That's A Fabulous Handbag

I am very excited about the Matthew Williamson Spring/Summer 2010 handbags. There are certainly glimpses of his signature trippy prints and color combinations, but in a muted way. This collection offers splashes of fluorescent colors in bags that are more wearable. My favorite from this collection is the black patent shoulder bag with gold chain strap (above). It offers a logo nameplate, something new to his designs, and I think necessary for any high end designer handbag. It shouldn't be overly obvious, but there should be a name or logo somewhere on the outside of the bag. Like any luxury good, branding is part of the appeal.

Tags: designer handbags, clutch handbags

This Matthew Williamson Dark Escape box clutch is a kaleidoscope of color. It's an eye catching and envy inducing clutch, for sure. While it's an evening bag and meant for specific events, if you have the extra cash, this is a great bag to have in your collection. It will dress up any solid color dress and give you the color you need. And it looks so much brighter and fun than the standard silver or gold.  Available at Net a Porter, $1,200.

Tags: matthew williamson dark escape box clutch, matthew williamson handbags, spring 2009 handbags, summer 2009 handbags

It's no wonder Matthew Williamson's London boutique just reported its best January in five years. Although I am just getting familiar with his designs, I am really liking what I see. These handbags display color and texture on classic, practical designs. The bigger handbags can be worn everyday, year round, and the clutches are suitable for any evening event. Although I like this collection, he really stood out with his Fall 2009 Shoe collection.

Tags: matthew williamson fall 2009 handbag collection, matthew williamson handbags

It's really a shame the beautiful beadwork is wasted on this particular bag. The gaudy fringes and the awkward shape of this bag ruin the piece as a whole. It's the Matthew Williamson Beaded shoulder bag. It looks more like a wine pouch than a handbag, being so long and narrow. And while the stitched beadwork on the bag is beautiful, the round beads on the fringes look cheap, and more like a craft project than a designer handbag. Speaking of the fringes, there are way too many -- down the sides, on the bottom, on the tie! Enough already! I have never seen a Matthew Williamson bag before this one, so I will suspend my overall impression until I see more. He definitely has potential, this bag just didn't make the cut.

Available at Net A Porter, $900.

Tags: matthew williamson