Marchesa adds Handbags to Brand

The design duo behind Marchesa, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, are diving into the accessory line for their label. The purses will hit stores in 2010. "We had never done accessories,” said co-founder and designer Georgina Chapman. “So we thought, ‘Let’s approach it the way we approach a dress."

The bags are consistent with their dresses. They are detailed with draping,beading, pleating, and corsetry. The inside of the bags are grosgrain ribbon, while the exteriors are made of satin, silk, and alligator, crocodile and lizard skins. The handbags are functional as well. Each bag fits all a girls essentials such as a Blackberry, make-up, and keys. The girls were inspired to create a purse line because all of their own purses lacked the necessary compartments to hold all of their things. "We were frustrated that we couldn't find a bag to fit it all," says Craig.

Marchesa is hoping that this endeavour will give shoppers an excuse to purchase something from the brand. "Some people don't always have an occasion for a gown. You could wear these with jeans and a T-shirt," adds Chapman.

The collection will be available anywhere Marchesa is sold (Holt Renfrew, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus etc.). The bags aren't cheap, They run from $995 up to $5,000.

Photos provided by Nitrolicious.

Writer: Kate Murphy