To all those who can’t resist a new designer handbag it seems the market is about to get some steep competition in the form of nothing less than a Gucci. Daughter of the late Maurizio Gucci, Alessandra Gucci has paved her own way under the name AG and is launching her first limited edition, designer handbag collection. AG’s inspiration for her new design came from her interest in Botany and each of her bags have been influenced by the way floral imagery is depicted.

The most interesting decision of AG’s however, is her choice of leather.  American Alligator. AG felt that she needed something strong yet delicate and there is no denying that with the extreme detail she uses each of the bags she manages to succeed this. With each bag the spotlight is on the leather itself and AG’s extraordinary ability to twist and shape it leaves you with almost a work of art instead of just a handbag. Every bag comes in a unique colour and the dyeing process is emphasised even more because of the material making this design a classic with a kick.

Alessandra Gucci logo of two black unicorns is a nod to the “fantasy luxury” market at which she is aiming her collection. The black unicorns symbolise mystery and a good omen.

With only 99 pieces for the whole world these hand-crafted alligator bags are sure to be snapped up.  So, why don’t you take a look for yourself on www.aglimitededitions.com

November 27 sees the UK publication of Influence, the new coffee-table book from the Young Hollywood icons Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The stylish twins have drawn on the expertise and knowledge of some of the finest and most revered figures in the fashion, art and social worlds to create a personal account of their most valued influences throughout their already epic careers.

The Olsens made a name for themselves way back in 1987, simultaneously playing Michelle Tanner in the US hit sitcom Full House. Since leaving the show in 1995 and establishing their own production company, Dualstar, the twins have gone from strength to strength, emblazoning product after product with their image and endorsement. In more recent years they have joined the likes of Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan in flaunting Hollywood’s hottest labels and trends, which has led to the birth of both “The Row” and “Elizabeth and James”, two brands which incorporate modern shapes and luxurious fabrics, aimed at the chicest of clients.

It is therefore not surprising that the twins can call on names such as Christian Louboutin and Lauren Hutton for their newest venture. Influence also features new and unseen images from world-renowned photographer Rankin, and has been edited by the sharp eyes of fashion and arts writer Derek Blasberg. Despite the anti-fur protesters from PETA who have tried to sabotage the girls’ book-signings in New York City in the past week, this coffee-table beauty is bound to be successful. The Olsen Influence is simply unstoppable.

Yet another online fashion website joins the ever-growing market of cyber shopping but this is one with a difference.  Said to be pegged as the best ethical fashion shop online, Adili aims not only to fulfil the shopper’s needs but also to educate them on the ways of ethical living.  The new website aspires to show its readers that there is such a thing as eco chic. 

While the crunch is still curbing even the most diehard shoppers amongst us, this revolutionary site allows the shopper to purchase items specifically geared to their own ethical value, making it a guilt-free experience.  Their shoes, for instance, not only tell you what they are made from – organic hemp or faux suede- but if they are vegan or not.  Adili’s CEO Adam Smith wants to stress, “you don’t have to compromise style, design or finish for your ethics.”

With sections on beauty, clothing and children, the website even has an online virtual stylist who will go through your choices and decide which look better together and if you can’t make up your mind that day, the website manages to save your purchases for when you return again.  The site is hassle free with multiple currencies and the ability to shop by specifying what size, brand or price you want.

Adili wants to advise its readers on how to live an ethical life and with interviews with experts and label founders you can learn even more about conscientious consumption.

There seems to be no better time to bring back a little more thought to shopping, so before you hand goes straight for the net-a-porter website, why not have a look at Adili for a more organic retail experience.

 www.adili.com

If you’re having trouble with that Christmas present list already then this might solve your problems. Leica has just launched what they are deeming the “sexiest camera in the world.”

Able to fit easily into the palm of your hand, this small and compact piece of technology is available in high gloss, piano-key black or white metal finish. Yet, the good news is Leica C-Lux 3 doesn’t just look beautiful, it also takes high quality photography and is designed to allow the photographer to have a carefree approach to taking photos and capture spontaneous shots. Labelled the “stress free camera,” with true to life colours and a video recorder with high definition which can be displayed on all compatible monitors and television screens there seems to be no end to the appeal behind this camera.

Similar in many ways to the Panasonic Fx37, the Leica C-Lux 3 boasts a 10 mega-pixel camera with a 5x, 25-125mm zoom lens, and diminutive metal body. Retailing at £420 this chic camera is sure to have instant appeal.

Leading Itailian brand Coccinelle has joined forces with top 1970s cult designer Barbara Hulanicki to createa new handbag collection. Hulanicki, founder of BIBA, has incorporated her iconic designs into the collection which will be sold from October in Coccinelle stores.

Each of the six bags has been made in Italy and is of limited edition. Hulanicki has managed to create a widevariety of styles, ranging from clutches or bowling bags to shopping bags and purses and with prices under £200 the bag is an ideal guilt free treat. All of them are embellished with the exclusive and recognisable Art Deco Hulanicki print and is a memory of the 1970s and each one comes in various colours from old rose to black and cream.

Hulanicki has given her collection an added twist by naming each of the bags- for instance, “Shop till you drop” for her oversized shopping bag – and judging by this new collection, it is no surprise that Hulanicki received wide acclaim for her Biba Shop in Kensington. Coccinelle, have leapt at the chance to work with such an experienced and accomplished designer, noting: “Her playful and sassy style perfectly fits with Coccinelle. The result: a strong and distinctive collection.”

With Coccinelle a firmly established distributor of bags since the 1978 and the international fame of Hulanick it comes as no surprise that there is already a lengthy waiting list at Coccinelle’s boutique in New King’s Road. Already tagged as this season’s trend, the only problem now may be it’s a limited edition.