Handbags Fashion

Just when I think that nothing a handbag designer does could possibly surprise me, someone goes and figures out a way to make me look twice. Thank God for innovation, even if it’s a little weird – without people trying new things, we’d all be carrying around the same black leather tote, and it takes a lot of ingenuity to go from the idea of a plain, utilitarian bag to the creation of something as fantastically weird as the Maison Martin Margiela Reflector Clutch

Yep, that’s right. Reflectors, meaning the little plastic things that people stick on the backs of their bikes so that cars won’t run them over at night. The clutch is embellished with those.

The chunks of plastic reflector, some of which look cut, others look more jagged and rough, are attached in a mosaic pattern to a simple leather clutch. The effect that this technique creates may not be something that everyone wants to carry, but I was taken aback at how well the chunks of plastic mimicked sequins. Since reflectors are, of course, created to reflect light at a variety of angles, they have a good bit of sparkle that gives this post-modern evening bag enough glamour to be more than just a conversation piece.

Ladies and gents, I need you to weigh in here. I cannot decide whether or not this Yves Saint Laurent handbag is genius or simply not enough for what you are paying for.

Yves Saint Laurent is one of those brands, one of those brands that is almost always worth a second look. This is the case because the first look might take you in the wrong direction, but the second look, the second look could reveal sheer genius. While I want that to be the case here, I just don’t think that is the case.

The thing about the Yves Saint Laurent Yes Large Leather Bag is that it actually is a bit of genius. It is the kind of day-to-day genius that so many bags lack sometimes. This bag is slouchy, yet structured. The colors are neutral, yet versatile. But, is it worth the price? I love handbags, I really do. And I have no problem spending big bucks on a bag I love, but is this bag worth it’s price tag?

The olive-green leather tote has a contrast pale-green leather trim and two pale green handles. You might not be able to tell, but if you press the studs at the side, you can actually adjust the size of the handles – always a nice, understated detail. Clearly the replica bag is functional, and it is also fashionable, but I am stuck on the price. I can see tons of women carrying this bag and loving it – loving it for seasons to come, but I have some reservations.