Fashion Standouts: Statement Handbags

No matter what the season’s trends, a statement handbag is always in style. Featuring unique shapes, textures and designs, these purses will always catch a fashionista’s eye, likely won’t be very functional (your husband or best girlfriend will probably have to hold onto your lipstick, phone, keys … you get it), and always have a story to tell. Black Tie recently kept an eye out to see what sensational pieces we could find out on the town — here are a few we wouldn’t mind holding onto.

Ashley Kozel was decked out from head to toe in Chanel at Asolo Rep’s Starry Night Dinner 3, celebrating the production of “Our Betters” at the home of Mark and Kim Standish. Dressed for the occasion (the Standishs’ have an incredible pop art collection), Kozel carried this fabulous Chanel bag.

“I fell in love with this bag because it is unique, artistic and quintessentially Chanel. I love the deep black of the shearling contrasted with the pop of vibrant color. It was one of the best pieces from the runway collection and is a very ‘me’ bag.”

BEHIND THE BAG
Kozel’s 100% CC bag is from Chanel’s Shopping Center Runway Collection. It was shown inside the Chanel baskets on the runway. According to a statement from Chanel, the inspiration recalls the promotional offers in supermarkets. “The Supermarket is an expression of our times, the Pop Art of everyday life,” Karl Lagerfeld said of the 2014 autumn/winter collection.

Amy Sussman’s Kate Spade “Flights of Fancy Balloon Bag” was spotted at Orchid Ball.

Sussman says throughout the years, she has become a watcher of Kate Spade’s small, collectible bags.

“Some years ago, I missed its woven Armadillo bag, so I have kept an eye on them since, waiting for a standout,” says Sussman.

She says she found the balloon bag over the holidays and it has attracted quite the attention.

“My son loved it and asked if he could toss it around, my husband didn’t mind holding it at all when we were checking in (at Orchid Ball) and my girlfriends have already put dibs on it for their next events,” she says.

A Judith Leiber can be spotted from across a ballroom, and when it comes to those iconic whimsical, crystal evening bags, the women of Sarasota have an impressive combined collection.

 BT spotted Co-Chair Aimee Cogan with this stunning hand-beaded elephant piece at the Modern Pentathlon Gala.

“This is one of my favorites. It’s good luck when the elephant trunk is up,” says Cogan.

Susan Jones was seen at the Corinthian Gala donning her limited edition (one of three) Valentino featuring three little birds at the clasp. Underneath, the feathers start white at the tips, then fade into a dark green, where they are encrusted with black Swarovski crystals.

“It was a gift from my husband. It reminds us of the legendary Hall of Mirrors at Versailles,” Jones says. “On the tables, it has a small bird as the only ornamentation. I love that he bought it as a reminder of some of our most romantic dinners together.”