Bags, Bags, Bags... Its all about Handbags. You can't name a fashion company that doesn't have a handbag collection of licensee. If you watch the wrap up of the fashion shows from the past season - the message is clear. Designers realize that such a small percentage of women watching can actually afford - or fit into their RTW creations. On the other hand, a huge portion of the population are willing to stretch their incomes and budgets to have one of the "it" bags of the season. With all this leather everywhere you look, I thought I would focus on three companies who have a true legacy of craftmenship. Each has been in business around 150 years. With that type of experience, you can be sure that any purchase you make would be a sound decision.
Loewe - Spain
(pronounced Lo-ev-ay)
This company dates back to 1872. Its founder, Enrique Loewe Roessberg was a German craftsman who settled in Madrid during an exciting time of new prosperity that saw the birthplace of the Leather goods industry in Spain. Bringing a new sensibility from his German heritage to the sensual and passionate leather craft of Spain a unique legacy was born. The company was first known for creating travel trunks for the Spanish royal family. Understated luxury has been a consistent trademark of the brand. Along its long and storied history the house has contracted several talented designers to create it's RTW collection - including Giorgio Armani, Laura Biagiotti, and Narciso Rodriguez.
The company has always had an understated elegance in its style and in the way it distributes its collection. There are boutiques all over Europe and South America. With so many brands selling on every corner, this is one to search out and make a long term investment that will always be in style.
This British brand holds a stiff upper lip in their style and position in the marketplace.
Dating back to 1856, when Frederick Krolle first began his bespoke service of custom order travel trunks for the new wealth of London and the British Royal Family.
Through the generations outfitting traveling royalty became a tradition. Famous Royals and lesser known dignitaries have ordered full sets of luggage of the most exotic skins and more than one time - diamond encrusted. The late Princess Diana was just one of the famous fans from the Royal family.
The last 5 years has seen the company in a bit of a free-fall. Changing hands more than once, now in those of an ex-pat British hedge fund financier based in Rockefeller center - the collection still has an identity crisis. In the last three years, there have been as many designers and P.R. companies handling the image. What is too often the case, our friends from across the pond are a little to cautious to spend some British pounds on advertising here in the U.S. I would steer clear of the new collections that are bit too constipated and buy one of the incredible classic pieces that have kept them in business for over 150 years.
This brand needs little introduction. The travel gear craftsmen have a history of bespoke order pieces from its founding in 1846 by its namesake Louis Vuitton. The patriarch of this legendary brand had a vision of continuity through innovation and custom orders from the French aristocracy and the wealthiest members of Parisian society.
The logo monogram that is so ubiquitous with the mere mention of the name came about via the second generation of Vuitton's. Now run by the 5th generation Mr. Vuitton the brand is as famous as it gets. The house maintains a luxury image while at the same time reaching into all walks of life from designer to street customers.
I am going to stick to the theme of this article and suggest you stick to a classic piece from the company archive catalog in monogram coated fabric. Those are the pieces that will remain in style for years to come. The new spring collection is a little scary. I couldn't help but think that news that the brands creative director Marc Jacobs has re-entered rehab was a confirmation of my feelings about what is now in the boutiques. I think there was some clouded judgment at play about 6 months ago when the drawing board might have been seen in double or triple or with floating fuzzies on it!
Each of these collections represent an amazing legacy and each was a pioneer in their homeland before the world was so small. Which you choose is really up to you, whether you want one that will validate your style in the minds of the masses - or the other two that will get you noticed , but not recognized - you can't make a bad choice!
