Miumiu Fall 2011 Bags

On Oscar night, while everyone was ogling the gowns, I was hovered an inch away from my TV screen to see the clutches. The big winner who swept the evening (cue cheesy orchestra music): Roger Vivier Natalie Portman was a glowing mother-to-be in her magenta-hued gown, but her "Bolte de Nuit Caviar" clutch in Rose Gold granted her added sophistication for the biggest night in Hollywood. Similarly, Hilary Swank dazzled in a gorgeous ombré-feathered Gucci couture gown and her shimmering "Short Night Tube" in Platinum Satin clutch, a sleek and shiny counterpart to the gown's major sparkle. Anne Hathaway, in her red carpet look, stepped up her Versace va-va-voom dress with an equally enticing "Pixy" clutch with multi-colored embellishment.

Other stars who Vivier clutched in their manicured hands included Reese Witherspoon, Charlize Theron, Dianna Agron, Kate Beckinsale, and Michelle Williams. Now how many other designers can say they were worn by this many Oscar 2011 attendees?

Miumiu is known for impeccable workmanship and quality leathers (hand stitched, suede driving loafers, anyone?), but I would never have called it cutting-edge or hip ten years ago. Enter American designer Derek Lam, named creative director in 2006, who single-handedly changed the landscape of the Italian luxury brand. He has merged Tod's classic appeal with a needed youthful vibe. As we have already been observing, Fall 2011 is all about structured ladylike bags, and Tod's versions get it just right. Color and lightheartedness are infused with the best skins available to offer pristine structure and intriguing combinations (wristlet clutch in canary yellow lizard and slate gray python is a winning combo in my book!). And the drool worthy camel crocodile shoulder bag, Lam's take on what a luxury brand customer desires, is "witty, unpretentious, and stand for the heritage of a beautifully made product." I would say that Derek Lam knows a thing or two of what bag snobs want, and Miumiu Fall 2011 bags are exactly it.