Isabella Fiore (4)
Isabella Fiore is an L.A.-based leather goods brand, although the name sounds rather Italian. It is the creation of two fashion designers, Jennifer Tash and Tranh Huynh. Isabella Fiore handbags are interesting, but some may categorize them in the "kitch" category. The latest collections, launched in late 2009, however, feature less "decorations" than we were used to see on an Isabella Fiore purse.
Website: www.isabellafiore.com
Like all other Isabella Fiore handbags from the Mosaic collection, Susanna features that Moroccan inspiration handcrafted intricate tile work that makes these bags stand out. In this case, the embroidery is placed on the outer front flap-patch pocket and nearby the top edge of the bag. It’s beautiful and discreet and it gives Susanna a sort of vintage look many women appreciate. This tote bag has double braided shoulder straps with 5.5” drop.
The interior is lined and the interior pockets have a nice leather trim on the edge, matching the indigo color of the exterior. The interior zip pocket is large enough and there are also two multifunctional pockets for the cell phone and the pda or for any other item you may want to easily find inside your purse.
Bag size: 17.5"W x 12.5"H x 5"D
Bag price: $395
Leila is an oversized leather hobo bag featuring a Moroccan-style intricate design with enamel beadings. The braided strap detail offers a very elegant look to this otherwise simple bag. There are two color versions of this bag: one in tan and one in indigo. All pockets of this bag are on the inside, but that’s not an issue, the bag is large enough to accommodate plenty of items. I see Leila as the perfect bag for summer days, the ideal match for casual outfits. Nonetheless, it could be a fit for business clothing as well if needed.
Bag size: 17”L x 14”H x 4.5”W
Bag price: $450
The Liz bag from Once Upon a Tattoo Isabella Fiore handbags collection is maybe the best of all new items in their Spring / Summer 2010 catalogue. Liz is a mid size shoulder bag available in a very nice and soft pale yellow with brown embroidered tattoo-like patterns. For girls who like darker colors for their bags, there’s a version of this shoulder bag in reverse colors: black leather with beige patterns.
This Isabella Fiore shoulder bag features a front flap with magnetic closure and an interior zip pocket and pouches. The back zip pocket is useful for keeping items such as ID papers handy when traveling, for instance. The bag is made from vegetable-dyed leather lined with fabric. It has a 10” drop single strap with chain links alternating leather and metal rings.
Bag size: 14”W x 13”H x 3”D
Bag price: $395
It is very hard, if not impossible, to pass by an Isabella Fiore handbag and not notice it. These handbags are shocking, so one can either love them or hate them. It seems there’s no middle way. I’ve recently heard somebody referring to those clutches in the latest 2009 collections as being multicolor tacos. Tacos or not, these handbags are surely something to talk about. Older handbags collections were also remarkable, but the style changed a lot, from those “Baroque a Go Go” totes decorated with side tassels to the newest collections such as “Once Upon a Tattoo”, “Geometrics” or “Mosaic”. What’s with mentioning here is that even though the style has changed, Isabella Fiore handbags managed to preserve that “artistic” appearance that brought them the fame and appreciation of the public.
The designers behind the Isabella Fiore brand are two ladies from LA, Jennifer Tash and Tranh Huynh. They managed to bring Isabella Fiore into the attention of several celebrities who became their clients, among them being names like Katie Holmes, Madonna or Kate Hudson. I think Halle Berry was spotted wearing Isabella Fiore handbags, too.
Latest Isabella Fiore Handbags Collections
Watermark
Watermark includes three bags: Sara, a python patchwork clutch with detachable crossbody strap, Rania, an oversized shoulder bag with outside pouch pocket and Mia, a double top zip tote with outside slit pocket fold out.
Geometric
The Geometric collection features Leila, an oversized hobo, Suzanna, a top handle tote with woven flap closure and Amalia, an oversized fan-shaped clutch.
Mosaic
In the Mosaic collection we meet again Amalia, the clutch, this time with a different kind of pattern and with a cute tassel attached. Leila, the Isabella fiore oversized hobo, has now an embroidered side panel. The last piece of this collection is Serena, a double handle top zip balloon tote with woven handles. But these were only the three flagship bags of the collection that we can find featured on Isabella Fiore's website. In fact, the collection also includes the Isabella Fiore Mosaic Susanna Tote, which is as beautiful as the other ones.
Mesh
These handbags are a little bit more sophisticated, suitable rather for evening outfits, although the shape and size of Leila and Francine suggest all day usage.
Once Upon a Tattoo
These three purses are really cute. Liz is a mid-sized shoulder bag with a very nice floral embroidery and with a beautifully rounded shape, Mia is a top zip tote with outside coin purse and Amalia is the same taco-shaped clutch with an exquisite whip stitch detailing and a jeweled leather tassel.
The price range of Isabella Fiore handbags falls within $200 - $700, thus being quite affordable compared with other designer handbags.
