My love affair with Lena Erziak dates back to their decadent SS10 collection, which left me  gaping (and predictably penniless)

. Their fabulous handbags just got even better this Fall, with a plethora of beauties named after, get this; Hollywood male celebrities. Having snagged four (count em’, four) of their creations, here’s the lowdown.

Armed with a collection of eighteen stunning bags, sisters Leona and Hasna, the creative forces behind the label have outdone themselves. To recap: all Lena Erziak handbags are handmade in Florence, Italy with only the most luxe materials; thinkPrinted Python and Ostrich  galore. The best part is that the bags are very accommodating, even the seemingly tiny ones. You can easily fit in your Blackberry, lip gloss, assorted keys, camera, and everything else you could possibly need.

The Valentino: Already becoming an extremely coveted It bag, the Valentino comes in Printed Python and Calfskin in three gorgeous hues: a deep green, a slate grey and a black. The green is probably my bag of the season. With Lena Erziak’s signature  tassel and light weaving in white with gold accents, it’s absolute perfection. This paired with anything is a huge boost to your self esteem and your look.

The Edward: Preppy enough to be the object of Blair Waldorf’s affection, this adorable bag with an oversize bow is too cute not to grab. There’s  Printed Python and sumptuous Calfskin in three colors; a deep crimson, a lovely beige yellow and the prerequisite black. It’s got a slight gold chain link leading t a short strap and enough room to hold a laptop inside.

 

The Anthony: A break away from their usually preppy chic designs, the Anthony is very Alexander Wang meets Yigal Azrouel. With a faux zipper slanting across diagonally, it gives off an air of rocker nonchalance that immediately catapults you to Becka Diamond-esque status!

 

My favorite is the basic black which comes in leather. There’s also a crimson. In  Printed Python, there’s a captivating pale grey ,  and blush pink.  There are handy detachable straps for heavy lugging.

The George: The only evening bag/clutch I snagged, this little beauty is classy enough to give Alber Elbaz a complex. Thrown with anything and everything, it will definitely transform the wearer into classy and elegant. It’s Python body has a slight suede ruche cutting across it, adding to it’s delicate charm. The George is available in mustard , tan , maroon ,black and cream .

The girls on Becka Diamond, their hometown and Carrie Bradshaw… 

This season, you guys are experimenting with a lot more than just chic sophistication veering towards the preppy side. For example, the Anthony is a nod towards a little more grunge. How did that evolution come about?

 Honestly we are so deep within the process of creating all the time, we hardly notice that there is major evolution. We never set out to make one preppy or the other grungy. We just design bags that we want to carry and that hopefully other women will want to carry as well

 What makes you and consequently, your designs tick? What are you reading? What movies have you most recently watched and loved? Do you have any favorite museums or artists?

We work a lot,  as a result we watch movies long after everybody has seen them. We recently finally had a chance to see “Lost in Translation” by Sofia Copola, a real “chef d’oeuvre” .

 We also love “Mister Nobody” from Jaco Vandermael.  Leona is reading Narcisse & Goldmund of Hermann Hess. and Hasna is re -reading  the prophet of Khalil Gibran. We just saw the exposition of Frida Kahlo in Brussels, her work, her life was so amazing in every way. We also really love the Prado in  Madrid.

 What decade in time is most inspiring to your work? 

NOW…we design for the present.

  If you had to design bags for a) Victoria Beckham b) Charlotte Gainsbourg and c) Becka Diamond, what would they be like?

We have already designed a bag that is perfect for all three, the Sean!  It is great for any sense of style, and comes in classic Gray or hip Leopard.

 Currently, what are things you’re personally coveted and what else is exciting you?

 We are so busy that we covet spending time with our loved ones, that’s is the most inspiring things for us. Life is too short….. Seeing the smile on their faces is the most powerful and exciting thing on earth….

 Will you watch the Sex and the City movie?

Of course, it’s in our plan to do so sometime soon. It’s part of girly things we love to do together as sisters.

 How did your hometown influence and inspire you? In what ways?

 It’s hard to tell because we have traveled around so much growing up. We feel like citizens of humanity, everywhere is home in the end.

 Which is your favorite piece from the collection?

That’s like asking us, “Which one is your favorite kids?” We can’t we just love them all. 

 What item from your label is the trademark for perfection for you and it consistently pushes you to meet that level?

Perfection is not on earth. If we ever meet perfection, we are not even sure if it will be interesting. Real beauty is witin the imperfect for use, the weakness of things, that’s what makes them interesting.

 What one item from your home constantly provides you with information?

There is more than one item that is constantly providing us with thoughts and inspiration. We would say the fresh scent of Mint, pictures of our family, art and the voices of loved ones. Those are always providing us with information and stability.

 Which is the one model/celebrity/actress/social you’d love to style with your bags?

There are so many that we are interested in, we can’t name them all. We would start with Scarlett Johnson, Eva Mendez, Charliez Theron.  Sofia Copola,  & Anna Wintour, but we heard Anna never wears bags, so…. )

Needless to say, I’m absolutely sold. You can head on over to http://www.lenaerziak.com for more information how you can be the proud (and stylish) owner of one of these or their other bags.

Bio: Arushi is a fashion enthusiast from Delhi, India with an undying passion for all things fabulous.. She believes strongly in both the art and business sides of the fashion industry and is an ardent style blogger on her blog http://www.FabBlab.blogspot.com In addition, she also blogs for Vogue India and works for many a fashion publication including Haute Mimi International, Glossy magazine and Digital Temple magazine, etc. Tom Ford is more of an icon to her than Tom Hanks. Enough said.