Alexander McQueen is just one of many fashionistas, musicians, world leaders, and other assorted stars to lend their support to the Whatever It Takes initiative. Sales of the celebrity designed accessories, like this funky striped wallet, benefit the creator's charity of choice. For Alexander that's 21st Century Leaders, an organization which distributes funds to a wide range of charities concerned with education, health care, ending poverty, and more.

Altruistic motives aside, this purse isn't as luxurious as most Alexander McQueen creations but it does have its own sense of style. The gray and black striped canvas finish has an appealing unisex look, making it appropriate for no-nonsense ladies and their lads. A playful screen-printed pilot leaves a banner streaming behind him, which proudly boasts the Alexander McQueen name. His moniker is there again in the autograph. It's obvious branding, but when it's done as playfully as this it's hard to mind.

The silky lined interior features 12 handy credit card slots, plus an extra clear slip for your driver's license or proof of age card. The zippered pocket gives you a safe space for storing loose change, while the open pocket is perfect for notes and receipts.

At just $30, this Alexander McQueen wallet is a great way for bargain hunters to support a charity, and own one of the famed designer's pieces.

More Features of This Alexander McQueen Striped Wallet

• Closes with a leather snap tab
• Measures 7.5 x 3.25 inches when folded

Get this Alexander McQueen Whatever it Takes Purse:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited quantities)
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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

La Regale lives up to its reputation as a great choice for affordable, stylish, and unique bags for formal events with this pleated bow clutch with the style number 25068.

Now, I've seen some generously sized bows on various handbags, but this one definitely takes the cake. Instead of merely functioning as a decorative feature, this one practically takes over this clutch.

It seems a tad overpowering to the design but adds a sort of playful touch rather than looking out of place or tacky. While most satin clutches tend to be elegant and sophisticated, this pleated bow version from La Regale is cute and whimsical. It would be a great accessory for a dressy holiday event.

The large detail might make the clutch somewhat bulky to carry around in your hands, though. Thank goodness for the optional shoulder strap hidden inside the bag. Whatever drawbacks the handbag might have, it makes up for with a fabulously low price of $38.

More Features of the 25068 Clutch

• Measures 9.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches
• Optional shoulder strap with 21 inch drop
• Front flap with magnetic closure

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• Available to buy at Amazon
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Guess is famous for mimicking the looks of designer bags for a fraction of the cost. But now its biggest competitor, Gucci, has had enough. The luxury label is suing for trademark infringement.

The case seems simple enough. Both brands utilize the "G" logo and signature prints with the interlocking letter. The only difference in many cases is whether you’re buying embossed leather or vinyl!

Guess reps may claim its purses are homages to the designer originals, but Gucci's words are a lot harsher.

The brand's lawyers say the knockoffs are "part of a sophisticated and elaborate scheme to target Gucci, to create products that are similar in appearance to the most popular and best-known Gucci products."

Gucci is seeking damages and a court order banning Guess from using the designs in question. They're also calling for the surrender of all bags in the firing line.

Copying has become commonplace in the fashion world, but few replicas are as high-profile as Guess'. The biggest questions are no doubt how similar the bags really are, and whether they're damaging the Gucci brand. Whatever the outcome, this will be an interesting case to watch.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Krysten N/Flickr]

Gucci Handbags on eBay

Some of the world's leading designers and celebrities have teamed up with 21st Century Leaders for Whatever It Takes, a unique charity art project which looks to make a global difference.

The concept is simple. Every participant donates an artwork which symbolizes hope. From this inspiring creative work, "merchandise with meaning" is created. The goods take all forms: clothing, homewares, cosmetics, artworks, and the amazing Bags for Life.

Each beautiful bag is ethically produced using environmentally-friendly fair-trade methods. Then proceeds from the handbag benefits charitable causes specifically chosen by the designer or celebrity who created it.

The Bags for Life collection includes purses from designers Stella McCartney, Georgio Armani, and Alexander McQueen, the multi-talented Gwen Stefani, model Heidi Klum, and soul songstress Joss Stone. They have created bags in a range of styles, shapes and colors to suit all tastes. The stars will distribute the proceeds from their purse sales amongst The United Nations Refugee Agency UNHC and 21st Century Leaders.

The Whatever it Takes philosophy is all about giving a little to achieve a lot. Bags for Life totes start from just £9.99, yet the movement aims to raise at least $3 million over the next three years. If you'd like to help them achieve this goal, make sure you log on to the website to discover these gorgeous bags.

[Source: Handbag Report]
[Image Source: Whatever It Takes]

Whatever It Takes Bags on eBay