From The Straits Times    |

Keeping up with the season’s trending accessories is really time consuming. There are just so many new designs being launched season after season. 

Most of us have a budget to work within, so we have to be very discerning when it comes to these big investment purchases, i.e. bags. We have to identify the classics silhouettes that will never go out of style so that we get the most mileage out of them. 

But don’t worry, we’ve done all the dirty work for you. Sit back, relax and scroll through our curated selection of the best bags you should be look to invest in this year. 


1. Louis Vuitton Capucines BB bag, prices start from $6,000

Louis Vuitton is arguably the most important handbag brand in the world. The storied fashion house faced a crisis when consumers started to become logo-wary. Cue designer Nicolas Ghesquiere, who came in and swept everyone off their feet with his bevy of new products that has taken the brand in a more sophisticated direction. When it was released in 2013, they were instantly sold out. 

Why it’s worth it: This bag pays homage to the earliest Louis Vuitton Maison located at rue des Capucines in Paris in 1854. Apart from its specially tailored functional shape, that makes it very roomy, the quality of this bag is impeccable. It’s made of taurillon calf leather, the same leather used by Hermes for its bags. The Capucines BB is the fashionable mini size. If you require a bigger size for work you can opt for the bigger sizes; the GM or the MM. 


2. Loewe puzzle bag, prices start from $2,990

Jonathan Anderson took over the creative director role last year and boy, he is definitely nailing it. He has breathed a new lease of life into the Spanish brand but managed to preserve its 168 year old legacy. The puzzle bag is most likely the new iconic bag for Loewe. Vogue named as one of the IT-bag of the year. 

Why it’s worth it: It’s constructed with a three-dimensional effect using a special cutting technique, creating panels that fold; this design is really one of a kind. The bag features a concealed zip closure, allowing the intricate composition of the leather panels to be left uninterrupted when you reach for your essentials. It also has endless styling options — there are 3 very different ways to wearing the bag. It’s perfect for the city girl on the go.


3. Gucci Dionysus bag, prices start from $2,800

You can probably tell where the trend is going — lots of major houses swapped their top designers and Gucci is also not spared. Alessandro Michele was promoted from head accessories designer to creative director just before the house’s fall 2015 collection. This bag has received a lot of attention from fashion insiders and celebrities and is one of the hottest bags for fall 2015. 

Why it’s worth it: Many people rendered the monogram outdated in the last couple of years and shun it, but Michele managed to switch things up. He added a standout engraved tiger head front fastening and edgy chain straps, making it look modern and lust-worthy. If you are the kind of girl who’s into fancy embellishments, go for those with some serious artisan detailing. The embroidery uses brass thread wrapped in silk. 


4. Fendi Peekaboo bag, prices start from $5,380

The peekaboo bag enjoyed tremendous success when it was launched in 2009. As with all other IT bags, its popularity burnt out after a couple of years. However, with the brilliant Karl lagerfeld helming the brand’s creative direction, nothing will ever stay under the radar for long. He gave this signature Peekaboo bag an amazing makeover; think super cool whipstitching and over the top embellishments. 

Why it’s worth it: This bag is truly an investment piece that you will use for years to come. While it’s not uncommon that IT bags can experience a renaissance, but for a turnaround this quick it’s exceptionally rare. Most bags that are merely a couple of years old usually look and feel tired. Apart from that, the peekaboo bag is always made in full leather (inside out) and sports protective rivets underneath that keeps your bag safe from scratches.