Slouchy, sexy, cool bags

MANILA, Philippines - Let’s call it the “Chloé slouch,” that touch of cool a Chloé handbag adds to any outfit, whether that’s jeans and a T-shirt a la Reese Witherspoon or a tailored jumpsuit a la Miranda Kerr with their Chloé Marcie handbags. For the luxury prêt-à-porter label’s latest collection, it’s arty London party girl meets snobbish Mod girl meets Parisian chic –– the amalgamation is an interesting play on textures, shapes and colors, from warm Sahara hues to frigid blues, are translated into current renditions of its classic handbags –– the Alice, the Marcie, and the Paraty.

For fall 2013, Chloé, imbibes the military spirit, incorporating a play on surfaces and textures. The vision is translated onto their classic handbags resulting in nothing short of cool –– studs, pockets and other military details, on the shoulder strap, for instance, of the Paraty Military, make it just as fitting over the shoulder of a tough, indie chick as on the arm of the darling-next-door.

Exotic prints and leathers like soft python are big this season in optic black and beige tones. Calfskin and vegetal leathers remain at the heart of the collection, redering pieces with the softeness and femininity that Chloé is known for. Metallic touches on python and leather highlight the collection, as seen on the Marcie handbag in lizard print.

The Alice takes on urban elegance in sleek designs inspired by the ‘70s. It features a mix of textures and a two-tone look, offering a wide range of color combinations, from sunrise and husky white to hot chocolate, fir green, and even shimmering holly berry. It’s a sober handbag with a sporty side, thanks to the bag’s two large outer pockets and clean interior, but this doesn’t take away from its classic look, or its chameleon-like ability to suit whoever carries it.

In the tradition of Chloé’s ultra-feminine but cool spirit, the Alice, Marcie and Paraty can all be carried two ways, thanks to detachable shoulder straps. Gold-tone metal hardware, on the other hand, add a touch of refinement, on both slouchy and structured designs.

Fifty years after founder Gaby Aghion made the Chloé vision of romantic, feminine fashion real, its lives on in young style icons known for their elegant, laid-back and feminine sense of style. Natalie Portman, Kirsten Dusnt, Kate Bosworth, Elizabeth Olsen and Katie Holmes have all been seen with Chloé handbags in-tow.

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Chloe is available only at Adora, 2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati (tel. no. 217-4029).