What is the latest "it" bag in town? French luxury house Celine is introducing Nautil, a medium-sized, retro-inspired and practical handbag in seven colors.

The launch party for Nautil was held at the M2 club at Plaza 66, where colorful bags were hung high above the bar area as decorations. Seven outstanding women from different fields modeled the bags recently. They were VJ Zhu Zhu of the MTV music channel, novelist Chun Shu, actresses Zhao Lin and Zhang Jiani, poet Yin Lichuan, event organizer Zu Jing and Ma La, editor-in-chief of the Chinese Madam Figaro.

"I think Celine chose the seven of us because we represent the new image of young Chinese women, who are brave enough to enjoy the good things of life," says Ma. "That's how Celine targets its customers."

Compared with many other trendy "it" bags nowadays, Nautil is surprisingly light, according to Ma. "It is understated and functional," she continues. "Unlike the 1980s, women today want bags not only look 'powerful' but are also comfortable and practical to use."

Inspired by a Celine bag created back in the 1970s, Nautil combines contemporary and vintage style. Sophisticated yet casual, it comes in seven hues of cracked patent leather: white, black, camel and dark olive for the classic shades; sunflower, ruby and blue denim for the upcoming season.

Its urban, practical lines make it perfect for holding a mobile phone, diary and makeup bag as well as files, magazines or even a small-sized laptop. The multicolored lining is divided into pockets tailored to hold items such as a phone, lipstick and keys. It can be slung on the shoulder with two leather handles; it won't hinder or slow down today's busy women.

Its price makes it accessible if you're able to afford 7,900 yuan (US$1,070) for an "it" bag.

Complementary accessories to Nautil include a zip pouch that looks exactly like a mini-Nautil, available in seven shades of leather, and a key-ring made of metal and leather in different shades.

The collection will arrive in stores in February.

(Shanghai Daily January 14, 2008)