My first memory of patent leather is from the opening scene of Pretty Woman. Julia Roberts was using a Sharpie to cover up scuff-marks on her knee-high patent leather boots – a look that was associated with street-walkers and go go dancers. But now, thanks to designers like Pauric Sweeney, Yves Saint Laurent and Giuseppe Zanotti, I can hardly keep my credit cards from bouncing.
I started with a pair of patent leather strappy stilettos from Miu Miu, a brave purchase that I thought would stop there, but when YSL showed their Fall 2007 collection of uptown patent leather totes I nearly cashed in my retirement fund entirely. Now knee-deep in my black-shiny leather obsession I’m just crossing my fingers that Brian Atwood stops teasing me with his fabulous line of accessories. I have a mantra that I repeat over and over, my financial advisor has suggested that I print it out and place it in my wallet, but it goes like this, “ Food, shelter, then clothes,” and I have to say, what good is food and shelter if you can’t look fabulous while eating and sleeping?
As for my next big splurge? Now that I am pleased with my collection of black patent leather, it is time to add a pop of color. The best for the season? Purple. MCM is coming back out with a great line of wallets, but I am saving change from the couch for what I really want – the Lanvin Kansas Patent Tote in purple. It is around 16" wide so you can toss just about everything you own into it. Its stunning jewel-toned fabric is perfectly complemented with brown leather trim; the only other thing it needs is my shoulder to carry it.
Available at www.barneys.com for $1,995.
