STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

DC Shopper · Dooney & Bourke

what bags would you consider new classics?

gypsyfreak · Coach

I'm not sure if it's considered a new designer, but I like Kooba. They're bags are cute and funky, but at the same time classic enough to carry forever. I bought a black bag a few months ago and I have to say that the quality is pretty good.

halleybird · Hermes

I think the MJ Stella/Sophia/Venetia will be classics. They will be recognizable from this time period (sort of like the gucci speedy from the 80s).

I am on the fence about the Balenciaga le dix being classic. Not sure if it has that much longevity with all the zippers and ties and stuff.

As for new designers...I am not entirely sure. I love Kooba too, but I am not sure they are popular enough to be "classics" one day.

DC Shopper · Dooney & Bourke

ooh, do you guys mind including photos?

I am definitely talking about semi-investment bags in the $350 and up range, btw.

rocky · Coach

Mia · Kate Spade

DC Shopper - what do you mean by "classic" - do you mean a bag that will be remembered as the 'it' bag of a certain time period or do you mean a bag that will continue to be stylish long after it's left the retail stores? Those can be different things. I would personally not include any of the MJ bags (especially the Stella) on the "classics" list and am iffy about the Balenciaga le dix as well. Bags I consider classic include any Bottega Venetta in their 'woven' leather that avoids being too oddly shaped, the Gucci Jackie O and Bardot bags in a solid leather, almost any Chanel if it's in leather and doesn't have an obvious logo (this means NOT the Cambon bags, even though they are beautiful, imo) and the Celine Boogie in a solid colour (i.e. not the pink ostrich or the bamboo-decorated suede).

I am sure there will be dissent on the MJ bags, my opinion is obviously just my own.

EDIT: Jimmy Choo has made some beautiful bags over the past year or so that I would consider 'classic' as well...

-- Edited by Mia at 17:00, 2005-01-26

DC Shopper · Dooney & Bourke

by classic, i mean that i will not feel like I am carrying "last season's" bag or whatever. not that i would ultimately care what others thought of my bag, but i would want to be able to carry it for a long time without feeling outdated.

one of the bags i really like and want is the botkier trigger bag in a nice rich color, for instance. i know it's trendy but i really like the shape and zippers. i don't really like plain bags or really big "name" bags that much - not that into Gucci, etc. I like more unique looking bags, which makes it kind of risky to invest in a really expensive one, because it might look outdated really fast. That's why I wanted to see what you guys consider new/modern classics. I do, however LOVE the Jimmy Choo bags. look at these!

love this even though it's canvas:

Elle · Hermes

I thinkTod's, Choo, and Lambertson Truex all have a fighting chance.

-- Edited by LMonet at 17:23, 2005-01-26

Mia · Kate Spade

DC Shopper - the red Choo you posted (LMonet posted it in brown) is the exact bag I had in mind when I mentioned Choo. The black one LMonet posted is also beauuuutiful.

Have you thought about a doctor's bag? I think those are classic.

Farrah · Marc Jacobs

I love my MJ Sophia and I think I will have it for many years to come. I would also include the Gucci monogram shopper tote to classics. It is such a versatile bag that I think it will always be in style.

DC Shopper · Dooney & Bourke

thanks for the suggestions, guys. I think Choo is a good way to go (when I actually have enough disposable income to buy one). I also love the Bottega Venetta woven hobo bags. So. friggin.much.

EDIT: and, count me in as an MJ lover...the Sophia has been calling my name for a loooong time.

doctor's bags are cool, but I prefer bags I can wear on the shoulder, though the Choo bag i like looks like a hand held.

what about mid-range designers, like Botkier, Bulga, T-Bags, etc? How quickly will they fade? Like I said, I can't help but love the Trigger bag and the Bulga bag on girlshop:

-- Edited by DC Shopper at 17:59, 2005-01-26

Mia · Kate Spade

I think the Trigger is probably the best bet, although I don't like the tassles or the slanted zippers - that Bulga bag is very, very trendy imo. If you are looking at midrange I second the Kooba recs...

Elle · Hermes

Here are a couple less pricey ones:

honey · Gucci

i guess it depends on your style. i don't necessarily think excess details make a bag trendy but they can be a pitfall. my advice is to look for something that falls slightly under the fashion radar, you definitely don't want an "it" bag. something like the trigger is so easily identifiable that after awhile you'll get tired of carrying it. not b/c it's a bad bag, but b/c it's so heavily associated with a specific moment in time. barney's has some nice bags that haven't quite reached cult status. here are a few i like (sorry for the large pics. it's a flash site.)

this is linen so it not's going to work year round, but i like the style and shape.

very rich looking, a tad hermes-esque, but not easily identifiable as any specific brand

this is the botkier holster bag from shopbop

i also like their clyde bag, but the trendiness of it is arguable

aarg, there is this site that makes really nice leather bags, and i can't remember the name of it, but it's been featured in lucky. i'm going to look into this b/c it's really bothering me.