It's a known fact that luxury handbags are good investment pieces, some more than others. For example, an Hermès Birkin is actually one of the top ten items in the world to invest in. This is because they won't lose their value. In fact, most Birkin and Kelly bags go up in resell value due to how difficult it is to get your hands on a brand new one. Chanel Classic Flaps are another example of handbags to invest in. Timeless, classic and probably the most famous bag ever created, the Classic Flap will never go out of style. That being said, let's re-iterate the fact that these bags will always remain in style, but are they currently in fashion? The industry is constantly changing and with that comes a new definition for the word "signature". Instant classics are becoming more and more apparent in the glamorous world of luxury fashion. Here are some of our favourite bags that are not only currently in style and in fashion, but will go down in fashion history.
Gucci Marmont
Under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, the Marmont collection was introduced in 2016 and took fashion lovers, critics and insiders of the world by storm. Michele transformed Gucci into an entirely new brand that appealed to a younger demographic, making it once agin one of the most popular luxury fashion houses of all time. The Marmont collection offers a wide range of different styles - including flap bags, camera bags, backpacks, clutches and bumbags among others. Featuring antique gold tone hardware and a reworked GG logo, Marmonts are most commonly offered in smooth, matelassé leather.
Why invest?
Despite being the ultimate "It-Bag", the hype over Marmont (Flap bag in particular) hasn't died down. It has been the number one most in-demand bag for the bag two years and is seen almost everywhere you look. Although Alessandro Michele's Gucci tends to produce a lot of trends, the fact that the Marmont was one of his first designs for the brand means something special. There have been countless versions of the Marmont since its release, some with embellishment, slogans, embroidery, etc. But here's the thing, the classic black or neutral-coloured Marmont remains the most popular. Deemed an "instant classic" the second it was seen on the runway, we have a feeling that the Marmont is here to stay.
Shop the Marmont here
Chloé Nile
Introduced in their Spring 2017 collection under the creative direction of Claire Waight Keller (now creative director of Givenchy), Chloe debuted its Nile bag. The Nile bag was instantly beloved by the fashion community. Unique and innovative, it looked like something we had never seen before, except it was so...Chloé. It embodied the true Chloé aesthetic to a T. Contemporary and boho, but also effortlessly feminine and chic, the Nile was the ultimate bag to have. Bloggers, influencers and celebrities were quick to be seen carrying a Nile bag over their shoulders or in their hands, especially during fashion week. With its round silhouette, gold-tone hardware and of course, its notable bracelet top-handle, the Nile can also be worn cross-body, over the shoulder, or in hand.
Why invest?
Although one's first choice when investing in a Chloe bag would be a Faye or a Drew, the Nile was 2017's most in-demand bag. It became scarce so quickly as it was sold out everywhere. It's a more innovative piece compared to other Chloé accessories - with it's fresh look and contemporary aesthetic, the Nile was the start of a new direction for the brand. An instant classic, the Nile doesn't scream "Chloé". Although one wouldn't call it a simple piece due to its unique features, it's definitely discreet and on the more low-key side, allowing you to wear it for years to come. Watch out Faye and Drew, this new It-Girl looks like she'll be sticking around.
Chanel Gabrielle
So obviously, we all know the Classic Flap and the Boy Bag - and if you don't there's a very high chance you probably live under a rock. Chanel is acclaimed for their timeless pieces, this we are all aware of. A brand rich in history that exudes classic elegance and femininity to perfection, Chanel has always been a leading brand in luxury history. It remains one of the fashion houses at the very top of the luxury hierarchy and there's a very low chance it will ever fall from glory. Introduced in Spring 2017, The Gabrielle bag offers the best of both worlds by staying true to Chanel's traditional and classic roots but also exudes modern edginess. Sophisticated but youthful at the same time, the Gabrielle is most commonly featured in Chanel's signature quilted leather with interwoven leather-chain strap.
Why invest?
The Gabrielle is a contemporary and original take on something so familiar and classic. It balances the timelessness and innovation by combing features previously used on Chanel bags we all know and love. Karl Lagerfeld took Chanel accessories to a whole new level with the Gabrielle bag and naturally, it was an instant success amongst fashion lovers and insiders all over the world. The Gabrielle isn't a seasonal piece, in fact it has returned every season since it's release. It might be too early to tell, but we're willing to bet that in a few years the Gabrielle will be on it's way to joining the elite Chanel club along with the Classic Flap and the Boy.
Dior J'Adior Flap
Under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first ever female creative director of the brand, Dior presented their instant classic J'Adior line in their Spring / Summer 2017 collection. An instant success that has been seen absolutely everywhere since it's debut, the J'Adior Flap bag was made for confident young women with a passion for fashion. With it's prominent "J'Adior" logo in gold tone hardware, this bag makes a hard-to-miss statement while remaining contemporary, cool and effortlessly chic. On the arms and shoulders of It-Girls, bloggers and celebrities, the J'Adior Flap was a Fashion Week favourite. Different from Dior's usual ultra-feminine and elegant bags, the J'Adior line is edgy and modern.
Why invest?
Logos are extremely trendy at the moment - the we know. Although the J'Adior line remains at the very top of fashion current "It-Bag" list, this line and change in creative direction took Dior in an entirely different route. Maria Grazia Chiuri not only made history with her first collection for Dior, but this line influenced a change in fashion's industry. Dior is now younger, cooler, redefines what it means to be feminine and appeals to a younger demographic that Dior couldn't touch before. This bag will go down in history as the signature bag that helped change it all, hence making it not only an instant classic but an amazing investment.
Fendi Peekaboo
One of Italy's most acclaimed fashion houses, Fendi (under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld) never fails to produce signature pieces that will remain in style forever. Just look at the Baguette, an icon piece that received its claim to fame on the arm of Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw. The Fendi Peekaboo is no exception. Although it debuted in 2009, it surprisingly only gained its popularity in 2014. Since then, it remains one of the most relevant and in-demand bags to this day. A classic piece from Fendi, the Peekaboo is quiet, simple and doesn't feature any prominent branding. Perhaps that's one of the reasons why it never really gained "It-Bag" status? Regardless, countless celebrities and starlets own one and realistically, you should too.
Why invest?
The Peekaboo is that bag you will have for the rest of your life. It's not at Chanel or Hermès level, but nonetheless it's a beautiful, understated piece that will remain in style and in fashion forever. Although it's not the most popular bag around in comparison to a Gucci Marmont or a J'Adior Flap bag, it remains one of Fendi's most successful pieces - hence why it is produced and reinvented every season. The reason why it will remain a classic piece is because it will never not be trendy - as it was never trendy to begin with. It has, and always will be, a signature. With its amazing quality leather and timeless silhouette, the Peekaboo is the ideal companion. I mean, you just can't go wrong. Seriously. There is nothing to complain about. Buy it. Now.
Shop the Peekaboo here
By: Isabel de Carteret
