The Latest Celebrity Designer: Isabella Rossellini for Bulgari

Last week in Paris Actress and Model Isabella Rossellini became the latest celebrity to go designer.  She has lent her name and classic beauty to a line of handbags from the luxury retailer, Bulgari.  I thought Isabelli was always the epitome of style and good taste when she was the face of Lancome, and she lends the same cache to this new Bulgari bag. It reminds me of the Kelly bag, named for another actress, Grace Kelly. And it is just as handsome.

The “Rossellini” bag is available in four colors and  features twists locks (see above) and semi-precious stones. “My connection with Bulgari dates back to when I was a child and I’d accompany my mother”(legend Ingrid Bergman) to the historic shop in Via Condotti in Rome,” said  Isabella.  I like the look of this old-fashioned handbag.  It looks like its just waiting for Jackie Kennedy to swing by and pick it up.  On the design, the actress says, “I wanted to combine simplicity, practicality, from my Swedish side, with the warmth and the elegance of Italy – and humor, that’s my personal touch,” referring to the snail print on the inner lining. “We chose the snail, just because my bag is a little bit like my home,” said Isabella Rossellini.

But how much is it?  Brace yourself,  I  hear the prices range from $1,700 US to $2,600 US. That’s quite a chunk of change in this down economy.  I wonder if Posh Spice will ask for one to carry? 🙂  Have any of you seen this bag? Will it be the latest “IT” bag, or end up on eBay in a year? Stay tuned. The bag is expected in stores July 15th. Methinks Bulgari decided to invest in accessories, just in case sales of luxury jewelry don’t continue to grow. After all,  Isabella’s bag is much lower-priced than much of the Bulgari jewelry.