Why Serapian’s timeless handbags make a welcome addition to any closet

At a time when many of us are streamlining our closets and reflecting on our shopping habits, the value of truly timeless design has never been more apparent. Contrary to popular opinion, classic styles aren’t about playing it safe. There’s nothing more elusive than a design that will stand the test of time, remaining a constant while your closet inevitably evolves. Enter Italian accessories label Serapian. Founded in the 1920s, Serapian’s chic handbags were the calling card of the Milanese elite from day one, but it was in the ’50s and ’60s – when the house’s ladylike designs caught the attention of Hollywood icons including Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman and Bette Davis – that the brand exploded in popularity. Fast-forward to 2020 and Serapian is firmly established in the fashion canon; and – far from producing handbags that are cherished for a single season before being cast aside – its pieces are made to last a lifetime.

Case in point: a butter-soft leather tote bag, hand-crafted using the label’s signature Mosaico weaving process, complete with a discreet tag signed by the skilled artisan who created it. This level of detail and focus on faultless quality is exactly what sets Serapian apart from its contemporaries. Ultimately, however, it is the endless wearability of this tote bag that will make it one of the most prized pieces in your accessory arsenal. Understated, effortless and undeniably chic – not to mention capacious enough to carry the everyday essentials, and then some – it makes the perfect addition to all-black ensembles, louche suiting and even blue jeans, elevating any outfit it is paired with.

Similarly versatile but more compact, the Serapian camera bag is a failsafe choice for women on the go. The cross-body design, which has dominated the runways in the past few years, combines clean lines and classic design with unparalleled practicality. Granted, the range of places on offer to us is limited at the moment, but whether you’re dashing to the corner store or headed on a quick walk around the park, this failsafe bag – which strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and luxe – is an effortless choice.

It’s in these contrasts – the brand’s ability to meet the demands of modern life with timeless craft – that the true magic of Serapian lies. If life in lockdown has taught us one sartorial lesson, it’s to demand more from our closets; clothes and accessories should boast both polish and purpose. They should have a life that lasts far beyond a single season. The term ‘investment piece’ gets bandied around a lot in fashion, but Serapian’s enduring designs are truly deserving of the title. This storied label is as relevant now as ever.