Coco Chanel may have warned: "Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door." But what about transforming a shoe into a purse?

For Azumi and David, the latter endeavor was decidedly a success. The married duo behind the Coco Heel Clutch Bag have created all sorts of wacky, wearable projects since joining forces at Central St. Martins in 2003, including temporary tattoos that mimic watches and necklaces that double as fanny packs. Clearly, this iteration is a cheeky take on the classic quilted Chanel, and it also feels timely given the surrealist tone so many of the Spring shows riffed on. Not to mention—like it or not—the currently trendy kitten heel.

What I like about this purse is that it's both a little silly and inarguably stylish. (Also, I'd like to invite any woman who owns one out for a round of drinks.) The design is even counter-intuitively functional; the arch of the "shoe" is a perfectly cozy spot for the palm of your hand. Now that's a clutch that's truly a step ahead. (Har har.)

image via Purse Blog

Aoi Kotsuhiroi's wow-inducing rings provided my first introduction to the French designer's wares. They were dark, talon-esque pieces that incorporated human hair, tiny porcelain skulls, and delicate threads of silk. Creations that looked suspiciously like something that had once been alive, but was no longer. Or, like the jewelry embodiment of Poe's "The Raven."

So it seems a natural progression that Aoi would apply her devotion to that clawlike, organic silhouette to creating a pair of truly killer heels. Her new, one-of-a-kind "foot objects," which she gave the name Exotic Regrets, are sexual, precarious, and basically belong on a pedestal in a museum. Made from lacquered cherry tree, they feature a seven-inch heel and—when paired with lamb leather thigh highs—generally make it very hard to understand why Aoi refers to these latest sculptures as a "work in progress."

I've never paid much attention to Amsterdam Fashion Week, which—let's be honest—probably doesn't make me too out of the ordinary among average Americans. But this weekend, I stumbled upon some of the designers from the most recent batch of runway shows. BAM. I was instantly and especially taken with the work of Elsien Gringhuis. Elsien, who is Dutch, graduated from design school in 2008, and has been busy racking up awards and accolades in her native land ever since. Not surprising. She's got a knack for judiciously applied, extra-bold hits of color and for putting a feminine twist on minimalism.

Elsien's latest collection, sort of wistfully titled "One of These Days," was presented during the last week of January. And is outstanding. It included sharp pops of grass green against white. Utilitarian looks that bucked the military trend in favor of the more hospital-esque. External shoulder pads that felt less contrived and costume-like than potentially protective on a safari or in space. (Or a safari in space.) Don't get me wrong; I usually hate the term "wearable" for all the sweats-clad schlumping it connotes, but these clothes are the very best version of the word. In fact, I may even cross it off my black list.

all images via Elsien Gringhuis

image via Yay! Everyday

This isn't the first time I've been compelled to write about Mary Katrantzou's work. The RISD and Central St. Martin's grad first grabbed my attention a couple of years ago with her surrealist, but touchably real, trompe l'oeil minidresses.

The Grecian designer remained true to her unique, Daisy-Buchanan-in-space aesthetic with her Spring 2011 collection, which she presented at London Fashion Week on Sunday. Yes, she kept all the fantastic art deco touches and seemingly tangible prints that started the buzz about her in the first place. But this time she put a Rococco spin on things by referencing 18th century garden design and tapestries. She also experimented with new shapes, offering up sculpted bodices, lampshade-esque skirts and panels of fabric and fringe that fell (and often looked just like) curtains.

It truly takes a special kind of designer to name the barrel organ as a major inspiration behind her collection and actually mean it. And Mary K. is just that that kind of designer.

images via London Fashion Week