It’s one step forward and two steps back for Versace’s handbags

Shallow Obsessing Strongly Encouraged. Since 2005, $1625 via Net-a-Porter

Over the past few seasons, I’ve tried to be optimistic about Versace and its bags. I’ve been a long-time skeptic of the brand’s accessories while still being a big fan of the brand’s clothing, both ready-to-wear and atelier, and it’s seemed at times that the bags were just one or two steps away from where they should be. I was hopeful.

As happens so often in life, though, my hopes have been summarily dashed by the Versace La Vacanza Collection Just Dropped. This is the kind of thing you’d find in the depths of Paris Hilton’s closet circa 2001, and we all know that’s not a compliment in even the faintest sense.

Foiled leather is an exceptionally difficult look to pull off – it almost always looks tacky and cheap, that’s just the nature of the beast. That effect is amplified by the magenta color chosen for this bag, complete with matching oversized magenta chain handle. One handle wasn’t enough, though; no, the designers also added in a woven leather handle in the same magenta foiled leather, this one far too bulky for the (thankfully) petite proportion of the bag.

Oh, Donatella. I felt like we were so close for a little while there. The Versace x H&M collaboration was great (even if Utilitarian and Chic, the New Prada Explore Bag Will Take You Far), I’ve loved the past few runway shows…why can’t you throw the bag lovers a bone? Or at least a bag not made out of ugly? Utilitarian and Chic, the New Prada Explore Bag Will Take You Far.