Displays and shelves were full of handbags, from clutch-size purses to carryall totes, in reds, oranges, purples and greens. On Aug. 10, Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Calif., buzzed from excited fans that had turned out to see Nancy Gonzalez make a special appearance and to get a first look at her new Fall 2011 collection. The power duo behind Nancy Gonzalez – Nancy herself and the president of the company, her son Santiago Gonzalez – are always ready to spend time with their loyal following.

Poised, calm and elegant as always, Nancy mingled with her fans, engaging them as if she had known them for years. They talked about the new Fall collection, her home country Columbia, and the straps and details on the bags. She listened intently, mentally taking note of their opinions to possibly use next design season. Her customers mean everything to her.

Classic crocodile shopper with metallic finish, fall 2011 

It was clear her fans appreciated every aspect of the collection. The colorful bags were classic, intricate and detailed. Shoppers admired the bags with smiles – exactly what Nancy strives for. “No one needs a handbag, but we all need something to make us smile,” she explained.

Nancy draws much of her inspiration from the company’s dual-city approach. The label is based in Columbia and New York, where Nancy and Santiago live, respectively. Nancy’s love for color comes from her Columbian roots. Passionate about the orchids, birds, fruits and natural beauty of the country, she brings that vibrant color to the design of her handbags. And how does New York play its part? She described the city as “all the best for the best of the best. It’s the world and I work for the world.”

Sable and crocodile handbag for fall 2011

When designing the Fall 2011 collection, Nancy went with her heart. Luxurious fur from foxes and minks, as well as bright crocodile skins, was used to create one-of-a-kind handbags.

“Fall is supposed to be dark, but I love incredible colors. The colors are new and different. My favorite color for the season is purple, but it’s not just purple. It’s a range of purple shades. The new colors are mixed with metallic for something new. I like to feel fresh and make colors that feel fresh again,” Nancy said.

Looking at her collection, this statement rang true. The clutches and handbags looked fresher than ever. Gray crocodile pattern with hints of silver, whites with gold finishes, and browns with deep gold created luxurious looks. Santiago described the colors as “delicious and yummy.”

Colorful crocodile clutches

Not far from Nancy, Santiago chatted with customers who were debating which colors and styles to buy. He was completely honest, which they appreciated. He always recommended timeless colors: “It is forever, just like luxury. Just like a Nancy Gonzalez handbag.”

Santiago knows a thing or two about luxury. He is his mother’s son, after all. Despite the economic downturn, Santiago wasn’t worried about the luxury market or the company.

“Luxury is about quality and design, but it is also about the experience of how you bought it and where you bought it. Those moments are forever in your memory, and those moments are necessary. Luxury existed since the times of Cleopatra and will always exist. Maybe people will experience it less during bad times, but it will always be there,” Santiago said.

Currently, Santiago’s personal idea of luxury is choice and time. He explained that those two things are the most intangible. “Everything else you can acquire. These are not readily available,” he declared.

Time is definitely not something he has to spare. With his ever-evolving role at the Nancy Gonzalez label, he constantly has his hands full. During any given day, Santiago manages to be the art director, marketing director, merchandiser, strategic planner, advertising director and any other role that is thrown in his direction. Although he wears so many hats and believes his role evolves as the day goes on, Santiago insisted his business card doesn’t even feature a title.

Santiago Gonzalez autographing a book for a fan

Recently, there have been two other roles keeping this modest man busier than usual. Santiago has been industriously jet-setting the world to work on opening more retail stores in Asia and Europe. In 2010, the first Nancy Gonzalez store was opened in Korea, and this year another will follow. Other stores in the works include two in London, to be opened by the end of 2011; one in Paris, opening in spring 2012; and possibly one in Taiwan. Even with the expansion, Santiago still holds firm with the U.S. market. It is still a solid market and solid markets need attention, he declared.

Santiago claimed his second role happened indirectly. Last year, he launched his own line of men’s bags, appropriately titled “Santiago Gonzalez.” The collection includes crocodile-skin briefcases, wallets, money clips, duffels and more, all in “manly” colors. The line came about when the fashion director of Harrods noticed Santiago’s personal pieces, made for him by his mother. The director was so impressed that she wanted to sell them in the men’s department.

Santiago’s collections are personal; all the pieces are tried and tested directly by him. Playing with slight details here and there, he has made each piece more functional over time. Santiago expressed his items are perfect to give as a gift, as he often does himself. A particularly great gift for the man that has everything is a cuff link box with four sets of crocodile cuff links in four different colors.

The Nancy Gonzalez book from Assouline 

With so much on their plates, the mother and son still manage to be all smiles and laughs at customer events. It must be genetics. Anyone could tell that they clearly love working together, and they described each other with the utmost respect.

Santiago said of his mother: “She is very brilliant and a very solid person. It’s a privilege for me and for anyone that works with her to have her as a role model.”

In working together so closely, they must rub off on each other, because when asked about a possible expansion or rumored shoe line, both Nancy and Santiago replied in unison, ”It’s a surprise!” Same tone, same laugh.

And it truly is all laughs with these two. Nancy said Santiago is hilarious and makes her laugh all day. “He has the best sense of humor, and I love that. What I love most in life is to love,” she maintained.

And that’s what Nancy Gonzalez is about, in the end.

This article was contributed & photographed by Annette Tang of the VersaStyle. You can follow Annette and her fashion adventures on Twitter at @theversastyle

Cat Power from V Magazine
Now-a-days, it’s hard to decipher a pet from an accessory. We tote them around as we do our favorite handbag.
V Magazine took this concept to a whole new level by airbrushing cats to match different luxury purses. From Dior to Balenciaga, each feline is purr-fectly color-coordinated to its accessory counterpart. The photo spread, entitled, “Cat Power” will debut in the April issue of V Magazine, on newsstands the first week of March. Robert Willingham is the talented man behind the cat coloring process, and all images are photographed by the great Anthony Cotsifas. Source: V Magazine Cat Power on ExclusivelyLUX.com

Rebecca Minkoff Shoe Contest on the Glamourai
Style guru, the Glamourai, is partnering with Rebecca Minkoff, who is launching her first-ever shoe collection, and giving one lucky reader a pair of shoes of her choice! The Rebecca Minkoff shoe line is exclusive to Shopbop.com, and features various styles of pumps, heels, and booties in shades of nude, black and white.  The Glamourai poses for the camera, displaying the designer’s shoes in this posh photo spread. She pairs a sleek leather jacket with a volumous black slip dress and tights. Her look is complete with a simple black clutch, cat-eye sunglasses, and of course  Rebecca Minkoff’s Femme Fatale Sandals. For details on how to enter the giveaway, click here.

Shopbop, the leading online luxury fashion retailer for the Coachella crowd, announced their “Feels Good” print ad campaign this week. The company’s first since its online debut in 2000.

Expect to see the vibe inspiring ads to roll out in the March print editions of Elle, InStyle, Lucky & Vogue. 

Ok, I love a good ad campaign—especially one that get people talking.  The ones having to do with the notion of sex, taboo, the somewhat inappropriate or questionable materials that have been cleverly blended with refined elements of style to convey a brand’s message or unique story is brilliant.  

Personally, I love Shopbop.  And yes, the brands they carry do make me Feel Good — However, I think after looking at these photos and watching the director’s cut video, Shopbop customers may bit a disappointed when they don’t get the same level of satisfaction the women in the campaign had…just sayin.  

Other than this, I think correlating the relationship a woman has with her clothing and sexual gratification is a good fit.  After all, true style is not about fashion and trends, it’s something born from inspiration — and when fitted well, should always make you feel beautiful. Well, in this case, GOOD. 

What are you thoughts about the #SBFeelsGood print campaign for Spring 2011?  

Rachel Pally, the California casual designer, will be hosting a sample sale the first two weekends in February. The warehouse sale will feature her Holiday 2010 collection at 55 percent to 85 percent off retail, as well as previous collections and plus-size options. The sale starts on this weekend and will take a break during the week and return the weekend of Feb. 11.

The LA-based designer is known for her comfortable, jersey clothing, which was influenced by her years as a dancer. Her Holiday 2010 collection, available on her website, was dominated by shades of purple and lavender and ‘70s-inspired patterns. Flirty maxi dresses were a staple in the line, the perfect way to cover up in winter, yet stay comfortable with the wonderful LA weather.

For more information, go to rachelpally.com. or call the sale at (818) 512-9575.

What: Rachel Pally sample sale
Where: 2301 E. Seventh St., Suite C100, Los Angeles, CA 90023
When: Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4p.m.

Although the gift should not be forgotten, it’s ultimately the thoughtfulness that touches a lady’s heart. This doesn’t mean take her to the fanciest restaurant in town (not everyone is a foie gras fan) or book a night in a five-star suite. Instead, think of some of her favorite things and how to incorporate them into the night. If you need a push in the right direction, here are five ideas to get you going:

1. Get a dance lesson together: There’s nothing sexier than a man that can dance. Did you overhear her say she wishes she could salsa? Do it with her! Not only will you impress her, but also her friends (and their not-so-smart boyfriends) will be racked with jealousy when you two pros hit the dance floor at the next party.
Links: Dance Studio Manhattan, Los Angeles Dance Studio, Salsa in LA,Salsa Dallas  

2. Cater her favorite dinner: Although a night out is always great, sometimes girls really do enjoy a quiet night at home. If your lady is the type to unwind after a long day at the office, order dinner from her favorite restaurant and set up a romantic dinner (candles and all) just for two. Who knows where you’ll enjoy dessert?

3. Go wine tasting: Many wine bars offer tastings, sometimes paired with a cheese plate. Tastings are a fun way to try something new (Never had a Riesling?) while still enjoying a romantic night out. If your lady is a beer drinker, many gastropubs and breweries offer tastings as well. 
Links: Eater.com, Food and Wine Magazine

4. Plan a short trip: If a woman tells you she wants to plan everything, she’s lying. Although being organized is a great trait, we love when the man takes over, especially when it’s spontaneous. The weekend before or after Valentine’s Day, surprise her with a weekend getaway. If you’re in California, perhaps a trip to the Napa Valley or a night in the Gaslamp in San Diego. If you’re in the Midwest, rent a cabin for a couple of nights and enjoy the snow. On the East Coast? It’s the perfect time to stay a few nights in New York City or go down south to Miami.
Links: Napa Valley in 24 Hours

5. Good ol’ fashioned fun: Remember when you were 16 years old and a good date meant a burger and bowling? Sometimes simplicity is best. Fun activities such as cosmic bowling, miniature golf or a night at a theme park are good opportunities to goof around and realize why you appreciate each other so much. Who said Valentine’s Day has to be so serious?

Links: Lucky Strike, Randall’s Island (New York), Boomers Parks

Jean Paul Gaultier has a new kick in his step: Spring Couture 2011.  The designer was as daring as ever, and showed the couture collection in Paris on Jan. 26. 

The Parisian vibe was ever present– the women could have been sucked out of a Toulouse Lautrec painting—and the aesthetic swayed between Moulin Rouge and punk rock. The Clash playing over the sound system solidified at least a nod to the ‘80s musical movement.

Gaultier didn’t leave a hair untouched or a hand ungloved. It was all about the details – whether it was exposing the lace underbelly of a wired skirt, using sexy belts for a corset, or utilizing jewelry to decorate a forehead.

Practically every model was rocking a faux Mohawk, courtesy of cool, multicolored hairpieces. One look, a bridal-esque gown, even carried a train of tulle.

Suits made the runway, in fascinating, vibrant neon prints or in neutral shades with delicate embroidery. Gaultier is a true Frenchman, so, of course, there were many all-black ensembles to be seen.

The cohesive collection couldn’t be put in a box. Each look evoked a different memory; however, all the looks combined strung together to create a living collection that made total sense. A cropped jacket and high-waisted paints may have brought a bullfighter to mind, whereas a ruffle-covered floral gown was right out of the Victorian era, and somehow, it worked.

The show ended with a model’s cancan high kick.