In September 2010, when New York-based designer Michelle Smith showcased her Peggy Guggenheim-inspired ready-to-wear collection at the Milly Spring 2011 runway show as part of New York Fashion Week, she complemented many of her preppy chic looks with structured, polished, and prim handbags ranging from coral rose print canvas totes to boxy, black patent leather shoulder bags. Now, fans of the classy but restrained, Upper East Side pretty aesthetic associated with the Milly brand finally have the opportunity to grab for one of these accessories with the official launch of the Milly handbag collection.
The debut handbag collection features pieces like navy and red color-blocked totes, sleek flap bags that can double as cross-body styles, square tweed print numbers, resort-ready nautical totes with rope-like shoulder straps, vermillion-colored rose print purses, and shiny goatskin hobo bags with jaunty button motifs.
Pictured here, you'll find some of the standout styles. The Nautical Nylon Large Tote, shown at top, features navy-colored nylon adorned with a vertical zipper along the front, slim top handles, a luggage tag, and patent leather piping along the sides and top of the bag — all in a punchy red color. Slim white vertical strips frame the red vertical zippered compartment along the front, adding to the color-blocked motif and amplifying the nautical effect. Measuring 13" in height, 16" in width and 8" in depth, the tote features two inside pockets, a top zip closure, and gold-toned hardware details like flattened stud accents along the base of the handles.
The Star Perforated Patent Leather Mini-Flap Bag is ideal for carrying the essentials, with a slim, pouch-like silhouette. The purse measures 6" in height, 8 1/2" in width, and 1 1/2" in depth, and it features a gold-toned turn lock closure and a hefty gold-toned metal chain shoulder strap that measures 20" in length, allowing you to wear the bag as a cross-body style. Tiny perforations along the bag create a sleek, modern look, as do the softened lines and curved edges of the envelope-like front flap.
The Tweed Milly Bag, meanwhile, is quite possibly the most obvious tribute to Milly's socialite-ready look. The boxy purse measures 9" in height, 10" in width, and 4 1/2" in height, and it features: criss-crossing lilac, black, and red lines against a white backdrop; black patent leather piping along the sides and the wide top ridge; a coral patent leather flap with two oversize black button details, themselves featuring four clustered button holes; and a detachable gold metal "M" charm dangling from one of the oversize golden eyelets attaching the shoulder strap to the base of the purse. The shoulder strap gives the ladies-who-lunch vibe of the bag a younger, cheekier edge, with chunky, rectangular-shaped, glossy black chain links and a black patent leather center strap with white accent stitching.
And that's just a taste of what Milly is serving up for spring — for a glimpse at her beachy Sailboat Tote and roomier pieces like her Shiny Goatskin Tote Bag, a large frame purse with two vertical rows of flattened gold studs, check out the photos after the jump.
Pictured above: Milly Large Nylon Colorblock Tote, $325; Star Perforated Patent Leather Mini Flap Bag, $250; and Check Tweed Milly Bag, $350. Available at MillyNy.com
Pictured below: Shiny Goatskin Tote Bag, $525; Large Sailboat Tote, $250; and Shiny Goatskin Hobo Bag, $445. Available at MillyNY.com
