"We wanted to have Beth Ditto not to sell the ultimate new handbag, but because it's a pleasure to take a little risk and to show that fashion is the one discipline that, because it is about change, is the most open to others".
The ultimate allure of a handbag, however, is that one size fits all.
Wear a cream-pink dress (cut above your knees) with brown/black boots and pink pearl earrings and a Chanel handbag for the ultimate look.
From East to West, whether you're chasing after a limited-edition Chanel handbag, the freshest sushi or the ultimate tourist attraction, these malls stray far from the J. C. Penney and Spencer's Gifts of your past.
When it comes to handbag hierarchy, the Hermès Birkin – the ultimate status symbol in the arm-candy stakes, with a starting price around £5,600 $$8,500), rising every year – continues to rule the roost, as the prized possession of the deep-pocketed few.
At Shop Noir, an airbrushed Manhattan collection includes cotton dresses ($300), canvas fisherman hats ($90) and metallic leather handbags ($195) studded with rhinestones and emblazoned with the ultimate urban outline, reminiscent of the graffiti-art craze of the 80's.
The company, which has a diverse portfolio of handbags, perfume, cosmetics, clothing, jewellery and shoes, prides itself on being the ultimate purveyor of luxury, and sets its prices accordingly.
Claudia, a petite, thoughtful handbag designer, ordered me a caipirinha, and as we moved to the pool, I realized we were enjoying the ultimate Rio luxury: the ability to leave our bags carelessly on chairs without worrying about theft, an irresponsible act elsewhere in the city.
