The late Sonia Rykiel, iconic French designer, once said: “With only one bag, you can change your outfit completely.” We couldn’t agree more. Bags are not just functional tools meant to contain your essentials; they can add texture, visual interest and dimension to our outfit, and are very much an important accessory just like jewellery. With so many styles and hues to choose from, things can get overwhelming. But you can’t go wrong with these — a list of the seven bags that have been introduced with the Spring/Summer 2019 collections. Full disclosure: we’re absolutely obsessed with them.
Blending heritage and modernity, Cartier’s latest addition, the Guirlande de Cartier bag, draws inspiration from the signature red boxes that contain their jewellery and watches. Fashioned with calfskin and adorned with its iconic golden wreath that was introduced in the 18th century, it can be worn as a top handle or as a shoulder or crossbody bag with the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap. This versatile creation is available in three sizes (mini, small and medium) and four colourways (red, black, emerald and camel).
Paying homage to the traditional art of whip-making, Givenchy’s new bag, named the Whip, is a blend of tough and militaristic details found in traditional whips, such as leather braiding and knots, with a modern design that incorporates smooth leather, metallic rings and hand-knotted leather tassel. Created in two styles — a belt bag and a handbag that comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) and can be worn either as a shoulder or crossbody bag — the Whip is available in seven colours, black, white, pale coral, pistachio, natural, yellow curry and taupe.
The TB bag, which references the initials of the brand’s founder Thomas Burberry, comes in three designs: a shoulder bag/crossbody, a bum bag and an envelope clutch. The seemingly simple silhouette however, is juxtaposed against a myriad of colourways (32 to be exact), from deeper hues of black and dark brown to softer tones of pink and pistachio. But that isn’t all, there are bicolour options and different clasp colours for you to pick from too, not to mention pieces with monograms and logo prints.
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Designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli, the new VRing bag is Valentino’s answer to an it-bag that can carry you through various social occasions. Made with smooth calfskin and nappa leather lining, the VRing comes in four designs — a shoulder, a chain bag, a shopper and a crossbody — and each comes with its own colourway (of black, red or white), and are adorned with a grosgrain ribbon and an antique brass finish V-shape hardware that takes inspiration from a logo from more than half a century ago. We suggest going with the shopper/tote style that comes in a neutral black or white colour as it can fit your laptop, papers and everything you need to be ready for work. Just finish with a killer jumpsuit and boots.
Photo: Showbit
This new Max Mara bag has quickly become a street style favourite, spotted on models and style personalities such as Hikari Mori and Mary Leest. And it is not surprising as this stylish design interplays a contemporary balloon-silhouette bag with a stylish vintage-inspired clasp. Available in two sizes and seven colourways, this bag is perfect for casual Fridays if you’re planning to go from boardroom to bar.
Max Mara is located at Mandarin Gallery.
If you belong to the high-achieving set who manage to find time and energy to go to the gym before or after work, congratulations because first off, you’re amazing. And secondly, Marc Jacobs’ new Foil Tote is the perfect size all your workout needs. Available in metallic pink, gold and silver. The shiny quality might we add, is reason enough to ditch accessorising too.
Known for his penchant for celebrity muses, Alessandro Michele tapped on American experimental musician Zumi Rosow for this season’s bag inspiration. Fusing two emblematic designs from the house — the horsebit and interlocking GG logo — the Zumi is a structured yet feminine alternative for lady bosses who fancy a dependable yet stylish briefcase. Available in multiple colourways and in two types of leather (smooth and grain).
Gucci boutiques are located at The Paragon, Ion Orchard and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.