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Bentley in the bag

When beautifully crafted leather is a significant part of your brand's luxury signature, it only makes sense to showcase that renowned skill in other ways that will broaden your brand's appeal.

Introducing Bentley's capsule handbag collection that will be launched at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the world's premier event for automotive enthusiasts and connoisseurs of culture.

While cars may have a more limited appeal for women, handbags have a limitless appeal for them, as Bentley has most shrewdly identified: transferring the functional luxury of cars into an accessory that women can cherish.

The Collection features two handbag models named The Barnato and The Continental. The Barnato is named after Diana Barnato, the daughter of Woolf Barnato, one of the original 'Bentley Boys' and chairman of the company. An experienced Bentley driver and accomplished aviatrix, Diana was the first British woman to break the sound barrier and epitomised daring and glamour.

The Continental is named after one of Bentley's famed models lines, a nameplate that has been used on successive Grand Tourers since 1952 and still in use today, its current incarnation being the new top of the range Continental GT Speed.

Dr Ariane Reinhart, Member of the Bentley Board for HR, spearheaded this star lifestyle venture to introduce more women to the brand and attract new female customers who share a passion for exclusive, high quality goods. "More than luxury vehicles, Bentley's models today are capturing more and more women's hearts through their elegant lines and flawless materials," she comments. "As increasing numbers of women around the world enjoy greater professional success and economic status, so have they developed a taste for refined, exclusive products."

Bentley's Head of Product Design, Daniele Ceccomori, has worked closely with renowned luxury leather bag designer and expert craftsman Vincent du Sartel to bring to life a wholly feminine interpretation of Bentley's design concepts, highlighting the brand's contemporary elements and creating a strong link with some of the key features of these luxury marque.

This link can be seen in the shape of the handbags which were inspired by the boot lid of the car. Inside, the handbags' features and finishes are designed evoke the same exact impression of when stepping into a Bentley. The handbags are lined in fine leather with quilting features and functional compartments, including a waterproof pouch, elegantly blending core Bentley aesthetic values with everyday functionality and practicality, like a Bentley car.

Extensive attention has been dedicated to the execution of the details; the metal furniture with the typical knurled signature finish enhances luxury and the sense of craftsmanship unique only to the world of jewellery, in true Bentley style. To highlight the unique nature of the handbags each will contain a metal plaque that commemorates its individual number in the limited edition series, with the option to have this personalised to the owner and their car.

The Bentley Handbag Collection is available from October 2013. A limited edition collection, there will be 160 bags globally, 80 of each style, in four colourways. This range will be expanded in 2014 to include new models. Further information can be found at www.bentleyhandbagcollection.com