Fashion Forward: Hot Handbags

WSVN -- When it comes to what they carry, local designer Leylani Cardoso is big with celebrities, including supermodel Janice Dickinson and American Idol stars Paula Abdul, Katharine McPhee and even Chris Daughtry.

Leylani says handbags are more than a fashion statement, they're a necessity.

Leylani Cardoso: "They carry your personal items, they even carry your kid's items. They carry work-related things, so, really, this was about combining accessories with practicality."

Talk about practical, this messenger bag is perfect for people on the go. It's compact but has enough pockets to hold your cell phone, passport and more.

Size matters. If big is more your bag, check out this poppy-red purse made of embossed croco lambskin with gold hardware, ready to carry everything you need with class.

And celebrities from Oprah Winfrey to Denise Richards can't part with the Elise bag built like a briefcase but with a feminine touch.

Leylani Cardoso: "Denise Richards loved the fact that she could fit her diapers in there, and that she could carry one bag."

After size, it's all about the color and fabrics.

Leylani Cardoso: "In handbags, we're still seeing large handbags. Gold is very much in right now, embossed croco leather any type of exotic leather."

If you want to make a bold statement, take a look at this rainbow of colorful creations.

The Luxury line Alina was created by two Cuban born sisters, Alina Garcia and Yamilia Halfon.

Yamilia Halfon: "There's styles that she likes. I tend to be more conservative. She tends to be more modern, so we kind of combined the designs."

Each bag, exclusively made in Italy, combines classic elegance with a sense of sophistication.

Yamilia Halfon: "We use exotic skins, ostrich, alligator, crocodile. We try to use as much vibrant colors as we can because that's what I really think defines our collection."

Brighten your day with this sunny yellow tote, or hit South Beach with this over-sized multi-colored bag.

Go for a classic look with this black and beige alligator bag, and a night out on the town calls for this racy red clutch with an attachable chain.

Each bag is handmade, so you can be sure, with one of these bags on your arm, you're carrying a one-of-a-kind creation in style.

Diana Diaz: Purchasing an Alina bag is an investment, the bags start at just over $2,000 and go all the way up to $6,500. Bolzano is more in my price range, starting around $100.

Bolzano Handbags
Maggio & Rossetto
Aventura Mall
(305) 931-8477
http://www.bolzanohandbags.com/

Alina Handbags
http://www.alinahandbags.com/

Mandarin Oriental Hotel
500 Brickell Key Drive
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 913-8288
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/miami