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.

Fashionista's Prêt-à-Portea Via London's Berkeley Hotel

Yummy Miu Miu heels, delicious Lanvin dresses and scrumptious Burberry trenches are so good, you just want to eat them up. Well now The Berkeley, invites fashionistas to nibble on Christian Louboutins, Valentino gowns and Stella McCartney body con dresses. Prêt-à-Portea is the Berkeley's fashionable and modern take of the high tea tradition.

The iconic British hotel's Prêt-à-Portea is served in the Caramel Room daily from 1pm to 6pm and girls about town can't get enough. The service includes a selection of loose leaf teas from Assam tea to Pear Caramel & herbal infusions like Posh Pomelo & Melon, Gorgeous Ginger and Chocolate Mint Truffle. the teas are accompanied by a mouth-watering selection of mini-skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. The best bit is the collection of cakes and fancies mimicking the latest fashions from the world’s finest designers. For Fall 2011 the selection includes:

• Valentino orange and ginger clutch cake closed with oversized chocolate bow
• Bottega Veneta colour blocking pink and gold pear mousse and clementine cremeux coat with matching macaroon button
• Dolce & Gabbana signature gold starred chocolate éclair dress filled with hazelnut cream
• Stella McCartney must-have polka dot sponge cake dress
• Burberry Prorsum stylish black and white double breasted chocolate biscuit coat with snow white vanilla icing
• Miu Miu winter spice glittery high-heeled shoe biscuit
• Jill Sander pomegranate and grenadine mousse dress topped with colourful chocolate flower pattern
• Lanvin show-stopping cassis bavarois dress with crème de mûre jelly topped with signature folded meringue
• Sonia Rykiel striped chestnut cream and almond sponge cake dress complete with trendy metallic sparkles

For Prêt-à-Portea reservations and delivery service, please call +44 (0)20 7107 8866. The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London. SW1X 7RL

From Bombay To Paris With Love - Chanel Pre Fall 2012

Karl Lagerfeld took a breathtaking passage to India for his latest Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 Metiers d'Art show, inspired by the effervescence and vibrancy of India. The collection rightly named "From Bombay to Paris" featured some of the most beloved Indian sartorial touches From Nehru collars, sari-like draping, supple white leather boots which mimicked the chudhidar to fabulous dresses painstakingly drenched in Indian-inspired embellishments with a Chanel touch.

The collection was a glamourous melange between Eastern and Western. Pink tweed met kurtas and immaculately tailored tuxedos jackets topped saris. Let's not forget the models, many of which were of Indian descent who were adorned in headdresses, tikkas and jingling anklets (Kind of sounds like a Bollywood song).

The Chanel Pre-Fall show was indeed a spectacle, with the runway snaking around a lavish dinner party adorned with crystal chandeliers. Attendees included the usual editors, socialites and special guests including The Princess of Jaipur. The collection will be available come May via Chanel boutiques worldwide. We are counting the days. -LX

Fashion Imitates Art, Art Imitates Fashion: Anselm Reyle For Dior

Dior has dazzled us again with the brand's latest collaboration with Berlin based designer Anselm Reyle. The eccentric artist known for neon flashes, cameo prints and bold statements has shaken up the Avenue Montaigne couture house with his fresh take on Dior's most coveted handbags and accessories.

"I loved working on the Lady Dior handbag. Most of my work build on objects that already exist, which I then transform. I applied the same philosophy," says Reyle.

The collection is filled with Dior favorites reinterpreted by Reyle with vivid bursts of color, fluorescent camouflage and metallic leathers. 

Anselm Reyle's Dior stunners made their debut at whimsical pop-up shop during Art Basel Miami Beach which concluded this past weekend. The exclusive collection will be available for purchase again in Dior boutiques on January 9th. 

For information please visit www.Dior.com -LX