It is more expensive than the average Hermès Birkin. But it seems the Olsen Twins can barely keep up with demand for their US$39,000 backpack. The bag, which is part of a new accessories line for their label, The Row, has proved a best-seller, despite its eye-watering price tag. Speaking at a Paris Fashion Week party held by retailer Montaigne Market, the twins, 25, said that the alligator-skin designs had proved a huge hit with customers. Ashley told WWD: “It was the first thing that sold off the shelf.” She added that it was often only the most high-end brands that were able to thrive during an economic crisis. “During our last economic crisis in the US, the only thing that went up was Hermès,” she said. Of course the fact that Ashley is regularly spotted toting the pricey number around New York couldn’t have hurt sales. She also carried it this weekend to Kanye West’s high-profile Paris fashion show. The backpack, which has gold hardware at the toggle, is the most expensive piece in the accessories range, which starts at US$4,700 for one of the smallest designs.

The price point is on a par with high-end labels such as Hermès, which can charge up to US$40,000 for a bespoke crocodile Birkin. It even exceeds the price tag of Victoria Beckham’s accessories, which has a top price of US$29,000 for the large hand luggage bag. But it seems the Olsen girls are on to something, as New York store Barneys said that two backpacks had been pre-ordered before the collection even went on sale. Amanda Brooks, the retailer’s fashion director, explained to Fashionista.com why she believed the bag was worth stocking. “I think if you were ever going to spend US$39,000 on a bag, that’s the bag you should buy because I think you’d wear it for a really long time,” she told the site.

— Daily Mail

Growing up too fast?

Kendall Jenner has posted some behind-the-scenes snaps from an upcoming magazine spread. But critics may well question whether the poses are somewhat risqué for a 15-year-old schoolgirl — and no doubt her father Bruce may have a few choice words. Kendall is seen in one photo wearing a pair of mean-looking bondage heels, reclining back in a chair wearing a beige dress while staring lasciviously into the camera. In another she slips into a pair of leather hot pants and jacket while sitting cross-legged on a balcony. The spread, shot by photographer Julian Ungano, is set to feature in an upcoming edition of fashion publication Lovecat Magazine. Kendall posted the pictures on her and sister Kylie’s website. She accompanied the shots with an enthusiastic caption, which read: “This week I did a photo shoot for Lovecat Magazine for their third issue! The very talented photographer Julian Ungano (that’s him in the second pic) shot it and I’m so excited to see how everything turned out. For now, here are a few behind-the-scenes pics from the shoot… more to come soon!”

— Daily Mail

Did she say yes too quickly?

They’ve only just announced their engagement, but already friends of Liz Hurley and Shane Warne doubt their long-term future. As the Daily Mail revealed on Saturday, the ex-Australian cricketer proposed at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews on Friday night after a whirlwind ten-month romance. And over the weekend the couple looked blissfully happy, with 46-year-old Hurley — who divorced textiles heir Arun Nayar in June after four years of marriage — flashing a sapphire and diamond engagement ring said to be worth £50,000. But one friend recently said: “A lot of us are very surprised — and a bit concerned for Liz. What started out as a fling has become something far more. They seem to have got caught up in the moment. However, as much chemistry as there is between Shane and Liz, they are from very different worlds. She is very much a part of upper-crust society, and he is a Jack-the-lad Aussie.” Warne, 42, divorced wife Simone in 2006 after ten years of marriage. Bookmaker William Hill is giving odds of 3-1 that Warne and Hurley never make it up the aisle.

— Daily Mail