SWARM

I really like what Leslie Oschmann does to vintage oil paintings ... she transfers them into beautiful bags, clutches, necklaces, pillows and chairs. She finds the paintings at markets throughout The Netherlands and Belgium. Each piece of functional art tells its own story through the clever combination of painted, worn canvases.

Over time and with use, each unique object is designed to show signs of wear so that the narrative of the art can continue to be enjoyed and evolve with age. She also keeps a great blog which she updates regularly with her most recent work – the latest being a new set of fabulous bags that double as shoulder bags as well as tote.

You can see the new Swarm collection here, and learn more about Leslie here.

Anya Hindmarch

A couple of posts ago I showed you the new advertisements by Coach for their bags this summer, so after that I just couldn't withhold the these by Anya Hindmarch.

For you who aren't familiar with Anya, she began her fashion carreer aged eighteen in Florence, Italy. Here she was inspired by a leather duffel bag worn by all the chic italians. She recreated teh bag and sold them through harpers & Queen in the UK. Anya went on to start her business from a single store on Walton Street, London. Many celebrities including Princess Diana climbed the stairs to this store. Over twenty years on, the business has expanded to fifty four stores in seven countries including flaships in London, New York and Tokyo and a Bespoke store on London's Pont Street. the brand has a number of celebrity fans including Reese Witherspoon, Claudia Schiffer, The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Moss and Angelina Jolie.

Anya Hindmarch has become renowned for her stylish yet practical designs that really capture what a woman wants in a bag. she is also famed for her creative projects. These include designing the eco-friendly "I'm not a plastic bag" tote which became a worldwide "must have", a set of hampers for Selfridges, the Vanity Fair Oscar's party bags and a jackets in collaboration with Barbour. Anya has also been design consultant to British Airways for ten years and is a trustee of the Royal Academy and the Design Museum.

So back to her summer 2012 collection, each bag was carefully selected the appropriate setting - taking into account not only color but also the nature of the potential owner. For a business bag - only noble tree, a fun and colorful - plastic and candy for the evening bag in the form of a shiny apple - exotic birds and treats.

Coach

To attract the attention of buyers, you need to constantly come up with something new. So Coach decided to send their bags, from the male line, to walk the streets of New York.
The result is great: bright accessories and their cool design perfectly fit into the urban landscape. The maker of the photographs was Jake Rosenberg and  is part of creative team of one of my favorite websites The Coveteur.

Jimmy Choo Icons

Tamara Mellon introduces ICONS - a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

The ICONS collection has been especially created to celebrate 15th anniversary year of Jimmy Choo.

"I wanted to create a modern capsule collection inspired by memorable styles from our history that represented milestone moments for the brand and embody the DNA of our house style. These modern interpretations of classic designs represent the iconic glamour of Jimmy Choo today."

Tamara Mellon OBE, President and founder of Jimmy Choo

This 'behind the scenes' film features Tamara Mellon, OBE, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Jimmy Choo, talking through the inspiration of the new ICONS collection and the ad campaign. The short film also features exclusive scenes from the Nan Goldin shoot.

Nan Goldin is one of the most highly respected contemporary art photographers of today. Her piece the ballad of sexual dependency has been cited as one of the greatest influences upon western contemporary art, and she is credited for validating the snapshot as art.

Longchamp

About a month or two months ago, for my work, they gave me a new laptop. Don't know if it was because of me, but it's a idiot proof laptop and weighs about 3kg. I've been towing it around and my right shoulder now is positioned a couple of centimeters lower then my left shoulder. So I decided to get me a "stewardess" troley. I have a black one at home, which is very practical and so I am using it, but it's also a bit dull and I really want a fun one ... So I've looking around and found this really cute one from Longchamp - which will look adorable with a pair of blue jeans- but in doing so I also came across some georgeous others bags from Longchamp!! Don't think it'll be just the troley I'm getting ;)

Longchamp Patch Poney Toile Suitcase with wheels

Longchamp Balzane Handbag Tartan Green

Longchamp Balzane Handbag Brown

Longchamp Roseau Handbag Black

Longchamp Roseau Hobo Bag Black

Longchamp Xlight Handbag

Longchamp Patch Poney Toile Handbag

Barrett Alley Bracelets

Prices about Euro 50,-

Hand made in Texas, Barrett Alley's makes the most beautiful bracelets and other leather accesories ( wallets, card holders) they state it's for men... but I'll wear the bracelets any day.

Made with love and care, each piece of leather is cut by hand with a knife and sewn together with linen thread using the same durable stitch that saddle makers have used for centuries. Strong vegetable tanned leathers and a double strength saddle stitch make them durable enough to pass on as an heirloom to the next generation.

More info and shop: Barrett Alley

Gucci spring summer 2011

You know they are gonna be a classic when you buy them, next year or the year after ... The older and more worn they get the more beautiful they get. Ofcourse I'm talking about my Gucci bags....

Really like their "new" selection for this season

Combine it with one of these belts

Combine with these georgeous platform open toe pumps

Or with these great sunglasses

Combine with these beautiful sexy heels

And for the guys .... what to think about this tote .... wouldn't mind owning it myself (be great to carry my laptop).

Everything is available @ Gucci

My other bag...

Make it personal

Design your own silver ring. Name of the ring offers good quality silver 92,5%, very good service and  let's you design a unique and beautiful piece. Prices range from € 89,- to € 119,-.

Name of the ring

Be Bold, Go Red

Dare to be a little different and brighten up your day at the same time, just a touch of red - or maybe a little more - will make you feel and look so sexy and happy :)

ISABEL MARANT

Set of two bracelets

€140

available @ net-a-porter

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Skull-print modal and cashmere-blend scarf

€257.31

available @ net-a-porter

LINDA FARROW LUXE

Lizard-trim acetate sunglasses

€421.26

available @ net-a-porter

MIU MIU

Two-tone patent-leather sandals

€360

available @ net-a-porter

PAUL & JOE,

Jacoue mid-rise straight-leg jeans, 

€209.44 

available @ net-a-porter

MOSCHINO

Read Between The Lines striped silk T-shirt

€455

available @ net-a-porter

And my personal favourite, is this mens watch by Michael Kors, just remove a couple of the chains and it will fit you as well and you'll have a great piece on your wrist.

MICHAEL KORS

Mens Chronograph Watch

€195

available @ Michael Kors

Adidas Gonzales

Where's my skateboard, need to try out these sneakers.

As a longtime contributor to adidas Skateboarding, Mark González has been known for both his art and his skateboarding contributions. In a piece of footwear design seen here, González applies some significant color blocking via a light blue upper with a red heel. The red is further seen through a trim on the tongue as well as the foxing band. Available now at Caliroots.

Missoni x Converse

Missoni and Converse have made, for the third time, a great sneaker. Ofcourse featuring the patterns that made the reputation of the Italian fashion house: space-dyed knits including vibrant multi colored horizontal stripe. As a part of Converse First String program, the pairs are embossed monochromatic Chuck Taylor leather logo patch and made of high level materials.

Where to buy? Try Colette's online shop, they are approx Euro 200