The Bag: Chloé’s Edith ($1,275)
The Inspiration: “Chloé often plays with a masculine/feminine style,” says a spokesperson for the designer. “This bag reminds us of a seventies briefcase.”
The Buyers: Younger fashionistas who scoff at literal interpretations of trends
The Verdict: The classic shape, rumpled look, and lightweight, hardware-free surface add up to another hit. Chloé is on a hot streak after the Paddington and the Silverado.
Will See It In: Wicker Park
Find It At: Blake, 212 West Chicago Avenue
The Bag: Mulberry Ayler ($1,395)
The Inspiration: “I wanted to reinforce the company’s bohemian, artisan history,” says Mulberry’s new designer, Stuart Vevers.
The Buyers: Low-key women who place a premium on quality
The Verdict: This is a terrific city bag: roomy and sophisticated but still casual enough for everyday.
Will See It In: Lake View
Find It At: Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 North Michigan Avenue
The Bag: Armani Amalfi ($2,195)
The Inspiration: “A place known not only for the coastline but also for literature and historical passages.”
The Buyers: Women who care about elegance and richness
The Verdict: Primarily python, this bag is a knockout. If the marketing flies, it could be the surprise of the season.
Will See It In: Lincoln Park
Find It At: Giorgio Armani, 800 North Michigan Avenue

 

The Bag: B. Fendi Buckle ($1,500 to $6,000)
The Inspiration: According to the Lagerfeld muse Amanda Harlech, “‘B’ for buckle, ‘b’ for belt, ‘b’ for bag-B. Fendi!”
The Buyers: Fashion-conscious Fendi loyalists who need to have the latest model
The Verdict: The B. bag has been on the radar of everyone from bloggers to editors since it made its début on the runway. Forget predictions-it’s already the star of the season.
Will See It In: Winnetka
Find It At: Barneys New York, 25 East Oak Street

 

The Bag: Bottega Veneta’s Fenice ($3,850)
The Inspiration: The detail on the trim was inspired by the décor of Venice’s La Fenice opera house.
The Buyers: Women who are into a straightforward kind of pretty and don’t need their bag to perform as a briefcase
The Verdict: The smaller scale of Bottega Veneta’s bags this season is against trend, but that should be immaterial to the ladylike set, which will be drawn to their baroque design and punchy color.
Will See It In: The northwest suburbs
Find It At: Bottega Veneta, 800 North Michigan Avenue

 

The Bag: Yves Saint Laurent’s Muse ($1,095 to $1,295)
The Inspiration: Picasso’s muses: Marie-Thérèse Walter, Dora Maar, Françoise Gilot, and Jacqueline Roque
The Buyers: Urban intellectuals with a lot to haul will love the fierce elegance and mod simplicity of this bowling bag.
The Verdict: The YSL status without the prominent logos-this could be a home run.
Will See It In: The West Loop
Find It At: Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, 51 East Oak Street