Gucci is preparing to launch its fifth annual charity campaign to benefit UNICEF. In the past five years the designer handbag brand has raised almost $7 million to support UNICEF's efforts in education, healthcare, protection, and clean water.

This year's collection is inspired by Snowman in Africa, the sequel to the best-selling children's book Snowman in Paradise. Gucci will sell the book alongside its limited edition charity accessories collection in its retail stores and online. 100% of the book's retail price, and 25% of the bag sales, will benefit UNICEF.

The accessories available include the large Joy Bag, and the smaller coin purse and wallet. As the name of the collection suggests, the purse's feature an appliquéd snowman standing in a field of African grasses and wrapped up by a native snake.

The Snowman in Africa goodies will be available from November 16 until December 31. However some lucky celebrities, including supermodel mama Heidi Klum, have already been spotted carrying the range. If her star endorsement helps to boost the profile of this worthwhile collection it can only be a good thing.

[Source: Senora Cartera]
[Image Source: Gucci]

Gucci UNICEF Bags on eBay

NEW 09 GUCCI UNICEF HEART TATTOO TOTE BAG HANDBAG PURSE US $669.99   Auction Ends: 19d 5h 34m Make it yours...

BNWT GUCCI FOR UNICEF LARGE GUCCISIMMA TOTE BROWN WOW US $1,399.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 22h 22m Make it yours...

When she's not appearing as a guest judge alongside Heidi Klum on Lifetime's Project Runway, Ukrainian-born model-turned-actress Milla Jovovich is apparently signing charity collaboration deals with major designers.

Jovovich is set to be the next beauty to front Tommy Hilfiger's campaign for the Breast Health International organization, following in the path of supermodel Helena Christensen who was the campaign's chosen ambassador earlier this year. 

The model will be testing out her designing chops once again with this project. She'll not only be fronting the campaign as the 2010 ambassador but will also design the limited-edition bag for it, as Christensen did before her.

The proceeds from the handbag will benefit the Breast Health International organization, but we'll have to wait until April of next year to see what Milla has in mind. If her previous design collaboration for Jovovich-Hawk is any indication of her current inspirations, I'm guessing it will be a little vintage-inspired and slightly boho-chic.

[Source: My Fashion Life]
[Image: loquevenmisojosm/Flickr]

Tommy Hilfiger Handbags on eBay

TOMMY HILFIGER DREAMING TOTE BAG US $.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 3m Make it yours...

Tommy Hilfiger Tote Bag US $5.99   Auction Ends: 1h 19m Make it yours...

Tommy Hilfiger Purse New w o TagStored in Closet US $.99   1 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 39m Make it yours...

InStyle's fun and informative list of the "Best Bags for Fall" includes a veritable plethora of handbag-toting celebrities showing off some of the most current styles for the upcoming season.

The list is fairly comprehensive encompassing nearly every recent, popular handbag trend I can rattle off in one sentence. This includes everything from design details like ruffles and studs to other features like silver color, snakeskin, and chain straps. Oh, and evidently satchels and oversize clutches are big for the season as well. I'm not sure they really ever went out of vogue, especially satchels, but I suppose they might be even more prominent this fall.

I can't say I'm particularly surprised by anything on InStyle's list, but it's fun to see which stars are wearing what styles. I've already seen the pictures of Jessica Alba sporting her Tod's snakeskin tote, but Heidi Klum's edgy studded and fringed large tote was new to me. Of course, the designer labels are prevalent on this list full of stars. Familiar names and trend-leaders like Rebecca Minkoff, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana all made an appearance.

See the full list of fall handbag trends seen on celebrities.

[Source: InStyle]
[Image: Rebecca Minkoff]

Designer Handbags on eBay

Red Designer Purse US $24.95   Auction Ends: 17m Make it yours...

NEW DESIGNER INSPIRED HANDBAG HOBO PURSE TOTE BAG US $19.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 23m Make it yours...

PURPLE DESIGNER shoulder Large Buckle Purse Handbag NEW US $24.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 25m Make it yours...

Hermes has the Jane Birkin-inspired Birkin. Marc Jacobs was so enamored with model Jessica Stam that he created the Stam bag. And now Michael Kors pays tribute to his Project Runway costar and fashion muse Heidi Klum with the Heidi Collection.

The range is just as chic and sophisticated as the German supermodel herself. The purses come in all shapes and sizes, from large shoulder bags and satchels to smaller clutches. The finishes too are varied, from glam metallics to more traditional textured leathers. While they may have their differences, the purses in the Heidi collection are united by common design elements including buckled details and gathered leather folds.

Ms Klum clearly approves of the handbags, as she's already been spotted toting this espresso colored Heidi shoulder bag around town. Its generous size makes it perfect for stashing the goodies she needs for an outing with her little ones.

Michael Kors Heidi collection is available to pre-order at Neiman Marcus stores. The clutches start from $495, while the day bags retail from a pricey $1195.

[Source: Senora Cartera]
[Image Source: Neiman Marcus]

Michael Kors Bags on eBay

MICHAEL KORS BLACK HANDBAG PURSE US $19.99   1 Bid Auction Ends: 18m Make it yours...

MICHAEL KORS Winter Warrior LODEN GREEN HandbagSatchel US $20.50   3 Bids Auction Ends: 21m Make it yours...

MICHAEL KORS OLIVE GREEN WRAP SCARF US $29.50   1 Bid Auction Ends: 36m Make it yours...

Michael Kors is now as well-known for his face and repetitive clothing choices as his sophisticated designs, thanks to his participation in the popular Project Runway series. With model Heidi Klum at his side, the fashionable duo is taking their teamwork to more rewarding heights.

Kors and Klum are working together for this year's Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure campaign in support of the Breast Cancer Reasearch Foundation. The designer created the campaign's limited edition shirt, which Heidi models in the printed public service announcement.

WWD explained the significance of Michael Kors' involvement in the project:

"For Kors, participating in this campaign also means much to him personally. The mother of Lance Le Pere, executive vice president and creative director at his company and Kors’ partner, passed away from breast cancer, and the designer has had many people in his family, as well as his friends, affected by the disease."

The Kors-designed t-shirt will hit Saks stores on October 1 with a retail price of $40.

[Source: WWD]
[Image: Human Flash Dancer/Flickr]

Michael Kors Handbags on eBay

MICHAEL KORS BLACK HANDBAG PURSE US $19.99   1 Bid Auction Ends: 18m Make it yours...

MICHAEL KORS Winter Warrior LODEN GREEN HandbagSatchel US $20.50   3 Bids Auction Ends: 21m Make it yours...

MICHAEL KORS OLIVE GREEN WRAP SCARF US $29.50   1 Bid Auction Ends: 36m Make it yours...

MCM were one of the must-have brands in the 1980s, but they've been absent from the American fashion scene for a number of years. Now the accessories label is launching a comeback starting with a brand new store at The Plaza in New York City.

The brand left the United States in a shroud of secrecy due to problems with their previous owner Michael Cromer. But it continued to thrive in Europe and Asia, feeding the luggage and handbag habits of jet-setting supermodels and celebs.

Now MCM is back with a new moniker and a new head honcho. Previously known as Michael Cromer Munich, MCM will now stand for Mode Creation Munich. One of Asia's most powerful businesswomen Sung-Joo Kim, is at the helm to keep things running smoothly.

MCM's New York store is their first American outlet in decades. You can find it at the corner of 58th and Fifth Avenue. Remember to keep your eyes peeled while you're there. With recent shoppers including Heidi Klum and Ivanka Trump, you never know who you'll run into!

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: MCM]

MCM Bags on eBay

AUTHENTIC MCM SMALL NAVY MONOGRAM SHOULDER BAG US $24.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 23h 39m Make it yours...

Vintage MCM Clutch All Purpose Makeup Bag EUC US $40.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1d 41m Make it yours...

MCM SHOULDER BAG DUST BAG LOGO GUAR 100 AUTHENTIC US $29.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1d 2h 3m Make it yours...

I'm usually on the edge of my seat when Project Runway episodes air. Who doesn't enjoy the nonsensical drama, the behind-the-scenes look at the fashion design world, and the wise musings of guru Tim Gunn?

When New York Fashion Week rolls around, rumors and speculations run rampant about which favorites made it to the final three. An air of mystery and excitement usually surrounds the big event. Not so for this year's runway show.

Because of nasty lawsuits involving a battle between Lifetime and Bravo, the channel that usually airs the reality show, fans of the show haven't even seen the first episode. The anticlimactic end to the still un-aired season of Project Runway continued filming, however, without anyone knowing the names of the designers. Even host Heidi Klum acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation.

"I'm a little bit sad for our designers today because nobody knows them," said Heidi Klum. As a consolation prize, she offered, "Please give them all a big round of applause!"

Hopefully the legal entanglements will wrap up soon so fans can enjoy the new season, which will end with the recently taped fashion week show. Past winners like Christian Siriano have gone on to success (I can't wait for his new Payless handbags and shoes), so I hope that this unusual situation won't detract from the new season's reigning designer.

[Source: Yahoo News]
[Image: maddsmadds/Flickr]

Designer Handbags on eBay

NEW DESIGNER INSPIRED HANDBAG HOBO PURSE TOTE BAG US $19.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 23m Make it yours...

PURPLE DESIGNER shoulder Large Buckle Purse Handbag NEW US $24.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 25m Make it yours...

Designer Black Leather Silver Hearts Handbag Purse NEW US $7.99   1 Bid Auction Ends: 26m Make it yours...

German fashion designer Wolfgang Joop has taken an unexpected, and undeserved, swipe at fellow countryman Heidi Klum. The founder of JOOP! declared that the Project Runway host and sometimes handbag designer is too chunky, and too happy, for the runway.

"Heidi Klum is simply too heavy and has too big a bust. And she always grins so stupidly. That is not avant-garde - that is commercial!" he crowed.

Heidi seemed unfazed by the criticism when interviewed at her latest Victoria's Secret show.

"Do I look like I care?" she asked. "I really don't think about [Joop or what he said]. What am I supposed to say? It's his opinion. What do you think?"

I think the fact that Victoria's Secret continues to book the 36-year-old model for their runway shows says it all. I can only dream of having her body, especially after giving birth to three children!

But perhaps the real motive for the outburst was best explained by Heidi's publicist.

"Wolfgang is obviously trying to revive his sagging career and get press for himself by riding Heidi's coattails," he said.

Ouch!

[Source: The Mercury News]
[Image Source: Jorgebarrios/Wikipedia Commons]

Joop Bags on eBay

JOOP EAU DE TOILETTE 10 FL OZ w Mens Dopp Bag US $14.95   Auction Ends: 28d 19h 41m Make it yours...

We all covet the style of our favorite celebrities, but most of us could never hope to afford the designer fashions they wear. With the help of some of the world's most chic stars, British label Accessorize has released some exclusive, and affordable, celebrity-designed goodies. I love Heidi Klum's hard-shell clutch, but it's not so practical from nine to five. For a functional daybag with flair, I'd pick this floral purse designed by Kelly Osbourne.

Kelly made her name as the loud-mouthed daughter of rocker Ozzy Osbourne, so it's surprising to see such classic styling in this slouchy shoulder bag. The black embroidered print has an art deco feel. This vintage pattern is scattered with silver sequins for some added style. I love the design, so I'm disappointed it doesn't wrap around the bag. Hold it close to your side though and no one will ever know!

The size isn't extravagant, but it is large enough to handle your essentials with a few luxuries besides. I feel the zippered pocket is a little small to be the only organizational feature, but it does provide a convenient spot for stashing coins and a set of keys.

The plaited shoulder strap offers style and comfort. It's made of soft canvas so it'll feel heavenly on your shoulder no matter how far you have to go.

More Features of This Accessorize Kelly Osbourne Handbag

• Top zip closure
• Fully lined interior
• Made of canvas
• A 30 inch plaited shoulder strap
• Measures 15 x 10 x 3.5 inches
• Retails for £40

Floral Sequin Shoulder Bags on eBay

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Retro T-shirt Boutique on eBay – An Accessorize Handbags Retailer
• All Accessorize bags on eBay

Supermodel Heidi Klum knows a thing or two about fashion, so you'd expect her handbag range for Accessorize to be just as fabulous as she is. One of my favorite pieces, and Heidi's too, is this cute black purse which proves a clutch is never just a clutch.

The hard structured shell is so striking, and durable to boot. The swirling ridges extend out in a fan shape, adding texture and interest. The original design is completed with a large round gunmetal clasp.

Like so many clutches, this purse is on the small side. Its design is so dramatic, it would probably overwhelm an outfit if it were any larger. Of course, that small storage space is still likely to frustrate girls who want to carry all their cosmetics and personal technology items to a party.

I'm not sure how comfortable that hard finish would be in your hand, so I'm happy to see this cute purse comes with a chain strap. This handy feature allows you to convert your clutch into a shoulder or cross-body bag in an instant. The strap is also removable, helping you maximize storage space when it's not in use.

This Heidi Klum clutch challenges the idea that celebrity style costs the earth, with a retail value of just £30.

More Features of This Accessorize Heidi Klum Purse

• Purple logo badged lining
• Measures 6.5 x 4 x 3 inches

Hard Black Clutches on eBay

FOR MOTOROLA Clutch i465 COVER BLACK HARD PHONE CASE US $3.12   Auction Ends: 15d 1h 30m Make it yours...

Motorola Clutch i465 Black Rubber Hard CaseBelt Clip US $1.99   Auction Ends: 7h 53m Make it yours...

Also See

• Click here to see more from the Adyva store on eBay – An Accessorize Handbags Retailer
• All Accessorize bags on eBay