7. Lana Marks Hellen Mirren Cleopatra Clutch – USD 250,000
Now we’re talking! This is one of many Cleopatra clutches Lana Marks has designed, and I must say, most of them are quite gorgeous. This is the most expensive of them since it possesses 1,500 black and white diamonds contained in 18-carat white gold. No wonder it ended up on our list of most expensive designer handbags in the world in 2016. It is inspired by Elisabeth Taylor and got its name from being worn by Hellen Mirren to the 2007 Academy Awards. Even though it’s an old model, it’s still available for purchase, so moderation seems to have been a good strategy.
Although this one is a tad too shiny for me, others less flashy really draw my attention, such as the Jennifer Aniston, Julie Christie, Angelina Jolie, and Diamond Fan, where I consider the diamonds are used in a simple, delicate manner, and not abused like in so many models in this list. I think Lana Marks really got the hang of how precious stones should be used: with moderation.
6. Chanel Diamond Forever Handbag – USD 261,000
White gold, alligator skin, and 334 diamonds have made this accessory one of the most expensive designer handbags in the world in 2016, but is it worth it? The shape resembles the classic Chanel clutch bag, so there’s nothing really new about it but the materials.
Purse Blog compares it to a work of art, which may very well be true, but I wouldn’t go out on the street with an original Picasso dangling from my arm! You’d have to be a real daredevil to walk around with such a huge “please rob me” sign on your forehead. Don’t get me wrong, I agree with the premise that art and fashion are intimately related and can sometimes spawn marvelous things. However, just like great paintings are not valued for the price of the paint but the talent of the artist, so should bags be prized for their originality, and I’m sorry to say this is a pretty mediocre design for such a large bill.
