Handbags speak louder than words
A Chanel or Louis Vuitton might set you back by a few lakh rupees, but class doesn’t come cheap
What’s in a (brand) name? Well, lots. The instantly recognisable CC lock of Chanel, the GG monogram of Gucci or the signature equestrian form of a Ralph Lauren bag — each defines the owner as much as the brand it symbolises.
Luxury bags can be quite exquisite and expensive too, with some costing a few lakh rupees. Take the 2.55 flap bag, Chanel’s most iconic piece to date. What makes it coveted? Brand representative Deepam Sinha explains that this is the first hands-free bag ever made and a symbol of women’s liberty, pioneered by Mademoiselle Coco Chanel. In post World WAR-II France, when ideas of liberty and equality were gaining ground, this was the first-ever design created to help women break free, because earlier, they were mostly behind men. Mademoiselle had designed it in February, the second month of the year 1955, which explains the name 2.55. Priced at ~4.5 lakh, the bag is made of lambskin and caviar leather, both top quality materials that can withstand water- and heat-induced damage.
Another “code” of Chanel, Sinha adds, is the trademark quilting of the brand. Mademoiselle, who was into horse riding, drew inspiration from the quilting in the saddle and replicated it on to the purse.
It is these stories of antiquity, legacy and finesse that hold sway on the high net worth buyer, though the association of a piece with a celebrated owner is also a strong factor. For instance, the Lady Dior Bag was popularised by Lady Diana, who carried it religiously to practically every event she attended.
Bestsellers in India: Among ultra-luxury bags, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Jimmy Choo and Bottega Veneta are the most sought after, in that order, says the spokesperson of Luxepolis.com, an online luxury marketplace in India. These, he adds, are followed by “affordable luxury” branded bags such as Michael Kors, Burberry, Coach, Tory Burch, DKNY.
Any brand typically has totes, clutches and crossbody handbags, but there are certain bestsellers within each category. The Jimmy Choo Pumps with gold glitters, Michael Kors Jet Set totes, Chanel’s classic
double- and single-flap bags, and the knot clutches of Bottega Veneta are very popular. Many of these brands never go on sale, and new collections are added, albeit in limited edition. Chanel recently launched its teal collection while Ralph Lauren launched the RL50 handbag, conceived on the brand’s 50th anniversary.
According to a Ralph Lauren company spokesperson, “With its belted body and curved topline, RL50 comes in four sizes of mini, medium, large and oversized and a variety of supple materials, including calfskin, snakeskin, alligator and ostrich. There’s a smorgasbord of colours available, too, because Lauren, who celebrated five decades in fashion last year, knows what a woman wants — and what she needs.”
What’s trending
Many of these luxury bags are handcrafted. For Hermes Birkins, artisans take 48 hours to create a single bag, while it takes twelve hours just to stitch Ralph Lauren creations. Sometimes it’s a matter of craftsmanship, and at others, it’s about the heritage that makes it a collector’s item. “We create a romance with the past with our bags,” says Haresh Mirpuri, founder Aranyani, whose hand-painted and handembroidered bags are made of Italian leather and imbued with classical Indian motifs such as Kesuda.
With the festive season around the corner, most offline and online retailers say that Diwali and Christmas are big sale triggers. Hence the period starting from October 10 and ending in the first week of January is significant. Glitter and gold clutches move fast during this season, says the store manager of a London-based premium bag brand. Otherwise, shoulder bags are back in vogue. Totes are always preferred and one of the top-selling bag categories. Pastel colours are in demand. Solids and monograms are evergreens.
“Both over-sized and mini bags are trending,” says Kapur of Hidesign. He feels that while people love carrying large travel or work bags, micro bags have become highly popular as they make suitable accessories to the handbag. The world is moving towards unisex shapes that are more casual. Tan is the staple colour.
There is heightened interest in small sling bags that allow you to be hands-free when you lead an active, on-the-go life. From casual and formal day bags to party bags, these small bags work for all kinds of occasions. In the large-bag category, people prefer tech-friendly products that can store just about everything — mobile phones, ipads, wallets, car keys, make-up kit, a small bottle of water, napkins, hair brush, face swipes and sunglasses.