Time to get organized, ladies. From now on, we are officially getting rid of those crinkled receipts from three years ago and crumbs from a muffin we once had inside our bags. Why? Because everything we carry around with us is now on display for the world to see with the new PVC, transparent bags that are now in style. Yes, see-through is in - and it's a lot better than it seems. So start updating your essentials, from cardholders, to makeup bags, hand creams and yes, even your snacks - everything has to be aesthetically pleasing.
Clothing and bags crafted from PVC has to be 2018's hottest new trend - and with good reason. Totes, flap bags, backpacks and clutches have been seen both on the street and the runway for the past few seasons. To say that we're obsessed is an understatement. It's not exactly clear as to why these bags are so popular, but regardless, we never thought we'd see the day where we'd actually be prepared, not to mention excited, to be caught in the rain.
5p plastic bags from your local grocery store are now chic - who would've thought?! Okay, maybe haute-couture Sainsbury's isn't the most glamorous, but fear not! We've got you covered, fashion lovers of the world. Check out a few transparent bags by a some of our most beloved designers:
The Chanel Classic Flap
It's always a wonderful surprise to see classic items reinvented in different ways. The Classic Flap is Chanel's iconic handbag and probably the most famous bag in fashion history. Year after year, the brand continues to produce the Classic Flap in the signature black / beige, caviar / lambskin leather, but they also release new variations depending on the season. Released in their Spring 2018 collection, Chanel debuted their multicolour PVC Flap bag, among countless other PVC totes and backpacks. Bright, colourful and everything you would like to see for Spring, to just say this bag is MAJOR is simply unjust.
RRP: 2155
The Céline Plastic Shopper
So this is where the trend all started - of course, with Céline. It's no secret that Céline is one of the most innovative and creative brands in luxury fashion. Phoebe Philo (former creative director) and Hedi Slimane (current creative director) were actually both two leading designers in the minimalist movement. Céline is the ultimate go-to for the modern woman who embraces androgyny. What it means to be feminine was completely redefined when Céline made masculinity pretty. Effortlessly chic with a low-key, "if you know, you know" aesthetic, it makes sense that Céline gave us a plastic shopping bag. I mean, what's more minimalist than a regular shopping bag? A clear one, of course. It's just so... fitting. Not to mention, it's one of the most popular PVC bags seen lately. Debuted in the brand's Spring / Summer 2018 collection, the Plastic Shopper is sold exclusively to Nordstrom's Downtown Seattle store from February 16th - May 29th.
RRP: 425
The PVC Prada Logo Tote
Introduced for their Spring / Summer 2018 collection, Prada was another brand that hopped on the PVC train. Their PVC Logo tote is designed for women with a lot to carry and a love for logos. With "Prada" prominently printed across the clear, transparent material, one would imagine this duo might not work. On the contrary, if it wasn't already made clear (pardon the pun) PVC is minimalist. The juxtaposition of minimalism and distinct logos are sometimes a match made it in heaven. This tote comes with an additional interior pouch to hold all your loose change and receipts - you know, those things we talked about that end up at the bottom of your bag? Yeah, those. The perfect mix between loud and discreet, the Prada PVC tote can pretty much carry your whole world with you wherever you go. Just make sure your world looks pretty.
RRP: 720
Not only are these bags super hot at the moment, but they're surprisingly functional as well. PVC is extremely lightweight, making it easy to carry all your daily necessities without having to lug them around. Especially in the summer time, the heat already makes us sweaty and gross, so we definitely don't need the extra weight. Not to mention PVC is very eco-friendly. It's always a good feeling knowing that you invested in something beautiful as well ethical - no animals were harmed in the process of creating your new bag.
Effortlessly cool, this PVC trend feels so necessary. Transparency is the highest form of authenticity, in the best way possible. Seeing what people hold near and dear to them on a daily basis is almost intimate. We express ourselves through fashion every time we put on an outfit. Our style is our way of saying "this is who I am" without actually having to say it. Viewing one's objects is the next clue to who they are. It's cause for interest and in a way, it's inviting. Though fashion and the industry is constantly changing as trends go in and out of season, we hope the PVC obsession will stick around - at least for the next little while.
By: Isabel de Carteret
