Life and its cycles. Amazing, isn’t it, that us humans – yes, we the vulnerable angsty beings - think we are always onto something new, (aka the next best thing), when more often than not, we’ve been there, done it, seen it all before. You could almost call it historic recycling. We get over one drama, and just to remind us not to get too complacent, we are up to our eyeballs in another. Be it credit crunch recession time (again), what to eat / drink / breath, carbs before or after daybreak, running is good for you, running is terrible for you, more diet fads than jean brands…..etc etc. Before you think I am digressing or rather, that there is a possibility this article found itself on handbagdesigner101.com by mistake, I want to tell you about the industry for which cycles are its diet. And that is fashion. There is no better way to represent this than the trend that pops back every so often to remind us it is not going away; gothic. Gothic glamour rules for Fall 08 and its sexy, mysterious, obsessive nature will keep us very warm this winter. To accessorize your sheer black tops adorned with pussy bows and funky black leather pants and black patent footwear, and not forgetting the fabulous capes, your handbag needs to match with a vengeance.

Take the Fendi borderline clutch - perfect for the evening and pretty sharp. The Alexander McQueen Elvie python tote is fabulously dark and exotic; with killer heals, in black of course, is pretty damn hot, scary, gothic and lush.  Finally, the patent Stella McCartney classic tote is practical but also has the gothic vibe, with a black bubble finish. Beautifully gothic with a patent finish.  At the end of the day, who needs the bright colors of the sun when you have these bags to look forward to.

Author: Juliet Rowe (Want to become a Handbag Correspondent?)