Swarovski crystal sparkle or Bottega Veneta classic handbag chic?

Swarovski crystal sparkle or Bottega Veneta classic handbag chic?

January 19th, 2009

Karl Lagerfeld says the recession has killed bling. Elsewhere we’re told to go for luxe not lustre: toning down the glitter and big labels, focussing on subtlety and cut.

I see no reason why craftsmanship and sparkle can’t mix (see the Swarovski crystal evening bag, below). Classic doesn’t just mean smart neutrals.

Swarovski crystal sparkle or Bottega Veneta classic handbag chic?

A very sparkly Power Silver Shade Evening Bag from Swarovski. Crystal Mesh with a removable rhodium-plated snake chain handle.
Swarovski crystal evening bag, £548 at Swarovski.

This elegant Bottega Veneta clutch bag is an instant classic - it is made of navy python skin and has a classic clutch design with a magnetic closure.
Bottega Veneta python clutch bag, £975 at Matches Fashion.

And while I can understand the appeal of the understated (like the simple but stunning Bottega Veneta python clutch, above), we could easily spend as much as before (no-logo luxe may be chic but it isn’t cheap). And (horror), what if nobody notices? Do we bring out the bling again, or ditch our not-so-fashionista-as-we-thought friends? (or educate them with the gift of Vogue…)

I love a perfectly formed classic Bottega Veneta bag or pair of shoes, but I also love a bit of sparkly Swarovski crystal. So wear that metallic pink Marc Jacobs handbag, the Swarovski crystal jewellery, or the pearl-studded designer shoes - though perhaps not all at once.