For most 20-somethings, the idea of splurging on every single new Saint Laurent release or a pair of Gucci sunglasses may just seem absolutely unnecessary — luxury tags can go ahead and sit on the back-burner while we down that second shot of tequila. But once we approach the big 3-0, saving up for a series of high-quality, classic handbags is a more logical move that you’d imagine. We’re talking about ‘investment pieces‘, the things that will supposedly see you through a lifetime of wardrobe crises and cheap, trend-obsessed fast fashion. An arsenal of timeless bags (which frankly, are meant to be earned) can really last you for life — and even serve as a valuable heirloom after.
It’s time to look and feel the part of a glamorous, polished adult; we’ve round up new releases that we predict to be decade-spanning investment pieces for time to come. From multicoloured, striped Birkins to quilted Chanel vanity bags, these new players on the block are really worth pumping your hard-earned, hard-saved money into.
The Hermes Birkin needs no introduction. Otherwise known amongst the fashion tribe as ‘The Holy Grail’ of investment handbags, this classic has always been the go-to option for any woman who’s been eyeing designer bags. For its Resort 2018 collection, Hermes gave its iconic bag a twist: colourful pipings. Presented in bright colors with contrasting borders and colorblock pattern, these new designs will surely be a must-have. They’re a less serious, less “by-the-book” iteration of the former classic, and they’re perfect for those who’d prefer to show off some personality with their investment pieces.
Dior’s iconic bag, the Lady Dior, features all the hallmarks of Dior leather goods: soft lambskin topstitched with the iconic Cannage motif, rounded handles and D.i.o.r charms. Reinterpreted in Dior’s Cruise 2018 collection with a larger size, off-white Canyon grained lambskin, and the signature charms in aged silver-tone metal and mosaic in turquoise, this bag has already established itself as a decade-enduring classic with its timeless form and understated elegance.
Last year in early September 2017, Moynat hit our shores as the brand opened ‘Moynat Singapore’ – the brand’s first in Southeast Asia. In lieu of this opening, Moynat designed a Singapore exclusive – the Rejane bag reworked with some extra-special touches, just for us (you can read all about this is detail here). Crafted out of materials sourced from Singapore (specifically from Heng Long Crocodile Farm), the Rejane has been given a Crocodile Céramique finish. True handbag cognoscente may know the Rejane as the first handbag ever to be pronounced a celebrity (yes, even before the days of Birkins and Alexas), but this new rendition is a captivating must-own collector’s item for us Singaporean ladies.
Gucci’s Ophidia bag, which came down the runway during the Cruise 2018 presentation, is designed to a domed shape reminiscent of the house’s 1970s designs. The newest addition to the GG family has all the makings of a timeless must-have; it’s versatile, roomy enough to carry all your daily essentials and features the House’s signature imprint: the tonal brown GG supreme canvas.
It’s has an inlaid Web-stripe detail, a crackled-leather effect trim, logo pull-tab charms, and even has cardholders on the inside for organisation purposes. See it up close on video here.
The Chanel code is omnipresent in this new full-grain leather vanity case-style shoulder bag from the Spring Summer 2018 pre-collection: polished quilted leather, the signature chain strap, and an XL double C stitching.
Mirroring the boxy silhouette trend that’s ubiquitous across the season, this bag takes the cake as the ultimate must-have for years to come with its classic Chanel elements and sophisticated appeal.
No one does a monogram quite like how Louis Vuitton does it. Just look at the brand’s famed Neverfull, and you’ll know what we’re getting at here: Louis Vuitton bags are hardly ever an afterthought; they’re a true coveted classic, highly sought after with its signature Monogram Reverse canvas and gleaming gold hardware. This newly released Bento Box has both those things. Having made its first ever appearance on the Cruise 2018 runway, this key statement bag features both a handle and a strap for hand, shoulder or crossbody wear. The namesake bag (Bento) was crafted to recall the vertical rectangular body and short handle of its inspiration.
Named Cahier, which is french for notebook, this Prada bag first debuted on the runway of Fall 2016 and has been regarded as an ‘It bag’ amongst street style stars and fashion insiders everywhere. Inspired by the bindings of an antique book, it’s structured box-shaped form renders it as the perfect mix between classic and contemporary. The range has been selling well since its first launch a couple of seasons back, with limited number of pieces for sale each time around whenever a new design launches. Prada’s Resort 2018 collection features the Cahier with Liberty prints and illustrations from Taiwanese-American visual artist James Jean, but we still think that the original black leather Cahier with gold hardware will be a long-staying classic synonymous with millenial tastes.
This story first appeared on www.herworld.com
Photos in collage: 123rf, Instagram / charmedhourcollage
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