Orishiki

Oh. Em. Gee.
Just take a look at these startlingly beautiful bags, and consider the amazing engineering behind them. The idea is simply amazing and has been executed perfectly.
The design is by Japanese product designer Naoki Kawamoto and is called Orishiki. From what I can tell they are not available to buy as of yet because Kawamoto is still looking for a backer to help with the mass production of these items. Let's hope it happens soon.

“Orishiki” is a hybrid word composed of “Ori”, taken from Origami, Japanese paper-folding art, and “Shiki” taken from Furoshiki, Japanese traditional wrapping cloth which is large enough to wrap and transport goods and gifts, as well as wearing them as scarves. “ORISHIKI” is a new carrying device consisting of a single piece of two dimensional structure, constructed of triangular segments which can be folded like origami, and can wrap things like furoshiki. The geometric bag is not only idiosyncratic in its appearance but also in its highly specialized production process. The unique process can be applied to just about any productions without losing its unique product identity. (from the website)


The Clutch Bag


The Suitcase

Leiber Fever

If you Google Judith Leiber you are likely to find 1. Her website, 2. A lot of Sex and The City references and 3. Heated debate as to whether her purses are gorgeous or gaudy.
I am personally of the opinion that they are wonderfully both.
I have stated before that I am like a magpie, attracted to all things shiny, and just look how shiny Leiber's purses are!
Leiber is most famous for her novelty crystal purses which come in a huge variety of shapes (mostly animals and in her older collections, fruits and vegetables), but she also makes more classic crystal clutches as well as other bags, eye wear and accessories.

It should also be noted that Leiber's purses first make an appearance in Sex and The City in 'The Caste System' (S02E10) when Mr. Big gives Carrie the swan purse to take to a high society party. Carrie shows the purse to her friends and they all go on about how 'not Carrie'/ugly it is. All kinds of fantastic Leiber purses are shown in this episode (in the party scene), from pigs to eggplants. (The pig is still available in the current collection.)


Leiber's cupcake purse is then featured, in a more positive light, in the first Sex and The City movie where Charlotte's daughter Lily carries it at Carries wedding. The purse was custom made to fit Carrie's mobile in it and plays a fairly crucial role in the film.


Some of my favorites from the current collection..
Mary
I like the kitties best!

Judith Leiber novelty purses range from about $3000 to around $7000 and are available from the Judith Leiber website and Net-A-Porter.