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Handbags of the Rich & Famous

Whether it be Hermes or Gucci, Fendi or Valentino, a superstar handbag is the ultimate answer to the question: "What would SHE wear?"

Fashionistas often associate the beginning of the modern era of handbag mania with the marriage of Hollywood actress Grace Kelly to Prince Ranier of Monaco in 1956.

Princess Grace Kelly had become one of the most photographed women in the world when Life Magazine snapped her clutching a Hermes bag that turned heads. Suddenly, everyone woman aspiring to Hollywood style had to have one. As a result, Hermes was inundated with orders resulting a 6-month waiting list in stores across America.

Today, the most sought after "arm candy" of the stars continues to be the ultimate in top-of-the-line and trendy handbags coveted by millions of fashionistas around the world. One photo in a magazine of a major star continues to touch off a national if not an international craze — either for the real thing, or authentic-looking handbag knockoffs.

Several decades after the "Kelly" bag, Hermes was at it again, this time with the wildly popular Birkin bag, named for actress Jane Birkin. Today, it remains as popular as ever (even with an average price tag of $6,000) and can be seen on the arms of such celebrity trendsetters as Victoria Beckham, Jada Pinkett Smith, model Kate Moss and homemaking maven Martha Stewart.

Beginning with the 2000's, recent fashion leaders like actress Cameron Diaz continue to set the style of chic and trendy designer handbags, and has been spotted just about everywhere with her Pierre Hardy Boston bag. Her choice for ultra-stylish yet oversized designer tote bags (with room for everything a Hollywood star might need) has definitely set a a trend among busy, on-the-go women looking for style and practicality.

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria also knows just what she likes, and is always looking elegantly smart whether out on the town with sports star husband Tony Parker or attending a Hollywood premiere. Her bag of choice? The go anywhere Gerard Darel's 24-Hour Fringe bag.

Reese Witherspoon is another actress who is partial to one particular designer and is often seen toting a Givenchy design, whether its the Nightingale or the Charm Hobo.

In contrast, singer and Hollywood star Beyonce definitely likes to shop around, and over the years been seen clutching everything from Valentino to Louis Vuitton to Jimmy Choo. Superstar Angelina Jolie also likes to exercise her women's prerogative by sporting any designer she happens to favor at the moment. Of course, all get noticed and written about as often and as quickly as she changes her famous tattoos.

Perhaps the truest test of star power is when one particular handbag gets poor reviews by the fashion community but still manages to make a splash after being seen on the arm of a celebrity.

One recent example in 2008 was the Chloe "Daytripper" which was viewed as as ho-hum (at best) by many in the fashion community until trendsetters Miley Cyrus and Jessica Alba begin sporting them everywhere.

Soon, the bags were being sold out coast to coast, resulting in a second look at Daytripper which almost overnight went from design "dog" to the Cinderella of fashion designer bags.

More about "star" handbags around the Web:

Celebrity Style: Hermes Bags

Hautness Magazine

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