The Designer Investment Bags of 2021
Since the start of 2020, we have seen a heavier focus on digital mediums to keep up to date with ‘it’ pieces. Fashion Week attendees swapped their front row seat for prime viewing on their laptops, and followers of editors and influencers were given a sneak peak of what accessories will be the ones to watch for the following season via social media.
This season, we are seeing classic shapes reinvented. Nearly all the Ready to Wear collections were streamed online the past few seasons. A benefit? Runways are no longer exclusive viewing for the fashion industry elite. Anyone can click and add items to their wish list with only a few months to wait for delivery, which allows time to sit and ponder on that investment bag rather than impulse buying.
So which bags are the investment pieces for this year?
BURBERRY: TB Monogram or The Olympia
Launched spring/summer 2019 season, chief creative officer, Riccardo Tisci introduced one of his first handbag styles for the British label, the TB bag. Designed by Tisci himself in collaboration with British art director and graphic designer Peter Saville.
May, 2021 - The launch of The Olympia bag modelled by FKA twigs, Kendall Jenner, and Shygirl. Designed by Tisci, the Olympia bag takes inspiration from the distinctive architecture of Burberry’s Fall-Winter 2020 show, held at Kensington Olympia in London.
“When designing the Olympia, I was thinking about creating the perfect form of a handbag, something that could capture the essence of femininity”
GUCCI Diana, Jackie or 1955 Horsebit
The Gucci Jackie was named after former American First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who started sporting the bag during the more bohemian years of her second marriage, although the bag was invented in 1961. Fast forward to 2021, and the star-studded Gucci Beloved Campaign. The launch placed stars in the setting of the imagined ‘Beloved Show’ hosted by James Corden.
After the roaring success of its reborn Jackie bag, Gucci has brought back another beloved accessory from the brand’s archive - Gucci Diana. Princess Diana’s favourite bamboo handle tote has been reimagined by Alessandro Michele some 20 years after the original caught the royal’s eye.
BOYY BOUTIQUE Karl 24 or Bobby
I first bought into this brand in 2018 (my cream Karl 24) and 3 years on, Ladies still stop and ask me what brand of bag I’m sporting. It might not be a name as popular as ones listed above, but it’s always stayed true to it’s branding and a firm fashion editor favourite.
The Bobby soft design has caught my eye in recent months. Given the size and versatility, I think this could be a front runner for a ‘back to work’ style, and ‘carry on’ option for travel days ahead.
PRADA Cleo
There is no doubt the Cleo made a bold statement towards the end of 2020, and this ‘it’ style is here to stay. First debuted in Prada's S/S 21 'Multiple Views' menswear show and then again in the S/S 21 womenswear collection, the Cleo is a modern rethinking of the brand's iconic bags from the '90s that's finished with sleek, clean lines and the signature Prada logo.
DIOR 30 Montaigne or Lady Dior
Dubbed 30 Montaigne in a reference to the brand's iconic address, the bag designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri features a distinctive hand-sculpted logo and a gold-tone clasp decorated with the initials ‘CD’. A classic wearable style which can be worn cross body or as a shoulder bag.
Dior’s iconic bag, the Lady Dior, features all the hallmarks of Dior leather goods: soft lambskin topstitched with the iconic Cannage motif, rounded handles and D.i.o.r charms. Named after the late Princess Diana, this style holds longevity. See more here
LOEWE Basket or Raffia
A trend that never tired. In all honesty, I thought my Loewe basket bag might not weather over the years; but it has lasted me 3 summers and is still going strong. A traditional basket bag elevated with a classic handwoven body and beautifully crafted calfskin top handles. What I love about the collection is the change in slight detailing over the seasons, such as the raffia and Anagram basket styles.
Louis Vuitton Capucines Bag
Named after the very first boutique Louis Vuitton opened along Rue Neuve-des- Capucines in 1854, the Capucines bag with its architectural form and minimalistic style is fast becoming one of the French brand’s most recognisable and beloved designs. Léa Seydoux evokes the sensual beauty of Marilyn Monroe as the star of Louis Vuitton’s latest campaign for the LV Capucines bag. With its history and meaningful elements of the bag, it is a soulful reflection of the Louis Vuitton woman; sophisticated, feminine and filled with character.
The earthy tones compliment any neutral wardrobe, and it’s the perfect size to take you from day to night.
DEMELLIER LONDON Alexandria or Milan
I met with owner Mireia Llusia-Lindh in 2019 one winter evening in Pimlico, London for a hot tea and to chat about the Demellier brand. What draws me to DeMellier is the minimal designs and clean visuals. The styles are timeless, and each bag uses real leather of the highest quality, sustainably sourced exclusively in Italy and Spain. Not to mention that for every bag purchased, DeMellier funds lifesaving vaccines and medical treatments aimed to save the life of a child in need.
Direction, styling, words and photography by Yours Truly