You won’t even know this is a bag from Miu Miu, unless someone told you so. And this is exactly why I love it. It’s one of those understated bags that one carries discreetly to work, avoiding bitchy water-cooler gossip and preventing oneself from being ‘flashier’ than the boss.

It’s also one of those bags that seems timeless, a classic look that will work in 2008, next year, or even 5 years on. Its simple shape and minimal embellishment works, and other details include the two long handles (can be shoulder slung as well), press studs at the side to expand the size, a logo plaque at the side and a small zipped compartment on the inside. Measuring 14.5″ by 15″…

 Vanessa Paradis fronts the new Fall-Winter 2008 Womens Miu Miu ad campaign and boy is she fierce! Not exactly thrilled by any of the new bags, though I must admit the one on the top is rather interesting. What I am more keen to check out are the Miu Miu Leather Alphabet Pins (you can see letters V and P on the 1st and 3rd image, which spell out Ms Paradis’s initials), which allows one to accessorise their outfits or bags.

 When one attempts ruching of any sort, one should always remember this. Proportions. Ruching only looks good when done competently on larger items. Smaller items should always be handled with care. Too much and it just looks wrong. Not only wrong, but aged as well. Especially if it is done on a hideous colour. Presenting the Miu Miu Small Shoulder Bag, a complete waste of perfectly good leather which also costs way too much at around SGD860 or so.

 First spotted on Victoria Beckham (and many other celebrities since then), the Miu Miu Harlequin Leather Tote has also made her way to Singapore.  this baby comes in 2 sizes, Large (12″ by 14″, above) and Medium (18″ by 13″, below). The Large is taller and more narrow, while is Medium is shorter but wider.

Other than the size factor, they are similar in other ways. For starters, both have removable shoulder straps with clasp fastening at sides, double plaited straps, open tops with ruched mouth and magnetic press studs fastening and satin lining with internal zip fastening pocket.

Not only is the colour to die for, the shape is cute too. The Miu Miu Square Mini Tote Bag has lovely ruched detailing in the front, a front pocket with clasp fastening and 2 more zip pockets at each side. Full leather in Lilac, this is great shopping companion for ladies young and young-at-heart.

 Presenting the Miu Miu Harlequin Leather Tote, toted around town by none other than ‘Ms Plastic Fantastic’ herself, Victoria Beckham. One of this season’s hottest bags, the Miu Miu Harlequin Leather Tote sports the plaited leather handle (which can also be seen on the Miu Miu Leather Coffer Bag), braided leather body and a longer shoulder strap for slinging across the body. Definitely get it if dressing casual is your thing. She may be ‘plastic’ but she sure dresses well.

 This has to be the cutest thing to come out of Chloé to date. The lovely, tiny and oh-so-cute Chloé Paddington Keyring in Vermillon is to die for! It even comes with it’s own little lock and embossed Chloé logo on the strap over it. Aww… Chloe

 Everyone loves the Chloé Paddington Bag. oh-so-cute Chloé Paddington Mini Bag in Tan. Minis are very in now, and every icon bag has a mini-me version of itself. Check out the detailing, the mini lock and the buckles are to die for. Measuring just 28 cm across, Olly loves it to death.

The twisted handle strap looks unfinished and raw, and nothing, not even the shiny gold hardware and the burnt orange leather goes together. And what’s with blue-grey trim doing on a orange leather bag?

 How can anyone not be attracted to the lovely washed lambskin, wide shoulder strap, dark brown leather handles and the large zip pocket on the front? It even has it’s own removable luggage tag which is a great perk, even if it serves no real purpose here.