The Northern Hemisphere is preparing for winter snow, but the fashion world is already setting its sights on summer. Gucci takes us there with this vibrant advertising campaign for its Cruise 2010 collection.

The commercial takes us to the Mediterranean with its aquamarine pool and the bronzed, toned body of Ryan Kennedy. Photography's dynamic duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott have captured his rugged masculinity, which contrasts with the softer curves of Natasha Poly and Snejana Onopka. This is one pool party I'd love to attend!

Frida Giannini's Cruise collection is dominated by retro styling inspired by 1970s cinema. Think floral prints, navy blue and white tones, and clothes that are cut to flatter your curves. It's quite a change from the fluorescent 80s shades that dominated last summer, and one I predict will have a lot more staying power.

Before winter's even hit, this gorgeous ad has me craving summer sunshine. Perhaps a trip to the Caribbean is in order?

[Source: View on Fashion]

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Safari-inspired fashion has popped up in a few designer collections recently, like Louis Vuitton's safari/nautical Cruise 2010 style. For those of us who appreciate the look but can't afford designer versions, you'll be glad to hear that it's showing up in more affordable brands as well.

This Nine West Sidney bag might not be the epitome of the safari look, but it does have some qualities of the style that will appeal to fans. This ultra casual cross body might have a somewhat limited range of outfits it can accessorize, mostly involving jeans or khakis; however, its convenience and affordability make it well worth considering.

The majority of the Sidney Cross Body is crafted from a sturdy nylon twill material and finished off with dark brown synthetic leather trim. The camel beige and military green color options are quite appropriate for the look, but I much prefer this unexpected spicy mandarin orange.

The interior is lined in the same practical nylon material making it as easy to clean up spills on the inside as on the outside. Though not a flat bag, this crossbody isn't overly wide or bulky for carrying against your hip. The extra-long strap makes it even more convenient for customizing the fit. At a mere $59, you really can't go wrong with the simple safari Sidney.

More Features of the Sidney Cross Body

• Measures 11.5 x 7.5 x 3 inches
• Strap with 20.5 inch drop
• Zip top closure
• Interior and exterior pockets

Get this Nine West Sidney Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon
• Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Nine West bags on BagBunch
• The Hobo International Deb, a great alternative to this affordable casual bag
• Searching for more Nine West crossbody bags on eBay

Bottega Veneta has given its popular Cabat handbag a New York makeover for the NYCabat, a strictly limited edition purse from the Cruise 2009/2010 collection. Only 50 NYCabats will be sold exclusively through the brand's New York City store.

The new NYCabat is crafted from intrecciato nappa leather. By hand-brushing the leather using a technique inspired by traditional shoemaking, the black pigment on the surface gives way to a bright yellow below. This black and yellow color combination calls to mind the iconic New York taxi cabs.

"I loved the graphic black and yellow of the taxi cabs when I first visited New York City in the 1970s," explained creative director Tomas Maier. "For me, as for many others, the taxi was shorthand for New York: bold, unyielding, exhilarating, a vehicle, quite literally, to so many possibilities. The new Cabat reflects my feeling that, as much as the city and the world have changed, New York remains incredibly vibrant."

Each NYCabat will have the city and individual number inscribed on a sterling silver plate inside. Preorders of this strictly limited handbag will be accepted through Bottega Veneta's 5th Avenue store. It will hit shelves, albeit briefly, in November.

[Source: Fashion and Runway]

Bottega Veneta Cabat Handbags on eBay

BOTTEGA VENETA BROWN CABAT US $1,200.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 3d 8h 1m Make it yours...

Bottega Veneta $4700 Black medium CABAT tote Bag NWOT US $3,999.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 5d 18h 37m Make it yours...

Looking for some summer fashion inspiration? Take a gander at the Louis Vuitton cruise collection for 2010.

Marc Jacobs, the current Creative Director for the luxury design house, seemed to draw from a sexy safari/nautical theme for the collection's overall look. If you take a look at some of the handbags, you'll see what I mean.

The thick rope trim on the signature LV logo print is summer casual at its best. I love the oversized knots on the bag shown here. They look sturdy enough for a day of yachting but so chic when combined with the bag's other elements.

Click here to browse more pictures from Louis Vuitton's cruise 2010 collection.

[Source: That's a Fabulous Handbag]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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AUTH LOUIS VUITTON MONOGRAM KEEPALL 45 DUFFLE BAG MPRS US $285.00   33 Bids Auction Ends: 19m Make it yours...

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Chanel's most recent resort show made its debut in Italy on Thursday night. The models sauntered down a casual outdoor boardwalk as guests watched from their wooden chairs in the sand.

The newest collection channeled old-world Venice in all of its glory. Female models wore retro bob wigs as they showcased the latest Chanel fashions. Striped knits were a big hit of the evening along with flowy prints.

The newest purses from the luxury label varied in size and style, all keeping with the vintage-like feel, though. Among the mix were ruched leather clutches, hatbox-shaped totes, and one particularly enviable and beach-ready striped handbag with a cut-out handle.

Karl Lagerfeld gave his thoughts on the evening's inspiration:

“Venice has a genuine dark and mysterious side to it that fascinated me. I really like the Italian spirit and the Venetian lifestyle,” said Lagerfeld, sporting a royal blue jacket, white shirt and skinny black pants. “And let’s not forget that Coco Chanel came back to Venice for 10 years.”

Click here to see photos of the Venetian-clad models on the runway.

[Source: WWD]
[Image: marcokalmann/Flickr]

Chanel Handbags on eBay

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Katie Holmes has traded in her baggy boyfriend jeans and sensible mom clothes to star in Miu Miu's new spring/summer 2009 advertising campaign.

Fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott shot the stunning photos in New York City last November. The campaign features the saturated hues and dramatic lighting we've seen so much of this season. But the approach is more classic than much of the current advertising, paying tribute to Fellini and the excesses of ancient Rome.

It looks like Mrs Tom Cruise had an easy time of things. She got to laze around in this beautiful Miu Miu dress and let the stunning handbag do all the work! The woven tote may not have cutting-edge looks, but the soft brown wicker leather is sure to hold your interest long after the other fads have faded.

I'm so glad to see Katie Holmes back to her glamorous best in these gorgeous Miu Miu commercials!

[Source: View on Fashion]

Miu Miu Woven Handbags on eBay

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Tanya Ling is turning heads with her recent collaboration with Louis Vuitton. The London-based artist has produced the prints for the fashion house's 2009 Cruise Collection.

Fashion illustrators tend to fade into the background, creating beautiful pieces for the magazines and ad campaigns without any real recognition. But not Tanya. Her elegant watercolor designs in pretty pastel shades have forced the public to sit up and take notice.

The dizzy glare of the spotlight is a world away from Tanya's birthplace of Calcutta. She was raised in Africa and America before moving to London where she studied Fashion Design and Textiles at Central Saint Martins. She kicked off her career as a designer before discovering her passion for illustration.

Tanya became firmly entrenched in the psyche of the fashion world after working with Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Jil Sander, Harrods, Diane von Furstenberg and Loewe.

Her current collaboration with Louis Vuitton is not the first time she's worked with the famed fashion house. In 2003 she produced the illustrations for its second jewelry collection. Clearly Marc Jacobs and co. liked what they saw, as they invited her back for another high profile line. Looking at these beautiful artworks, I can't say I blame them!

[Source:View on Fashion]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

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Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 handbag US $300.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 8m Make it yours...

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Here's a high-priced, kitschy bag for the upcoming holiday season. It's an over indulgent handbag from Louis Vuitton.

Priced just shy of $2000, the Galliera Riviera, named after the French Riviera (how snobbishly appropriate), is a canvas hobo-style bag that features a rather vibrant illustration of the famed French resort locale, an adjustable leather shoulder strap and an open top with magnetic closure.

A plus for this special collection design is the large 20 x 13.5 x 8 size, yet its' generous dimensions cannot make up for what amounts to a very pricey, one-trick-pony of a bag. Still, if you collect LV and have the extra cash to spend, I suppose it'll make a rather cute, attention-grabbing day bag. Just restrict its' use to a cruise ship or the French Riviera itself.

• Louis Vuitton Galliera Riviera available for $1940 via eLUXURY

(Originally written by Dania P.: Louis Vuitton Galliera Riviera Canvas Bag)

Published Under Creative Commons

Louis Vuitton Canvas Bags on eBay

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Bottega Veneta has unveiled its first Cruise Collection with a contemporary advertising campaign.

The brand new line is the brainchild of Tomas Maier. The varied purses, from the dainty minaudieres to the oversize tote bags, really cater to all tastes. The colors are fresh and vibrant, just perfect for lazing by the pool of any ocean liner. Of course Bottega Veneta's signature woven look gets a workout.

The bags are the stars of these commercials, but they share the limelight with model Colette Pechekhova. These stylish shots are the work of Todd Eberle, who is famous for his work with Vanity Fair. The images were captured in a residential building in New York, which was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.

These bold photographs really bring out the colors and geometric lines of the Cruise Collection. Some appear almost like abstract artworks than commercial advertisements. Bottega Veneta might not attract the buzz of the Chanels or Pradas of this world, but it definitely holding its own with this spring line.

[Source: View on Fashion]

Bottega Veneta Handbags on eBay

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Hollywood hottie Katie Holmes is rumored to be the next model for Miu Miu!

If it's true Mrs Tom Cruise will follow in the footsteps of other famous Miu Miu faces including Drew Barrymore, Chloe Sevigny, Kirsten Dunst, Vanessa Paradis, and Lindsay Lohan.

Earlier rumors suggested that Miu Miu were looking to stick to models for their campaign, but who can go past that dramatic bob and soulful brown eyes? But they're not ditching the professional mannequins altogether. Katie will apparently star in the spring 2009 campaign alongside a bevy of beautiful models. Don't expect them to share the limelight though. An insider says the models will be styled to look like "accessories."

Representatives for Ms Holmes are remaining tight-lipped on the story, but they're not denying it either!

I really hope these rumors are true. I'm dying to see Katie step out of those ill-fitting boyfriend jeans and dowdy mom clothes to become the Miu Miu glamourpuss we all know she can be!

[Source: Celebuzz]
[Image Source: LeeLeeLu/Flickr]

Miu Miu Handbags on eBay

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