'It Bag Brand' or 'It Factors'

The swiftest way to update your fashion wardrobe is to splash out on the latest 'it' handbag. In the past season, several 'it factors' have emerged rather than an 'it bag brand' of note.
Last year, the luxury super-soft treated skins used for the Zagliani bags got a great deal of press coverage for their innovative fashionable bags. In 2007 these bags were shown mostly with a hefty £1500 price tag. The Zagliani story was such a success, that matchesfashion.com now sell Zagliani handbags from £550 for a small trendy clutch to £6785 for a large puffy croc bag.
This year, no one material or construction such Bottega Veneta's intrecciato woven leather technique has so far stood out enough, to be a must-have bag. Already high end mass producers are using a similar technique. However, both croc and ostrich textures have proved popular for the fashion designs coming from the high end retailers. Could this green ostrich bag from Gucci and shown left, be this year's 'it' bag next trend. At £5710 you may seek high street alternatives that are more affordable. Yet if you have stealth wealth - go ahead!


This lovely trio of bags by Osprey is their Ava style. Ava is made from polished croc embossed leather, with silver lock and key. The Ava bag size is perfect - not too big and not too small. Never mind the fashion trends, like all 'good' quality bags, it has a studded base. These bags also pay attention to our need for pockets. There is one convenient outside pocket, which would be perfect for keys, small change or a mobile phone as well as two inside pockets. But for me, the most appealing 'it factor' is the adjustable underarm shoulder strap, so that the bag can be tailored to sit well on the individual shoulder.
This lovely leather bag left, by Balenciaga is from Browns and costs £1200. The two tone bag has short plaited handles

In spring 2008 it's not just metallics, crocodile, lizard, snake skin or other animal style materials that are available. Bags are made from a wide range of abstract and floral prints, tribal dyed textiles, wood, raffia and bead encrustation. Shiny patent leather is also a look that glistens.