The handbag craze is the rage today - whether it is the clutch purse or the tote, a jute or straw handbag from spring, summer, autumn or winter collections. Every modern woman knows that the handbag is an essential item to keep her wardrobe fashionable. Not only is the handbag necessary and practical but it adds a certain elegance and finesse to any outfit and any occasion. Now more than ever, a handbag reflects the personality of the bearer. Manufacturers are acutely aware of this, particularly so if endorsed by a celebrity. All this has changed the dynamics of the handbag market into a diverse territory.

There was a time when handbags were simply a necessary accoutrement for holding one's personal belongings. Today, however, in a highly fashion sensitive world, a handbag is a fashion statement, a status symbol even and very often an act of pure brand loyalty. The four fashion capitals of the world - New York, London, Paris and Milan are highly rated for their designer handbag labels and accessories. However, Italy remains the stronghold for leather goods production as well as its posse of well-known designers that cater to the choice of popular celebrity handbags.

The exquisite designs of designer handbags change with every season, a summer handbag trend will always be different from that of a winter handbag collection. With various styles and designs ranging from clutch purses to straw bags, spring and summer bags, totes, handmade purses and winter bags, one is truly spoilt for choice. While beads, sequins and vibrant colours dominate the summer handbag collection, hues of dark green, black, tan and taupe with predominantly leather trimmings form the variations in winter handbags.

A well-designed bag offers a strong brand identity and certainly a commercial coup for a designer label if it happens to be the popular choice of handbag of a celebrity. Whether it is Gucci or Prada, Fendi or Chloe, a popular handbag is the ultimate style statement for the famous and the fashionable. Balenciaga, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and D&G are some of the other popular choices of handbags that celebrities prefer.