THE NEW ORDER

SPRING/SUMMER 24'S DEFINITIVE SHOWSTOPPERS ARE THE BAGS AND SHOES THAT DO THE TALKING.

- JACQUIE ANG

DOUBLE EXPOSURE

This was a hit the minute it appeared on the runway. The sassy Virginie Viard-creation - a camera-shaped lambskin bag complete with "lens" that opens up to reveal a mirror - exudes a nostalgic charm and artistic spirit perfectly aligned with the spectacular modernist architecture of the 1932 villa Noailles, the inspiration behind Viard's ready-to-wear collection for Chanel.

HIGH AND MIGHTY

Ballerina slippers and flip flops may dominate Spring/Summer 24 trend reports but the slingback pump injects just the right amount of come-hither effect into your everyday ensembles. The Gucci Signoria pump, first seen on Sabato De Sarno's debut runway show in September, amps up the sex appeal with high-shine patent leather, metal logo chain embellishment on the slingback straps and a sensuous pointed-toe silhouette.

PRETTY PRECIOUS

The highlight of Dior Jolie, the Parisian house's new-gen flap bag, is the freshwater pearls that grace the gilded "CD" clasp and punctuate the golden "CD" links of the detachable, adjustable chain strap. The bejewelled elements lend allure to the boxy bag bearing the emblematic cannage motif on smooth leather. A top handle in leather and a double-flap construction characterise the new release while upping the utility quotient.

PAST FORWARD

With Prada's Buckle Bag hogging all the attention, it's possible to miss this bag, which Miuccia Prada snuck into the runway show. A homage to Mario Prada, her grandfather and Prada's co-founder, it is a modern reimagination of a bag designed by Mario in 1913, reproduced in nappa leather and Prada Re-Nylon. But there's nothing demure about this evening purse - on the hand-carved frame clasp is a cheeky mythological figure with his tongue sticking out.

SIDE EFFECT