As a lover of all things sparkly, shiny or expensive, I was thrilled to receive an invitation to the Spencer and Rutherford Spring Summer 2009 Collection Launch event last Thursday evening. Held at the Armadale store, ladies of all ages crammed into the haven that is Spencer and Rutherford, admiring the store décor as much as the handbags.

The store itself is a work of art, with beaded curtains, pearlescent mosaic tiles, inspirational quotes on the walls and swirled decals through the floor. The bags are simply decoration in already beautiful surrounds. And what decoration they are!

Creative Director Kim Michaelides, whom I had the pleasure of meeting, has been designing Spencer and Rutherford bags since the company’s inception 10 years ago. The current collection, entitled ‘Into The Wilderness’ was inspired by possibility and change in the face of the global financial crises. The bags are intended as investment pieces that one can hand down to a daughter or granddaughter and are elegant and timeless in the way most trend hangbags can only aspire to.

Champagne, canapés and Lindt chocolates were enjoyed while lusting after new season bags that were exciting and bold in their use of colours and fabrics to make a statement. Some of the bags actually do make a statement – ‘I usually avoid temptation, unless I can’t resist it’ – Mae West, and; I don’t do Fashion, I am Fashion’ – Coco Chanel. These oversized totes, named ‘Norma’, came in a range of colours and quotes, and were definitely my favourites. While the salesgirl recommended the Oscar Wilde, I felt it was a bit deep and meaningful for me – I could relate more to the Chanel! Special preview night discount with some gentle encouragement from new friends and Coco was mine, in red with brown and tan trim. The perfect colour to brighten the rest of winter, while also being a fabulous style to go from work to play.

Kim took a few minutes to talk about the collection and to announce that Spencer and Rutherford will soon be opening their second store at Chadstone Shopping Centre. Door prizes were drawn, and Lady Luck continued to smile on me, presenting the ‘Gina’ clutch in the garnet colour palette. Take snakeskin, ribbon, lace and sequins to create a clutch purse worthy of the most fickle fashionista.

If you want your own Spencer and Rutherford beauty, head to the boutique at 1099 High Street, Armadale, or online at www.spencerandrutherford.com

My new oversized tote… divine!