How ironic that, in these cash-strapped times, handbags are reaching feverish new heights of fetishism. They’re everywhere you look. Web sites from Purseblog.com to Bagsnob.com religiously track every new Prada clutch and Jimmy Choo hobo. An entire Gilmore Girls episode was devoted to Hermí¨s Birkin bags. And the paparazzi have become as obsessed with Victoria Beckham’s new croc-embossed Giorgio Armani tote or Kate Moss’s grey ostrich Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Bag as they are with Lindsay and Sam’s latest duke-’em-up.

Fundraisers at Vancouver Opera know an obsession when they see one, and that’s why the group’s PURSEsuasion auction is back, bigger than last year’s inaugural bidding frenzy. The action happens April 2 over the lunch hour at Yaletown’s hip Goldfish Pacific Kitchen (1118 Mainland Street). The place will be packed with this year’s new and slightly used purses, among them some of the eye-searingly bright totes that are right on trend for spring. Of the eight new designer offerings on deck, check out the Salvatore Ferragamo oversized calf-leather bag in bright fuchsia, or, from Leone, a croc-embossed Roberto Cavalli Oversized Shopper in electric blue. Also up for live bidding: creations from Birks, Ports, and Michael Kors. There’s also a to-die-for cherry-red patent-leather Balloon Tote from Marni.

Gone are the days when a simple black bag would get you by. “Because the looks are brighter and more bold this year, you need a variety of them to go with different outfits,” enthuses Caroline Hay, Vancouver Opera’s development coordinator of special events and organizer of this year’s grand purse snatch.

The new totes don’t come just from international design houses, but also from Vancouver’s own strong stock of purse purveyors. Check out the deep-purple, pebbled-leather Solar clutch from Sienna Ray or Erin Templeton’s scrunchy, blue-checked wool-and-leather Wooly Only, recently featured in Teen Vogue. Ora Recycled Leather Handbags’ offering is crafted out of what was once a black leather skirt, whose zipper is worked right into the design, while Haida Princess Totes’ black felt bag comes emblazoned with a pale-grey suede hummingbird design. And Tina Wilson, a costume designer who does one-of-a-kind bags on the side, has created a nautical-themed tote in striped canvas.

The best deals of the day will probably be found among the 18 gently used designer purses VO is putting on the block. Among the highlights: Marc Jacobs Collection’s structured, quilted cord Maggie handbag in grey and tortoiseshell; a Prada Intarsio Flower cream leather satchel (“It’s the softest leather with tone-on-tone flower appliqués, and it is beautiful,” Hay raves); and a trendy buckle-pocketed, pale-yellow Legacy bag by Coach.

The auction for these babies may be silent, but don’t expect it to be sedate. “There was some fierce bidding last year,” Hay reports. “In the silent auction, some people were just standing there, watching over to see if someone else was bidding, and then they’d move in again to go higher.”

Strategists will want to show up right at 11:30 a.m., when the champagne reception begins and visitors can get a close-up look at the designer loot. (They’ll also be able to watch a fashion show by Ports 1961, whose spring line was inspired by the West Coast. You might still be able to get tickets by phoning 604-682-2871, extension 4850, or e-mailing chay@vancouveropera.ca.)

Last year’s event raised a whopping $47,000 for VO’s education and community programs. Those projects cover everything from mounting operas in local schools to bringing schoolkids and Downtown Eastside residents to grand productions at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. In other words, it lets you bag a superficial little indulgence with a lot less guilt.