Arm Candy, Literally!

8216;Tote8217; around this winter in the season8217;s hottest accessory

WHILE Nicky Hilton may earn the credit for leveraging its spacious value, Victoria Beckham often ups its posh value by flaunting it at every A-list glam do. The tote seems to be the toast of the season. Right from international brands like Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes, among others, to our very own local flea markets, totes in several chromas and cuts, are the best accessory staple.

8220;Totes spell convenience and spaciousness. Women prefer something that reaches their waist, yet that can remain closest to them. They want something uncomplicated and easy to use. The tote gives them this option,8221; says Ashima, of the designer duo Ashima-Leena. They just showcased their totes in the recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week and they have designed totes for their Spring/Summer 8217;07 collection. Sheer fabrics like organza with brocade, big flowers and appliques, and linens in cross stitch, patch work and antique handles proved innovative when churned out in a soft colour palette comprising off-white, beige, rose, peach.

They spell style and elegance in the most simplistic of forms. A comfortable space that offers the much-needed roominess to contain a woman8217;s vanity fair and much more, totes come in a variety of shapes-small trim totes, medium-sized or large, especially in austere leather and suede or the much demure silk, satin and even jute 8220;The tote is a very masculine design, but we are trying to feminise it by embellishing it. The 8216;D8217; shape is classic and doing the fashion rounds of late,8221; says designer Raghavendra Rathore, who will be showcasing his ethnic collection on India in Antwerp on December 8 and 9. While his accessory are still in the development stage, Rathore is considering trim totes in metallic colours like dull gold in brocade and silk and small totes. Not to forget various brands of bags like, Patinni, Blue 038; Blues, Just Jane, Hidesign, Jane Shilton and Kipling, among others, that have shoppers picking them up from mall shelves in a jiffy.

Says Pune-based designer Dipty Sohoni, 8220;The colours this season for totes are peacock blue, bright yellows and brilliant greens. A tote can either make or break your attire. It all depends on how you carry it. So choose your designs and shapes carefully.8221; One word of warning: health experts who have noted the populrity of totes this season have said they may harm your backs!