Diane Von Furstenberg’s classy version of bohemian is pure American chic. Okay, so she’s actually German, but she’s been here so long that most people consider her to be an American designer. Street smart, but still sophisticated, styles like this Philomena clutch could only come from a European tinged American imagination.
The surface of this bag is fascinating. The way the oddly-shaped studs are arranged on the smooth leather reminds me vaguely of the scales of a reptile. The smooth grained leather provides a fabulous matte base against which the black studs shimmer. The studs are amazing in and of themselves. I love their asymmetric design and the way they have been placed in an alternating pattern that ensures they will catch the light no matter what angle you’re looking from.
The shape of the bag is simple and classic, and it really shows off the subtle detail of the embellishment. Von Furstenberg has been very careful not to over-embellish here; there’s lots of negative space left, and it gives the eye space to appreciate the high quality and elegance of the design.
The slightly oversized design ensures that there will be plenty of room for all your evening necessities without weighing you down with a giant bag. Those huge oversized clutches are becoming a thing of the past and, personally, I couldn’t be more thrilled. There’s nothing less elegant than a bag you can barely carry.
At $425, this purse is a solid evening investment piece. I also think that, despite its of-the-moment look, it will stand the test of time.
More Features Of The Diane von Furstenberg Philomena Studded Leather Clutch
- 11″ x 7″ x 1″ size
- Zipped internal pocket
- Fully lined in black and white twill