Luella Love

Ever since 2002, when the gorgeous Gisele bag made its way onto the arms of celebrities everywhere, I've been lusting after my very own piece of Luella. Fast forward to London Fashion Weekend eight years later and my dream is about to become a reality. With the sad news in November that Luella's main backer had pulled out and the company was now doomed to administration, I was worried I'd left it too late to sell my life on eBay and purchase myself one of Bartley's beautiful bags. Until that is, I find myself in the Luella sale room, staring at a black patent Barney bag reduced to £175, willing me to pick it up and inhale it's sumptuous suede lining. I nearly topple over and faint when the sale assistant shouts out 'All bags now £100,' from across the room. Carnage ensues, as I slowly make my way to the check out, terrified someone is going to wrestle me to the floor. As my bag is lovingly wrapped in embossed tissue paper and slipped into a signatory pink dust bag, I notice a sign, 'All purse's half price, when purchasing a bag.' I pick up a buttery soft, leather tan wallet, convincing myself it's a rare artifact, and pass it to the assistant. Well it would be rude not to...