Marion Cotillard returns in another Lady Dior ad for Christian Dior for Spring 2011.  The actress wore a violet dress with purple ribbon woven through the straps and neckline.  A beautiful red bag with black pattern is strategically placed before her to conceal her growing baby bump.  Photographer Craig McDean shot the ad in Russia, and he brought culture and beauty together.

Here is the  first of Blake Lively’s ads for Chanel.  This is merely a preview of others to come for her Mademoiselle handbag.  Karl Lagerfeld really captured a different side of the Gossip Girl actress; he was behind the lense.  The red leather and gold chains on the bag are a perfect contrast against her black feathered top.  The mirror provided various levels of both Blake and the red hot accessory, it was like a visual echo.

Images via The Telegraph

Victoria Beckham has created a line of uber-luxury handbags that are apparently so coveted, they were sold out almost immediately upon becoming available.  That was not a small feat considering that the prices went as high as $13,950 for one.  No one can promote this brand better than the designer herself; she is often photographed with a bag or two glamorously in tow.  With this line, you are not only buying a bag, you are purchasing Victoria’s lifestyle and possibly a bit of her secret.

When Tiffany acquired the bankrupt Lambertson Truex, we did not envision that these lovely bags would be the end result.  Sure Lambertson had a decade-long history of luxury bags, but could they transition the high-end jewelry retailer into this market?  The union may have been questionable at first, but the pairing has brought about beautiful bags with an ‘it’ bag factor.  These handbags come in various styles, shapes and sizes, but the above is our favorite.  Sure they’re stylish and sleek, but never under-estimate the Tiffany blue element.  Say hello to the Lyn clutch, this may be our first meeting, but the odds are good that we will be seeing them about town.

Target has made another high-end connection, this time the mass market retailer has teamed up with Mulberry.  Mulberry is reponsible for the current ‘It Bag,’ the Alexa Bag.  If Target has its way, the high-end retailer will do the same for this capsule collection, but at a lower price-point.  The coupling of high-end with mass market has been a dominate trend for the last couple of years, and it does not appear to be slowing down.  Mulberry is in very good company, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Proenza Schouler are some of the luxury designers who’ve already collaborated with Target.  You can get your hands on a Mulberry for Target bag or two at the launch that is set for October 10th. 

Mulberry Teams Up With Target [Elle UK] 

We’ve already showcased prints in the form of dresses for summer, so now here are a few bags to keep you on trend.  Wear your bag while rocking the denim or white dress trend if you wish.  You can also mix and match your prints in terms of your outfit and accessories if you’re so boldly inclined.  The multi-colored bag is a Vivienne Westwood with beautiful patterns, followed by the gorgeous pink Lanvin with two-toned brush strokes.  Then there’s the Coach bag with printed logo in a silver-gray hue.  Though I usually stay away from items with logos, this tote has a subtle print with more of a circular pattern.  As you can see, you can choose from the casual, dressy and the in-between. Accessories are a fun and simple way to update your wardrobe with prints, and a great investment.  These bags are priced between $232 and $1,205.

Burberry wants to do for shoes and bags what it’s done for the trench.  That is a good thing for the company’s bottom-line as well as its customers in terms of variety.  During these challenging financial times, leather goods have been the savior of many fashion houses.  “There is a huge momentum in this sector (of leather goods),” says Bailey.  Their new emphasis is especially important now that Burberry has reported a profit loss of over $90 million dollars during the first half of the year.  Accessories currently make up a third of the company’s revenues; shoes, bags and belts will be taking on a much larger role.  The shift is among other changes that were recently announced, namely the promotion of Christopher Bailey from creative director to chief creative officer.  It looks like Burberry is making all the right moves to maintain the 153 year old house’s relevance in the 21st century. 

Burberry to expand in shoes and handbags [Reuters]

Burberry Profits Slide 24 Percent [WWD]

Good news ladies, Jimmy Choo and H&M are teaming up to bring you clothing and accessories.  Being Jimmy Choo, of course the collection will be centered on the shoes.  The men also have something to cheer about; they too will have shoes, bags and accessories.  Glamour is coming to the masses.  I dared not dream of this; maybe fairy tales can come true.  For now, you will have your opportunity to don Jimmy Choo from H&M starting November 14^th.  It’s good to see high end designers continue to team up with mass retailers, and hopefully we will see many more.  These collaborations are good news for all, especially the economy.