I HEART ME
No guy? No worries. Treat your loved ones - or yourself - with some of the best pink pieces in stores this Valentine’s.
Don’t wait around for a Valentine to get you that perfect gift — head out and splurge on yourself. The best person to choose a gift you’d like is yourself anyway, so treat yourself to some material sweetness with handbags in the spirit of this red-hued holiday.
Whether you’re looking to show some TLC to yourself or your loved ones, we’ve rounded up pink pieces that suit the occasion as well as worded collections if you need a bit of help with getting your message across.
Of course, huge love-themed motifs don’t make for the kind of versatile usage compatible for the rest of the year, but you can still get in the spirit of this season of love with sweet colours and an inconspicuous use of hearts. Tory Burch offers their iconic handbags and must-have Minnie Travel ballets in shades such as pastel pink, bougainvillea pink, rose gold and hot pink — an upbeat but adaptable selection that can be used year round.
If you want to amp up the Valentine’s factor a notch, their Saucy Watch has i vory gold hearts and clovers decorating the leather strap. On the jewellery side, wear the love with the pearl heart-shaped necklace and earrings, or pick the set that flaunts the word “amore” for a playful mix of red lips and mother of pearl. If you prefer something a lot more maximal, MCM goes Madonna this season, with colours and neon tints that bring back the 80s. The studs are still there, but they also come as pearls, while the pink bag packs feature brilliant holographic, colour studs that bring to mind the comics artworks of Roy Lichtenstein.
Futuristic yet still eye-popping, these surprisingly light bags bring a pop-art vibe to a brand long-known for its ubiquitous monogram. They also venture into new territory with their classic Patricia bags by going with bright, colourblocking swatches, such as lipstick pink paired with apricot orange.
The other pink pick from this German leather house plays with the pattern of wire mesh and fishnet tights — all of which goes strangely well with the pastel pink-and-gold hardware. The rabbit charm comes surrounded by a matching ball of fur, in this radical makeover that feels punk-rock but luxurious at the same time.
On the more verbal hand, let Longchamp or Kate Spade do the talking for you, if you can’t quite bring yourself to perform those actual acts of affection or utter those little three words. The Kiss & Love collection from Longchamp gets straight to the point, with their tickled-pink and fuchsia clutches, and silk scarves professing love and the need for kisses. It’s not just silkscreened on — some parts are embroidered in Lurex thread or even sequins, for a pop of eyecatching texture.
If you don’t need words, their traditional leather bags come in colours as bold as your feelings, making the shopping bag a cheerful complement to any outfit for Valentine’s Day.
While getting straight to the point saves time, being witty is always a good tease. Kate Spade’s crystal-encased iPhone case has KISS ME splashed across, with a smaller, tongue-incheek “you fool” in smaller print underneath — because who wants to seem that forlorn when casually flashing their cover to handsome strangers? Their typewriter handbag also discreetly spells it out with a cheeky tag that says “You’re just my type”, while their card holders flaunt a bird motif.
In Thai, the bird term ( nok) is actually a horror, as it is slang used to refer to the act of one practically flinging themselves at their prospect, but still getting shot down. In English, the message is a lot more affectionate, with the red bird on the Kate Spade holder delivering the promising words: “You’re a rare bird XO.”