Miu Miu is one label that's not afraid of using a bit of colour in its autumn/winter collections, and in addition to the ubiquitous orange, they've gone for a rather etherial shade of lilac in their A/W 2010 accessories.
At first glance these styles look a bit OTT, but that's not helped by the models identically-toned outfits, which do a good job of putting the viewer off! I think that worn with subtle shades of grey or monochrome tones these bags would look the business - with a padded look to rival Chanel's Cocoon range.
We just can't help it, us Brits. The mercury has 'rocketed' to a 'sweltering' *ahem* 15 degrees this week, and we're immediately lunging for our sandals, shorts and anything with candy stripes all over it. I'm not complaining of course: any excuse for a wardrobe update is a welcome event round here, particularly when we've all been stuck in our thermals for so long.
On the accessories front, this means everything gets lighter, brighter and...covered in strips! This fun new bag from M&S is right on the money, as it's impossible to look at it without thinking of candy floss, rock and walks along the beach. But it's got a serious side too, in the form of a top quality, robust leather strap.
Coming soon to an M&S near you, at £39.50
Like Marc Jacobs, Chloe are embracing one of the oldest bag styles around at the moment: the humble pouch bag. But unlike MJ, they've chosen to let the bag go 'naked', with no embellishments, studs or beading. I think this is a wise move, because the quality of the leather they've used is just outstanding, and really speaks for itself.
These bags are all from Chloe's Autumn/Winter 2010 collection, which also featured work bags and top-handled luggage. It's a remarkably sedate collection with little in the way of bells and whistles, but the quality is unmistakable.
Not too sure about Prada's latest runway collection. What do you think? It highlights nicely some of the key trends that are coming through for next season, including visible stitching, top-handles and exaggerated features - but I'm not sure about the execution. Do you go to Prada for cartoonish, toytown accessories? I don't think I would. Once again, that rogue burnt orange makes an appearance, suggesting it's going to be everywhere by bonfire night!
Elsewhere the plaid and 'woven' look has been adapted from the lighter summer styles, and shows up in many of the collection's larger luggage items. There's a nice use of colour here, but again, nothing I'd jump up and down with excitement over!
Hermès went in for big business chic and padded thermal style in equal measure for its 2010 runway shows. The season's seemingly essential burnt orange shade made a brief appearance here, too. I think I have to approve: it brightens up what is otherwise a deathly dark and at times, dull, colour palate. I also love the use of perforated leather on the seriously serious, overly-over-sized business Birkin...
The padded versions of Hermès' signature bags were all rather cute, and the sheepskin trim works a treat.
Bottega Veneta always do texture particularly well, and their big-weave spring and summer collection really set the tone for many designers this year. Great to see they're still leading by example in the autumn/winter range, which is full of tactile delights. We're also loving the colour palate used here, which is predominantly dark, but includes some opulent splashes of colour, as in the leaf-green tote (above left).
Spiky edging in many of the accessories gives the whole range a fairly reptilian look, giving a harder edge to the woven styling that's still in evidence on some of the pieces. As ever, BV have an adorable range of clutches, including this extraordinary 'beetle' bag:
Vivienne Westwood has never been one to shy away from a little colour, but her latest collection of bags, purses and other accessories is bright, bold and beautiful - even by her usual lofty standards.
The Yasmin 'Rising Orb' tote in red is unmistakably Dame Viv, but it has a cartoonish feel to it that we've not seen her experiment with before. It's playful and fun, and bound to raise a smile.
£250 at My-Wardrobe
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