This bag is not as egregious as the Balenciaga tote, for sure, but most Proenza bags are so effortlessly cool and (in my mind at least) perfect that to see one of the brand’s classics miss the mark is jarring, to say the least. I like the shape and I like the materials when considered individually, but together? Eep.I actually think the bag is “fun” , I would not buy it, since if I spend that money I usually buy something more classic and that I will use a lot more. But I really like the bag and the colors!!

 The issue here is one of tone. Proenza has done well with its canvas PS1s in the past, and this is the same warm beige material that they’ve always used. Layering that with leather or embossed python sounds like a great idea in theory, but with this trim, they chose a color story that has absolutely nothing to do with the base color that’s sitting under it. The foundation of the print is graphic white, cool gunmetal grey and ice blue, which could look more random against a warm neutral. The fiery yellow and red-orange are the final icing on the WTF cake.

 Proenza Schouler is usually a master at mixing colors and patterns in ways that make me swoon and endlessly re-plan my wardrobe budget, but I can say with confidence that this is a bag on which I will pass. That’s too bad, because with a few tweaks, it could have been quite beautiful

   Despite the fact that Spring 2012 was kind of a down season for runway bags, there were still plenty of highlights that deserve to be noted. After all, in a season where Louis Vuitton gives you wall-to-wall exotics and Hermes reintroduces a long-shelved shoulder bag, things can’t really be that dreary, can they? So here we have the ten best bags from the Spring 2012 show schedule, presented in alphabetical order. We picked only bags that appeared in major runway shows because those are the ones to which we have access at this point in the season. Once bag designers who didn’t have shows start sending out lookbooks, we’ll have lots more bags (and lists) to show you. Tell us which bags are your favorites in the comments, and let us know if we missed anything!

Bottega Veneta Crocodile Clutch

The color is the real story with this bag, and the yellow-undertones green and sharp structure give the exotic leather its requisite opportunity to shine.

 Derek Lam Inlaid Snakeskin Top Handle

Derek Lam Inlaid Snakeskin Top Handle

Several brands, including Marni, offered pieced leather bags in retro-modern geometric patterns on the runway, but this combination of various textures and colors of snakeskin was my favorite. This bag will work as a neutral, but the jade accents make it much more special.

 Diane von Furstenberg Multitextured Shoulder Bag

Diane von Furstenberg Multitextured Shoulder Bag

 This design will surely have a clever name once it hits stores, and I can’t wait to see all the different color and texture variations that the shape will have. For now, though, this neutral mixture that was buried in DVF’s excellent show is a very sharp and wearable option.

 Hermes Passe Guide Shoulder Bag

As it turns out, this stunner from the Hermes show isn’t a new design at all. The Hermes Passe Guide design dates back to the 1960s but hasn’t been produced in decades, and now Christophe Lemaire has revived it to great effect. The heavy side hardware distinguishes it from other Hermes designs, and it fits a very convenient aesthetic gap in the venerable French brand’s leather lineup.

Louis Vuitton Crocodile Duffel

By now, everyone’s seen the dozen or so modified Speedys in powdery pastel crocodile that graced the runway at the Louis Vuitton show, but what about this slightly more modern bicolor duffel version? It also came in a darker blue, and I prefer it to the more traditional Speedy.

Marchesa Crystal Embellished Minaudiere

Marni Woven Houndstooth Satchel

Prada Frame Tote

Proenza Schouler Canteen Bag

Proenza Schouler Canteen Bag

Victoria Beckham Structured Day Clutch 

 This one doesn’t take much explanation: We love the Proenza Schouler PS1 and always have, and the excitement is palpable around here when new PS1s surface. We’ve been thinking for a while that the bag could use a few new shades, and it looks as though the Proenza team was right there with us. Now in tangerine, viola, raspberry suede and teal, you have four more ways to enjoy the It Bag that just won’t quit. All can be had for $1595 via ProenzaSchouler.com.

With the exception of the viola, which I find a tad too bright, I love them all!! I’m even surprised that I liked the tangerine one.