An “it” bag is any season’s must-purchase accessory. The creative frenzy clutching this accessories category is currently so hot that women endure lengthy waiting lists to swing the flashest Horsebit or patent shoulder bag. Dead center of the handbag whirlwind is London-based designer Stuart Vevers, who has dressed women’s shoulders on behalf of major brands including Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta, and Givenchy and has just established a 12 piece ready-to-wear Vevers line, reminiscent of ’80s Versace and Gucci. This means over-the-top designs, “pop inspired, not at all subtle but glaringly obvious, fun and ridiculous in some cases,” says the designer. For spring, look out for Vevers’ “boom bag,” a tote that comes in the form of an elegant ghetto blaster. Vevers appears to wallow only in chic associations, last year weaving a partnership with Luella Bartley. He designs and half owns the Luella accessories collection that High Street stores are already copying at an alarming rate, a sure sign of success. The label hit the Holy Grail last season when Gisele ordered the pink crocodile tote, now wisely dubbed the “Gisele bag.”

- Jason Campbell
Photo: Stuart Vevers A/W 2003 collection