FashionEtc.com July 3rd, 2025

Not even the fashion world is exempt from the charms of the Bronx Zoo's cobra. Or perhaps we're too enamored—snakeskin is everywhere.

Bulgari just showed me their Fall 2011 collection of bags, themed Mediterranean Eden. The fabric came from a water snake called Karung. I started Googling around trying to find where Karung is from, but after staring at too many slithering snake pics, I had to stop.

I prefer my reptiles in bag form.

The Karung skin isn't as flaky as python, and almost has a hardier texture. Kind of perfect for purses, no? The entire collection pays homage to the classic Bulgari Serpenti with an enameled snake head, which serves as a bag clasp. The snake head also adds a little edge to the classically shaped bags—your mother might carry this, but so will you.

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It could have been the rare dose of British sunshine talking, but, for me, the highlight of Mulberry's showroom offerings in London was a teensy white string bikini emblazoned with Fall's ubiquitous fox print. Had it not been encased under glass I might have stashed the quirky-meets-sexy number in my bag and spent the rest of the day sunbathing in Hyde Park, or, better yet, modeling it at the Coachella pool party the label is throwing this weekend.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. This is Fall/Winter 2011 we're talking about, and it's cozy knits, autumnal hues, and glammed-up outerwear that women will be yearning for. Inspired by the English countryside and all its rugged yet whimsical charms, Mulberry's latest collection delivers the goods with a rich palette featuring bursts of kelly green and plum, sleek hardware accents, and a selection of prints (feathers, peace signs, birds, squirrels) that should look campy but instead come off as lovely and even luxurious.  

Denim shirts with hardware details, feather-printed scarves, and a silk jacquard woven dress subtly stamped with the afore-mentioned "Peace & Love" print caught my eye, but it was the gorgeously accordian-pleated maxi dresses (sayonara, ankles!), buttery-soft laser-cut leather shorts with scalloped edging, and flower-embellished skirts and dresses (surprisingly thick, but set to be slimmed down by the time they hit stores) that begged to be lovingly stroked. A little privacy, please?

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Donna Karan presented her Spring 2011 Urban Zen collection today, and it was, in fact, zenlike. The line was inspired by Elements in Motion, or how we dress when we travel. Comfort is key, and when wearing these pieces, you can saunter onto your plane and be at ease.

The surroundings alone made it worth going this morning—the open space was filled with Urban Zen furnishings: beautiful wood tables and a patio that I could live on come summer. What a wonderful way to kick off a Friday.

Back to the clothes, which were dreamy. The draped dresses, flowing tops, and layered cardigans and jackets had an effortless chic to them.

"Don't you just want to wear them right now?" Donna asked. And truthfully? I did.

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I'm always really surprised by how much I like Kate Moss's Longchamp bags. After her Topshop stints, I forgot that the supermodel also does luxury design. Fun fashion? Totally. But soft, supple leather bags that are equally at home in a country house and at Glastonbury? Who knew, right?

Well we all sort of did, but still, it's a pleasant concept to be reminded of when I walk into the Longchamp showroom. For Fall, Moss has two main styles, and were I of unlimited means, I'd get both. They couldn't be any more disparate.

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