The Big Bag Paradox: Unpacking Fashion’s Latest Styling Illusion and Social Commentary

by Cris Weer | Nov 28, 2023 | Luxury Bags

The Unspoken Language of the XXL Bag

The XXL bag, a veritable cornucopia of personal items, emerges as a fashion statement and a symbol of societal truths. The trend, reminiscent of a doner kebab spilling its contents, signifies more than a sartorial choice. It’s an inadvertent nod to the chaos and clutter of modern existence. Fashion houses like MIU MIU and BALENCIAGA have turned these overflowing vessels into runway staples, embedding subtle personal character and lifestyle cues into each design. Yet, beneath their stylish exterior lies a more profound commentary on the luxury industrial complex’s grasp on our quest for identity.

The Hermès Birkin and Beyond: Icons of Contradiction

The legendary HERMÈS Birkin, famously overfilled by its namesake, Jane Birkin, epitomizes this contradiction to the point of absurdity. It’s a luxury icon, yet its usage mocks the very essence of luxury. The Birkin’s transition from a status symbol to a catch-all rugby ball reflects a societal shift. The trend’s absurdity peaks with the “Microscopic Handbag,” a satirical take on the practicality of high fashion. These style choices, once reserved for the elite, have trickled down to the public domain, raising questions about the role of fashion in everyday life.

Fashion’s Mirror to Society: Class, Gender, and the Handbag

The XXL bag trend mirrors societal divisions, with its roots tracing back to Roman times when the act of carrying signified social status. This historical through-line continues to influence contemporary fashion. The overstuffed bag, a symbol of the ‘frazzled Englishwoman,’ challenges traditional notions of femininity and perfection. Yet, when carried by men, the perception shifts dramatically, highlighting gender biases deeply ingrained in society. This disparity underscores the handbag’s role as a vessel of social commentary, reflecting class and gender dynamics.

The XXL Bag: A Styling Trick or a Societal Necessity?

Ultimately, the XXL bag transcends its role as a fashion accessory. For some, like Liana Satenstein, it’s a magical abyss, a black hole of necessity. For others, like Lauren Friedman, it represents freedom from physical and metaphorical baggage. At its core, this trend is a paradoxical blend of high fashion’s glorification of the mundane and a genuine reflection of everyday struggles. It’s a styling illusion that, ironically, reveals the raw truths of our society. Ultimately, the XXL bag is not just a trend; it’s a mirror to our lives, a symbol of the burdens we carry, both visible and unseen.

Investing with a Twist: The Satirical Side of ‘Passion Asset’ Investments

by Cris Weer | Nov 15, 2023 | Luxury Bags

Introduction: The Enigmatic Realm of Passion Assets

Welcome to the enchanting domain of ‘Passion Asset Investments,’ where your love for opulent items can miraculously transform into a sound financial strategy. Here, we’ll embark on a journey through this seemingly too-good-to-be-true market, where art and extravagance converge with investment wisdom.

The Emergence of ‘Passion Assets’: A Quirky Investment Trend

In the latest twist in the world of finance, ‘passion assets’ have emerged as the superheroes of investment. These tangible treasures offer a unique blend of personal satisfaction, exclusive community involvement, and the potential for long-term growth. Whether it’s art, luxury accessories, or a bottle of vintage wine, these assets tantalizingly offer the possibility of diversifying your portfolio while rubbing shoulders with like-minded enthusiasts. And let’s not forget the potential to accumulate social capital—because shared investment interests forge bonds like nothing else!

The Spectrum of Collectible Passions: From Art to Eccentricity

The range of passion assets is as varied as it is entertaining. From classic cars to luxury goods, each one is a testament to the art of optimistic investing. Art continues to shine as a top performer, with its value as subjective as the hues on the canvas. And let’s give a standing ovation to NFTs, the digital darlings that have redefined art collections, making every pixel count in the investment game.

Navigating the Wonderland of Passion Assets: Guided by Experts

The intricacies of this market go beyond choosing between a HERMÈS piece or a Rembrandt; it’s an exhilarating journey encompassing authentication, maintenance, and the hope that your luxury acquisition remains in vogue. Fear not! There are plenty of experts ready to lead you through this lavish maze with their invaluable insights.

Mastering the Art of Passion Investments: Achieving the Right Balance

Striking the perfect balance between passion and practicality is essential. It’s about approaching your financial planning with the same enthusiasm you reserve for the shimmer of your new Rolex. Remember, with great luxury comes great responsibility—like ensuring your rare whiskey collection doesn’t merely become an expensive drinking habit.

The Social Gathering of Passion Assets: Networking with Elegance

Investing in passion assets transcends financial gains; it’s about the relationships you’ll cultivate and the high society you’ll become part of. Imagine the deep connections you’ll establish while discussing the latest luxury handbag trends or the subtleties of fine art. After all, what are friends for if not to appreciate your latest collectible?

Investment Clubs: The Exclusive Assembly of Passion Enthusiasts

Within these esteemed circles of high-end collecting, you’ll discover investment clubs and communities where you can exchange tips, savor fine wines, and debate whether that vintage car will actually start when you desire it to. It’s about pooling resources, expertise, and occasionally, commiserating over a luxury purchase that didn’t quite meet expectations.

Conclusion: The Everlasting Appeal of Passion Assets

As we conclude our whimsical journey through the world of passion assets, remember: this market offers more than just financial rewards. It’s about the delight of owning something that sparkles, the thrill of being part of an exclusive club, and the faint hope that your luxury items will someday justify their cost. Ultimately, the true value of these assets lies not in their price tags but in the stories they narrate and the joy they bring.

Bagging Profits: The Perspective on Designer Handbags as ‘Investments

by Kris Wäag | Nov 12, 2023 | Luxury Bags

The Illusion of Investment Bags

Once upon a time in the fashion world, the term “investment” signified not just something to flaunt on your arm but quality, timelessness, and a wise choice that defied the fast fashion trend mill. How times have changed! Nowadays, the luxury market has co-opted the word “investment” to describe the acquisition of extravagant handbags in the hope that they will yield returns surpassing those of a golden goose—assuming the goose is a HERMÈS Birkin bag.

The Birkin Bubble: An Analysis in Scarlet (Leather)

Cast your mind back to 2016 when Baghunter, champions of elite handbag collectors, claimed that Birkin bags outperformed stocks and gold. Their valuation, seemingly defying economic gravity, celebrated Birkins as the new gold standard, despite their liquidity being as limited as a concrete lifejacket. Who needs the S&P 500 when you can grasp cold, rigid leather?

The High-Fashion Fallacy: Bags vs. Bonds

Jefferies hopped on the bandwagon, suggesting that one could make a fortune by reselling their luxury treasures at a staggering profit. However, they failed to mention that for every fairy-tale ending, there’s a closet full of handbags that missed the carriage to the resale ball.

Auction House Hype and the Illusion of Market Value

Auction houses, masters of price inflation, now auction handbags alongside ancient artifacts. Not one to miss a lucrative trend, Christie’s has transitioned from dabbling to full-fledged dealing, transforming handbag auctions from a charming pastime into a full-blown frenzy.

The Reality Check: Not All That Glitters is Gold (or Leather)

While luxury items can sometimes shield against the inflation wolf, let’s not delude ourselves into thinking a Birkin is a concealed gold brick. The handbag market is a mere drop in the ocean compared to traditional investments, and its stability is as precarious as a house of fashionista cards. Furthermore, the exclusivity that drives demand for these “assets” could diminish faster than a trend’s lifecycle.

The Apple of Discord: Brand Appeal and the Volatility of Wealth

Drawing parallels to Apple—a luxury brand that could lose its shine as swiftly as a new iPhone model. Yet, even if Apple’s star were to dim, one could sell their shares before you could utter “market crash.” Try accomplishing that with a closet full of last season’s HERMÈS.

The Inconvenient Truth About Luxury ‘Investments’

The unpredictability of the luxury bag market turns it into a gamble, with risks ranging from damage to the threat of counterfeits. Investing in these goods is as uncertain as playing hot potato with your savings.

The Bottom Line: A Market on Tenterhooks

Despite its shaky foundations, the allure of luxury handbags as investment pieces endures. Brands are laughing all the way to the bank, bolstered by narratives that liken their products to blue-chip stocks. And let’s not forget the second-hand market’s role in this inflated bubble, reassuring consumers that their extravagant tastes are, in reality, a shrewd financial tactic.

Conclusion: The Emperor’s New Clutch

In the end, it appears that the luxury market has persuaded the world that these handbags are more about finance than fashion. Whether this story concludes with handsome profits or a closet brimming with depreciating assets, one thing remains certain: in the grand marketplace of luxury investments, these handbags might be the emperor strutting about in his new, exclusive, and exceedingly costly attire.

Timeless Designer Handbags that Remain Forever Chic

by Cris Weer | Nov 4, 2023 | Luxury Bags

In the ever-changing world of fashion, some designer handbags have defied time. These enduring classics owe their appeal to influential endorsements, timeless designs, and modern updates. What makes them special is their understated elegance, forgoing flashy branding for timeless beauty. These investment-worthy pieces effortlessly complement any outfit, occasion, or style.

CHANEL 2.55 Flap Bag

The Chanel 2.55, an iconic classic, was born in February 1955. Coco Chanel introduced this revolutionary Flap Bag, liberating women from traditional handbags. Crafted from quilted leather inspired by jockeys’ jackets, it boasts a distinctive lock and signature chain strap for a touch of luxury. Karl Lagerfeld, Creative Director since 1983, added the iconic CC logo. In February 2005, Chanel reissued the 1995 classic version to mark the 50th anniversary of this timeless masterpiece.

GUCCI Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag

The Jackie Bag: A Timeless Style Icon. Originally known as the Constance in the 1950s, this classic designer handbag earned its fame in the 1960s when former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis used it as a shield from paparazzi. Renamed after her in 1961, it became a 1970s fashion staple but disappeared in the 1980s. A revival came in 1999 and 2009 under creative directors Tom Ford and Frida Giannini. In Fall/Winter 2020, Alessandro Michele reintroduced it in various colors and sizes. Celebrities like Harry Styles and Kaia Gerber have recently embraced different versions of the Jackie bag.

PRADA Nylon Backpack

The Prada Nylon Backpack, adored by ’90s supermodels, was a late ’90s and early 2000s fashion staple, introducing an athleisure vibe before it became a trend. Created by Miuccia Prada in 1984, it revolutionized Prada’s use of industrial-weight nylon. While other high-end handbags focused on elegance, this cult item embraced a casual look, often sported by ’90s supermodels. Today, it remains popular for its functional interior and work-appropriate design.

FENDI Baguette

Debuting in 1997, the Fendi Baguette is a brunch essential. Carrie Bradshaw of “Sex and the City” famously cherished it, defending it during a robbery, declaring, “It’s a Baguette.” Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, this compact bag features distinctive curved straps and the iconic logo hardware. Its name is inspired by its perfect arm-hugging size, like a French baguette. This design propelled Fendi to commercial success, with over 1,000 versions of the bag available.

LOUIS VUITTON Speedy

Since its 1930s inception, the Louis Vuitton Speedy, adorned with the iconic monogram print, has redefined everyday style with elegance. Once endorsed by fashion icon Audrey Hepburn, the Speedy 25 became iconic. Originally launched in larger sizes, LV introduced the compact Speedy 25 to meet Hepburn’s preference and consumer demand.

Named for its sleek, portable design, the Speedy’s popularity endures since the 1950s. While the classic Speedy is irreplaceable, it’s now available in various sizes, materials, and colors, remaining one of Louis Vuitton’s most sought-after bags.

HERMÈS Birkin

Inspired by Jane Birkin and introduced in 1984, the Hermès Birkin is now a coveted status symbol. With annual price increases of 14.2%, it has outperformed stocks and gold as an investment. Its limited production and distinctive features like number-coded locks and keys enhance its allure in the fashion world.

Lady Dior by Christian Dior

Originally named ‘Chouchou,’ meaning ‘favorite’ in French, the iconic Dior handbag was presented to Princess Diana in 1995 by the First Lady of France. Adorned with the signature ‘Cannage’ diamond pattern, inspired by Napoleon III’s chairs, this timeless classic was later renamed ‘Lady Dior‘ in tribute to the Princess. It continues to be one of the brand’s most sought-after pieces, with various reinterpretations in diverse sizes, colors, and materials.

LONGCHAMP Le Pliage

Le Pliage, which means ‘folding’ in French, is a chic tote inspired by Origami and created by Philippe Cassegrain, the son of Longchamp’s founder. It offers a range of over 150 prints and colors. The original 1993 design featured Russian leather handles, a nylon canvas body, and an embroidered jockey logo symbolizing a Paris racetrack. With customization options, it has sold over 32 million pieces globally, adored by famous figures like Kate Middleton, Miley Cyrus, and Alexa Chung, as well as for unisex use.

BALENCIAGA Motorcycle

Introduced in 2001, the Balenciaga Motorcycle bag swiftly captured the hearts of influential style icons in the 2000s. Designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, it took inspiration from motorcycle jackets, featuring distinctive zip details and studs. Despite the absence of a visible brand logo, it was easily identifiable. A contemporary version, the Le Cagole, is now offered in different colors and sizes.

CELINE Medium Classic Bag

Celine handbags, celebrated for their durability and versatility, are timeless wardrobe staples. The Medium Classic Bag, from the Phoebe Philo era, boasts luxurious calfskin leather and practical zippered compartments, making it a beloved choice for urban women. The jeweled brass clasp showcases Celine’s craftsmanship, establishing it as a top classic designer bag for investment.

Jane Birkin’s HÈRMES Birkin: A Tale of Personalization and Practicality

by Cris Weer | Oct 4, 2023 | Luxury Bags

The Holy Grail of handbags is the Birkin from HERMÈS. After all, it is worn daily by its namesake and travels everywhere.

What makes Birkin’s HERMÈS Birkin truly exceptional, though, is the condition it’s in—which is to say, not much of a condition at all: Stickers from her adventures are unceremoniously slapped onto the leather; the exterior’s roughed up; talismans hang from the handle. 

A Birkin bag is a perfect rain hat; just put everything else in a plastic bag” is only the first.

Birkin, however, has owned only four Birkins since Jean-Louis Dumas named it after her in 1984. (She’s donated the last two to charity auctions as well.) She is a religious wearer—so much so that the bag sometimes serves as an extension of her physical self. One rainy afternoon in Paris, just before hopping in a taxi, Birkin rang up Vogue with her thoughts on her sartorial legacy. “A Birkin bag is a perfect rain hat; just put everything else in a plastic bag” is only the first.

On personalization: “There’s no fun in a bag if it’s not kicked around so that it looks as if the cat’s been sitting on it—and it usually has. The cat may even be in it! I always put on stickers and beads and worry beads. You can get them from Greece, Israel, Palestine—anywhere in the world. I always hang things on my bags because I don’t like them looking like everyone else’s.”

I hate changing bags, so I never have the thing of having ten bags.

On restraint: “I never have more than one bag at a time. I think one is already quite enough. Also, I hate changing bags, so I never have the thing of having ten bags. Any bag with me will take the same course as mine. It will take the same airplanes, be squashed in the same way, and be used as a cushion in the airports.”

On the Birkin she’s carrying now: “It’s black, but it’s not dirty enough, and it hasn’t gotten any stickers on it. It’s rather bumpy than the other one, but the surface will soon get scratched about.”

What she carries in her Birkin: “I’ve got my agenda, my phone, photos of all the children [daughters Kate Barry, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Lou Doillon], and my makeup, which is all upside down. It’s the nice mess that I always like.”

But if people want to go for the real thing, fine. If they go for copies, that’s fine too. I don’t think it matters.”

On the popularity of the Birkin—both real and fake: “It’s very nice that everyone’s got one or wants one. I keep saying to Hermès to make it out of plastic or, even more fun, make it out of cardboard. Then it wouldn’t be so heavy. But if people want to go for the real thing, fine. If they go for copies, that’s fine too. I don’t think it matters.”

On handing them down: “My daughter Lou does not have one. I think it would be a horrible thing to have a Birkin bag from your mother.”