As far as new trends go, the cutout-handle bag is suddenly here to stay in a major way, but that doesn’t mean every designer’s incarnation is doing it for me. It’s Christian Louboutin’s Passage bag that has me the most intrigued.
Sure, the unusual ombré cast, for a palette that evolves from buttery, neutral yellow into hazy, deep eggplant, instantly sets it apart from most. That, however, is not what all that makes it a big winner in my book. Think features and versatility. You have the option of carrying this with a lengthy shoulder strap, so you don’t get confined to only clutch and top-handle use (which these cutout-handle bags usually do). You can also switch up the look: bold hardware when the handle portion flaps down or a subtler look when fully upright. The interior has three separate compartments, and, of course, the coloration is amazing, imbuing the bag with even more dimension and depth. Simply put, it’s gorgeous. Christian Louboutin Passage bag on MATCHESFASHION.com
Pair with: I’d love to see this with a pair of killer shoes. Think chunky, not too delicate, to contend with the strong shape of the bag. Finished off with a surprising pearl detail, Nicholas Kirkwood’s silk-satin and cork platforms are just the ticket. On NET-A-PORTER
