Lana Marks' couture clutches have been toted by celebrities on the red carpet for the last few years, knocking out the paparazzi with their stunning diamond-encrusted, 18K gold detailing. Marks, the CEO and sole designer, especially created the Cleopatra Clutch Helen Mirren carried at the 2007 Academy Awards with Mirren's nominated role as Queen Elizabeth in mind. Featuring 776 individually cut and set diamonds on an 18k gold frame, with scrollwork reminiscent of crowns and tiaras, Mirren's bag was over $250,000. The Cleopatra Clutch is in such high demand, only a handful of actresses have been allowed to carry them to high-profile events and Marks' astonishing, hand-crafted designs have made her a favorite with First Lady Laura Bush and the late Princess Diana of Wales. This "Best Of" is often designed in exotic leathers like ostrich, crocodile and lizard and features a sumptuous satin lining. Upping the exclusivity factor, unless you’re an Academy Award nominee or red carpet frequenter, getting your hands on the Cleopatra will be quite difficult, as Marks only releases one per year for the retail market. Clutch this purse, indeed!

www.lanamarks.com