Style Cynics

Fendi, what have you done? I’ve always been so impressed with your designs, but this handbag – well, this is frankly a monstrosity. I can understand wanting to make a unique convertible bag, but I think you all went a little too far on this one. Remember how I said that if you pay enough for the name, you should be able to advertise it on your person any way you want? Well, I didn’t mean as literally as this. This bag reminds me of an explosion between a confetti factory and a Fendi design shop.

The purse is meant as a convertible bag, but it misses the mark in so many ways. Smothered in antiquated brass paillettes, the bag’s exterior would have been better off simply with its wine-colored fabric, which is actually quite beautiful. However, it’s not to be. The bag itself is not bad – it’s got a zip top with an interior zip pocket and can be a clutch or a shoulder bag. However, Fendi had to finish it off by screwing a wooden plate to the top, which not only wrecks the flow of the bag, but also creates an eyesore to top an already-ugly purse. The plate, which is extremely unsightly in the extreme, has raised leather letters that spell out “Fendi” in one of the most awkward designs I’ve ever seen. If this is designer elegance, I’ll take a knock-off, please.

What’s probably most ridiculous is the exorbitant price for this style nightmare. Of course, a bag with so much frippery does cost more than a simple purse with a simple buckle or strap, but $5040.00? Really, Fendi? This is one bag I’ll be leaving on the shelf, and that sound you hear is my credit card sighing with relief. You can pre-order the To You Embellished Convertible bag from NeimanMarcus.com, but don’t expect it before November of 2007.

After that, I felt the need to find some convertible bags that actually are attractive. Thankfully, I found this one. The Dolce and Gabbana Ocelot Print Pony Hair Frame Clutch Convertible is a vision in animal-print, which doesn’t look as gaudy as I thought it would. The bag is made of printed haircalf with brass hardware and a kiss lock closure. It’s $1193.95 at Zappos.com – and for a fifth of the price of the Fendi, I would snap this up.

Here’s an inexpensive, yet stylish convertible clutch from Latico. The Vintage Medium Convertible Clutch/Handbag comes in four colors and has a cute tassel hanging from the brushed metal hardware. At $58.79, it’s a bit of a steal. Find it at Endless.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 7th, 2007 at 11:16 am and is filed under Fendi.