British handbag designer Lulu Guinness has launched her very first travel collection — a selection of really fashionable and sturdy luggage that come in high-gloss, hard-shell roller designs.

The sets come in two colors — lipstick red and basic black. It’s a girly collection though, because the bags are all embossed, 3-D style with huge puckered lips, which is a reflection of the designer’s playful and whimsical sense of style.

The luggage also comes in canvas for the black sets. The print has the same puckered lips, only a it’s subtle and tamer textile print.

Guinnes says her luggage collection is practical, while still sophisticated, and an average working woman can afford this. And true enough, the price range for this is between $259 to $399, in either hard-sided or fabric material.

“I wanted the collection to be practical and light, [using] the standard size requirements for carry-on luggage. I also incorporated an element of wit, which I do with all my designs. The suitcases are sophisticated and subtle until you look closely and see that they are covered in my iconic red lips.”

Still not convinced? Maybe this video prepared by Lulu Guinness and her team will change your mind:

Lulu Guinness Launches First Luggage Collection

Using her creativity and talent for something good, Vivienne Westwood has come up with a collection of handbags for Fall/Winter 2011, that would benefit a lot of people in Africa.

These handbags are made of recycled materials, which have been culled from pieces like canvas safari tents and old advertisement banners that have been used and are now taken down from Nairobi. The project is meant to support African women, empower them and help them realize their full potential. It also is a celebration of Africa and style, which we think is a really wonderful thing.

The British designer has been working hand in hand with United Nations for this project and is planning on setting up a sustainable employment arrangement with the women of Africa.

Of the pieces we have here, I love the last handbag the best because I like the choice of color as well as its simple structure. Although these handbags are for fall and winter, I think they look perfect for the summer season, too.

These pieces are also extra special because there is a story behind all of these creations. Vivienne Westwood’s Ethical Fashion Africa is now available online. The handbags may be purchased at Yoox.

Vivienne Westwood’s Ethical Handbag Collection for Africa

Mark Badgley and James Mischka, the two creative figures behind hte Badgley Mischka brand, has released their first line of handbags.

This faux fur number is one of the many other bags patterned with this material or are designed and created using shearling, canvas with leather, or Peruvian knits.

I have to say I’m hardly attracted to this furry handbag. And as someone has pointed out to me, it looks to be inspired from one of the muppets and a Mulberry handbag, two cute separate things that should never be merged together (as this handbag would have shown it).

Badgley Mischka’s handbag collection will carry the Mark & James label and will have Franchi license some of the current lines. Franchi has been producing handbags for the last four years. There are 35 handbags from this first line.

These Mark and James collection are priced around $150 to $450, by the way. With Badgley Mischka known as a luxury brand, this price range seems to fall under a more affordable bracket for Mark & James.

I can clearly say, however, that since this is just its first line when it comes to handbags, the brand has to do a lot more innovation and creative exploration when it comes to their designs.

Badgley Mischka Laumches Their Mark & James Bags

The Goyard Boeing is named after the aircraft and encapsulates what this bag is made for — a travel bag with a big and roomy space inside for all your travel essentials.

The Goyard Boeing bag comes in its signature canvas, with several different colors. There are several sizes to this, depending on the length of the bag — 25, 30, 45, 55 and 65. The smallest is actually a pouch where you can put all of your toiletries. The largest is an actual suitcase size.

Prices for the handbag, for each of the sizes, also differ. It depends on the type of color you pick. The handbags that come in color are a bit expensive than the regular black or black/brown styles. This is because the colored handbags are a lot more expensive to make, thus they carry a different price tag.

Several celebrities have been spotted about town over the years carrying their Boeing bags while at the airport. Some celebrities even carry two sets at a time, in same sizes. I guess that’s how much they love to travel with it.

If you plan on traveling this summer, it may be good to consider traveling with a Goyard Boeing bag. Being a popular choice, it’s usefulness and durability is already legendary.

The handbag has been released sometime in 2007 and it’s still a favorite even today.

Goyard’s Boeing Bag

Details about this gorgeous new handbag from Louis Vuitton are still scarce but some reports have it that this beauty will be named the Shiny Lockit.

What’s interesting about it is that it comes with two distinct design —
The white stitching, which stands out on this bag, as it provides a striking contrast
The monogrammed handles, which, as many lovers of Louis Vuitton handbags, is usually done in coated canvas.
The canvas looks a lot shinier than usual. It’s almost glossy.

The second detail is what I love about this style best. And although Louis Vuitton rarely impresses me with their handbag collections, I think that this would the first time I’d say….I could soon be lemming for this particular Lockit.

Sources say, this will be coming in three sizes — PM, MM and GM. Other details include a hanging keybell and a distinctive padlock with its monogram on it.

As a variation, this Lockit will also come in this exotic crocodile leather design, in cool and stunning emerald, accented with gold hardware:

No official word on how much these handbags would go for but bag lovers are guessing it will retail along the avenue of US$20,000 or more.

So, what’s your impression about these latest designs?

Louis Vuitton’s Lockit Handbag Fall 2011