You’d think that celebrities, with all the money they earn, would seek out more flashy tastes. A few years ago, around 2009 and 2010, we saw some of that: brightly-colored snakeskin handbags, studs on just about everything, and designers rolling out the patterns, bold shades, and neon on the runways. Yet, about a year ago, all the ostentatious tastes came to a halt, and stars – as well as the high-end designers behind the handbags – took a step back. Actually, make that several steps.

These days, you’re hard-pressed to find a star without one or more showy handbags, with the exception of the red carpet. Even Kim Kardashian has been rotating through a series of solid-color neutral Hermes Birkin bags. Perhaps, with the exception of whatever Lady Gaga is wearing, stars just want to look like the rest of us.

But, big names back many of these “just like you” looks. Salma Hayek was spotted with an Yves Saint Laurent Cabas ChYc Tote, a black Birkin-like bag. High-end totes like this one appear to be an extension of the hobo from two years back, only more defined lines and black or brown replace the gaudy colors and shapeless frame.

House’s Olivia Wilde was seen carrying a brown leather messenger-like bag. Only, rather than some no-name variety, a Proenza Schouler PS1 was draped from the actress’ shoulder. Such a look combines the refined style of a high-end brand with casual appeal and all-purpose use.

Katherine Heigl, who sort of broke away from the romantic comedy confines recently with One for the Money, carried a Rebecca Minkoff Romeo Satchel a few weeks ago. While honey-brown and a handbag-tote hybrid, this satchel has a bit of flair. Instead of studs, however, the surface of the bag is textured.

This trend isn’t solely found in the borders of Hollywood. On the other side of the pond, former Spice Girl Emma Bunton was photographed by the British paparazzi with a Chloe Paraty Bag. Still with a moderate slouch look, the dark grey purse makes a distinct presence with its brass-colored hardware.

Remember a couple of years ago when nearly every celebrity was sporting an ostentatious handbag, such as a purse in a bright color, with a metal-like sheen, decked out with studs, or made out of reptile skin? But, over the past few seasons, the in-your-face looks of 2008 and ’09 disappeared and have been replaced with practical options: satchels, tote bags, and luggage bags in brown, black, or white. They’re the every-occasion bags – perfect for work and for a night out. Yet, higher-end brands now appear to be going back to this trend that faded not even two years ago.

We saw the $39,000 Glazed Crocodile Backpack the Olsen twins did for The Row, and just two weeks ago, a red crocodile Hermes Birkin went for more than $200,000. Has the reptile look turned into an exclusive luxury-only item?

Since then, Reece Witherspoon was seen with such a handbag, the Chloe Python Shoulder Bag. While priced less than $4,000, it seems like a deal compared to the crocodile bags by The Row and Hermes, yet it’s far out of the price range for many.

Considering the stratospheric price range of these bags, should you even consider this a trend, or are reptile bags now relegated to the levels of – using an Occupy movement term – the one percent?

If you are truly considering this look, understand that such bags, when made with authentic materials, are in a higher price range than typical handbags. Crocodile, however, fetches considerably higher than python or snakeskin. But, that’s not to say you can’t have the look at all. Rather, be on the look for patent or genuine leather textured like reptile skin.

Because classic looks are now the fashion norm, stick with a color that will be practical for all occasions. Rather than opting for dyed purple, red, or orange, like the Legally Blonde actress’ bag, stick with black, brown, or a similar neutral shade.

You’ve heard of Hermes bags fetching for $10,000 a pop, with former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham owning 100 of them in 2009. We even touched on Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Glazed Crocodile Backpack for the row, which, at nearly $40,000, seemed to be the zenith of fashion opulence. Yet, this week, a Hermes handbag went for more than $200,000 at an auction in Dallas, Texas.

The bidder paid $203,150 for the Hermes Exceptional Collection Shiny Rouge H Porosus Crocodile 30cm Birkin Bag with Solid 18K White Gold and Diamond Hardware. The price is supposedly a world record for the highest price for a handbag sold at a public auction.

We’ve discussed that sales of luxury goods increase in times of economic distress, and Hermes is a prime example. Over the past few months, we have seen celebrities sporting these handbags, maybe more so than usual, and in Bing’s most-searched fashion brands of 2011, the top 10 were nearly all luxury designers, although Hermes didn’t make the list. Other high-end handbag brands, such as Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, did, however.

Just how much of a demand is there for Hermes goods? In the same week the brand sold a handbag for the price of a house, thieves in Houston, Texas, broke into the Hermes of Paris store to grab several purses, which were valued at $7,000, watches (priced at $50,000), and other expensive items.

The question is, even with this great demand, should fashion cost this much? With all the talk in the media of the one-percent versus the 99-percent in income and economic stability, the high price on such a handbag can be considered an indicator of such a wealth gap and an example of in-your-face flaunting the disparity in purchasing power. But, income gap or not, should a handbag be priced this high?

When the economy goes south, the purchase of high-end designer brands goes up, just as we saw over a month ago with the proliferation of Hermes handbags in Hollywood. Or, on a similar note, the mere existence of, let alone demand for, the Olsen twins’ glazed crocodile backpack for The Row. Supporting this trend somewhat is Bing’s list of the most searched designer brands of 2011. Gucci tops the list, and the rest are as follows:

2. Ralph Lauren
3. Y-3
4. Louis Vuitton
5. Chanel
5. Guess
7. J.Crew
8. Coco Chanel
9. John Galliano
10. Burberry

Why do you think internet users searched these brands? Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel are somewhat self-explanatory. When it comes to showing off your designer goods, monogram handbags are the most eye-catching and essentially tell others “See what I can afford?” At the same time, counterfeiters, as well as manufacturers of designer-inspired handbags, aim often for the monogram look: it’s the most recognizable for a designer brand and, as a result, ends up bringing in more demand from consumers. Similarly, brands with a distinct style, such as Burberry’s tan, red, and black plaid, are also easily recognized.

On the other hand, how many average individuals on the street can picture the look of John Galliano’s fashion brand – his own and not Dior’s? Likely not many. Rather, Galliano predictably found his place on this list for his behavior – the anti-Semitic rant that caused him to be fired from Dior. Surprisingly, Dior did not make the list, even with its creative director given the boot and disastrous fall 2011 show at the spring Fashion Week.

What do you think of this list of top-searched fashion brands? Do you think it reflects current fashion trends, or is it too influenced by the media?

Although the unstable economy has not dented sales for luxury brands, celebrities appear to be staying away from frivolous and opulent-appearing goods. Price tags aside, modest and practical handbags and classic sunglasses are the latest accessories spotted on stars. Designers might have experimented with bright colors and textures and opted for smaller sizes at the latest Fashion Week, but if celebrities’ tastes are any indication, classic handbags, like the satchel and the tote bag, made an appearance this spring and have stayed around ever since.

The satchel, for the moment, seems to be the “it” bag – and practicality appears to take precedence over any ostentatious display. Essentially a hybrid between a standard purse and a larger tote, the satchel has all the style the hobo didn’t. Staid enough for the day and stylish enough for night, the satchel is the all-purpose handbag.

A few celebrities have been spotted carrying satchels. Jessica Simpson, with a Celine Triptyque Satchel, is one. Because the pop star-turned-fashion designer doesn’t need to worry about going into an office every day, her satchel is covered in tasteful leopard print — eye-catching but not too gaudy.

R&B singer Ciara, matching her pants with her handbag, was spotted with a Givenchy Antigona Satchel. Even with crocodile print, Ciara’s satchel appears more practical than in-your-face. Unlike the Olsen twin’s glazed crocodile backpack, the “Goodies” singer’s bag is fashionable but not over the top.

Actress Claire Danes also carried an animal print-like satchel, the Reed Krakoff Gym Bag. On close inspection, the satchel has a reptile-like print, but the bag itself does not appear to be made out of actual snakeskin. With “gym bag” in the name, this satchel seems to emphasize its practicality, but its style, again, is eye-catching rather than a Jersey Shore level of tackiness.

When the market goes down, the demand for extreme luxury goods goes up? That appears to be the case for Hermes, as well as other high-end brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Lanvin. Although the recession saw some luxury labels, like Moo Roo file for bankruptcy, Hermes has been seeing its sales grow, according to a September report. Hermes’ Chief Executive Patrick Thomas told the press:

“But the fact that we see nothing today, does not mean that we will not see anything tomorrow. When there are moments of macroeconomic concern, they always tend to affect our markets.”

Figures aside, the evidence of Hermes’ sales shows in the proliferation of its bags carried by celebrities in recent months, from A-listers like Beyonce to C-listers like Shannen Doherty. Both Jessica Simpson and Beyonce were spotted with orange Hermes bags, with the “(Run The World) Girls” singer sporting a Kelly model. On the other hand, former 90210 and Charmed star Shannen Doherty and heiress Petra Ecclestone were seen with Birkins in white and black, respectively. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Birkins are some of the more sought-after models, and the white design carried by Doherty is particularly difficult to come by. At the same time, the black Birkin is just another display of wealth for Ecclestone, who recently moved across the pond from the U.K. to the Spelling Mansion, one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the U.S.

The Olsen twins, while debuting their own expensive glazed crocodile backpack recently, were also spotted with high-end handbags recently, including a Hermes. While Mary Kate carried one from their collection for The Row, Ashley had a tan Hermes Birkin. Supposedly, their line for The Row is based on their high-end tastes of Hermes, Balenciaga, and Fendi.

How much are you willing to spend on a handbag? A few months ago, we saw one-of-a-kind Ralph Lauren handbags fetch for $2,500 each. The Olsen twins’ glazed black crocodile backpack for The Row makes that pale in comparison. Sold for $35,000 to $39,000, this extreme luxury bag is in high demand at the moment.

Supposedly, ultra high-end luxury items sell well in hard times, which is why a fair amount of celebs have been spotted with Hermès bags recently. While Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have been involved in fashion, both high and low, for quite some time, they wanted their own handbag collection to mirror the Hermès, Balenciaga, and Fendi bags they carry but with their own style.

The Olsen twins’ collection for The Row is now being sold at Barney’s, and the high-end department store’s professionals appear to be gushing all over it. Creative-Ambassador-at-Large Simon Doonan said at the launch of the collection:

“Bags had become quite unstructured—as a trend they got gi-normous. To have a bag with precision design that’s more considered and beautifully executed is exactly right for now. I spent part of the evening with the black crocodile backpack, and that was a good feeling.”

Meanwhile, Fashion Director Amanda Brooks gave Fashionista her opinion about the bag:

“I think if you were every going to spend $39,000 on a bag, that’s the bag you should buy because I think you’d wear it for a really long time. There’s enough design to make it interesting and beautiful but they truly are classic bags — and I think you also might be the only one who has it.”

Apparently, Barney’s does not carry Hermès in store, and The Row bag seems to fill that void. Brooks mentioned:

“Obviously we don’t carry Hermes bags in the store so we were trying to find something that appeals to that customer who is willing to spend a lot of money on a bag that’s going to last a long time and has a classic design.”

Should even those with money to spend throw it all on a $39,000 backpack? Or, is it better to put that money away toward college tuition and, instead, go with an inexpensive but still stylish handbag instead?

New York Fashion Week 2011 just passed, and while the clothing was, obviously, the main attraction, many designers provided previews of their spring 2012 handbag collections. Although handbags have not changed drastically since last year, designers appear to be going for more texture and are loving angular-shaped purses. If you’re still holding onto that hobo from 2009, realize it’s time to put it at the back of your closet.

What types of trends will you see for the next year? Based on what we saw from the fall Fashion Week 2011 collections, this may include:

• Clutches, some no bigger than eyeglasses cases.
• Bright colors. Think neon orange or hot pink – but definitely not together. If you need to go bright and bold, have a handbag in a single shade.
• Satchel styles, which are practical for nearly any environment: the office, casually walking, dressing up, or going out.
• Zippers may be more prominent. Expect some to go across the body of the bag.
• Texture. Instead of a passerby saying, “Hey, that’s a cute handbag. Where did you get it?”, expect some to ask, “Hey, that’s a cute handbag. Can I touch it?” Designers went all out with texture, from low-key velvet or snakeskin to more prominent feathers, studs, or frayed material. Bottega Veneta appeared to weave many of its bags and then take them apart, making them look like highly-sophisticated and boldly-colored ripped jeans.
• Tailored looks. In addition to zippers, stitches along the edges are more visible, as if to say, “See? This bag was sewn by hand!”
• Angles and cubes. It’s safe to say that the shapeless trend of two years ago is over. Most designers now give their bags rigid angular shapes. Marc by Marc Jacobs even has cube-shaped purses.

Recently, Salon.com ran a piece titled “Will Nostalgia Destroy Pop Culture,” in which writer Thomas Rogers interviewed Simon Reynolds, the author of book Retromania. While some may dismiss Reynolds’ remarks about no longer having “transformative decades” like the 1960s as another boomer bemoaning the current generation, his analysis extends to fashion.

Recent designer and lower-brand styles have gone back to ‘80s and early-‘90s trends over the past few years, and some looks are so derivative of 20-plus year old trends that they could be considered vintage pieces. Except they aren’t. While fashion itself goes through 20-year cycles of trends revisited, where do you draw the boundaries between “vintage,” “vintage-inspired,” and “derivative”?

Around the same time the Salon.com article was published, actress Amanda Seyfried was spotted with a handbag that no one could identify on fashion blogs and Twitter. Although no one has yet to determine the brand, the actress’s incorporation of the purse brings up the question: is it vintage or vintage-inspired?

While the worn look of the bag may suggest the latter, designers can make products that are intentionally worn. Remember the ripped and stone-wash jeans of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s? At the same time, because no one has been able to identify the brand, the handbag is likely vintage – or a style that just hasn’t appeared yet.

Purchasing vintage and vintage-inspired fashion can have its drawbacks. The former can be worn and is seldom in new condition; although used, such fashion is the equivalent of antiques and priced just as high as new items on the rack. Vintage-inspired fashion, on the other hand, can start to become derivative, mirroring the mid-‘00s musical milking of Joy Division. Vintage inspired items, such as this Ralph Lauren handbag we discussed a few months ago, too can come with a high price tag, one, such as for this Native American blanket bag, that may be unjustifiably high.

At the same time, some brands, particularly for eyewear, are uncovering their old styles and revamping them. Brands such as Ray Ban, Carrera, and Persol could easily be mistaken as vintage but, because of the neutral and unisex looks revisited, are simply considered “classic” and transcendent of trends.

Where do you draw the line between “designer inspired” and simply a “knockoff”? As long as knockoff handbags, and products in general, have been on the market, the dividing line has clearly been imitation, from the design down to the nameplate. But, what if the imitating product has some strong similarities but no nameplate? What do you call it then?

Designer Monica Botkier calls it a straight-up knockoff. Last week, she wrote a blog post accusing the Kardashian sisters’ new collection for Sears, the Kardashian Kollection, of copying one of her handbag designs, the Botkier Clyde. In her post, Botkier wrote, “We were one of 50 designers supporting the effort to stop design piracy and knock-offs. Ironically we just discovered below how our Botkier ‘Clyde’ was simply copied by Kardashian Kollection for Sears. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery but we don’t think so…”

If you compare the two handbags, seen above, the only difference appears to be the leopard print. Both bags have the same shape, diagonal zippers, and side pouches. At the same time, the Kardashian sisters, in a statement, claim these similarities are just a coincidence and accuse Botkier of copying Balenciaga:

Jupi is nevertheless investigating the matter, as we take this issue seriously. In any event, it is our understanding that the Kardashian Kollection bag in question has not yet been offered for general sale. Nor is it available for sale online. Pending our investigation of the matter, we have undertaken appropriate preventative measures regarding the handbag.

The Kardashian Kollection handbag was independently created. Jupi was surprised to hear of the complaints by Botkier since Jupi is aware of preexisting handbag designs bearing substantial style similarities to the 2009 Botkier Clyde handbag, dating back to 2005. Jupi was also surprised by Botkier’s statements in the media about purported “knock offs” of Botkier handbags in light of other comments in the media noting the similarity of Botkier bags to preexisting Balenciaga bags.

What do you think? Do you think these similarities are a coincidence? Should the Kardashian Kollection bag be considered “designer inspired” or a knockoff? And, is the fact that Botkier possibly copied Balenciaga even relevant in this instance?