Bags are a very profitable, billion dollar business. According to Statista, revenue from handbag sales swelled to nearly $65 billion last year and is expected to continue growing exponentially in the next ten years. Bags are a necessary accessory today, its purpose no longer confined solely to the functional, but also to define one’s individuality. Expensive designer bags have inadvertently become wearable symbols of status, even though in reality they are not accurate barometers of one’s financial state.
In recent years, designer bags have become very “cookie-cutter” in the looks department – brands seem to share similar designs with their contemporaries, with only logos or monograms as their differentiating factor. Nowadays, brand identity is less associated with design “originality” as it once did a decade ago. Thankfully, there are still some exceptional, noteworthy pieces.
The Quiet Luxury: Joseph Duclos Diane
If there’s one thing designer Ramesh Nair is known for, it’s ultra-luxe, truly artisanal full grain leather bags that are designed, engineered, and crafted like no other. The iconic Diane top handle bag headlines Nair’s collection for the recently revived French heritage brand, Joseph Duclos. The Diane showcases meticulous hand-shaping leather techniques with edge-painted finishes on both exterior body and interior lining and signature calligraphic hardware ornamentation which embraces the base of the bag. Lined in chevre goatskin leather, the bag has a special arrow-shaped bijoux for its closure, and comes with a detachable shoulder/crossbody strap. Rare skins like crocodile and lizard are limited and only available by special order, making this the ultimate “if-you-know, you-know” discreet, high-luxury bag investment.
The Surreal & Whimsical: Schiaparelli Triple Anatomy Jewellery Bag
Schiaparelli under designer Daniel Roseberry, is well-known for their anatomy-themed, hammered brass accessories. The Triple Anatomy Jewellery Bag features a trompe l’oeil “face” on each of the three leather panels which collectively forms into a triangle with rolled handles on each side. The shape may be a little bulky and unconventional, but the bag does come with a chain strap for ease of carry. This is the “look-at-me” bag of the moment and is a conversation piece. While the price is indeed steep for a trendy piece, your arm candy will without a doubt, turn heads – no pun intended!
The Emerging Designer: Fleuron Trinity
Due to the unrealistic prices of premium designer bags from big commercial brands, consumers have been looking to support smaller, independent brands that have more affordable offerings for their leather goods. Fleuron, a young, Paris-based brand stands out and fits the bill for this category. Made in Italy, the Fleuron Trinity has an interesting origami fold-design on the body of the bag. It is light and easy to carry due to its compact east-west orientation. The shoulder/crossbody bag fits plenty and is convertible into a hand-held pochette due to its adjustable and detachable strap. It is priced incredibly well for its material quality and workmanship. The Trinity comes in two sizes and in many colour ways. This bag definitely brings good value for money and comes highly recommended.
The Timeless Classic: Ferragamo Hug Bag
There are bag styles that will look dated after a few seasons, and there are bag styles that have a more timeless feel. The Ferragamo Hug bag, the brand’s latest under Maximillian Davis’ creative direction, has the markings of a classic. Beautifully designed, the bag’s back leather panel is shaped asymmetrically and overlaps into the front, resembling arms forming a hug – hence its name. Each of those leather “arms” is punctuated by the brand’s signature Gancini buckles. Leather-lined and secured by a toggle clasp, the Hug bag is simple yet very elegant, with clean lines that render its design timeless and is impervious to of-the-moment fashion trends.
The Practical Chic: Loewe Puzzle Tote
One of the most functional bag styles of all time is the shopping tote. Loved by many for its spaciousness and practicality, it’s no surprise this popular style is on every designer brand’s bag collection line-up. But it is Loewe, under Jonathan Anderson’s creative direction, that elevated the basic-looking tote style. The Puzzle tote is a new style iteration of the brand’s signature Puzzle bag. It is light and sturdy, can handle daily rough and tumble, and best of all, is great to bring along for travel as it uniquely folds into a compact and flat diamond shape, taking up very little space in your suitcase. The tote also comes in different sizes and colour ways. No other designer brand can boast of a tote style this unique to-date.
Editor
Ingrid Chua
