It's done fashion, architecture, art, and cinema. Now European design giant Prada will turn its hand to the printed page.

The stylish handbag brand is set to release retrospective coffee table book looking back at its 30 years of design innovation. Simply titled Prada (what else?), this is no light read at a monster 706 pages. I suppose the label has achieved a lot over the last three decades, but I hate to think how heavy this tome will be. It definitely doesn't sound like something to pack in your suitcase for your Christmas vacation!

"For Prada, fashion, luxury and style go beyond producing an infinity of clothes and shoes, so the book wants to illustrate the various aspects through which Prada expresses itself," explained Patrizio Bertelli, chief executive officer of the Prada Group.

The book, published by Prada Progetto Arte, will soon hit Prada flagships stores around the world, selected bookstores, and Prada.com. Considering its monster size, the compendium is remarkably good value at 100 Euros.

[Source: WWD]

Prada Bags on eBay

Paris Fashion Week brought with it a rush of new styles and tons of high fashion and elegance. It also ushered in the launch of a limited edition handbag collection from Mont Charles de Monaco, which is regarded as the "premier high fashion label of the Principality of Monaco."

In addition to an haute couture runway show resulting from a collaboration between Mont Charles and designer Christophe Guillarme, the label debuted its new in-store boutique on the renowned luxury-laden ground floor of Paris' Galeries Lafayette. The new boutique displays Mont Charles' new 2010 Haute Maroquinerie collection, which includes exotic skins and ultra-feminine, sophisticated designs that are meant to be a fashion investment for women.

"The world absolutely associates Monaco with glamour", stated Founder & CEO John Mclean. "Mont Charles de Monaco emphasises this, and adds a modern twist".

Materials like python and alligator are crafted into simple, elegant, curved handbags that practically ooze the sophistication of famous luxury labels such as Hermes and Prada. More can be seen from the posh collection on Mont Charles de Monaco's online catalog.

[Source: fibre2fashion]

Alligator Handbags on eBay

The Lady Knot tote is something a little different from Foley + Corinna. Gone is the basic body with its front zipper pocket. There's no signature handle with its knotted ends. It doesn't even convert to a clutch. In fact, if you hadn't told me this was a Foley + Corinna purse I'd never have known!

In today's world where discreet luxury reigns supreme, this anonymity is a very good thing. With no signature features to rely on, Foley + Corinna must come up with a completely new style to impress. This is a purse which stands apart from the pack with unique looks which don't rely on trends. There's nothing wrong with staying contemporary, of course, but the original styling has staying power.

Tiered handles are knotted into place, creating stylish pleats in the bag's leather body. The contrast of beige and white is subtle and sophisticated, ensuring nothing detracts from the striking knotted design.

The generous interior features a single zip pocket, and a couple of slip pouches to hold girly gadgets. The magnetic closure isn't the most secure option, but it'll do the trick.

It's a stylish choice, but I'm concerned that this lovely beige bag may show marks in time. If you're worried about that too, the Lady Knot tote is also available in some darker shades including purple, black, and chestnut brown.

More Features of This Foley + Corinna Leather Tote

• Textile lining
• Dual handles with a 10 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 21 x 3 inches

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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

Patchwork isn't always a handbag design feature that I love, but the look can be stunning when it's done well. Without a doubt, some of my favorite patchwork leather bags come from designer brand Miu Miu.

The price range of Prada's younger sister company isn't for everyone, though. Although Steve Madden's line of handbags certainly can't compare in quality to Miu Miu's, the price tags are much more comfortable for the average female shopper. This patchwork Peace of Mind hobo is certainly attainable for most budgets with its under-$100 cost.

The chevron-shaped pattern of the patchwork is interesting and a great visual feature for the purse. I like how the muted gray and brown blends well with the black color but creates enough contrast to showcase the shapes. This is a great way to incorporate a unique pattern into your wardrobe without feeling like you're going overboard. It's perfect for women who prefer an understated look combined with interesting detail.

Like Miu Miu's leather patchwork, this Steve Madden synthetic version is a modern take on the design style. The long single strap is in proportion with the hobo bag's large size. The Peace of Mind's open interior is great for stuffing with all kinds of everyday items with some space leftover for extras.

More Features of the Peace of Mind Hobo  

• Measures 24 x 14 x 7 inches
• Single strap with 12.5 inch drop
• Synthetic material

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Prada try again for extreme luxury with their signature tote in a delicate and softly luxurious nappa calf leather.

Spacious and slouchy and undeniably heavenly looking, this is a plain black tote that should hopefully last you forever. The true "investment" bag, black is always in fashion and the shape is always useful, and we all know that leather only gets better with age.

For the cost, of course, this elegant Prada bag had better last you forever. It clocks in at an impressive $2400, meaning that the desirable design really is only available to those who can afford to pay for it. Not fair, but definitely exclusive.

Of course, unlike recent iconic investment bags such as the Alexander Wang stud tote, Prada has opted instead to produce a simple and understated design that lets the materials speak for themselves. It would be nice to have a couple of inspirational features or creative touches, however, other than the round slouchy shape or the simple handles. Just a stud, or an unusual fabric, or something bright to catch people's envious eyes!

Long lasting, trend proof and strangely attractive this is a purse for the stars and the rich alone. If you do get hold of one, however, don't let it go. Prada is a brand that is unlikely to ever stop being cool.

More Features of this Prada Signature Nappa Tote

• Leather exterior and interior
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Interior and exterior pockets
• Gold hardware

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Miu Miu, the hip younger sister line to Prada, is always on the cutting edge of what's new and hot. Miuccia Prada, the designer of the line, has been rumored to say that she thinks in Prada, but she dreams in Miu Miu.

This Quilted Nappa Hobo is a great example of Miu Miu's fashion forward design perspective. The quilted and studded leather is on trend, but in a way that seems refreshing. These tiny studs dot the bag and punctuate the quilted pattern in a modern, elegant way. The theme carries over into the rolled leather handle, which is sprinkled with rows of grommets on either side, and laced.

The gold hardware glitters against the black backdrop of buttery soft nappa leather. The triangular quilting pattern contrasts nicely with the soft, slouchy shape of the bag. The overall effect is extremely versatile, and I think this hobo will be a hit uptown and downtown.

This tote around town also has a practical side. At 15" x 11" x 5", this hobo is generous enough to rock every day, and carry over into evening. There's a detachable shoulder strap for those days when you need to fill this bag to capacity, and an interior zippered pocket to keep you organized.

More Features Of The Miu Miu Quilted Nappa Hobo

• Satin lined interior
• 5" handle drop
• Detachable shoulder strap is adjustable

Get this Miu Miu Quilted Nappa Hobo:

• Available to buy at Net-A-Porter
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The next viral internet star has no need for the latest Prada purse. Busty 20-year-old Winter Pierzina simply uses her bra as a handbag!

More than a million people have logged on to watch sassy Winter smuggle her keys, cell phone, lipstick, and even mace inside her brassiere. In one video she even stashes a wrench, scissors, and a claw hammer in there!

Winter came up with the novel idea as her friends often found themselves without pockets or purses to carry their essential items.

"I just told them to give me anything they wanted to take into the party and before I knew it I had three sets of keys, three tubes of lipgloss, three cell phones," Winter told NBC Chicago. "We sat there for like five minutes rearranging things until it looked like absolutely nothing was in there."

I'm not sure the technique would ever convince me to trade in my favourite bag, but I'll bet it gets Winter plenty of offline attention too! Here's the video showing her bra carrying the bare necessities.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Liz Claiborne epitomizes cheap and cheerful fashion with the Ripley tote.

It doesn't get much cheerier than the feminine coral pink finish, or much cheaper than PVC. High-end fashionistas may scoff at this fabric, but it only costs $34. If that's all you've got to spare, or you simply want a little more cash in your purse, that price is a major selling point. PVC may not be as durable as leather, but it's got all the shine of a genuine patent in the short term.

But it's not just the price that impresses. This is one very cute tote. The angular shape gives it a more youthful appearance than the traditional boxy style. The coral shade could be accused of being a little wishy-washy, but the black contrast stitching gives it some definition and a little more edge.

Totes are an everyday accessory, and this one has just enough space meet that challenge. It's smaller than many totes on the market, but it's refreshing to carry something that's large enough for everything you need and nothing else. It also has plenty of pockets: two in front, and another large one inside. But security concerns me. Not one of these pockets comes with a zip, clasp, or any other closure. The main compartment has a hidden magnetic stud, but it's not as safe as a zipper might be. The small compartments on the sides have zippered closures, but they're too deep and narrow to be usable.

The handles are also a little disappointing, with a drop of just six inches. They'll fit snugly on your shoulder, but that’s never comfortable for too long. A little extra length would have made all the difference.

It's not flawless, and it'll never last as long as your Pradas or your Guccis, but this Ripley tote is a great stop-gap measure until the financial crisis is over.

More Features of Liz Claiborne PVC Tote

• Brass hardware
• Tan lining with white polka dots
• Measures 8 x 8 x 3.75 inches
• Also available in white and olive green

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Prada's latest pop-up store is a tribute to the revered Italian art critic and writer Apollinaire. As he developed his career in France, it's only fitting that the temporary boutique is in Paris' Place Beauvau.

Apollinaire is famous for collaborations with the likes of Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. He was fascinated by the work of Cubist painters, and was regarded as one of the most active members of the Montparnasse arts scene.

Designer Robert Baciocchi created the space, which features a facade paying homage to the Mirabeau bridge. This bridge inspired one of Apollinaire's most iconic poems. Its silhouette frames the store, which also features mannequins depicting a scene straight from the dawn of the 20th century. The historic theme continues with the building's marble, which came from the very first Prada store built in 1913.

The Prada pop-up store will trade for the next five months. It sounds like it's worth a visit if you happen to visit the world's fashion capital!

[Source: View on Fashion]
[Image Source: d'n'c/Flickr]

Prada Handbags on eBay