while i was there, i ran across a line of bags i'd never seen before (one of my favorite things about barneys: i always run into something new). erva is a spanish brand that's just barely beginning to show up here in the states - so far, i've only seen their bags at barneys and online at net-a-porter. but, what i've seen, i love. creative, luxe, and highly functional - and the price points are actually nowhere near as unreasonable as i was expecting.
i love this pleated clutch - it's hard to tell from this pic, but the top folds over - so the clasp on the coin purse side is actually the top of the bag when you're carrying it. the size makes it a really useful day clutch (i tried it out, and actually managed to fit all of my daily essentials inside), and the clasp would work beautifully as a handle in case of emergency (my one peeve with a clutch for day: sometimes, you just need the use of your arms).
i'm also coveting this slightly larger version, available at both barneys and NAP (it's cheaper at barneys, but there are great modeling pics at NAP), which features the same great detailing as the clutch (the pleated leather, the wooden clasp), with a great chain handle that will let you work this baby as a shoulder bag too. plus, the size is probably a little better for those of us that like to pack around more than we should.check out the offerings from erva now (also here), so you can get in ahead of the pack (and the inevitable price increases...).
