Fendi Monster fur bag charm
You know animal print. You’ve probably got your own small menagerie of zebras, leopards and maybe even tigers hanging in your closet, but the animal kingdom has been unleashed and it’s taking over the world of accessories. Fendi’s little fur monsters have been spotted on fashion icons such as Anna Dello Russo (naturally), but even before that Carrie Bradshaw (begrudgingly) clutched a Judith Leiber swan on Sex and the City. Instead of animal prints, designers are printing animals right onto their bags and giving the arms of fashion-forward ladies everywhere — and we presume, a few of the guys, too — a taste of the wild side.
Fendi Fur Monster Baguette
In addition to the little guy above (he and his pom-pom shaped friends will set you back $700 a piece), Fendi went all-out with an entire collection of monster and bird bags this season. Done up in fur (fun fact: the double F logo that Fendi is known for stands for “Fun Fur” according to the annals of fashion history and Karl Lagerfeld), there are baguettes that look like bearded birds, sly tropical gremlins and more. The iconic Baguette ($7,200) never looked as cuddly as it does done up in shearling, mink and fox. We recommend keeping the rest of your outfit low-key if you plan on swinging one of these show-stopping pieces on your arm, but if you’re the type to buy a fuzzy friend that doubles as an accessory, you probably know how to incorporate it into your work wardrobe.
Available at Neiman Marcus.
Karl Lagerfeld Printed Cotton Canvas Shopper
Speaking of the Kaiser himself, Karl’s eponymous label is where he really lets loose. Sure, he’s partially responsible for the Fendi creation above, but Lagerfeld’s own label is where you’ll find his cat-themed Choupette collection and the Karl Lagerfeld Printed Cotton Canvas Shopper ($90). Karl’s leading feline gets immortalized on this take-everywhere canvas tote that’s perfect for stops at the newsstand, farmer’s market or even pet store where you can fill it up with cat treats and more. The shopper features one interior pocket and plenty of room (not to mention it packs up into almost nothing) in a package that’s not too precious to throw around.
Available at Net-a-Porter.
Tory Burch Kerrington Middy Satchel
It’s not all warm and fuzzy out there, which is why Tory Burch has skipped out on the cuter members of the animal world and opted to decorate her Kerrington Middy Satchel ($375) with creepy crawlies. Well no, they’re more Tory than threatening, so don’t be afraid. The bag (which has a top handle design as well as a longer cross-body strap) is printed with beetles of all sorts. Dive a little deeper into the collection and you’ll also find dragonfly embellished heels and more.
“I’ve always been drawn to scarabs and beetles,” says Burch. “They appeared in our very first collection and we brought them back for Fall 2013 in new ways”
Taking inspiration from Art Nouveau and artists such as René Lalique, Burch took all the fear out of insect world and replaced it with fashion.
Available at Bloomingdale’s.
Givenchy Bambi Clutch
Ricardo Tischi is riffing on animal prints no matter what the rest of the fashion world has turned its focus on. His doberman print is still going strong (and recently appeared blown up, macro-style, on a men’s backpack that’s sure to be spotted on Kanye in 3…2…1…now.) But the standout print from his latest collection at Givenchy was the Bambi graphic, which was produced on neoprene sweatshirts, dresses and the Bambi Clutch ($2,340). The envelope-style clutch is made of super-soft nappa and features the Prince of the Forest himself.
Available at Net-a-Porter.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Animal Tote
If the doberman print (and the Bambi print, for that matter) are a bit of a stretch for your wallet, Marc by Marc Jacobs has an Animal Tote ($228) that’s a more whimsical take on the animal bag trend. Psychedelic graphics make this a little more abstract than the photoreal dogs at Givenchy and more approachable than Burch’s bugs, and thanks to the combo of whimsy and wacky, there’s no doubting that it’s a Marc Jacobs piece.
Available at Nordstrom.
Charlotte Olympia Owl Shoulder Bag
Leave it to fashion It-girl Charlotte Dellal to create the most charming addition to our collection, the Charlotte Olympia Owl Shoulder Bag ($567). While not the most practical, (it’ll hold your iPhone and…pretty much nothing else) it is the most precious. The bird-shaped bag is crafted from leather and suede and features a long cross-body chain that’ll have you (s)hooting from the hip whenever you decide to take this practically impractical purse with you. It’s holiday party ready, however. Slip in a lipstick, some loose cash and it’s all you need if you’re just out for a night of caroling.
Available at Matches.
Images courtesy Vogue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Net-a-Porter and Matches Fashion
