As any fashionista is aware, handbags have long been seen as unequivocal symbols of femininity. With haute couture labels consistently delivering new designs each season, the breadth of choices afford owners the ability to select sartorial designs to suit any mood, be it embodying an unabashedly bold streak or portraying a more modest, youthful demeanour. Be it pouches, handbags or backpacks, there really is something here for everyone, as our carefully curated fashion shoot aptly demonstrates…
Look 1: Medusa Aeternitas bag by Versace; Sac À Malice Space cross-bag by Hermès; Lock bag by Dunhill; Fendi X Chaos metal smartphone cover by Fendi
But, it wasn’t until the 18th century in Europe and England when embroidered purses and handbags came together at the top with the much desirable drawstring style. Having been trained in embroidery at a young age, this skill founded many personalised purses with embroidery work that served as a reflection of the owner’s own skill, social status, and taste – an idea that has endured into modern times.
Look 2: Supervee backpack in Nylon by Valentino Garavani; The Clip bag by Bottega Veneta; Palazzo Dia Crystal belt by Versace; Shani gold chain belt by Sandro
The rise of the 19th-century modern woman found herself out and about, travelling cross country. This fed the desire for a companion that was both functional and fashionable, an era that witnessed the rise of Louis Vuitton luggage long before it grew its collection of iconic ‘LV’ handbags.
Look 3: Almond pumps and The Triangle bag by Bottega Veneta; Fendi Forceful Metal sunglasses and Yellow Peekaboo ISeeU East West bag by Fendi
As modern society expanded and the boundaries of gender roles piece-by-piece came down, bags too evolved to suit the needs and lifestyle of the modern woman; styled to be feminine, masculine, functional and bulky or just petite enough to fit the essentials. Either way, a woman’s purse was always personal and private which added a certain kind of mystery that showcased an extension of her identity without revealing much else from within- a compelling beauty that allured many.
Look 4: Atelier 03 Rose Edition Bucket bag and Atelier 04 Rouches Edition Small Hobo by Valentino Garavani; Floral crystal earrings and Satin pumps with crystal embellishments by Dolce Gabbana; Black Paisley Peekaboo ISeeU Medium bag by Fendi
Handbags today still hold the precious symbolisms that women identify themselves in, yet it no longer is a purse exclusively for females. The evolution of bags have circled back to designer choices for the affluent and the fashion-forward man, and truly unisex offerings.
Look 5: Saffron backpack by Rimowa; Palazzo Dia Crystal Leather belt and Versace Greca bangle in Silver and Gold by Versace; Multicolour VLTN Times Waist Satchel by Valentino Garavani; Hermès Della Cavalleria bag by Hermès
Designs, too, are in a seemingly unlimited variety of colors, styles, motifs and a cycle of iconic signatures from luxury brands’ archives- proving its designs for timeless, ever-enduring and everlasting luxury bags.
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma
Videography: Kes Lei