I realised that I haven't been doing as many posts on fashion as compared to food. Don't get me wrong, I am still fond of fashion. But lately I have had the pleasant opportunity to be exposed to tons of food experiences that I couldn't help but put on the blog.
As you readers might have known from my earlier blog posts, I have a soft spot for bags. The artistic beauty, lovely design, and meticulous handcrafting of bags never cease to amaze me - I can clearly recall staring at a breath-taking bag with my mouth agape, no shame rising in my chest. Yes, I am not ashamed that I love bags.
In the world of fashion, there are in-s, and there are out-s. Same protocol applies to bags - from time to time, many bags go out of fashion, but few stay. They will stay in style for a veeeeeerrrrrryyy long time (in the fashion world, this is extraordinarily amazing). And for these bags, their value not only retain; they go up instead! These bags are what we call as iconic bags.
After some extensive research, I've come up with my most favourite iconic bags of all time. Here is a list of my top 15 iconic bags, ranked from least to most iconic.
15. LONGCHAMP LE PLIAGE
If you tell me that you've never seen this bag your entire life, you're a liar. First created in 2006, this handy bag is made of waterproof material and leather for the flap and handle. It's not a surprise if many chose to use this bag for a daily basis.
Ah, the Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel. Many say that this satchel is an ultimate must-have for newly-made fashion enthusiasts. I can't deny, this satchel is beautiful in its own way; mildly old-looking leather and a distinct inverted triangular shape for a flap makes the satchel look effortless but pleasing to the eye. This makes the satchel remain as many's favourite bags.
13. GIVENCHY ANTIGONA
The It bag of 2011, and possibly the most renown Givenchy bag ever made, the Givenchy Antigona is dynamic, sleek, and simply pleasing to the eye. The Antigona has now been known to be the favourite of many celebrities, and I'm pretty sure that it will not die out of style anytime soon.
12. CÉLINE LUGGAGE TOTE
I must say that Céline pioneered putting "ears" (the fabric which is usually poked inside the bag, but is instead popped out) on bags. Since first created in 2010, many fashion houses have started putting "ears" on their bags - seeing these bags' market performances, and Luggage Tote's, Céline has made the right decision.
Most valued for its aesthetic value and practicality, the Luggage Tote quickly became celebrities' arm candy. It's no wonder that it became one of fashion's most notable "It" bags.
11. PRADA SAFFIANO
Miuccia Prada, Prada's leading creative director, was not pleased at easily scratched leather. So she came up with the idea of embossing leather with a "cross-hatch" pattern - this makes the leather more durable and less easily scratched. This method is then followed by fellow bag manufacturers.
10. CHLOÉ PADDINGTON
The Chloé Paddington, the "It" Bag of 2005. The bag charms many by its padlock, intricate handles, striking colors and overall "rod" shape. I have to admit, the Paddington is unlike anything I've seen.
The Paddington may has lost its fame a bit, but it is undoubtedly still sought after by fans. What can I say, it looks so darn cute!
9. GUCCI BAMBOO
The ever-so-legendary Elizabeth Taylor loved it. Princess Diana carried it. There's no doubt that the Gucci Bamboo is exceptionally classic.
Adorned with an exquisite bamboo handle and fringed leather accessory, this chic bag is deserving of refined suitors.
8. BALENCIAGA MOTORCYCLE CITY
When first designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, this bag was disliked by Balenziaga's board of directors. Kate Moss - model/style icon - loved it, however. And as we all know, almost everything Kate Moss likes becomes a hit, HAHAHA.
The City bag combines dashing colours, solid hardware, dangling leather zippers and smooth, lightweight leather, giving a mix of edge and girly-ness. Perfect for rockin' round the city!
7. LOUIS VUITTON SPEEDY
Originally, the Louis Vuitton Speedy was a luggage bag. But then Louis Vuitton decided to create smaller versions of the luggage and soon, the bag became a hit. Audrey Hepburn loved it very much, further popularising the bag. Classic, chic, and stylish - those are the words that perfectly describe the Speedy.
6. BOTTEGA VENETA INTRECCIATO
Bottega Veneta is one of a kind - the fashion house does not follow the paths of many other luxury brands, which is stamping their brand logos ALL OVER their goods. Good for you, Bottega Veneta. Because now people identify the brand not from its brand logo (in fact it doesn't have one), but from its style, the intrecciato. The intrecciato is the style of weaving delicate, smooth leather to form an incomparably strong yet exquisite leather good. This makes Bottega Veneta appeal to many, and hence increase its product's prices over time.
5. FENDI BAGUETTE
The Fendi Baguette rose to fame from its many cameos in the well-known TV show Sex and The City, being carried the most in the arms of Carrie Bradshaw, the show's protagonist.
Silvia Venturini Fendi said in a Vogue Magazine interview, "It was foolish, a treat, anti-functional.It was the first bag that was treated as a garment."
4. DIOR LADY DIOR
Princess Diana of Wales, also known as Lady Diana, has been known to have this bag as her favourite - hence giving this immaculate beauty its name. Attributed with Dior's classic "cannage" quilting and shining letter charms, the Lady Dior bag exudes femininity and elegance.
3. HERMÈS KELLY
Ah, another bag fit for royalty. Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco frequently used this Hermès bag to cover up her baby bump throughout her pregnancy. I cannot say much, really; Her Royal Highness did have an impeccable taste for true luxury.
2. HERMÈS BIRKIN
Yes, Hermès is so good, it is the only brand that has two of its bags become iconic. Ranking slightly higher than the Kelly is the Hermès Birkin Bag, inspired by the British actress Jane Birkin (who was frustrated by the lack of good leather weekender bags). This bag is so successful, buyers need to wait for months in the waiting list in order to get this lovely tote.
1. CHANEL 2.55 FLAP
To begin with, the Chanel 2.55 Flap bag is revolutionary. Back in the 1920s, night purses did not have chains - ladies can only clutch these purses, leaving only one hand that can be used. In 1955, Coco Chanel got tired of the trend, so she decided to add chains on a purse and voila, a fashion masterpiece was born. Since then, the Chanel 2.55 Flap has been admired and loved by all.
So there you have it, guys! My top 15 most iconic bags of all time. I hope my list can successfully please your eyes, and help you even the tiniest bit possible.
Ciao!
