fashion

Art, architecture, design and fashion combine to give Anya Hindmarch's Spring Summer 2010 collection added pizzazz. Throw in the underrated 1950s and you have a collection that is just waiting to fly off the shelves. Bags in fuschia and clementine are the main stars, punctuating the collection with their summer brightness.

There are also raffia basket bags for jaunts to the beach or casual afternoon tea with the gals, as well as handbags with beautiful chain strap details. Oversized tassels feature heavily, giving the bags a slouchy bohemian feel. This is obvious in the Quintin, Glen and Rene bags. Pleats and folds are worked into the leather bags, with resin and gold stud embellishment. The Gracie is a vintage-inspired shoulder bag in calfskin, python or grosgrain. The strap is a unique combination of fine chain and inlaid leather cylinder, which is new for this season.

Raffia basket-bag

For the evening, Anya offers clutches that are beaded and embellished to the max. Check out the Tamra, Otha or Valorie clutches, or be a bit more adventurous and go for the Cynthia clutch for a burst of colour.

There's also something for the frequent traveller – luggage bags in black nylon with deep purple logos. The footwear section offers canvas espadrilles and the Marlene flat thong sandals that spell casual sophistication. Priced from RM650, the collection is sold at Parkson, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Cute meets craft

If you like your bags cute and cuddly, a good option would be Che Che New York X Hello Kitty collection.

This is where elegance meets irresistibility. Bag maven Che Che New York combines exquisite handicraft with Hello Kitty's playfulness in a limited edition of handbags, coin bags and key chains that celebrate the iconic cat in a brand new way.

Che Che New York, founded by the Cheung sisters in 2000, is no stranger to felines that have often frolicked across their designs, much like Hello Kitty's role as the happiness purveyor for 35 years.

Che Che New York's Hello Kitty range: Hand-painted tote bag with glittering canvas

Banking on its crossover successes in Japan in 2008, Hello Kitty's founder Sanrio Co Ltd has now collaborated with Che Che New York for a runway year in Asia – with countries like Taiwan and Malaysia on the hit list – for the year 2010.

Love, positive energy, joy and fun are the hallmarks of Che Che New York and Hello Kitty's philosophy, and the exuberance seen on the coin bags and accessories are expressed through sequins and crystals.

Priced from RM170, the Hello Kitty collection is available at the Che Che New York boutique in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur.

Cole and construction

American luxury brand Cole Haan delivers emotional textures in raw nubuck and burnished calf, in an array of seasonal colours ranging from postman blue to birch, sandalwood and woodbury.

Whipstitches, braided and woven leather details provide refined rusticity in signature silhouettes seen in the Hobo, Cross-Body and the North/South Tote.

Mixed materials of straw, cork and rope are contrasted with mirrored specchio leather, offering a new twist on warm weather favourites.

Sharapova's layered construction bag.

Lively pastels – from lemonade, crystal pink and blue bell to argento – and embossed croc embolden this season's classic silhouettes.

Tennis great Maria Sharapova's love of art and architecture is the inspiration behind her second collection for the brand.

The range draws references from the modernist art movement with a graphic, layered construction that gives it an architectural feel.

The new collection also reflects the sportier side of Sharapova, featuring bungee cord trim detail in handbags and sandals.

With the success of her fashionista-friendly fall launch, the brand reprised the hugely popular Air Bacara ballet and pleated handbag this spring. Priced from RM850, Cole Haan's collection is available at Melium Galleria in Suria KLCC.