Introducing the enchanting VALENTINO GARAVANI Straw Summer Petite Tote.
Experience the epitome of luxury with this exquisitely crafted tote, complete with a sophisticated gift box, elegant literature, a protective dust bag, and an authenticity card as a mark of high-end quality.
Embrace the allure of charming summer bags inspired by rattan, raffia, and canvas elements. Fashion icons and Vogue connoisseurs have popularized woven bags as a year-round accessory. With chic designs from VALENTINO, it’s never been more effortless to join this stylish trend.
The VALENTINO GARAVANI Straw Summer Petite Tote captivates with its intricate raffia weave and the distinguished brass-toned VLogo plaque, an unmistakable emblem of the prestigious Valentino Garavani brand. The detachable shoulder strap is embellished with iconic Roman Studs, another signature element of the brand’s refined aesthetic.
Wondering how to style a straw bag with panache?
Our stylist suggests considering three key factors: size, structure, and color. “The key lies in the harmony of the overall outfit. For instance, a black straw crossbody paired with a blazer and tailored shorts creates a distinct vibe compared to a brown straw tote matched with a dress,” he explains. “However, some styles are versatile enough to complement anything from a graceful, billowy summer dress to a classic professional ensemble, like a blazer and trousers.”
Luxury brands have long been associated with high-quality products, exquisite designs, and exclusive distribution. However, the question arises: are these brands still delivering on their promise of quality, or are they sacrificing it for vulgarity?
Luxury brands like CHANEL, DIOR, LOUIS VUITTON, DOLCE GABBANA, FENDI, and others have always been synonymous with high prices, justified by their quality, materials, and craftsmanship. But in recent years, the quality of luxury products has declined, with many brands resorting to outsourcing production to cut costs. For instance, DOLCE&GABBANA has been accused of compromising the quality of its products by manufacturing them with independent manufacturers in China.
Moreover, some luxury brands have turned to vulgarity in their designs and marketing, which has left many consumers questioning the integrity of these brands. The traditional concepts of beauty and elegance have been blurred, and some luxury brands produce products that some consumers deem vulgar.
The characteristics of luxury are no longer as evident in many luxury brands as they once were.
The characteristics of luxury – price, quality, aesthetics, rarity, extraordinariness, and symbolism – are no longer as evident in many luxury brands as they once were. The high price point remains, but the quality of products has deteriorated, and the exclusivity and rarity of luxury items are no longer guaranteed. In addition, the creativity and originality of luxury brands are being overshadowed by mass-produced designs and blatant copying of other brands’ products
One of the most significant issues with luxury brands today is the quality of their customer service. Many consumers are experiencing rude and ignorant reception by customer care services, and the after-sales service leaves much to be desired. Luxury brands must realize that customer service is a crucial aspect of their business and invest in it accordingly. The decline in the quality of luxury products and the rise of vulgarity have made many consumers question whether these brands are worth the high price tag. In conclusion, luxury brands must re-focus on quality, exclusivity, and originality to remain relevant and desirable to their consumers.
Luxury Product Quality: The Pitfall of Vulgarity in Luxury Brands
Luxury brands are known for their exquisite quality, craftsmanship, and elegance. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of luxury brands associating themselves with vulgarity, both in their products and the people they represent.
Luxury brands – Vulgarity and QualitySCHIAPARELLI Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2020-2021 Paris
Unfortunately, many luxury brands have forgotten this wisdom and instead rely on social media platforms like Instagram to promote their products. They often choose influencers and celebrities based solely on their number of followers, even if those followers are fake. This approach has led to many luxury brands becoming associated with rappers and other celebrities with large followings but little interest or capacity to buy their products. Luxury brands need to understand their target audience’s demands and financial capacities. Rappers and other celebrities may have millions of followers on social media. Still, only a tiny fraction of those followers will likely have the interest and means to buy luxury goods. One luxury brand that has fallen into the pitfall of vulgarity is SCHIAPARELLI. Despite having a rich heritage in surrealism, the brand has recently chosen to associate itself with sadomasochism and rappers, which has caused many to question its direction.
SCHIAPARELLI by Daniel Roseberry for Violet Chachki and Alliex – performance A LOT MORE MESCHIAPARELLI Haute Couture Spring Summer 2021 by RUNWAY MAGAZINESchiaparelli by Daniel Roseberry for Lizzo and Cardib – performance RUMORSChanel, Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabbana for Nicki Minaj and WHOLE LOTTA MONEY
Other luxury brands, such as CHANEL, LOUIS VUITTON, FENDI, and DOLCE&GABBANA, have also given their products to rappers and celebrities. However, they have not actively advertised this on their Instagram accounts and maintained a more sophisticated and refined image. In conclusion, luxury brands must remember that vulgarity is the antithesis of luxury. By associating themselves with vulgar trends and celebrities, they risk diluting their brand image and losing their core customer base. Instead, luxury brands should focus on producing high-quality products that showcase their craftsmanship and elegance and promote themselves more sophisticatedly and refinedly.
Adopting the Never Pay Retail approach means believing you can look fabulous without emptying your wallet.
Embrace the Never Pay Retail Mindset:
Experience the thrill of snagging your favorite items at insider prices, sample sales, or resale values. Remember, your shopping experience should be about expressing your unique style, not fixating on the price tag or brand name.
Become a Smart Shopper and a Lifelong Bargain Enthusiast:
Knowing your style will guide you amidst a sea of shopping choices. It will help you determine which items suit your taste and which are better suited for someone else. Without a clear sense of your style, you’ll have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. To avoid making purchases based on sales, others’ opinions, or persuasive salespeople, you need confidence in your vision.
Develop Your Style with a Touch of Self-Knowledge: Recognize your innate preferences and embrace your unique style. You won’t suddenly start wearing leopard prints and miniskirts if you’ve always been drawn to tailored suits. With some self-awareness, you’ll learn which stores, websites, styles, and designers cater to your taste.
Discover to make intelligent purchases, befriend salespeople for exclusive deals, revamp your closet on a budget, spot high-quality clothes and accessories at rock-bottom prices, and shop safely at reliable online stores selling premium replica luxury bags
Unleash Your Unique Fashion Identity:
Identifying your style is essential for becoming a lifelong Bargain Babe. Knowing your type helps you navigate endless options and prevents impulsive purchases that don’t align with your taste or budget.
Seek Inspiration and Evolve Your Style:
Let your style evolve by drawing inspiration from various sources. This approach will make your shopping experience enjoyable and help discover hidden gems others overlook. Remember, inspiration can be found anywhere, whether in Ibiza or Idaho.
Find Your Style Icons and Learn from Their Fashion Choices:
Observe women with similar traits or body shapes as yours and analyze their looks for inspiration. Notice how they exude confidence and emulate their best style choices. At the same time, learn from their fashion mistakes to avoid your missteps. Embracing the Never Pay Retail lifestyle will allow you to look fabulous without breaking the bank while expressing your unique fashion personality.
LVMH Luxury takes a hit as protesters demand a fairer share from the elites.
In the land of baguettes and haute couture, it seems the rich are not immune to the demands of the working class. A swarm of French workers, united in their opposition to pension reforms, recently staged a “symbolic and peaceful” protest at the Paris headquarters of luxury conglomerate LVMH (Moët HennessyLOUIS VUITTON). Decked out in union flags and armed with red smoke bombs, they flooded the lavish entrance hall to convey their message: “Take it from the pockets of billionaires.”
LVMH’s billionaire Chairman and Chief Executive, Bernard Arnault. With his company enjoying a post-pandemic boom in luxury demand and a 26% share value increase.
The main target of their ire? None other than LVMH’s billionaire Chairman and Chief Executive, Bernard Arnault. With his company enjoying a post-pandemic boom in luxury demand and a 26% share value increase since the start of the year, the protesters have good reason to question why the rich can’t contribute more to the state pension.
The French have been striking and marching against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension policies for over three months. Among the 400 protestors who stormed LVMH headquarters were workers from healthcare, education, and rail sectors. Their collective grievance: the unilateral decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 without parliamentary vote.
One of the solutions to finance the pension system is to tax the billionaires.
And what better place to stage their demonstration than LVMH, which just posted a sparkling first-quarter revenue of 21 billion euros, up 17% from last year? Sud-Rail Union’s Fabien Villedieu put it succinctly: “One of the solutions to finance the pension system is a better redistribution of wealth, and the best way to do that is to tax the billionaires.”
A collective of workers, typically associated with grit and hard labor, infiltrating the glitzy world of luxury fashion.
While the protestors’ demands may be serious, the irony is delicious: a collective of workers, typically associated with grit and hard labor, infiltrating the glitzy world of luxury fashion. It’s a stark reminder that, while the rich may be able to afford the finer things in life, they cannot escape the growing pressure to address social inequality.
As the protests continue to unfold, one thing is clear: luxury brands like LVMH can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to the pleas of the working class. In an era where “looking good” is increasingly synonymous with “doing good,” it’s time for the luxury industrial complex to step up, pay their fair share, and help create a more equitable society. After all, even the most exquisite handbag can’t buy social harmony.
Protest Against Macron and the French Government in France
Who needs a genuine luxury bag when you can get a fake one for a fraction of the price?
Why waste your hard-earned cash on the latest CHANEL, LOUIS VUITTON, or GUCCI bag when you can snag a convincing knockoff online? Who cares if it falls apart after a few wears? At least you’ll look fabulous in those Instagram snaps!
Take a stand against “greedflation” and show them who’s boss by investing in a high-quality fake.
Reasons to buy a fake designer bag? Let me count the ways! First, it’s an excellent way to fight against greedy luxury brands. Why should they get all the profits? Take a stand against “greedflation” and show them who’s boss by investing in a high-quality fake.
Scouring the internet for the perfect imitation designer bag is like a high-stakes treasure hunt.
Secondly, let’s talk about the thrill of the chase. Scouring the internet for the perfect imitation designer bag is like a high-stakes treasure hunt. Will you find the 1:1 copy or end up with a shoddy knockoff? The suspense is killing me!
You can have a “LOUIS VUITTON” bag that’s practically indistinguishable from the real thing.
But the best reason of all to buy a fake luxury bag? It’s a surefire way to make a statement. Who needs an authentic LOUIS VUITTON when you can have a “LOUIS VUITTON” bag that’s practically indistinguishable from the real thing? It’s like saying, “I’m too cool for school but not too cool for a fake designer bag.” It’s the ultimate power move.
Some may argue that buying fake luxury bags is illegal or immoral. But who cares about that? As the saying goes, “Fake it till you make it!” And in this case, you’ll be faking it with style. So, let your inner fashionista shine, and don’t be afraid to embrace the fake.
It’s not about the bag you carry but the attitude you bring to it.
And if anyone gives you a hard time about it, flash them your faux FENDI and tell them to step off. Because in the end, it’s not about the bag you carry but the attitude you bring to it.
FOR GEN Z, BUYING FAKE FASHION IS NO LONGER A FAUX PAS
Some fake handbags might support sweatshops, but genuine ones can also be made in poor conditions in third-world countries. If the ethicality of sweatshop labor truly matters to people, then buyers should dispose of all goods marked from countries that allow sweatshop labor.
Myth 2: Fake Handbags Pose Health Dangers
There is no evidence that fake designer bags pose health risks, despite misconceptions linking them to other counterfeit goods. Nevertheless, some chemicals used in manufacturing all bags could be risky. No product has ever been deemed dangerous by the U.S. government.
Myth 3: Police May Arrest Fake Handbag Buyers
US buyers won’t be arrested for purchasing fake handbags, as law enforcement focuses on sellers rather than buyers.
Myth 4: Fake Handbags Support Terrorism & Crime
No direct link exists between fake luxury bags and terrorism, but counterfeit goods may indirectly support corruption in third-world countries. Other daily items could have stronger terrorism ties. The oil industry, a murky business, possesses more direct connections to terrorism.
Myth 5: Expensive Bags Must be Real
Some counterfeiters price fakes close to originals, preying on buyers seeking discounts. To avoid scams, buy a genuine article only from authorized retailers. The problem is that super-fake handbags are hard to tell from the real deal and might be al
Myth 6: All Fakes are Bad Quality
Some “super fakes” closely resemble authentic bags and boast high quality. Replica luxury bags have varying quality levels, so examine them in person.
Myth 7: Bags with Logos are Real Because Counterfeit Bags Cannot Use Logos
Counterfeiters ignore copyright laws, which is evident in their business. “Super fake” bags replicate logos, materials, hardware, and other details of genuine bags. Some online retailers ban brand names in ads to fight counterfeiting, requiring buyers to use alternative search terms.
Myth 8: Buying Online is Better than Buying in Person
Buying Online is Better Buying in person is usually better, as online shopping can’t show true quality and may be susceptible to scams.
Myth 9: Serial Numbers Mean a Bag is Real
Serial numbers, dust bags, and tags can be faked. Treat all anti-counterfeit features with skepticism.
Designer replicas are becoming increasingly popular as they now offer quality similar to the original luxury items, encouraging people to wear them without shame.
In the past, wearing a counterfeit designer product could tarnish one’s reputation. However, the high-quality knock offs available today have disrupted the luxury influencing scene, with more people embracing them proudly. British blogger Georgia May revealed a $75 knockoff of LOUIS VUITTONS’s Capucines BB handbag to her 240,000 TikTok followers, even though the authentic product retails for $6,750.
As the economy evolves, designer replicas are gaining social acceptance. Data from the European Union Intellectual Property Office shows that 37% of Gen Z respondents admitted to buying fake products in the past year. TikTok content tagged with #DHgate, a Chinese marketplace notorious for selling counterfeit designer goods, has garnered 3 billion views.
British blogger Georgia May
The rise of knockoffs challenges influencer-driven consumerism and the need for expensive, high-end labels to maintain a polished online presence
Some luxury influencers, like Jeffrey Huang, argue that counterfeit products undermine the luxury market, as people buy fake items and pass them off as authentic. However, others contend that the rise of knockoffs challenges influencer-driven consumerism and the need for expensive, high-end labels to maintain a polished online presence. As counterfeit goods become more sophisticated and visually indistinguishable from the real thing, influencers are adopting them to achieve the appearance of affluence.
TikTok
The counterfeit luxury industry, estimated to be worth $400-$600 billion, has sparked the need for authentication services to differentiate between real and fake products. Advocates for counterfeit items argue that buying fakes is a financially savvy choice in times of economic uncertainty. For some, it’s an act of defiance against an industry that thrives on exclusivity and scarcity.
Critics have also accused luxury influencers of being out of touch with their audience’s financial realities.
However, there are ethical concerns regarding the counterfeit industry. Brett Staniland, a model and sustainable fashion creator, highlights the importance of fair wages and intellectual property rights for those who produce these items. Critics have also accused luxury influencers of being out of touch with their audience’s financial realities.
With soaring inflation rates, it’s not surprising that creators are prioritizing their own needs over ethical considerations.
Despite these concerns, luxury influencers like Huang remain unapologetic about their content, which some followers appreciate for its aspirational quality. As fast-fashion brands attempt to become more sustainable, luxury brands continue to grapple with the growing popularity of knockoffs. The normalization of counterfeit items raises questions about the impact on design houses, manufacturers, department stores, and consumers, but with soaring inflation rates, it’s not surprising that creators are prioritizing their own needs over ethical considerations.
Luxury Purses, Overexposed, the Overrated, and the Outright Exhausting.
Ah, the modern age! Where we spend a staggering 2.5 hours a day scrolling through social media, allowing our minds to be occupied by the latest trends and fads. For a select few, like yours truly, this digital dalliance is a necessary evil, a work-related hazard. But let’s not mince words, shall we? It’s the perfect opportunity for luxury fashion brands to infiltrate our brains, determined to have us believe we absolutely need that shiny new purse. Take GUCCI, for instance, practically force-feeding us their bamboo top-handle flap bag. How charming.
Now, as a self-proclaimed luxury purse aficionado, I’m not opposed to the occasional handbag being thrust upon me. What does irk me, though, is the sight of that very same luxury purse paraded on every celebrity, influencer, and advertisement in existence. It’s called luxury purse fatigue, and it’s reaching epidemic proportions.
Luxury purse fatigue is the burnout we experience when a particular handbag reaches peak saturation in the media.
What is this Purse Fatigue, you ask? In a world where we’re exhausted by the most mundane of choices, luxury purse fatigue is the burnout we experience when a particular handbag reaches peak saturation in the media. And who’s to blame for this overexposure? The usual suspects: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and good ol’ Google.
With most of us unable to acquire every luxury designer bag our hearts desire, social media offers a virtual buffet of vicarious indulgence. Reviews, influencers, and advertisements give us a taste of luxury without the price tag. But in a cutthroat industry where every brand is vying for our attention, it seems overexposure is the key to being noticed. How delightfully counterintuitive.
The result? The mystique of a luxury item dissipates when every Hadid, Jenner, and their extended family flaunts it on the ‘gram. Oh, the joys of luxury purse fatigue!
“But wait,” I hear you cry, “does purse fatigue always lead to saturation?” Fear not, for it is a matter of personal perception. A dash of visibility among the right crowd can be tantalizing. Overdo it, however, and that once-exclusive accessory is now as common as the cold.
Visibility has long been a concern for the luxury market, with the inflated price of exclusivity being a primary selling point.
Visibility has long been a concern for the luxury market, with the inflated price of exclusivity being a primary selling point. But when everyone and their cousin sports the same accessory, that veneer of exclusivity cracks, and purse fatigue ensues.
So, what’s a fashion house to do? While addressing saturation can involve limiting production or implementing quota arrangements, purse fatigue proves a trickier beast. Designers must carefully select the ideal brand representatives, avoiding any perceived dilution of their image. But can we truly expect them not to pursue every sale with relentless vigor? After all, money makes the fashion world go ’round.
The evolving definition of luxury now finds us seeking solace in lesser-known, inconspicuous indie designers. We might still ogle the latest GUCCI or PRADA, but when it comes to spending our hard-earned cash, we’re opting for unique, under-the-radar treasures that truly reflect our individuality.
Add to this the rise of counterfeiters exploiting social media to create replicas before the real deal even hits the shelves, and one must ask: what does this all say about the state of the luxury industry? Are you as fatigued by it as I am?
Welcome to the golden era of dupes! In a world where luxury has become an aspirational pursuit, TikTok is serving us a delicious buffet of irony and sarcasm.
Say goodbye to the days when owning the latest GUCCI belt was a must-have status symbol. Today, it’s all about finding the perfect dupe and flaunting it with a wink and a nod.
At the heart of this fascinating trend is the dupe mindset – a cheeky, yet self-aware perspective on the luxury industry. Strolling through Target or Walmart, it’s hard not to notice the uncanny resemblance of certain items to their high-end counterparts. But the dupe mindset isn’t just about finding knockoffs; it’s about embracing the humor and irony in chasing after a carefully curated lifestyle on a budget.
It seems that Gen Z has shifted the narrative around knockoffs and luxury.
TikTok has played a vital role in transforming the concept of dupes from a taboo into a viral sensation. With hashtags like #reps, #dupe, and #tiktokmademebuyit racking up billions of views, it seems that Gen Z has shifted the narrative around knockoffs and luxury. Today, finding the perfect dupe is no longer a guilty secret, but rather a fun and exciting challenge.
But why the sudden love for dupes? It could be the result of inflation, a decline in production quality, or simply a new generation of cash-strapped teens with an unquenchable thirst for high-end living. Whatever the reason, the hunt for the perfect dupe has become a profitable game for content creators and a source of endless entertainment for their audiences.
In a delightful twist of irony, influencers are now creating “dupe” content by mimicking each other’s videos.
What’s even more interesting is how the meaning of the word “dupe” has evolved in the age of TikTok. Once a term reserved for near-identical knockoffs, it has now come to represent anything that remotely resembles its luxurious counterpart. And in a delightful twist of irony, influencers are now creating “dupe” content by mimicking each other’s videos.
The dupe mindset is a brilliant example of how social media can mock and challenge our perceptions of luxury and status. It goes beyond mere product comparisons, highlighting the absurdity of our constant quest for social validation. In a world where FENDI sunglasses and PRADA totes are reduced to mere punchlines, it seems that the dupe mindset has truly turned the luxury industry on its head.
So, the next time you spot a fabulous dupe on TikTok, remember to laugh along and embrace the irony. After all, it’s not every day that you can snag a slice of luxury on a Walmart budget – even if it’s just a clever imitation. Happy duping!
We’ve all seen it. Bags that totally eclipse all conceivable expectations and become so sought after and cult worthy that it appears their reign over street style guides, editorial spreads, and our wish lists will never end.
An It bag is a high-priced luxury handbag that has become a hyped best-seller. The phenomenon arose in the luxury industry and was named in the 1990s and 2000s. Examples of handbag brands that have been considered “It bags” are CHANEL, HERMÈS and FENDI.
But, alas, the harder they rise, the harder they fall. It seems the desirable levels of popularity some bags once possessed can just as quickly turn against them. Overexposure, increasing competition from new designs, and fashion fanatics simply getting sick of certain styles can all contribute to the downfall of beloved bags.
And so enter, handbag has-beens. Sometimes a direct result of our collective purse fatigue, and sometimes something more. These styles once ruled fashion’s handbag hotlist, now seeing their popularity dwindle. But what makes a design in danger of becoming a handbag has-been? And is there any way to predict which bags will meet this fate next? Let’s find out.
The Danger of Overexposure
A little bit of mystery goes a long way when it comes to luxury bags, and it’s one way to combat that dreaded handbag fatigue we’ve discussed. And while it’s great for sales when a design becomes the ‘It’ bag of the moment and is spotted on every billboard, Instagram advert, and influencer at Fashion Week, too much exposure too quickly can threaten the longevity of a bag’s popularity.
Case in point, the LOUIS VUITTON Multi Pochette Accessoires. Released in late 2019, this design arguably started the multi-bag phenomenon, which saw handbag aficionados scrambling to carry a multitude of bags incorporated into one design. The trend, and this style in particular, became a cult favorite, and the bag (which is, in fact, two pouches resembling the Pochette Accessoires and a Round Coin Purse all attached to a thick cross-body strap) was sold out everywhere for months after its release. But fast forward to 2023, and the design is nowhere to be seen.
The problem with bags garnering wild levels of popularity and exposure very quickly is that this momentum is hard to maintain and can leave fashion insiders and consumers prematurely bored of seeing the bag.
The wild hype surrounding certain bags notoriously drives up resale prices, this investment potential is often overinflated and short-lived.
One bag that could potentially fall victim to the curse of overexposure is the BALENCIAGA Le Cagole. Providing today’s trendsetters with a rush of Y2K nostalgia, the Le Cagole has been the breakout bag of the 2020s so far. With its overembellished studded design, inspired by BALENCIAGA’s famous Motorcycle line, and coveted curved shoulder bag silhouette, the style has quickly risen to widespread popularity. But since the Le Cagole has experienced so much exposure and popularity in a reasonably short time, it’s arguably lost an element of its mystique. It’s faced with the difficulty of maintaining momentum and continuing its relevance.
The luxury resale market has long been an avenue for shoppers to score ‘It’ bags sold out everywhere else. The wild hype surrounding certain bags notoriously drives up resale prices and leads shoppers to believe that a bag has lucrative investment potential. But when bags climb to cult-favorite status very quickly, this investment potential is often overinflated and short-lived.
When a bag’s acclaim is largely thanks to a popular new trend or aesthetic, the design risks becoming a has-been.
Fashion can be fickle. Trends that show no signs of stalling are often over before you know it. So when a bag’s acclaim is largely thanks to a popular new trend or aesthetic, the design risks becoming a has-been. Take the PRADA Re-Edition bags. Many designs have come to be associated with the resurgence of early 2000s fashion, but perhaps no bag selection is more synonymous with fashion’s Y2K revival than PRADA’s Re-Edition styles.
Crafted from the label’s signature nylon material and shaped to a sleek and functional shoulder bag silhouette, bags from the line were on the arm of every celebrity. They dominated trend guides during the early 2020s. But just a couple of years later, PRADA’s Re-Edition bags noticeably lack the popularity they once enjoyed despite repeatedly being dubbed as classics, and styles from the range struggle to receive the same level of interest from editors, stylists, influencers, and consumers today. The fashion world has moved on and is obsessing over new styles.
When a bag is commonly associated with a certain era in the minds of consumers, it is often prematurely labeled as outdated.
A bag doesn’t have to perfectly embody a specific trend or the style of a particular era to be at risk of ending up a handbag has-been. Sometimes when a bag is commonly associated with a certain era in the minds of consumers, it is often prematurely labeled as outdated once the era is over. One example is the CHANEL Maxi Classic Flap. As fashion waved goodbye to the compact purses of the early 2000s, it ushered in a new era of tote bag love which saw large and slouchy styles reign supreme. As a scaled-up version of a CHANEL icon, the Maxi Classic Flap became the go-to CHANEL bag of many during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Paparazzi images featuring the likes of Lauren Conrad donning the super-sized CHANEL favorite, along with the decade’s other must-have styles, such as skinny jeans and wedge sneakers, have cemented the bag’s association with the era’s fashion.
There are countless examples of designs that have remained must-haves for decades, like the HERMÈS Birkin, CHANEL Classic Flap, LOUIS VUITTON Speedy, and many more.
There is, of course, the concept of a bag becoming so sought after that the only direction its popularity can go is down. This doesn’t happen to all beloved bags. There are countless examples of designs that have remained must-haves for decades, like the HERMÈS Birkin, CHANEL Classic Flap, LOUIS VUITTON Speedy, and many more. But there’s a growing list of once classic bags with dwindling popularity.
There are certainly some styles that are more likely to miss out on continued long-term popularity.
Two obvious examples come in the form of the CHANEL Grand Shopping Tote and LOUIS VUITTON Neverfull. As some of the most sought-after tote bags of all time, these two designs reached peak popularity during the 2010s, and while they are undisputed classics, they simply don’t boast the same widespread popularity they once did. Some social media users have even taken to platforms like TikTok to brand the styles “over.”
Handbags gaining and losing popularity is an inevitable part of fashion. Whether styles fall from grace because of fickle trend cycles or consumers getting sick of seeing the same thing, handbags becoming has-beens is nothing new. But there are certainly some styles that are more likely to miss out on continued long-term popularity. And for handbag lovers eager to invest in enduring classics, it won’t hurt to be on the lookout for signs that a style’s popularity could be doomed to plummet.
First of Its Kind, Last of Its Kind. The new BOTTEGA VENETA knot clutch highlights the brand’s signature woven leather.
Since its founding in 1966, BOTTEGA VENETA has been producing leather goods in the small northern Italian city of Vicenza, where artisans make handcrafted bags and other accessories using a centuries-old technique called Intrecciato, weaving strips of leather into a tightly crosshatched pattern.
Maier was determined to protect BOTTEGA’s bags from trends. Shortly after his appointment, he came across a rounded box clutch circa 1978 in the archives and decided to make it his own.
Since its founding in 1966, BOTTEGA VENETA has been producing leather goods in the small northern Italian city of Vicenza, where artisans make handcrafted bags and other accessories using a centuries-old technique called Intrecciato, weaving strips of leather into a tightly crosshatched pattern. Refined yet durable, the interlocking motif came to signify discreet luxury.
In 2001, when the German designer Tomas Maier arrived as the brand’s creative director, the fashion industry was at the height of It bag mania and the accompanying obsession with monograms, flashy hardware and other embellishments. But Maier was determined to protect BOTTEGA’s bags from trends.
Shortly after his appointment, he came across a rounded box clutch circa 1978 in the archives and decided to make it his own, swapping out its rectangular clasp for one shaped like a nautical rope and naming the curvy pochette Knot. Since spring 2002, most seasons have included iterations of the clutch, which has been reimagined in an array of materials, colors and sizes.
The hypertextured Knot Clutch, which comes in onyx and bone, is unmistakably BOTTEGA— synonymous, said Blazy, with “style over fashion in its timelessness.”
Last November, Matthieu Blazy, who had been overseeing ready-to-wear at BOTTEGA since 2020, took over as artistic director. For his fall 2022 debut, the 38-year-old designer — a French and Belgian national who previously worked at CALVIN KLEIN, CELINE and MAISON MARGIELA — took inspiration from Umberto Boccioni’s 1913 Futurist sculpture “Unique Forms of Continuity in Space.” “BOTTEGA VENETA is, in essence, pragmatic,”
Blazy said in the show notes. “Because it specializes in bags, it is about movement … there is fundamentally an idea of craft in motion.” Not surprisingly, Intrecciato showed up in many of Blazy’s creations, including over-the-knee boots, miniskirts, bucket totes, chunky belts and driving loafers — and, notably, his reinterpretation of that now-iconic Knot Clutch.
Blazy’s foulard Knot is composed of interwoven strips of paper-thin calf leather, with a slightly softer silhouette than the original and a twisted, brass-toned clasp. The hypertextured bag, which comes in onyx and bone, is unmistakably BOTTEGA— synonymous, said Blazy, with “style over fashion in its timelessness.”
