looked back to her roots when she first launched her line back in 2003. How can one forget the iconic Trigger bag? I still have mine. The bags and shoes in the collection are about zippers, studs, hardwear, function and leather that just keeps getting better with age. An essential for Monica is an easy access pocket where one can stash their phone and a long key chain attached to the inside of the bag.

Popular styles: The Logan, The Uma (a ruched and tassled bag or tote), Taylor and my favorite: The Marti leather zipperd boots with a realistic city height heel for $595.

Monica Botkier talking about her Marti zippered boot

Question: What was your inspiration?

MB: I have always been inspired by rockers. I am a huge Led Zepplin fan. The asthetic resonates with me. I have a little rocker in me which is why I like bags that are a little edgy with grommets, studs and zippers.

Question: What motivated you to design handbags?

MB: I actually began my career as a photographer and was always seduced by accessories. But I couldn't afford the great bags of the time so I would have leather bags made for me that I designed. Models on the photo shoots began asking me where to get my bags and within months I was shipping to Barneys. It happened that quickly.

Question: What are the prices of your bags?

MB: I have found that $595 is the sweetspot price for my bags. We have not really raised the prices much since they launched. The larger tote style bags are $695.

Question: Who are some of your celebrity clientele?

MB: Angelina Jolie, Kate Bosworth, Joy Bryant, Megan Fox, Rihanna and Heidi Klum come to mind, but there are more.

Question: Are you going to ever launch a mens' line?

MB: Not until I have a retail store. It just doesn't make sense for me at this time.

Question: Where are your bags sold?

MB: At most of the major U.S. retailers like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks and Shopbop. But for the full collection your best bet is to shop Botkier online. The fall bags are already online, the shoes and bots will be coming shortly.

Shop Botkier online here.

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Photos: Second City Style and HoneyMag.com

New Handbag Store Opened Today In Chicago at The 900 Shops

This new store is open today May 15th! Ootra invites shoppers to channel their inner designer with its customizable handbags - get creative styling your own bag, strap, trim and other embellishments.

At the 900 Shops - 900 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago or online at ootra.com

Handbags. Special on Gustto 'Estola' Bag for Second City Style Readers

Get 20% Off on this Large Estola Bag in purple from Gustto when you use discount code: SCS0020 at checkout!

This large bag from the Gustto City Collection with wide, gathered handles, a leather strap with a brass Gustto pendant has brass accents and a zip-top closure. Made of soft cowskin leather with an inside zip pocket, open pocket, and cell phone pocket ...what more could you want?

Size: 16" x 10" x 9"
Retails for $760 - now with 20% off you can get it for $608
Shop Here

About Gustto
Born in the South of France, handbag designer Agathe Planchon has been inspired by a life of constant motion. Nestled on the Northwestern coast of the Italian Riviera, Portofino has long been her most beloved sanctuary and primary source of inspiration. Personifying luxury, fashion, and passion for life, the Italian lifestyle has incited Ms. Planchon to design this subtly sexy, yet unerringly sophisticated collection. Gustto bags have become one of the foremost "must have" accessories from Fifth Avenue to the Hollywood Hills.

Handbags. Banana Republic Knock-offs

By now everyone knows I love a good (and usually expensive) handbag. However, when asked where women can find reasonably priced leather bags, Banana Republic normally comes to mind as they are mostly under $300. So I was checking out their handbag collection today and found myself thinking...some of these look vaguely familiar and not in a good way. I admit, I am disappointed in Banana Republic. At least I expected them to be somewhat original.

Top Left: Versace; Top Right: Banana Republic
Bottom Left: Anya Hindmarch; Bottom Right: Banana Republic

- Lauren Dimet Waters