The Investment Bags To Cherish Forever

Looking to inject your wardrobe with a touch of smoldering Parisian cool? Saint Laurent’s beautifully crafted bags will elevate even the most pared-back outfit. The maison’s quilted ‘Loulou Toy’, for instance, is an elegant and endlessly versatile everyday shoulder bag that works as well with a suit as it does jeans and flats. Alternatively, there’s the ‘Le 5 à 7’ style, first launched for spring 2021, which comes in both a structured ’90s shape and a slouchy ‘Supple’ version, or the capacious ‘Bea’ tote – Saint Laurent’s chic, supersized answer to a shopper. As for evening? Tuck the ‘Cassandre’ clutch under your arm and be ready to receive countless compliments. Très jolie!

Since it launched back in 2006, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s brand, The Row, has become a byword for understated luxury. To own one of its achingly cool, minimalist designs is to join a club of sorts, recognized only by the most sartorially literate. The handbags – beautifully crafted from fine leather in Italy and stamped with the most discreet, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it logos – are a perfect example of this stealth-wealth aesthetic. Introduced in 2021, the ‘N/S Park’ tote, carried by New Yorkers Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence and Zoë Kravitz, has a soft bucket shape and comes in three different sizes – the largest has plenty of space for a laptop or change of clothes. Joining its ranks is the ‘Marlo’, which is supple and ultra slouchy, making it ideal when traveling. Alternatively, for something daintier, carry the brand’s cylindrical ‘90s’ top-handle bag to dinner or wear the sleek yet practical ‘Slouchy Banana’ crossbody on weekends.

The late Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaïa approached the body as a sculpture, crafting his masterpieces through fabric, cut and silhouette. His brand’s handbags are similarly finessed: the curved shape of the new ‘Le Click’ style means it sits comfortably under your arm, while the heart-shaped ‘Le Coeur’ crossbody looks like a piece of art and is perfect for date night or as a gift for a loved one. ‘Le Teckel’ takes its name from the French word for dachshund, on account of its elongated shape, and has tubular handles – designed by Pieter Mulier, it debuted on Alaïa’s SS24 runway and is already a modern classic.

Since it launched in 2014, Swedish label Toteme has garnered a cult following among fashion purists, who appreciate clever design and craftsmanship minus the labels. The brand’s softly structured ‘Belted’ and ‘Suede’ totes are practical and timeless, while the ‘T-Lock’ bag – launched in November 2022 – comes in both a clutch and a top-handle style and is the epitome of understated elegance; no wonder Katie Holmes, who has one in every color, is rarely seen without hers.

One of the most anticipated debuts of 2024, Alessandro Michele’s first collection as creative director at Valentino Garavani did not disappoint. The clothes were, of course, magical but the bags were pretty special, too. Inspired by the ’70s, the ‘Viva Superstar’ spotlights a magnified version of the maison’s ‘VLOGO’ and has a slinky chain strap that is synonymous with the decade. If you’re a sucker for a cross-body bag, then be prepared to fall head over heels for the following two styles. While ‘9to5’ is (as its name suggests) an elegant everyday option, ‘Vain’ is a chic choice for evening and has just enough room inside for your phone and compact.

When it comes to handbags that stand the test of time, few do it better than Gucci – in particular, its bestselling ‘Jackie 1961’ style, which has been a must-have since the 1960s. Named after former First Lady and style icon Jacqueline Kennedy, the bag had a modern makeover and counts Jodie Turner-Smith and Cate Blanchett among its fans. For those who love a little monogram moment, the ‘GG Emblem’ ticks all the boxes, and with a variety of shapes – from roomy totes to compact shoulder bags – to choose from, we’re truly spoilt for choice. Then, there’s the ‘Blondie’ – first debuted on the CR25 runway in London and modeled in the accompanying campaign by rock legend Debbie Harry, from whose band it takes its name, the satchel style spotlights an archival logo originally used in the ’70s. But, of all the bags in the Gucci stable, we have our eye on the new ‘Softbit Maxi’, which reimagines the brand’s iconic horsebit and comes in a soft, huggable shape.

Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weave remains one of its longest standing house codes, making its logo-less bags instantly identifiable to those in the know. The ‘Andiamo’ tote is effortlessly sophisticated – and, thanks to its size, wonderfully practical – while the softly structured ‘Hop’ style is designed to mold to the body, making it supremely comfortable to carry. For evenings, or days where you have less to carry, there’s the diminutive ‘Parachute’ bag, the vanity case-inspired ‘Bang Bang’ tote or the supple ‘Lauren 1980’ clutch; named after actress Lauren Hutton, who wore the original version in the iconic ’80s film American Gigolo.

From cool-girl ballet flats and cowboy boots to must-have chunky earrings, New York label Khaite knows how to create a cult accessory, and its handbags are no exception. Designed in collaboration with prestigious factories in Veneto and Tuscany, Italy, each style is masterfully crafted using exquisite materials, from irresistibly soft suede to plush pebbled leather in dynamic, considered shapes. Choose between the new-and-improved ‘Lotus’ tote in durable, lightweight canvas – inspired by the fluidity of a scarf and reinforced with leather for structure – the elegant ‘Audrey’ bag in refined raffia and leather or the square shape of the ‘Lina’ style, which comes in an array of colors and textures, including this glossy red leather version. Alternatively, the ‘Elena’ bag is reminiscent of classic ’90s shoulder-bag styles and embellished with studs for a dose of rock ’n’ roll while the ‘Simona’ taps into the season’s trend for baguette-shaped arm candy.

Ensure your bags last longer with expert advice from repair-and-alterations service The Seam:

1. Store handbags to maintain their shape and protect the fabric

When they’re not in use, leather handbags should be stored away from any light source to protect the pigmentation and finish of the leather. You can achieve this by storing it in a dust-bag when it isn’t in your regular wardrobe rotation.

It’s important not to store handbags hanging by their handles, as this can distort the handle’s integrity over time. Structured handbags should be stored empty – even ones you wear frequently – to give them the opportunity to air out. Less structured bags can be stored with crumpled paper inside to help maintain their shape and avoid creases.

2. Use maintenance products with caution

Leather cleaners and moisturizers can be an effective way to renew handbags at home and preserve them over time. That said, it’s important to ensure that the product you’re using is suitable for the treatment, pigment and finish of any given bag.

You should never use leather cleaners or moisturizers on ink or grease stains, as these products can make them worse. When in doubt, enlist an expert at The Seam. For bags that you use regularly, an annual professional clean is a good idea.

3. Don’t wait around for needed repairs

When handbags begin to show signs of wear, acting quickly on these services can reduce the cost. Some of the most common handbag services performed at The Seam include refinishing scuffed leather surfaces and repairing cracked piping.

The sooner the damage is addressed, the simpler the fix. It’s also true that scuffed leather is more prone to permanent stains, because the seal on the leather finish has been broken, so bringing it to a specialist before continuing wear is advised.

Find out how to extend the life of your clothes and accessories with our Repair & Rewear service, powered by The Seam

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