BAGS & ACCESSORIES

Vintage designer bags are must-have items for collectors. From the craftsmanship and quality, bold and playful designs, and attention to detail, vintage bags outclass modern luxury. Classic brands like Chanel, Hermès, and Gucci produced timeless pieces that have maintained their appeal for decades. The Chanel Classic Flap bag, with its signature quilting and interlocking CC lock, and the Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, known for their scarcity and artisanal quality, are cornerstones of any serious collection. These vintage items, some featuring rare materials or discontinued hardware like 24k gold-plated accents, are highly sought after.

Designer bags from the 1990s and 2000s capture a compelling period in fashion history, transitioning from 90s minimalism to the "It Bag" phenomenon of the new millennium. The early part of the era was defined by understated elegance, where brands like Prada gained immense popularity with their minimalist nylon mini bags and backpacks. These pieces were prized for their utilitarian look, durable industrial fabric, and iconic triangle logo, offering an alternative to traditional luxury leather. Similarly, the Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires became a quiet staple in the classic monogram canvas.

The late 1990s and 2000s ushered in the era of high-profile, statement-making bags that celebrities and fashionistas clamoured for. The Fendi Baguette, first launched in 1997, became a cultural icon. Designed to be carried snugly under the arm, it broke from minimalism with hundreds of variations and was offered in three sizes and the 'Mamma Baguette' counterpart. Close on its heels was the Dior Saddle Bag in 1999, designed by John Galliano, with its distinctive curved, equestrian-inspired shape and short strap that became a symbol of early Y2K glamour. Another major player was the Balenciaga City Bag in 2001, favoured for its slouchy, distressed leather, heavy hardware, and "moto" details that offered a more relaxed, bohemian contrast to the structured bags of the era. The 2000s also saw logo mania reach its peak with the highly collectible Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collaboration, which introduced the vibrant Multicolour Monogram canvas on various styles, including the Pochette, pushing designer bags firmly into the realm of pop art and cultural statements.