IN FOCUS: Handbags on the Spring 12 Runways

Designers continue to bring back the austerity of handbags with retro styles this spring, see Chloe envelope clutch or Miu Miu snap closure purse as well as conceive a few new ones. Chanel’s austere clutches in beading or pearl finish is just the sort of innovatively modern design that has been reeling the runways.

The retro styles are back and more clever in form. The best example swept the Celine and Prada runways. The retro styles with the car applique or the smooth autumn-camel handbag are sweet lady accessories for an excessive era in fashion. Where the hand purse was a prominent presence on the runway, so continued the chain-strap shoulder bags. Chanel, Proenza Schouler, Chloe, Gucci, and just about every other runway presented their version of the demure style.

Texture continues to be an important accessory feature where fringing, glossy finishes, weaving and studding made up the most remarkable handbags featured at Fendi, Marc Jacobs, and Chanel.

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright are feeling optimistic with neon colors on glossy clutches and net bags at Rag & Bone. The sporty bags accompanied clutches down the runway for a surfer-inspired take. Find the smart styling on the Rag & Bone runway in the slideshow that follows.