Gianvito Rossi Makes His Debut In The Accessories’ Category With The ‘Valì’ Bag

Trusted. Timeless. Treasured. These three adjectives are not just words with which to describe Gianvito Rossi’s creations; they’re also the key principles and founding ethos that the Italian designer established his label with back in 2006.

Since then, Giantivo Rossi, who built his name in footwear, has become beloved all over the world thanks to his easy-wearing yet endlessly elegant designs – his name has become synonymous with elevated day-to-dark dressing, whether that’s a simple strappy heel for an elegant dinner, or an everyday Mary Jane that smartens up off-duty denim. Mixing polished practicality with pretty, the designer has become a trusted sartorial ally and earned a reputation for reliable, refined accessories. It’s no surprise that the brand is adored by the Hollywood glitterati: Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway and Michelle Yeoh are all fans.

And this notion rings true for Gianvito Rossi’s debut handbag collection. Launching October 2023, the debut bag is named the ‘Valì’ – and with it, the designer meaningfully goes back to his roots. Structured and sleek, its rectangular shape was inspired by the top-handle suitcase that Mr Rossi would carry his early shoe samples in when meeting with prospective clients. Now, it’s been reimagined in an everyday form. From the polished, structured handles to the sturdy box silhouette, the delicately curved edges and the snap-closure fastening, all details have been meticulously pondered, to turn the ‘Valì’ into an easy go-to for everyday polish.

“It’s a small, modern chest where women can treasure their precious belongings,” says the designer of the ‘Valì’ bag, which has been released in two sizes and silhouettes to ensure there’s an iteration for every eventuality. “It’s a miniature version of the suitcase I carried around the world, from Paris to New York.”

It’s perfect for smartening up the everyday, whether carried to the office or paired with an oversized blazer and jeans. The detachable leather shoulder strap brings extra on-the-go ease for hands-free carrying, but also lends the bag a more casual feel, making it the ideal choice for traveling. The clutch version, meanwhile, will prove to be a must-have for evening events, with a delicate chain strap that offers versatile means of wear.

Gianvito Rossi’s debut into the handbag category speaks to his understated and enduring ethos. Free from the trappings of embellishment, the ‘Valì’ is not an ‘It bag’ designed to incite fanfare for a season. It’s a handbag for life. With its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, the quality of the craftsmanship shines through, from the exquisite gold-tone hardware to the sumptuously smooth leather, in striking shades of pistachio and violet – ideal for bringing energy to after-dark outfits when paired with muted black, chocolate brown and navy this season. Meanwhile, the label’s signature nude-blush tone, named Cipria, will prove the perfect shade to carry when you want to keep the focus on your outfit, making it the ultimate choice to pair with prints for a wedding or festive occasion.

The Gianvito Rossi brand is renowned for craftsmanship. After all, each pair of shoes goes through 60 stages of making. And while the ‘Valì’ bag has been created as a contemporary wardrobe ally, it poignantly celebrates not just the origins of the maison, but Italy’s time-honored skills of savoir faire and artisanship, making it the definition of an investment piece.

Each ‘Valì’ bag is sure to become a treasured accessory to enjoy now and later pass down through generations. Tactile and time-honored, each snap of the clasp will reverberate with the notion of an accessory well loved, a life well lived, and the stories of the women, the artisans and the designer that turned the design into a wardrobe icon.

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