Things seem to be going from bad to worse for European designer label Versace. Not even a month after the brand announced the closure of its Japanese stores comes news that 350 jobs will be cut.

The positions will be cut from Versace's international talent pool by the middle of next year. Just like the closure of the Japanese stores, the measure is part of the cost-cutting initiatives essential for the brand to stay afloat during the financial crisis.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Versace is expected to lose €30 million before tax on a revenue of €273 million. Compare this to the brand's €9 million profit on sales of €336 million just 12 months before.

The good news for fashion fans is that Versace remains committed to new runway designs. It will trim the fat in the areas of production, distribution, and logistics. Whatever steps the label takes, I hope they're enough to help it weather the financial storm.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Marek Ślusarczyk/Wikipedia Commons]

Versace Handbags on eBay

VERSACE Snap Out Of It HANDBAG PURSE Black Studs NEW US $750.00   Auction Ends: 4h 53m Make it yours...

$395 NEW VERSACE VERSUS DESIGNER HANDBAG PURSE BAG US $129.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 7h 43m Make it yours...

Giant $2K Versace Medusa Greek Key Bag Tote Handbag NR US $102.50   16 Bids Auction Ends: 22h 46m Make it yours...

Every gal needs a good basic, stylish tote bag. It's an essential wardrobe piece and an addition that's ideal for those days when you've just got to grab-and-go while getting ready. We all have them, right?

There are also times when entirely practical has to accompany basic and stylish. That's where B. Makowsky got it right with this Lites Greenwich E/W tote. In my opinion, this handbag fits all three categories with a little edge on top of everything else.

It's a rather enormous size ringing in at over eighteen inches wide, but I don't know many women who couldn't fill it up on a busy day in less than five minutes. The superb interior organizational features make it a great option for work or play. There's even a zippered center divider inside and side slip pockets on the exterior for storing particulars.

Beyond the convenience of pockets, however, the Lites Greenwich tote bag has a pretty crinkled leather texture that looks fabulous in this toffee brown. The effect reminds me of the swishy broomstick skirts that were so popular in past years, but frankly I'm much more content to carry the texture around on a leather purse than wear it. The Greenwich E/W tote also comes in an equally basic black color as well as a not-so-basic orange.

More Features of the Lites Greenwich E/W Tote

• Measures 18.5 x 12 x 5 inches
• Twisted double handles with 9 inch drop
• Magnetic closure
• Crinkled leather material

Get this B. Makowsky Lites Greenwich Bag:

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

NEW B Makowsky Lites Greenwich N S Tote Toffee US $268.00   Auction Ends: 19d 22h 59m Make it yours...

NEW B Makowsky Lites Greenwich N S Tote Viola US $268.00   Auction Ends: 19d 22h 59m Make it yours...

• Check the Buy's Internet Superstore on eBay to see if this bag is still in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More B. Makowsky bags on BagBunch
• The Matt & Nat Werner Japanese Paper Tote, a great alternative to this crinkled texture tote.
• Searching for more B. Makowsky Lites handbags on eBay

Once Asia's luxury shopping epicentre, Japan seems to be losing its taste for luxury brand. Last year LVMH decided to can plans for a new Louis Vuitton flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district. Now Versace has gone a step further, announcing it plans to shut down its Japanese stores. The luxury fashion label currently has outlets in Osaka, Tokyo, and Chiba.

A statement from the company says that Versace's Japanese boutiques "no longer represented the brand image and it was felt to be more advantageous for the company to close them and start with a clean slate."

Experts say the Japanese are following world trends for discreet luxury, without the logos and obvious branding of many mass-marketed lines. Instead, the new breed of Japanese stylistas prefer to mix and match outfits with high and low-end fashion items. Whatever the reason behind the shift, it's bad news for a fashion industry already struggling in the face of the financial crisis.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: JaguarJulie/Flickr]

Versace Bags on eBay

VERSACE Snap Out Of It HANDBAG PURSE Black Studs NEW US $750.00   Auction Ends: 4h 53m Make it yours...

$395 NEW VERSACE VERSUS DESIGNER HANDBAG PURSE BAG US $129.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 7h 43m Make it yours...

Versace Clutch US $100.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 22h 33m Make it yours...

Sometimes I think that Matt & Nat handbags are more impressive when you them in person rather than in photos, but this is one case where the purse stands out nicely in a photograph as well.

The Werner Japanese Paper Tote features Matt & Nat's signature crinkled manmade leather texture. Although some people might say that the brown is basic, it really brings out the nuances of the handbag's texture where it might otherwise be lost with a bolder or brighter color. Plus, the cognac color is not exactly what I'd call a run-of-the-mill brown. It's a rich, vibrant hue that catches the eye but wouldn't clash with much.

The tote has a nice a-line silhouette that typically provides a decent amount of storage space inside. The Werner is no exception to that. Its slightly flared sides and significant depth allow for tons of the kinds of things that women tend to stuff in their handbags. The size and shape of the bag isn't exactly user-friendly for the petite, but it's just fine for the average fashionista.

With its spacious interior, I would've liked to see a tad more organizational pockets inside or outside, but there's an acceptable amount present with one large zippered pocket on the outside and one on the inside. The interior is lined in Matt & Nat's famous faux suede made from recycled plastic bottles. The craftsmanship and attention to detail on the Werner is impeccable and what I'd expect from the brand. This is definitely one case where a faux leather tote is worth its price of $225.

More Features of the Werner Japanese Paper Tote

• Measures 18 x 13.5 x 6 inches
• Double straps with 8 inch drop
• Magnetic snap closure
• Signature logo plate

Get this Matt & Nat Werner Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited availability)
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Matt & Nat bags on BagBunch
• The Zed Tote, a great alternative to this vegan-friendly Japanese Paper tote.
• Searching for more Matt & Nat Japanese Paper bags on eBay
• Other Matt & Nat bags on eBay:

Matt Nat Queen Brazen Vintage Bowler Bag Vegan US $82.99   Auction Ends: 28d 19h 59m Make it yours...

NEW Matt Nat Pewter Julia Hand Bag Purse NWOT US $79.99   Auction Ends: 28d 19h 59m Make it yours...

Comme des Garçons has come together with Apple Corps Ltd. for a rocking handbag collection. The London-based firm that manages the legacy and musical catalog of The Beatles has approved a purse line paying homage to the iconic British band.

Apple Corps Ltd. has signed a long-term deal with Comme des Garçons, so it seems likely that company head Rei Kawakubo will release other Beatles fashion items in the coming months.

It's a smart move for the Japanese fashion label, with The Beatles albums still selling truckloads long after the band called it quits. When you think of key figures in rock and roll history, they don't come much bigger than The Beatles.

The first purse styles are scheduled to hit Dover Street Market in London and Gyre in Tokyo in the middle of November. The bags will then be rolled out into other markets after that. Details are scarce at the moment, but with Comme des Garçons behind the line I'm not expecting the Beatles bags to be cheap!

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

The Beatles Handbags on eBay

PERSONALIZED THE BEATLES STUDENT SHOULDER BAGPouch US $30.40   Auction Ends: 10d 21h 12m Make it yours...

The Beatles Handbag Purse Music band Rhine stone US $26.99   Auction Ends: 1d 3h 22m Make it yours...

The Beatles Hobo Handbag Purse Music band Let It Be US $24.99   Auction Ends: 1d 5h Make it yours...

I'm not sure why I've been in the mood to browse through briefcases lately, but I keep running across some great versions of this stereotypical work bag style. Matt & Nat's take on the handbag is quite the opposite of the Hobo International Barbara that I recently found but much more suitable for today's urban, on-the-go types.

Staying true to their signature contemporary look, Matt & Nat created a hip version of the briefcase in this Ando Streamline bag. Also keeping with the label's eco and animal-friendly philosophy, the Streamline is made only from manmade leather with a recycled material faux suede lining.

Though it is categorized as a briefcase and bears some of the bag style's usual details like short carrying handles and lots of storage pockets, the Ando Streamline would easily serve more than just a workplace purpose. The tall shape defies the standard east-to-west rectangular shape of work bags and puts a modern spin on the design. This unexpected shape makes it just as appropriate for every day, or even traveling when you factor in the handbag's detachable adjustable strap. This allows you to wear it on the shoulder or across the body.

Another great feature of this Ando briefcase is that it's simple lines and contemporary details make it an attractive tote for men or women. There's nothing particularly feminine or masculine about the design. Although many women might prefer a more overtly girly style, this version of the Streamline briefcase will suit plenty of others.

More Features of the Ando Streamline Briefcase

• Measures 13 x 17 x 2.5 inches
• Double handles with 3 inch drop
• Detachable strap
• Vertical zipper detail

Get this Matt & Nat Ando Streamline Bag:

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

• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Matt & Nat bags on BagBunch
• The Zed tote, a great alternative to this Matt & Nat briefcase-style bag
• Searching for more Matt & Nat handbags on eBay

Origami has been one of the most enjoyable trends sweeping fashion circles this year. From beautifully executed folded dresses through to paper jewellery, this Japanese paper art has hit all aspects of fashion face on. New technology means that origami style doesn't have to be made from paper, as this wonderfully structured hobo from Chinese Laundry has set out to prove.

The Chinese Laundry brand may not be very well known, but the art and design of this great looking origami tote show that they are definitely a company to watch!

It is rare to see such a conceptually unusual bag for less that $100 - and whilst the materials may not be top quality, this really is one of the best looking bargain handbags on the market. Available in a few bright shades, the clean lines and elegant structure only really work in pure gray or bone, when you can see the wonderful shadows the folds cast.

For such a large bag, this knotted hobo has very small handles. This is fine if you only want to have it purely for looks, but do bear this in mind when considering practicality.

An unusual and aesthetically wonderful bag, that hits the origami clothing trend perfectly!

More Features of this Chinese Laundry Origami Hobo

• Available in blue, pink, bone or gray
• Folded origami design
• Studded handle detail
• Spacious design

Get this Knotted Paper Art Tote:

• Available to buy on Amazon
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• Other Origami purses on Bagbunch
• The Hype Regina Hobo, a great alternative to this sophisticated bag
• Searching for more Origami bags on eBay
• Other Chinese Laundry bags on eBay;

Chinese Laundry Black Leather Handbag Purse Bag US $14.99   Auction Ends: 29d 3h 16m Make it yours...

Chinese laundry Medium Tote Handbag Purse US $39.95   Auction Ends: 27d 19h 24m Make it yours...

Matt & Nat have a knack for creating environmentally-friendly handbags that don't skimp on style. The Zed tote is the label's answer to the oversized trend. It's a purse that's as big on looks as it is on practicality.

It's made from the brand's iconic Japanese Paper vegan leather, a cruelty-free alternative to textured calfskin. I love the way this mustard bag shows up every crease and crinkle, but for a subtler look you could opt for no-nonsense black or gray.

You might be a little confused once you open up the top zips. Matt & Nat wouldn't line their bags in suede, would they? You're right, they wouldn't. Instead they've cleverly recycled plastic bottles to mimic the soft fabric we all know and love!

Oversized handbags often become unmanageable, but you needn't have such concerns with the Zed. Instead of one massive main compartment, there are two smaller ones. These spaces are much easier to organize so you needn't feel overwhelmed. While the short handles don't do the bag any favors, at least the Zed comes with a practical shoulder strap. I only wonder why you'd ever remove this convenient feature!

While the Zed is a big bag, it's also a relatively slender one. That gives the Zed the chic styling often missing in oversized purses. Without the bulk, the Zed wouldn't look out of place in the board room or a classy restaurant.

More Features of This Matt & Nat Oversized Tote

• Dual handles with a 4.5 inch drop
• Measures 12.5 x 18 x 5 inches
• Comes with a dustbag
• Made in China

Get this Matt & Nat Zed Handbag:

• Available to buy at Endless (limited quantities)
• Check the SmartBargains eBay store to see if this Matt & Nat bag is in stock
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Matt & Nat bags on BagBunch
• The Matt & Nat Fifty-Five bag, a great alternative to this Japanese paper bag.
• Searching for more Matt & Nat bags on eBay
• Other Matt & Nat Japanese paper bags on eBay:

Matt Nat Zed Japanese Paper Satchel MSRP $275 NWT US $139.99   Auction Ends: 29d 5h 24m Make it yours...

NWT matt nat black fifty five bag japanese paper tote US $169.00   Auction Ends: 24d 1h 35m Make it yours...

I'm always on the lookout for luxury, whether it's to drool over beautiful items or to laugh at the ridiculous prices. So I was pretty excited to find Maybeyoushouldntbuythat.com, a new blog dishing up lavish goods with a healthy dose of snark.

This opulent Ginza Tanaka purse is one of the items that caught my eye. And for the cool $1.63 million price tag, that's exactly what you want it to do. It's a head turner, but it's the details that drive the price up. It's made entirely of platinum, studded with a whopping 2,182 diamonds. These precious gems add up to a staggering 208 karats in all.

Never mind that the platinum is bound to be heavy, and you'd probably need to employ a bodyguard to take this beauty out. What do we expect from the jewelry maker who created a 24-karat gold horse for a newborn Japanese prince, and a gold Christmas tree?

Sometimes we should just enjoy luxury for luxury's sake. Personally, I'll do it by checking out Maybeyoushouldntbuythat.com rather than laying down my hard earned cash!

[Source: Maybeyoushouldntbuythat.com]

Platinum Purses on eBay

COACH PLATINUM SILVER LEATHER SLIM CARLY HANDBAG US $225.00   Auction Ends: 2h 30m Make it yours...

NWT COACH Crackled Metallic Platinum Silve MAGGIE 13898 US $439.95   Auction Ends: 4h 36m Make it yours...

NWT Beijo Double Take Wallet 6448 Platinum US $24.95   Auction Ends: 25d 5h 50m Make it yours...

Art and fashion have always gone hand in hand, but few luxury labels can boast the artistic partnerships of Louis Vuitton. Now a new book, Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion, and Architecture, will celebrate the marriage between the French fashion house and the world's most influential artists.

The hardcover anthology details collaborations with elite artists, architects, designers, and photographers. They include the graffiti and rose collections of Stephen Sprouse, the joke bags from Richard Prince, and the colorful Japanese purses of Takashi Murakami. Long time photographic collaborations with Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and Annie Leibovitz are also celebrated.

Along with plenty of full color photographs, this gorgeous coffee table book features critical essays examining Louis Vuitton's artistic development under the guidance of creative director Marc Jacobs.

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture will retail for $85.00 from September 2009. It is currently available for preorder through Amazon.

[Source: View on Fashion]
[Image Source: Amazon]

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Handbags on eBay

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Roses Neverfull Bag w BOX US $1,169.99   Auction Ends: 18d 4h 49m Make it yours...

LOUIS VUITTON Stephen Sprouse Roses Speedy 30 Bag LV US $1,145.00   Auction Ends: 2d 5h 33m Make it yours...