Nowadays, fashion advertising comes out before the product even hits the shelves. So too with Chloe’s Paddington beauty. Waiting lists for accessories that haven’t left the factory also is now as common as putting a pair of shoes on layaway. The Chloe Paddington has definitely superseded all those other bags which were once the it-bag. Balenciaga Lariat, the Fendi Baguette, or Gucci’s Jackie bag – they caused a stir in their day, but were somewhat accessible – even if you had to pull a some magic to get one. Not so for Chloe. This bag has sold out before a single one has made it to the boutique’s shelves.
Due to the exceptionally high demand for this item, I suggest you don’t even start obsessing about this bag – unless you want to engage in absurd Ebay bidding wars over a genuine specimen with Paddington fanatics, of course. Apparently, each of the 8000 Paddingtons produced for Spring/Summer ‘05 has been accounted for for months now.
It is undoubtedly the perfect bag for girls who like the worn-in, slouchy look. The practicality of the padlock on the 14″ handbag is questionable, it adds extra weight to an already pretty heavy bag. The zips on both sides are quite thick and not that easy to operate, especially when you’re carrying it on your shoulder. But if Kate Bosworth can do it, you can too. Try your luck at Net-A-Porter for a pre-order. The ETA on the Chloe bags is still up in thin air, but more bags are expect in June/July.
December 2006 Paddington Update!
For those of you who are still after the popular and timeless Chloe Paddington, I have good news for you. Net-A-Porter has the Paddies available in many colors for immediate shipping for both Europe- and US-based customers!

I think you will put this Chloe Fabulous Handbag
with quite a few bags in your collection., because the craftsmanship that goes into the bag is perfect. There are other bags that I simply cannot agree with, and this Chloe bag is one.

The Chloe Iris Strass Crochet Clutch is no doubt beautiful, but it is so expensive. Like, really expensive. The kind of expensive that makes you question if this bag is made of pure gold flakes. You see, it is an elongated ivory crochet clutch with Strass Swarovski embellishment. The crystals add a beautiful touch against the crochet body and do dress the bag up. I suppose the crystals could be adding the price tag. But I am assuming that is also the process of making this bag which goes that.

Are you able to look at an item and see the amount of time and work that went into it, thereby justifying the price to yourself? I have done this with quite a few bags in my collection, including my Hermes Birkins. The price for a Birkin is top of the handbag line, but the craftsmanship that goes into the bag has me able to justify the price. There are other bags that I simply cannot agree with, and this Chloe bag is one.
The Chloe Iris Strass Crochet Clutch is no doubt beautiful, but it is so expensive. Like, really expensive. The kind of expensive that makes you question if this bag is made of pure gold flakes. You see, it is an elongated ivory crochet clutch with Strass Swarovski embellishment. The crystals add a beautiful touch against the crochet body and do dress the bag up. I suppose the crystals could be adding the price tag. But I am assuming that is also the process of making this bag which goes that.
I actually like this clutch. It is refreshing and adds materials that we do not usually see in the handbag world. But as much as anyone can tell you this is an investment piece, the price tag is really exorbitant. Crochet will show wear much easier as well, especially in a cream color. And then what if you loose a crystal. That would personally drive me nuts.
While there is a gold-tone frame and internal pouch pocket, I wonder if the crochet body will start to sag a bit over time. You have to note that in the stock images it will be set up as perfectly as possible yet it still appears to slouch a bit from some angles. I still love the idea of this clutch and materials used together, but the overall product is a bit lackluster and too expensive for me. Buy through Net A Porter for $2,360.
What do you think: Over-priced or priced right for the products used?