For as long as I can recall, I have been completely obsessed with designer handbags. I spent the majority of my youth dreaming of the day when I could afford to buy my favorite designer handbags. Here I am, some ten years later, still looking forward to that day. While I have been known to skip out on my bills to buy the latest trendy handbag, I have yet to spend more than $1000.00 on an individual bag. A girl can still dream, can’t she?

I was leafing through some catalogs over the weekend, and I was amazed at how incredibly expensive some of the high-end designer handbags really are. I knew they were expensive, but I had no clue how very expensive. Oh…the innocence of youth! I decided that it would be useful for our legion of faithful readers to have a handy reference of the most expensive designer handbags on the planet.

So here goes… It has been written about countless times in the press and in the blogosphere, but I simply cannot resist this little gem! If I had to name an all-time favorite design house, Fendi would be the one. I don’t know how they manage to do it, but they are consistently able to strike an incredible balance between innovation and classic design in all of their creations. Fendi designs some of the most exciting handbags in the fashion industry, and the “B.Bag” is one of the most sought-after handbags in the world. One might think that the $30,000 price tag might be a deterrent, but not for those with the means to support their addiction!

Another bag that has given me far too many sleepless nights is the Hermes “Birkin” bag! These bags were named after Jane Birkin, the oh-so-fabulous British actress and fashion icon. These bags are often duplicated, but never truly replicated. With a price tag of over $20,000, it is easy to understand why they are a favorite of vendors of cheap, imitation handbags. As you are likely aware, these bags are available by special order only.

Furthermore, the final costs will very much be dependent on the materials and hardware used in their construction. Wow! Do I need a Sugar Daddy, or what? If there was one other bag that creeps into my dreams with any regularity, it would be the “Muse” from Yves Saint Laurent. It is very much like a traditional bowling bag in shape and design. The first time I saw her was at Saks on Fifth Ave in NYC, and from that moment I knew one day she would be mine. If I had my way, I would choose the oh-so-supple white crocodile version. I cannot think of anything I would rather spend $20,000 on…aside from the “Birkin” bag mentioned above. Wouldn’t I make the perfect girlfriend? Wanna go shopping sometime?

In an unprecedented move by the fashion industry, top designers united to support ‘FutureFashion’ a runway show that presented 30 looks that were created using sustainable materials. Future fashion is here!

Being hailed as a carbon neutral event, Behnaz Sarapfour, Bottega Veneta, Boudicca, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Derek Lam, Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Doo.Ri, Doro Olowu, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Isabel Toledo, Jil Sander, Marc Jacobs, Marni, Martin Grant, Martin Margiela, Michael Kors, Moschino, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Rodarte, Rogan, Stella McCartney, Thakoon, Threeasfour, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent celebrated FutureFashion™ by creating garments that are made with sustainable materials that included sasawashi, piña, bamboo, organic cotton and wool, corn-based fibers, recycled fibers or fabrics and biopolymers.

Versace, one the world’s leading fashion houses created through Versace Atelier (the maison’s division for its most luxurious creations) a ‘sustainable’ eco-friendly gown made of mikado hemp and silk.

One of the six initiatives by EarthPledge, a leading non-profit and innovator of sustainable solutions for business, FutureFashion™ celebrates environmentally conscious fashion by working with the industry to promote renewable, reusable and nonpolluting materials and methods.

Through FutureFashion™, future fashion designers are encouraged to investigate and implement techniques that reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and production and source locally produced sustainable materials.

With FutureFashion™ runway show tonight that featured creations by top designers and luxury houses from both sides of the Atlantic, the message is clear: sustainability is completely compatible with luxury and a contemporary lifestyle.

Leslie Hoffman, Earth Pledge Executive Director commented, “We are thrilled that the design community has embraced the challenge of designing with sustainable materials.  This group of talented designers has enormous influence over what we wear and how we express ourselves.”

“Taking this first step in exploring sustainable practices is a breakthrough that underscores Earth Pledge’s mission: to create change from within the industry.  Sustainability is not a fad; it is a necessity for a healthy future. The leadership so beautifully expressed by these designers will help farmers, textile manufacturers, other designers and, of course, the customers, also embrace this vision,” Ms. Hoffman added.

For those who missed the show, all 30 creations will be displayed on the store windows of Barneys New York’s flagship at Madison Avenue at 61st Street for three weeks, from February 1st. Future fashion should not dismissed, but a popular trend.

“Our Fashion Week windows will showcase a gorgeous cavalcade of sustainable frocks,”  Barneys New York Creative Director Simon Doonan exclaimed.

Tamara Mellon is still the driving force behind the success of Jimmy Choo. As the eleventh anniversary of the company approaches, Jimmy Choo now enjoys the visibility of a major luxury brand with over 60 branded stores in many of the world’s top locations. Tamara Mellon still continues to oversee the company’s creative direction Full article

A recent interview with fashion legend Giorgio Armani didn’t take place in person. It happened in the virtual 3-D world of  “Second Life”. It’s an online emporium of the concept store on Milan’s Via Manzoni by Giorgio Armani.  Full article – Style.com