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]

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Comme des Garçons has launched a limited edition Black Label fashion range in answer to the financial crisis. The French label's creative director Rei Kawakubo says the back-to-basics range is an "emergency reaction to the recession."

Eleven Black Label outlets will open in some of the world's fashion capitals. London's Dover Street Market gets a store, Japan has six, while there’s one each in Seoul and Hong Kong. Barneys in New York and Colette in Paris will also carry the collection.

The range will feature some of Comme des Garçons most popular pieces in basic checkerboard, gingham, polka-dot, and floral prints. After all, in this financial crisis we're all looking for wardrobe staples rather than fad pieces. But if you're looking for real bargains, you may be disappointed. A mere T-shirt will set you back $90, while the jackets are priced around $630. I suppose the term "inexpensive" is all relatively when you're speaking of luxury labels like Comme des Garçons!

Comme des Garçons Black Label will be available for 18 months only, with new items and one-off pieces regularly added to the range.

[Source: Style By Me]

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From the house of Comme des Garçons comes this gorgeous wallet, an accessory which combines understated elegance with individual style.

The first thing to catch your eye is that vibrant red color. There's really no missing the scarlet shade! These days red is almost regarded as a neutral anyway, but if it's a little lurid for you that's no problem. It’s also available in white and an appropriate Irish green.

The leather is embossed with circles and Ireland's symbol, the clover. Unlike Comme des Garçon's butterfly wallet, this design is minimalistic and chic. It's touted as a women's wallet, but I can imagine it being just as popular amongst men.

The exterior is lovely, but the inside is a little disappointing for serious shoppers. The billfold compartment is convenient, and I like the coin compartment with its secure snap closure. But did Rei Kawakubo really think four credit card slots would satisfy any woman?

This purse is also available in a large size, with more credit slots and a handy pen holder to boot. Of course, that takes the retail value from $185 to $325! Ouch! If you can afford the extra cash, you'll be happier later. But the rest of may have to cut back on the cards if we want that cool Comme des Garçons look!

More Features of This Comme des Garçons Leather Purse

• Zip around closure
• Leather lining
• Measures 4.5 x 2.5 x 1 inches
• Made in Spain

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Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons is known simultaneously for creating outlandish avant garde designs and also pared-down minimal classics. The two styles balance each other by allowing the detailing of each to shine through. A simple tote like this one is the perfect complement to a wardrobe of avant garde pieces, but would also be at home in a more conservative closet.

The supple Spanish leather is pressed with a graphic star pattern, creating a look that is both classic and modern. The stitch detail on the thick, comfortable handles mimics the geometric appeal of the stars on the tote.

The Star Embossed Tote is the epitome of understated utility. The large 14" x 16" x 2.5" size makes it the perfect take along tote for a light day of shopping, or to use as a bookbag or briefcase. Of course, at $437 retail, this isn't going to be an affordable everyday choice for everyone, but it is a beautiful, simple piece that will take you through years of use and trends.

The interior contains an open pocket for keeping your little items from falling to the bottom of the tote, but honestly, on a bag of this price, I would like to see a little more organizational ingenuity. A zipper pocket, for example, and multiple patch pockets for keys and cell phone might be in order.

Still, the sleek minimalism of the tote is seductive, and would work with many wardrobes. I might even go so far as to call the tote unisex, but I think it would take the right kind of man to rock the star pattern with confidence.

More Features Of The Comme Des Garçons Star Embossed Tote

• Fabric-lined interior
• Made in Spain

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H&M has recruited Matthew Williamson for its latest designer collaboration. The Swedish fashion retailer will release a women's Williamson collection on April 23, with a men's and women's summer line scheduled for mid-May.

The British designer is known for his vivid prints and Indian influenced style. His colorful collections are favorites of celebrity style icons Gwyneth Paltrow and Keira Knightley.

"Matthew has such a good eye and a way for working with prints that he mixes up in a new way. When he combines these things, you get a very contemporary London look," H&M creative adviser Margareta van den Bosch said in a statement.

Matthew Williamson is also excited about pairing with the fashion store.

"I am thrilled that my creations for H&M will be accessible to and hopefully enjoyed by so many people around the world," he said.

H&M has a long history of collaborating with fashion designers including Stella McCartney, Chanel's Karl Lagerfield, and most recently, Comme des Garcons' founder Rei Kawakubo.

[Source: International Herald Tribune and FabSugar]
[Image Source: KnOizKi/Flickr]

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In Japan, people stood outside in the pouring rain for up to five days to get a hold of one of these babies. In New York, even the most stoic fashionistas elbowed their way across Manhattan to hold one in their hands. Why? Because, for less than $200, you can own a legend. Rei Kawakubo's bags for Comme des Garçons run into the several thousands of dollars, but as a result of her collaboration with H&M, you can walk away, bag in hand, for a fraction of the cost. You'll be lucky to find this limited edition purse for the retail price ($99), but twice that is still a steal for this sell out.

This large, rectangular satchel is minimalist and chic. The black and white polka dots add flair without busying up the clean design. Shiny and sleek,  the exterior is made of durable, water-resistant polyurethane. At 17" by 7", it's big enough to use as an overnighter, but is lightweight enough for everyday. Double handles plus a removable shoulder strap provide the versatility that takes this bag from work to weekend.

You won't find any obvious logos or bells and whistles mucking up the view on this one, but anyone in-the-know will recognize the Comme des Garçons couture quality. The inside is cotton-lined, and features the Comme des Garçons x H&M logo. The exterior pocket with silver hardware is big enough for your PDA, keys, and lipgloss. The inside features a zipper pocket and three organizer pockets, so all those little essentials don't go sliding to the bottom.

More Features of this Comme des Garçons x H&M Bag

• Double handles and a removable shoulder strap
• Durable polyurethane exterior is water and stain-resistant
• Measures 17 x 7 inches
• Exterior pocket with safety-conscious clasp
• Interior zipper pocket and three interior organizer pockets

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Louis Vuitton and Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garçons, have teamed up for a limited edition handbag range. But if you want to get your hands on one of these prized purses, you'll have to head to Tokyo.

Louis Vuitton has set up shop within the Comme des Garçons store on Kottodori, Omotesando. This is the only place handbag enthusiasts can snare one of six limited edition designs. There will be no phone or internet orders, and no buying in bulk. Shoppers can choose just one of these exclusive designs. Only when the shop closes its doors in the new year will the orders be put into production and then shipped to the customer's local Louis Vuitton store.

The unique project was inspired when Louis Vuitton's chairman Yves Carcelle and artistic director Marc Jacobs met with Ms Kawakubo. She told the pair of the excitement Louis Vuitton caused when it came to Japan in 1978. The trio decided to embark on a venture to generate the same buzz.

"It's creating the sort of feeling that she had. Luxury is the combination of the product and the atmosphere where you buy it," explained Mr Carcelle. "These bags were referring to the past in a hypermodern setting."

All six designs use Louis Vuitton's classic signature print on brown canvas for its links to the past. The Petit Marceau and Sac 2 Poches are adaptations of designs available in Tokyo's original Louis Vuitton store. The Mini HL and Papillon are similar to the bags of old but with the modern additions of multiple handles and animal charms. The final two purses are entirely new, a symbol of the brand's commitment to evolution.

Mr Carcelle is unconcerned that the exclusive bags will alienate some of his fans around the globe.

"It's really for the fashionista who wants to capture that moment. If anyone is really interested, they will go to Japan."

I suppose they will!

[Source: New York Sun]
[Image Source: Sassy Bella]

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