Volvo and Ilse Crawford Come Together for Stylish Handbag

Volvo can thank Peter Horbury, the ex-design chief responsible for the Swedish company's now trademark new look. While

some won't be able to rid their memories of the automaker's brick-like 240 series and so-square-the-they-were-cool 700 series cars, most new car buyers give the company credit for building some of the more stylish luxury cars available today. But can such a recently change image extend into a successful line of Volvo labeled luxury goods?

Volvo appears to be testing the waters with a stylish handbag. Designed by Ilse Crawford, London's best known interior designer and founding editor of Elle Decor magazine, the purse uses the same perforated white leather available in Volvo's V70 wagon, XC70 crossover wagon, XC90 SUV, and flagship S80 sedan.

It's simple, clean lines are exactly what modern designer Crawford would want for herself, her own apartment modern but comfortably casual. She's celebrated internationally for transforming London's (and Manhattan's) innumerous lofts and townhomes (aka flats) from eclectic-folksy and often frumpy to livable modernism.

Her work, therefore, doesn't come cheaply, and neither does this limited edition handbag. Then again, when was the last time you were able to get a 100-run accessory from a world-class designer for only $685?