When was the last time you recall hearing about a particular bag style that almost all members of the bag- loving community coveted? I hate to pose that question for fear of sounding so un-bag hag like, but really, it has been awhile.
While Balenciaga continues its run with the original “Motorcycle” bag which has already mutated into different shapes and sizes, Chloe and Fendi haven’t really been so lucky with their “It” bags of the past, the Paddington, and the Spy. I am however, still seeing old favorites like the LV Monogram Speedy, Hermes birkin, Hermes kelly, Chanel 2.55 and classic quilt flap bags on arms of women. So are the new “It” bags, the Old classics?
There are a lot of nice new bags of late, like the Givenchy nightingale bag, which I noticed, is almost the de-rigueur bag carried by chic Parisians, the Valentino petale dome bowler bag, the Marni balloon bag with the beautiful lacquer handle, and even the Prada lace bag. They’re beautiful, but are they mainstream enough to be considered today’s must-have bags? Perhaps. But they’re not really regarded as “It” bags. “It” bags are those that can cause serious purchase pandemonium when sales associates put such bags on the sales “floor”. “It” bags are the “of this moment” bags– the ones that give stores those mile-long waitlists for that particular style.
Of late, there has been a gradual shift in bag choices. There hasn’t really been any decline in the clamor to own a recognizable designer bag, preferably one with monograms and logos, but discerning bag lovers have taken their usual choices one step further—they’ve graduated from the usual monogram bags and now gravitate toward bags that display exquisite workmanship without the logos. For instance, while Louis Vuitton is most known for its classic monogram styles, this French brand also manufactures a beautiful goat- skin leather goods line called Suhali. In the past, the Suhali line consisted of bags with prominent gold studs. The collection, though exquisite, has never really caught my fancy. But just a few months ago, Vuitton came out with the Le Majestuex bag, a similar take on the Batignolles tote from the monogram line. Now this Suhali bag caught my eye. This particular style is very functional and classic, but what sets this bag apart from the other pieces of the Suhali line is that it looks understated because the gold hardware studs were positioned sparingly. One clever detail too, is the use of yellow stitching against the black version of this bag, making it look modern but still classic. This bag will definitely survive years of use, and its style will transcend trends.
Another understated and relatively “low-key” brand is Bottega Veneta. And though understated, it must be said that Bottega produces one of the best buttery-soft leather goods in the world. Prices start at Php 16,500 and can go into the Php 200,000 range for the limited edition pieces. Its intrecciato or woven leather style has become something of a signature, a “monogrammed logo” if you will, as this is the style that the brand is really most known for. If I were to pick the styles from this brand that would survive season after season, I would go with the Intrecciato hobo, called the Veneta. For those who don’t appreciate the single–strap shoulder bag style, there’s the versatile Montaigne which morphs from a satchel, to a zipped tote with the release of the side twist locks. Then for those who want a fuss-free luxury bag, the Milano fits the bill. The Milano is a bugatti- shaped bag, which has zippers that go all the way from one end of the bag, to the other. This allows the bag to open up wider than the others. It also comes with a shoulder strap and is surprisingly light.
With so much uncertainty looming over the economic landscape these days, bag hags are going back to the safer classics, a sign perhaps that maybe the “it” bag phenomenon is dead– for now.
(Louis Vuitton is located at Greenbelt 4, tel. (02) 756-0637; Bottega Veneta is located at Greenbelt 4, tel. (02) 757-6293 and at the 2nd level of Rustan’s, tel. (02) 818-8500)