Madonna in Osklen Bag

Let’s be honest: nothing Madonna does it subtle. From her over-the-top concerts to her choice of leading men (or boy-toys to be more frank), the mantra “bigger the better” is more than fitting. The same could be said about her flashy accessories–Dolce! Vuitton! More Vuitton! Until now. Late last month, Madge was spotted in Rio de Janeiro dressed inconspicuously in an Adidas tracksuit and toting an equally non-riveting carryall. But that’s what’s to be appreciated: the fact that this lattice-design bag doesn’t scream or shout anything but utility and stylish design. The brand? Relatively new Brazilian label Osklen, a clothing company started in 1989 and whose focus is sportswear (they make a killer swimsuit, natch). This particular white cutout leather bag Madonna carries (a gold version is shown in still-life) is part of the company’s spring collection (delivery: mid-May). Dig a little deeper and one discovers Osklen’s been doing accessories for awhile now; in fact, the company is environmentally conscious in the sense that not only are all their stores carbon-neutral, many of their accessories use re-purposed animal skin (from fish, farmed for eating) or organic cotton (alas this tote is not). While for celebrities each day can seem like a walk down the red carpet, it’s refreshing that bags like this exist for a true palette cleanser–minus the dreaded calories.

$897, available at Osklen stores in New York (97 Wooster St., 212-219-8250) and Miami (1111 Lincoln Rd.)