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)
