Perceptual scoop: The Edith

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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It’s known simply as “The Edith.”

There’s an amazing frenzy for the Edith foaming just underneath the surface of popular cutlure these days. It’s there, if you know what the Edith is, and where to look for it.

The Edith. It’s a purse. A handbag. A carryall.

But it’s not just any bag. It’s the it bag. The Edith is the most coveted bag in all the world right now. Fashionistas have been clamoring for it ever since a model carried the bag down the runway during the spring 2006 fashion show this past winter.

Wunderkind designer Phoebe Philo designed the handbag. Here’s the story on Phoebe: Phoebe used to be an assistant to Stella McCartney, star designer at Chloe. Stella, who has her own aura around her, left to go out on her own and everyone thought Phoebe would go with her. But Phoebe didn’t. She stayed at Chloe and became lead designer, replacing McCartney.

Phoebe was a relative unknown, but she quickly cemented a reputation for amazing designs and for turning out hot bags. Phoebe invented the Paddington, which is a must have among the fashion forward.

Then Phoebe designed the Edith, a supple leather piece of portable fashion artwork. Then, in early January, Phoebe quit Chloe to spend more time with her daughter.

That sent shoppers into overdrive. Knowing that they may never again have the chance to own a Chloe bag designed by Phoebe Philo, the desire for the Edith has reached epic proportions. You can find the bag sellin on ebay for $2,000 or more (not that the bag was cheap to begin with, but that’s double what it was selling for).

The it color to have is “whiskey.” The one pictured here is “chocolate.” The top stitching on the calfskin leather is another key detail. That, and of course the name “Chloe” stamped there.