Gerard Darel-France’s It Bag w/o the Tourists.
By J. Ecochard
Everyone emulates the way the French women dress…the scarves draped just so, the luxe skirt or top, very expensive but worn forever. And so… there are a plethora of French designers who design these garments and accoutrements-that are not worn by the masses, but by those in the know.
Gerard Darel a 25 year veteran of France’s accessories scene, has taken control of this year’s “It Bag” mantel with the 24 Heures Drape Satchel, aka the “Charlotte,” in honor of his muse (and daughter of Jane Birkin-Hermes bag acclaim)) Charlotte Gainsbourg. Available in sensuous buttery leathers, hip snakeskin and metallics, knobby knits or plush velvets, this bag as well as Darel’s smaller clutch designs, work as hauling basics for sophisticated urbanites and the country dwellers who demand the best in craftsmanship.
Similarly the women’s clothing line acknowledges the feminine desire for clothes that are chic; cut from quality fabrics and that effortlessly work with the key pieces that are already in one’s wardrobe. Accordingly, the go with anything, timeless trench coat features luxurious embellishments such as fur cuffs and collars while skinny jeans atop stilettos, tailored and tapered striped cotton shirts stylized with wide cuffs and spread collars and supple warm leather, belted jackets – contribute to the label’s mantra of affordable luxury. No wonder, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman have snatched up the line. (www.gerarddarel