Each season, as soon as lights dim on the major runways of the Big Four cities, the race to cull explosive trends and anoint the next iconic bag(s) begin. When it comes to the latter, it’s an accessory’s carefully curated representation on the runway that is often a telltale sign of a house icon in the making. Coupled with its designer’s track record for turning out hit accessories, and you’ve got yourself a solid bet. This Spring/Summer ’19, it’s the Whip from Givenchy that comes up spades — in both departments.
Shown clutched close to the chest on the runway and punctuating numerous looks of the collection, artistic director Clare Waight Keller offers up a quietly covetable approach with the Whip — while her first bag at Givenchy, the elegant GV3 is known for its statement-making quality, it’s all down to the thoughtful design and details with this release. For one, hardware is used sparingly to let the Whip’s key inspiration, the craft and art of whip making, take centrestage with knots and braids judiciously translated onto the bag’s cutout handle and a hand-knotted tassel. Its structured design is a nod to the tool’s association with hardiness, but the bag is actually roomier than it looks thanks to the addition of gussets. It’s a fine testament to Keller’s attention to functionality, and one that also comes forth in the accessory’s generous top handle and crossbody strap for multiple ways to wear.
And while the shoulder/top handle style of the Whip shown above — available here in small and medium sizes (from $2,890) — is the perfect everyday bag for the woman on-the-go, the new release also taps that street style cachet for laid-back weekends with a belt bag design in black and white ($2,150). The former comes in shades like coral and pistachio (amongst timeless neutrals), with these soft and feel-good hues the perfect balance to its sturdy, architectural design. Browse above.
Available at the Givenchy boutique located at #01-41&42, Paragon.