Outside of the personal connection I find that this exhibit perfectly encapsulates by bringing not only the bag but the wearer to the forefront, the timeliness of the show and the handbags it spotlights is very much in line with where the market is now. From conversations with some of our favorite multi-brand retailers, we are hearing of steady and increasing handbags sales. Across the board, the market trends speak to the consumer’s desire to invest in beautiful bags that will stand the test of time much in the way that the bags do now in the V&A’s display cases.
Getting into the facts and figures, Libby Page, Senior Fashion Market Editor at Net-a-Porter, tells us, “luxury bags have been one of our strongest categories recently as customers used this time to finally invest in their forever bag.” She adds, “we saw huge interest with Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and Saint Laurent, and, just in the last few months, we sold over triple of the Loewe Puzzle versus last year.” Finding a brand that a customer has an emotional and potentially lifelong relationship with is also in line with what Tracy Margolies, Chief Merchant of Saks Fifth Avenue, is seeing. As she notes, “our customers connected to brands they know and love more than ever this year. They were drawn to emotional, timeless investment pieces that sparked joy by designers, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Saint Laurent and Fendi.” Similarly, Cassie Smart, head of womenswear at MATCHESFASHION, tells us, “we have seen a real uplift in customers making more considered handbag purchases, meaning pieces that are timeless, will work hard in your wardrobe, and that you will treasure forever.” She adds, “whether heritage styles from the big fashion houses like the Gucci 1955 Horsebit, Bottega Veneta Chain Cassette or Saint Laurent Loulou, or more emerging names with an original point of view, for example the Dragon Diffusion Totes which have been selling out.”
Handbags are certainly big business, but the business of buying them is done with as much head as heart. As the V&A exhibit proves, there are few things more precious than a well-made and well-worn tote or top handle, and few fashion items that will feel as special for years to come.
Below, 17 timeless bags to invest in now and love forever:
