Cult Favorite: Valeria Smith Handbags

We might get thrown out of the Well Heeled Society for revealing this cult favorite, but Valeria Smith is one secret we can't keep to ourselves.

Nestled on the corner of Mercer Street in SoHo, the Argentian handbag line has been welcomed with open arms by those in the know in the Big Apple. You won't hear about celebrities carrying Valeria Smith bags around town nor do they advertise in the major glossies. However, Valeria Smith bags are one of the most coveted handbags of choice quietly yet stylishly draped around the arms gallery hoppers and the fashion set.

The handbags are fully handcrafted in Buenos Aires with the finest Italian materials. The designs are modern and fresh but still ooze of aristocratic glamour and elegance. Don't miss this boutique on your next shopping trip to New York, you'll be sure to find an exquisite handbag that you can be sure no one else at the party will have yet a bag that everyone will admire.

Valeria Smith

85 Mercer St.

New York, NY 10012

www.valeriasmith.com.ar

A Modern Take On A Classic, The Chanel "Boy" Bag

Imagine a Chanel bag without the signature quilting, no tweed in sight and absolutely no remnants of the coveted intercrossed c's. What kind of Chanel bag would that be? One of the new classics they say. Celebrities and socialites have been spotted around town with the new Chanel Boy bags which capture the simplistic and terribly chic essence of Coco Chanel.

The Chanel boy bag range is named after Chanel's great love, Boy Capel who betrayed her by marrying another woman but they still continued their affair to the day he tragically passed away in a car crash. The eerily nostalgic bags are fashioned after a cartridge bag carried by hunters that Coco was fond of.

The simple yet very elegant bags are made from luxurious glazed calfskin accented with strong hardware in a choice of silver or brass. The bags comes in an array of shapes from perfect daytime tote to a petite evening clutch. The bags come in subtle colors like white, black, green, red, and grey.

In a city like Delhi where logo flashing is a way of life the new Chanel range is made for those very few in the know. For more information visit, www.Chanel.com, Starting at $2500.

Kalla Haute Couture à Pampilles From Vacheron Constantin

The tradition of “secret” watches that enabled 19th century watch wearers to check time in an exquisitely discreet manner is revived with this couture timepiece. Over 156 carats of diamonds in a combination of brilliant, princess and flame-cut diamonds grace the watch. The precious stones conceal an entire diamond-paved dial. Perfect for the lady who is, "quick to blush but never short of a witty reply."

Vacheron Constantin unveiled an extremely unique diamond cut – the flame – which is the only one of its kind to feature a right and left cut for exceptional brilliance. The flame cut is now a signature and exclusive feature of the brand.

With the subtle motion of four delicate mobile strands, the Kalla Haute Couture à Pampilles literally comes to life on the wrist. In 2001, the elegant Lady Kalla won the title of “Montre Joaillerie du Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève” and again in 2009.

For more information please visit: www.vacheron-constantin.com

Green Luxury With Petit H Collection By Hermès

Mega-luxury houses like Hermès aren't exactly known for being sustainable but hermes is taking a step towards being more green with their latest collection, "Petit H", a collection of "unidentified poetic objects" made from factory scraps and defective materials. The initiative was the brainchild of great-great-granddaughter of Thierry Hermès, Pascale Mussard.

Hermès artisans refurbish imperfect Kelly handles and scraps from leather used to make Birkins to create one of a kind, kitsch yet chic items. There are charms for $40 to an oversized panda beanbag crafted from Clemence bull calf leather (the most expensive item of the lot) for $100,000. Hermès teapot spots are transformed into jewelry hangers while imperfect crystal is morphed into dumbbells are also in the mix. Talk about luxury recycling.

The Petit H collection is on view at the Hermès Rue de Sèvres.