By – Duhin Ganju
“Fashion is not about utility, an accessory is merely a piece of iconography used to express individual identity.” – The Devil Wears Prada.
Accessories have left a huge impact on fashion be it in the form of capes, shoes, handbags or timepieces. Each and every commodity represents the brand value and has been worn by all fashion enthusiasts around the world. As the year is about to end, here are some of famous accessories that I have reviewed. I know the list maybe endless, but these were my top favorites…
The Burberry Poncho: A masterpiece from the brand’s Autumn Winter 2014 collection, the Burberry poncho has become a front-runner in the fashion world. Made in England from 100% farmed cashmere, the poncho also comes with the beautiful monogramming service where customers can emblazon their initials onto the blanket scarf, adding a more personalized appeal to this luxurious accessory.
The Fendi Bag Bug: A master of innovation, Karl Lagerfeld introduced a funky new accessory for the brand’s spring collection. Made from fox fur the bag bug is a classy new accessory perfectly complimenting the brand’s iconic bags like Peekaboo or Baguette. Available in various shapes and sizes, this furry charm is hard to miss for those who are extremely fashion conscious.
Gucci’s New Bamboo Tote: Gucci’s new bamboo tote is the ultimate calling card of unmistakable and ultra chic style. Available in various exotic skins like crocodile, python and ostrich; this new tote bag is truly meant for the fashion conscious mind. Heritage styles in this tote include a zip closure with the iconic bamboo handle.
Chanel Plexiglas Bag: The new handle clutch designed by Creative Director, Karl Lagerfeld is an ode to the house’s most iconic fragrance- Chanel No.5. Made from Baccarat crystal, the see-through clutch is an enlarged version of the perfume bottle. Making an excellent couture statement, Chanel’s Plexiglas bag can be carried everywhere with confidence and poise, be it red carpet events or funky nightclubs.
Couture Sneakers: French luxury brands such as Chanel and Dior developed a new iconic piece for their autumn-winter couture shows- The Sneaker. Handcrafted by trained artisans, each and every sneaker is made with utmost attention and detail. Perfectly complimenting expensive floor-length gowns, these new sneakers are a true example of the brand’s innovation towards fashion. Heavily encrusted with Swarovski jewels and tweed fabric, these new accessories have hit the likes of various celebrities like Rihanna, Kristen Stewart, Marion Coltiard etc.
Burberry’s Bloomsbury Bag: At their autumn-winter show in 2014, Burberry introduced the new Bloomsbury tote as an ode to the heritage British craftsmanship. Each bag was hand-painted with a design done by an expert artisan. Available in different skins like mink, alligator and calf-leather; each bag has its unique quality and tapered look. A quintessential British icon, the Bloomsbury Bag is the brand’s new iconic handbag and a must-have accessory during this year.
The Dolce and Gabanna Crown: Royal, rich and ladylike; this new accessory introduced by the duo in their numerous fashion shows during this year, is a must have in every woman’s closet. Made from 24ct. plated gold, this crown has intricate detailed patterns that reflect the brand’s personal style and touch. Having influences from Italy and Spain, Dolce and Gabanna’s crown has become a new signature look for those who can afford to dress up like a true princess. La Dolce Vita!
Swarovski Tube Bangles: The Austrian brand launched a new accessory campaign featuring Miranda Kerr, that became an instant must-have in the designer closet. These tube bangles boast elegance with a touch of funk and cool. Emblazoned with approximately 450 Swarovski crystals, each bangle is hand-made at the brand’s factory in Wattens, Austria. Available in different sizes at almost all their outlets around the world, they come in colors of pink, purple, black and silver.
Bvlgari’s Serpenti Watch: Bvlgari is a brand known for its extravagant jewelry pieces so it was no surprise when the brand launched their Serpenti Watch this year. Made from 24ct. rose gold, the watch boasts of 115 diamonds worth 10 carats. With five jewel movements, this watch has become an instant classic in the luxury time zone. Priced at $50000, this watch is definitely an example of luxurious craftsmanship and sophisticated style.
Tiffany’s T Collection: Who says Tiffany is all about expensive diamonds? The American jewelry giant proved the fashion audience wrong by introducing their T collection. Chic and effortless, yet girly, this low-cost collection of theirs became an instant classic in the jewelry closet. Made from 18ct. rose gold, these Tiffany statement pieces instantly acclaimed a high profile in the market. Each piece is packed individually in their iconic blue box and can be perfectly accessorized with a designer dress or even an expensive ball gown.
Louis Vuitton’s Box Bag: As a part of their Spring Summer 2014 collection, Louis Vuitton introduced their new statement chain bag. Nicolas Ghesquière, the brand’s newest Design Director amalgamated the essence of the iconic trunk and transformed it into a box clutch. Carried as a sling, the bag also comes with a detachable chain thereby making it into an evening clutch. Made from hardbound leather, it carries the option of customizing it with exotic leathers like crocodile and ostrich.
Louboutin’s Mina Clutch: Christian Louboutins’s Mina Clutch surely speaks to the brand’s iconic spikes. Made from 100% calf leather, each clutch has been crafted to perfection. Adding onto the feminine appeal are the silver spikes that are hand-placed by expert artisans at the brand’s Parisian workshops. The pinnacle of any ensemble, this Mina clutch has become an instant Louboutin classic, within the likes of celebrities such as Blake Lively and Catherine Zeta Jones.
Kate Spade’s Ciara Bag: Kate Spade’s latest cross body bag is an ode to the brand’s timelessly classic appeal. Made from hand-woven straw, this new number is definitely hard to resist by those who are looking towards the lighter side of ‘high-fashion’. The iconic bow accent lifts the magnetic flap and this gorgeous number is also lined with tanned leather. Ideally meant for the younger side, this bag can be generally carried for everyday purposes; perfectly complimenting it with a light summery straw hat.
Valentino’s studded beauties: Known as one of the leading brands in the design industry, Valentino’s latest resort accessories line is surely hard-to-miss! Created under the design direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, this new resort collection comprises footwear and handbags. Each piece has the brands iconic studs incorporated onto them, followed by multi-coloured stripes as detailing. Though this line bears Mr. Garavani’s name, the duo have done a commendable job in amalgamating their design aesthetics with that of the Italian giant. Available now across select Valentino stores, the collection starts from a staggering price of $1400.
