Gender Bender #58

Below: I am tempted by this Céline Small Boston Bag... the leather has been treated to resemble canvas... and the interesting elongated zipper detail is very fresh. Truly a piece of arm candy. Comes in brown/black or grey/black combination too. (Price: SGD $2200)

Below: An interesting off-sided tote in white linen and navy leather, but fully lined with lambskin. Amazingly luxurious. (Price: £1400 at matchesfashion.com)

Below: Comes in tote format with a slim leather shoulder strap. Again, the zipper detail sold me the bag! (Approx. SGD $3000)

Below: Surprisingly, this leather version costs less than the linen counterpart... (Approx. SGD $2700)

Below: A soft leather shopper, devoid of unnecessary detailing, which is ideal for fuss free days. (Approx. SGD $1450)

Below: Full leather bowler bag perfect for light travelling or gym. (SGD $3600)

Below: For the first time, I covet a monogram bag:-P This jacquard canvas tote has handy shoulder strap and is the right size for carrying your daily belongings. (Approx. SGD $1560)

Below: This will be a good travel bag, a good change from the 'replica flooded' LV versions... I like the 2 side buckle straps, giving it a classic equestrain luggage look.

Céline Spring Summer 2010 Bags

Phoebe Philo's appointment for Céline was a welcome change for the established French fashion house. For Spring Summer 2010, Céline took on utilitarian chic, playing on masculine feminine ideas, and had once again wooed back the fashion media. I have raved about her highly coveted Spring Summer 2010 collection here before and I fancied her androgynous ready to wear pieces. More so especially for the new bags created under her new direction. The bag collection utilises simple shapes and details that balances elegance and contemporary designs. They look very neutral that even boys can be seen toting them.

Last Saturday while doing my rounds of 'Shopping research', I had the chance to fondle and admire the huge range of bags that have now taken its place at the Cèline boutiques both in Ngee Ann City and Isetan Scotts. In my opinion, the pureness and simplicity of the bags is a draw for fashion fans of the most discerning taste. Nothing over done, everything just right.

Most noteworthy is the range of totes and duffels made from leather that resembles canvas fabric at a distance, but you realised it was leather after you touched it. The handles had an interesting round disc shape at the ends where it attaches to the body of the bag. I am especially in awe with the clever use of zips as part of the design, where it is elongated and attaches itself to the sides or base of the bag with a turn lock for an original and clever detailing. The colour ways of navy/white or black and brown/grey is also neutral and works well with many colour themes of your wardrobe. The white and navy linen versions spots a fully lined lambskin interior which is highly luxurious.

And if I were to invest in a monogram bag (which I do not exactly count myself as a fan), I would choose Céline's range. Not yet 'flooded' in the market, it is more exclusive and had better designs than some of the other major brands. Simplicity is the key and Céline's monogram range does just that. I covet one of the tote bags with a shoulder strap. Lightweight and highly usable for everyday, it's the perfect companion for school, work or play. Best of all, pricing is affordable (approx. SGD $1560) and is something that you can be assured not everyone in Orchard road is using. The tote comes in a brown and canvas colourway which is very desirable.

I am excited to see Céline regaining interest under Phoebe Philo's creative vision. I really like how the brand has evolved now and look forward to seeing what's in store for Fall Winter 2010.

Here's my military themed shopping outfit over Sat:-) I did get that pair of military green jeans from Zara..
(Topman black cropped blazer, Zara Military Green T-shirt, HE By Mango Faux Snake Skin Belt, Marni Cutout Shoes, D&G Teddy Bear Necklace)

Source: Céline