How could I not feature my favourite designer handbag brand on my own fashion blog? I can’t believe it took me this long!

Louis Vuitton, at 150, is probably the oldest fashion brand in the world. It is also one of the globe’s most successful (and most counterfeited) labels, instantly recognizable by its iconic, intertwined LV monogram. Louis Vuitton created his first travel bags in 1858 and his signature design is still highly desirable today, standing as a symbol of style and elegance in travel luggage.

The fashion world always waits with bated breath for new creations from the Louis Vuitton team and the eagerly-anticipated Monogram Empriente line was launched at this year’s Paris spring collection. This became available to the rest of the fashion-conscious world this fall. The range comprises a collection of bags fashioned in sensuously supple calf-leather, which combine practicality with the sophistication and style we expect from this classic label.

The Lumineuse tote bag (available two sizes) features two long handles and a detachable shoulder strap, making it a versatile day bag which still oozes worldly appeal. Its zipped front pocket has a gold metal ring for charms, and the top zip includes a padlock for added security. The inside is lined with typical Louis Vuitton style fabric and contains a variety of pockets and pouches. Like most of the new collection, the Lumineuse is available in a choice of five colours: blue (Storm), Burgundy (Flame), taupe (Shadow), off-white (Snow) and navy (Infinite).

The monogrammed Artsy is a soft hobo-style bag with a single leather handle attached by gold metal hoops. Apart from a leather thong with two charm rings, the exterior remains elegantly uncluttered. The interior has the same striped fabric as the Lumineuse and a huge number of pockets.

The Empriente collection also includes the Inspiree, or bowling bag and the timeless Petillante clutch. This is a magnetically secured folding bag with zipped pockets front and back. When unfolded it reveals a patch pocket tucked inside the fold. The clutch has the same interior lining, a lipstick pouch and two patch pockets. The Inspiree is available in three colours and the Petillante in four. To complete this stunning collection there are also two separate wallets: the Portefeulle Secrete long and the compact coin purse, which make ideal accessories to any bag in this gorgeous range.

I have to admit, I love the clutch best of all because the bags would look huge on me as I’m on the petite side.  What would you get or have already gotten from this line?

Anya Hindmarch broke into the fashion world at the tender age of 18 when inspired by Italian bag fashions in the streets of Florence. She introduced these to the UK through Harpers and Queen magazine and became an overnight entrepreneur. Her interest in fashion bags never wavered and she began designing and producing her own bags, still influenced by Italian designs.

She opened her first store in London in 1993 and her earliest major success was the screen-printed ‘Be a Bag’ – a personalised tote bag. Her designs were soon being sought after by Hollywood’s A-list, international socialites and even royalty (Princess Diana was an early fan).

Going from strength to strength, she soon opened stores in New York and Los Angeles, as well as numerous other locations worldwide. Her handbags are now sold in over 19 countries and her turnover doubles every three years. Glamour Magazine gave her the Designer of the Year award two years running and in 2007 she received the British Fashion Awards Designer Brand of the Year; the same year she launched her controversial eco tote bag bearing the slogan “I’m Not a PlasticBag”. Last year she was honoured with an MBE for her contribution to the British Fashion Industry and Anya Hindmarch’s empire is now worth over $30 million.

Hindmarch was particularly interested in bespoke designs and in 2009 she launched her bespoke range at her new London Pont Street store. The 100 product strong range includes handbags, wallets, jewellery boxes, key sets, money clips, USB sticks, albums, diaries and luggage, all available in a variety of finishes and colours and ready to be personalised with embossed messages in the purchaser’s own handwriting.

This year Hindmarch created a capsule collection of four exclusive designs for Barbour’s 2010 Autumn/Winter collection. The quartet comprises a practical but stylish ‘Foxy’ wax cotton jacket and coat trimmed with velvet or fur and two ‘Minx’ quilted styles.

At the age of 42, and regularly consulted by British Prime Minister, David Cameron, the world seems to be Anya Hindmarch’s oyster. But bags are her passion and whatever her political ambitions, Anya Hindmarch seems set to retain her ‘queen of handbags’ crown for many years to come.

The IT bags are those classically styled handbags that every woman would love to own. Some of the best selling designer bags you will remember from years gone by that will always be in fashion:

Hermes Birkin

1. The Hermes Birkin bag is always at the top of the list in designer bags. It can take a couple of years on a waiting list and cost you thousands, but it is a must have bag.



Chanel

2. No list of IT bags is complete without Chanel. The classic styling of the flap shoulder bag is a reissue worth adding to your collection.



Fendi Spy Bag

 

3. The Fendi Spy bag has a long waiting list, but it is destined to be a classic. The Fendi Spy bag is worth the three year wait and it is a must have item in any fashionable wardrobe.



Prada Gauffre

 

4. The Prada Gauffre is a celebrity favourite and a fashionable leather bag to add to a handbag collection. The tote style with fabulous ruching gives this bag a casual look that is perfect for any situation.



Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

 

5. Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 30 is a classic roomy style that makes a perfect every day bag. The bag is made in the satchel design with fine finish pieces. The Louis Vuitton monogram makes this an instantly recognizable bag.