You’ve put on your designer outfit, brought out your jewels, strapped on your designer ‘wrist top’ and put on your Manolo Blahniks. You are now set to be the belle of the ball... At least that’s what you think. But fact is, if you don’t have the right ‘arm candy’(read designer bag), you ain’t going nowhere. Yes, bags have become equally important accessories to flaunt.

There was a time when a bag was just a practical necessity - much like an umbrella. An ordinary black bag was a multipurpose accessory that could be carried with everything. But that is now history. Today, a bag is an integral part of an ensemble with more women appreciating branded ones.

The experience of buying a designer bag is an unparalleled one. It begins with walking into the designer boutiques with polished wooden interiors and formidable looking merchandise that is almost too good to touch. Then comes that moment when you spot the one and everything else fades in comparison. Holding that bag (preferably limited edition) for the first time is like a shot of adrenalin, which is often temporarily subdued by the shock on learning about the sky-high prices. Finally, battling that noisy conscience and leaving the store with your new purchase brings a giddy excitement that is difficult to describe.

Owning a bag isn’t just about possessing that one piece. It’s like buying self-confidence in a package because the logo that runs across this flamboyant accessory clearly spells s-t-a-t-u-s! It’s a declaration of your ability to patronize the brand, and your passport to the world of style.

But the fact remains that luxury bags are not just expensive, but exorbitant. In fact, many still regard them as a symbol of ostentation. Why would anybody spend so much on a bag is a question that has boggled many a male-mind. Well, call it craze or an indulgence but in spite of their prices, designer handbags are an object of desire for most women.

Women the world over confess that once they’ve carried a branded bag, they can never carry anything else again. Saving up for this one accessory is better than spending the same amount on unbranded ones every now and then. Many regard these bags as an investment because they are classics that never go out of style. Especially since they can add class even to a boring outfit and miraculously transform a woman’s personality.
The good news is that you no longer have to travel the seven seas for these coveted treasures. Renowned designer brands for bags that have established a strong foothold worldwide have finally arrived in the Indian market. In March 2004, Bvlgari launched its first store in Delhi, a century after its flagship store was originally launched. After establishing itself in Delhi in February 2003, Louis Vuitton opened a huge retail outlet at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai in September 2004. And if the grapevine is to be believed the arrival of Christian Dior is right round the corner. Adding to the list of designer bags for women is the new Lady Star Collection from Mont Blanc. To be available from August 2005, the collection comprises the usual ‘must have’ handbags, purses and wallets made from calf leather with various colour options for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter 2005.

Though this seems like every shopaholic’s dream come true many are not convinced!The Indian stores will only be a dumping ground for these brands to get rid of their dead stock in, according to some. But Prasanna Bhaskar, retail manager and official spokesperson of Louis Vuitton, India, is quick to clarify. “Today, the Indian customer is well travelled and even has Internet access to the latest show collections. They are discerning customers. In fact the new lines arrive in our Indian stores for previewing a month- and- a- half before some of our other branches, so that the customer has an opportunity to see the new products before they are launched worldwide.”

But that does not change the fact that for the Indian client, the price of this brand is higher here than in other countries. Although the spokesperson for Bvlgari in India maintains that the introduction of new products (and their pricing) into the Indian market is very much in-line with their global marketing strategy, Prasanna does admit that the prices here are more expensive. “Prices for the products are determined by several factors such as import duty, government regulations, disposable income, etc. We absorb as much of the duty as possible but a marginal amount is transferred to the consumer which causes the increase in prices,” she says.

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