Luxury Handbags, Now With Purpose
In the latest chapter of luxury's good-clothes-ification, even high-end handbag are finding newfound purpose. The new it bag isn't just a bag for the sake of being a bag: it's a bag because bags are useful. And maybe a little bit just for the sake of being a bag.
Still, the message is clear. Luxury houses are rolling out seasonal campaigns anchored by a series of satisfyingly sturdy and straightforward leather bags. The focus is on functionality, as opposed to fashion for fashion's sake. These are bags actually meant to be used, if you dare.
Miu Miu's latest campaign, for instance, spotlights the reborn Pocket Bag, a plush house signature made stylish by many compartments that also happen to be quite handy. Sibling label Prada, meanwhile, is proposing soft duffels and totes for Fall/Winter 2025, the sort of bags one would rely on to stash the week's essentials.
All leather, all luxe, and all surprisingly useful. Downplayed branding, upsized storage capabilities.
If it were only two of the industry's most relevant makers pushing modest leather carryalls, well, maybe we could just chalk it up to understated good taste.
However, Michael Rider's superlative CELINE debut revived the curvaceous Phantom tote, symbolic of the Phoebe Philo era, as an all-purpose daily driver.
Now bearing a curved zipper "smile," each size of the Phantom bag is big enough to hold anyone's daily carry and offered in only grounded hues to further encourage everyday utility.
Fendi's Spy likewise retools a 20-year-old two-handled bag into a smart single-strapper with a deceivingly deep body. As fancy as it looks, this thing is actually capable of storing stuff. And Bottega Veneta is addressing ubiquitous LL Bean admiration with a luxed-up take on the deep canvas tote. Even trimmed with elegantly woven leather, this big boy is plenty capable of hardy wear. In fact, it'll only look better with it.
Really, all of these bags are cut from suave but sturdy materials beautifully beefy enough to improve with age.
We may be talking about luxury handbags but today's models are surprisingly substantive, thoughtful enough for anyone on the go. This cuts to the quick, a reminder of why luxury bags are bags at all.
Remember that the Birkin was originally created to offer enough space for young mother Jane Birkin's daily necessities. Fashion begot by function.
Because real luxury is never needing to use your pockets.
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