The Louisiana Art & Science Museum has a real treat for bagistas with their new exhibition, Sparkle and Elegance: The Handbags of Judith Leiber. The display runs in conjunction with the museum's larger show, The Purse and the Person: A Century of Women's Purses.

The sparkling pieces, including minaudieres in the shape of elephants, fish, cats, and camels, are from the private collection of one very stylish local.

"They're truly works of art," explained the exhibition's curator Elizabeth Weinstein. "And some here are collectors’ edition … They’re all like little sculptures."

Highlights include the 2003 lunar-themed Sweet Dreams, the 2001 Cherry Blossoms and Violin, and the show-stopping Vermail Chrysalis.

"And we have this one in the velvet box it originally came in," gushed Ms Weinstein. "It's like Tiffany jewelry. You immediately recognize that Tiffany blue. Well, you immediately recognize the black velvet of the Judith Leiber box."

The exhibition runs until September 13.

[Source: 2TheAdvocate]
[Image Source: Judith Leiber]

Judith Leiber Minaudieres on eBay

Spring colors are popping up everywhere. While it may be a while before we see them emerging from the ground, the bright, cheery tones are once again invading the fashion world. Just in time to keep the gloom of lingering winter away, vibrant hues of purple, yellow, and more are bringing a glimpse of the season to come.

One of the best examples of this I've seen lately is the Latico Nappa Candy Stripe bag in a beautiful rosy purple. The color practically screams cherry blossoms to me and makes me want to dust off my flowy sundresses from last year. Even the interior lining is warm and inviting with its pretty floral print.

Besides the promise of spring, the Nappa Candy Stripe purse has several other appealing qualities that make it worth a look. The vertical stitching that runs around the outside of the handbag creates exposed seams for an interesting visual detail. A functional drawstring cinches in the top half of the bag however much or little you want.

I love the fact that this Latico handbag is slim, but its large interior compartment will expand to hold plenty of necessary items plus some. The shoulder handles are nice and long with a 9 inch drop for easy carrying, and a magnetic snap closure keeps everything in place. The Latico Candy Stripe bag is also available in a hobo and satchel version. The shoulder bag featured here retails for $185.

More Features of the Candy Stripe Shoulder Bag

• Measures 16 x 9.75 x 1.75 inches
• Double handles with 9 inch drop
• Vertical stitching and exposed seams
• Magnetic snap closure

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Louis Vuitton's trademark signature purse has been given a feminine twist with this adorable cherry blossom pochette.

It's made of Louis Vuitton's famous tan leather accented with gold signature print. But that's not all. This cute purse is also dotted with Japanese cherry blossoms, giving it a look which is girly without being garish. Look closely and you'll see sweet happy faces in the centers of these delicate flowers. The tan leather trim features an adorable bow and classic gold studding in keeping with the bag's fun, flirty feel.

The purse's interior is luxuriously lined with alcantara suede. You'll only have room for the essentials, but they'll stay safe thanks to the zippered top.

This modern purse was a collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Japan's Takashi Murakami. When such creative minds meet, you know the results will be something special.

More Features of this Louis Vuitton Leather Pochette

• Single shoulder strap with a 5.5 inch drop
• Measures 9 x 5 inches

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