TINY BAGS BIG ON STYLE
Niche Italian-made bags stand out at the new Corso Como 88 in One Ayala.
All fashion forecasts point to the return of the giant carry-all, but the ease and whimsy of a tiny bag has its place in every bag collector’s repertoire. Carrying a stuffed tote to cocktails is not only a faux pas; it’s also simply uncomfortable. With the bare-essentials capacity of a clutch and minaudiere but sturdier in shape, tiny bags are perfect for not-quite-formal events, making every look feel cute and polished.
Corso Como Street in Milan is a destination for shopping and dining. In One Ayala, the one-stop shop transportation hub and gateway to the Ayala Center in Makati, it carries designer bags and shoes, from high-end to indie and upand-coming with a fully functional café at its heart, whipping up tasty cappuccinos even after lunch. My favorite part is spotting niche Italian brands that you’d normally have to be there to discover for yourself.
There are the usual suspects: the Jacquemus Le Bambino is a 2020s classic. Alaia’s Le Coeur is a more romantic take that’s also surprisingly roomy enough for every day. Boyy’s Wonton 20 is for those who want the carefree feel of a bucket bag. Designed and headquartered in different parts of the world, these “it bags” have one thing in common. They are all made in Italy.
The city of Modena is known for Ferrari and balsamic vinegar and their generations of artisans display as much artistry as their automaking and culinary contemporaries. Italian through and through, Biagini 1968 is a Modena-based brand that keeps 1960s and ’70s glamor alive with its authentically retro shapes. They hand-paint their fine Italian leather bags in a range of finishes; their hand-carved, hand-painted bag handles make them feel too precious to take out and use, but that’s what makes them so unique, and will be sure conversation starters.
At once bold and minimal, Jiano is a Georgian brand by way of Tbilisi handmade in natural and eco-leather from Italy, letting its graphic rectangular shape shine with vibrant colorways. Don’t let its size fool you — because of its simple shape, it’s spacious for a tiny bag. Its handle is integrated into its frame, making it sturdy and easy to hold and hook on your elbows.
There’s more to discover at Corso Como like Buti Italia and Lacucci with their take on iconic designs. Niche fragrances like Florence-based Bois 1920, selected among the best five olfactory expressions at the FiFi Awards (the Oscars of perfumery) in New York in 2012, complete the Italian experience.
The newest Corso Como is at 3/F of One Ayala, Ayala Center, Makati.