New Arrivals Alert: Badgley Mischka Platinum Label Patent Messenger Bag

It was just a little over six months ago that the design duo of Mark Badgley and James Mischka announced the launch of a new day bag collection set to debut Spring 2008. Fast forward to today and the collection is slowing trickling into high-end department stores at promised affordable prices. Since I'm a mom who appreciates a chic, stylish bag that facilitates my endless list of daily chores, I'm picking the Patent Messenger Bag as the best of Badgley Mischka's Platinum Label collection.

This patent agata leather bag features a practical 20" drop adjustable shoulder strap, extended flap closure with BM's signature Platinum Label circular accent piece and maintenance-free nylon interior with zip, cell phone and key pockets. This design, measuring 11.5 x 12.5 x 4, is an on-the-go mom's dream. If you factor in the bag's delicious current (burnt orange) color, then you'll realize Badgley Mischka's Platinum Label Patent Messenger Bag will serve you well year-round. For $365 via Saks, what more could you ask for?

New York Fashion Week Spring 2008 Handbag Trends

Zac Posen

Is it too soon to forecast the trends for Spring '08 handbags with London, Milan and Paris still waiting for their turns to dazzle us? It's never too soon for anything in fashion. It was plain to see what we could expect from the designers who showed at NYFW. Exotics will still be going strong into spring after their prevalent use this fall. Look for bright, candy-colored bags or unconventional color combinations to take center stage. Basic colors shift from blacks and greys to nudes with camel as the "must-have" color to invest in. There are still the perennial black/white combination bags, but this spring expect to see camel/black combinations everywhere. Styles and shapes range from clutches and frame top bags to messenger-style totes and large weekend carry-alls. These shapes make the most sense for spring and summer use since travel picks up during this time of the year, and coats, which hinder the ability to carry messenger bags or clutches, are banished to the back of the closet. Of course, our favorite designers from across the pond might have something completely different in store for us, but it's likely most of these trends, especially shapes and materials, will continue throughout their collections as well.

Exotics
L-R: ODLR, ODLR, Michael Kors

Bright Colors
L-R: Marc Jacobs, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs

Camel and Black combinations
L-R: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Max Azria, Max Azria

Black and White combinations
L-R: Zac Posen, Badgley Mischka

Clutches
L-R: Zac Posen, Badgley Mischka, MARC by Marc Jacobs, BCBG, Calvin Klein

Travel Bags
L-R: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tory Burch

3.1 Phillip Lim, Calvin Klein,Marc Jacobs, MARC by Marc jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Tory Burch and Zac Posen photos via Style.com

Badgley Mischka, BCBG, Max Azria and Michael Kors photos via Elle.com

Badgley Mischka Spring 2008 Collection: 70s-Inspired Femininity

If the design duo of Badgley Mischka decide to retain actress Teri Hatcher as their label's face for the Spring 2008 ad campaign, they would be geniuses. Their sportswear selections for the spring would suit Teri to a tee. Appealing to a more refined, self-assured woman, Badgley Mischka's Spring '08 collection mixes 70s-inspired sportswear in lush fabrics and a muted color palette with evening wear decked out in true BM tradition featuring beaded gowns fashioned with an Art Deco silhouette in mind. I'm sure many in the fashion world will critique this slightly awkward pairing and call the collection "disjointed". While some specific pieces might require a bit of adjusting in the future if Mark and James wish to continue down this design path, they have remained true to their design philosophy and that is more than can be said for many of their peers.
When I say their sportswear was inspired by the 70s, I do not exaggerate. Wide brim hats, short shorts and relaxed tailored pants dominated the runway. Prints shared the landscape with degrade patterns on everything from swimsuits to tops to dresses. The feminine and sophisticated sportswear served as an ideal backdrop for Badgley Mischka's handbag collection.
It seems many of the designs featured on the runway are part of BM's new day bag collection. The colors were in keeping with what appears to be a trend for spring - cremes, browns and greys. Shapes were also 70s-inspired with envelope clutches sharing the spotlight along side large, slouchy totes, structured satchels, messenger-style shoulder bags and novel handbags with cut-out handles. The gold-tone hardware and rampant use of oversized turn-lock closures as well as expandable bottoms were in keeping with the collection's retro feel. Other noteworthy pieces featured black/white swirl-patterns, straw exteriors and patent leather. Yes, ladies, patent leather is here to stay, and why not? It's a relatively inexpensive way of jazzing up any look. These fashion designers are very smart indeed.

Photos via Elle.com

Handbag News: Badgley Mischka Expands Handbag Division

The "Dynamic Duo" of Mark Badgley and James Mischka are set to expand their current handbag division to include a day bag collection. The new collection will be split into three categories - everyday bags, attitude bags and leisure bags. Prices will range from $125 to $295 and will be expected to sell in stores like Saks, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom.

Good for Badgley Mischka. Everyone should get a piece of the high-profit handbag market. Send some love my way, guys. XOXOXO

Source: WWD

Celebrity Style: Badgley Mischka Dome Satchel

Photo via Teddy & Moo's Place

Back when John Mayer & Jessica Simpson were going strong and all was right in the world (meh!), her handbag collection's meteoric growth appeared to stall. Perhaps she was enjoying complete bliss and didn't require massive doses of retail therapy or she was so busy having fun (wink, wink) that she couldn't be bothered with acquiring new bags. Whatever the reason, early 2007 was not a hotbed for new Jessica handbag sightings. There was, however, one clear exception to this anomaly. While accompanying her honey on his world-wide tour, Jessica was seen sporting an ultra-luxury handbag. The simple yet striking carry-all was from fashion's dynamic duo Badgley Mischka.

Their python Dome Satchel, measuring 17 x 14 x 7, was the perfect travel companion for globe-trotting Jessica. The classic satchel features double top handles with ring insets, zip top closure with tassel pull, and lined interior with zip, pouch and patch pockets. Although the blond (and sometimes brunette) songbird sported a dark brown version, this ivory piece (Pictured) is better suited for the upcoming summer travel months. Just be very careful when you go through airport security that your gorgeous satchel is handled with care. Available for $1495 via Bloomingdale's.