CITYist

In less than a month from now, it will be the ten-year anniversary of 9/11. In what is sure to be a sad time for many families, luxury handbag designer Jen Mascali is doing her part to help commemorate the lives of all who were lost on that tragic day. As she and her brother, Chris, were faced with the loss of their father, firefighter Joe Mascali, it is clear why her “Remember” bag project is so close to her heart.

A little glitz never hurt anybody, which seems to have been the general thought when Shoroak designed their collection of bags for the Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. These chic accessories are designed in beautiful leather with Swarovski crystal and metal sequins detailing. The bags boast of funk and flair and are small enough to pair with a cute, flowing dress without serving to overpower the main outfit.

Just two short weeks ago, we were all blown away by her crazy, fun-loving, dare we say eccentric Valentine’s Day Party, and now, we get to marvel in awe at her intricate, inspiring collection of handbags. Ladies, Patricia Field is at it again with her new collection for MCM. Her deep designs make the handbags both chic and practical, with their adorable detailing and dynamic color tones.

In a world–more accurately, in a city–where some of us girls juggle jobs, internships and school, it’s important to have a functional bag that is not only practical but chic. Cassidy Randall, a new line of sophisticated, high quality leather handbags, are all made in New York and inspired by the crazy, fast-paced lifestyle us CITYists lead.

As spring approaches, I’m sure that I haven’t been the only CITYist girl on a hunt for the perfect bag. After all, a change of seasons calls for a change of attire, and my oversized black leather handbag will just no longer suffice with my colorful spring wardrobe. Well, lucky for me, MaxMara has designed the perfect solution with the release of the Olimpia to their Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

Paco Rabanne celebrates its re-launch this season with its release of reinterpretations of the designer’s iconic bag from 1969. The Parisian House’s new handbag collection features an array of distinctively designed handbags that perfectly intertwine the classiness and sophistication of an older time with the modernity of the new.

Impeccable quality, authentic craftsmanship, illuminating innovations–all can attempt to describe the designs of Perrin Paris, yet none do the products justice. Known for their magnificent collection of handbags, gloves and leather accessories, Perrin Paris has placed a whole new spin on understated elegance with its inspirational integration of exceptional quality with flawless design.

ROMYGOLD, a website that has effortlessly expressed the essence of what it means to look luxurious with handbags purchased at affordable prices, has relaunched! The site has revamped its look, logo and lookbook, while continuing to expose its viewers to chic, affordable handbags that range in price fro $275 to $700.

A dynamic duo–the phrase perfectly describes Jen Mascali and her brother, Chris for their beautiful, impeccable creations in the first Jen Mascali handbag collection in Fall 2010. With her line launched in New York, Milan and Paris, Jen was recognized by the Pitti organization as one to watch, and her bags were selected show at the Hotel Ritz during Paris Fashion Week. The handbags from her Fall collection display a natural feel of elegance and class that is both incomparable and genuine. Each bag has distinct detail, as each was produced in some of the finest factories in Tuscany.

Vicki Vlachakis started out designing brands like Mercedes Benz and Audi. Now, she switched into high gear to channel her advanced automotive design techniques as inspiration for Nooni, her new line of handbags. The provocative shapes of the bags paired with their intricate details in design combine to produce aesthetically modern pieces of art that prove just as individualized as their purchasers.

Matthew Campbell Laurenza’s handbag collection features an abundance of bright, lively colors that effortlessly expose the energetic expression that Laurenza’s pieces embody. His style is natural, his vision–extraordinary; Matthew Campbell Laurenza is one designer whose handbags have the capability to make any woman feel as though she shimmers in the spotlight.

Bliss and the sheer simplicity of pure love are what make Valentine’s Day so memorable for women. Stress of trying to find the perfect gift to express that pure love is what makes Valentine’s Day so memorable for men. Well, Laura Buccellati is here to help downgrade the stress and confusion with her signature collection of ‘forever’ bags. Each is beautiful for its individuality and chic intricacy in design.

Summertime means carefree adventures where nothing can weigh us down, including our handbags. Beautiful People’s summer line of carryalls feature light, chic styles that boast a rustic, tuscan feel with hues of camel, pebble and tangerine. The oversized clutches are perfect for a late evening affair in the city, while the chain-link cross-body clutches intertwine a feel of sporty edginess with an irresistible, understated elegance to create the perfect flair to any girl’s light summer wardrobe. The bags range in price from $200 to $500. They can be purchased in U.S. specialty boutiques and are also available for phone purchases.

Reasons to get married: if you love your partner, if your partner’s tall enough to reach the top shelf of the medicine cabinet, if you and your partner design fabulous handbags. Through collaboration with Samantha Thavasa, an honored Japanese accessory brand, chic New York couple Matthew and Nicole Mellon will release their little bundle of joy–a line of five stylish handbags, each available in an array of three color stories—in mid-January at the Samantha Thavasa boutique at 965 Madison Avenue. The bags range in price from $200 to $500.

Jenny Bird, a jewelry and handbag designer based in Toronto, is one designer who refuses to believe that the past is no longer a part of our future.

Handbag designer Katherine Kwei is just the epitome of class. Walk into her Manhattan apartment and you are surrounded by luxury and beauty—and her sophisticated collections reflect just that.

What better excuse to pick up a new bag for fall then if it retails under $400—and looks cute, to boot. This season, we’re digging the new Michael by Michael Kors bags, especially the Large Satchel in Camo Leather ($328) and the Hamilton Large Tote in Luggage Leather ($298). See what we mean after the jump.

World travel is the inspiration behind this fall’s collection of leather handbags by Patricia Nash. Each named for some of the most popular European destinations—Barcelona, Paris, Prague and Milan, for example—the buckle-heavy purses are constructed of vintage Italian leather and perfect for exploring the streets of the cities they represent. Whether you’re into the dipped leather (Barcelona), the flap (see Prague) or the convertible satchel (Milan), each flairs with sophistication and a slightly worn quality that enhances its appeal—all at very affordable prices. (Like, say, under $250.) Pick them up this September in department stores.

Prepare for a new kind of industrial revolution—the kind you can wear on your shoulders and hold in your hands. Wendy Stevens gives women a futuristic alternative with her comprehensive collection of handcrafted metal handbags. Yes, metal. The woven steel yields intriguing designs while managing to retain the brand’s self-described “50s sensibility” with its timeless shapes. Styles range from a strapless evening clutch perfect for a night out (Billfold $340) to a scaled tote that comfortably accommodates all of your essentials (Bib Bag $630). More of our favorite models after the jump.

There is a sense in the fashion world that anything Kate Moss (whose personal style captivates people just as much as the brands she represents) touches turns to gold. Longchamp, the French leather craftsmen, are ready to test that theory out with a line of signature hand bags christened, simply, Kate Moss for Longchamp. The long-running face of the brand (eight seasons, to be exact) has loaned her personal taste and preferences to a collection of bags encompassing everything from travel duffels to envelope clutches—all, with a zebra print here and a braided detail there, designed to emanate the effortless cool of Kate.