'It' bags: 9 trendy finds for your significant other this Valentine's Day
Timeless designs with flair makes for lasting carrying companions to cherish.
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When you need to tread the fine line between gaudy and glamorous, luxury brands are a safe bet. Photo: Gucci/sg
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For the thoughtful, a good Valentine’s Day gift speaks to the recipient's heart. And this can be a confounding situation, no matter how well you know the person. Thankfully, there are few who would say no to an “It” bag.
Like the legendary Kelly and Birkin, these bags not only make a statement with their design excellence, they become icons in their own right. Luxury brands with their storied heritage often have an advantage in creating emblematic bags by leveraging on their brand equity. Add in meticulous craftsmanship and a level of exclusivity and you have the makings of the next “It” bag.
Released in 2016, the Marmont remains a coveted design thanks to the numerous iterations on this classic. The timeless soft silhouette is made elegant with chevron quilting and hardware – this version features a dusty pink hue paired with matte gold buckle. The matelasse leather super mini holds essentials like an iPhone, card case and lipstick. An internal key ring lets this connect to a larger bag, so you won’t need to transfer contents. Flip the bag over to reveal why this is particularly suited for Valentine's – the stitching forms a heart.
- Supple and durable matelasse leather
- Comes with chain shoulder strap
- Attached keyring for connecting to other pieces
GUCCI OPHIDIA GG SMALL BELT BAG (S$1,640)
With its tonal departure from classic Gucci colours, the Ophidia series for the new Cruise 2024 season is a handsome line – even as a belt bag. This version’s structured and sleek design looks more fashionably intentional when worn at the waist. Palladium-toned hardware adds visual contrast to the navy canvas and a flap with magnetic closure secures your belongings. Lengthen the strap and wear it in a more relaxed style as a crossbody or shoulder sling.
- Durable blue and black GG Supreme canvas
- Black leather trim
- Soft cotton linen lining
GUCCI DIANA SUPER MINI BAG (S$2,290)
Small in size but big on impact, this tiny bag is a chic accessory to any outfit. The classic Diana from the House has been double-downsized. Still, it keeps all the details that makes it a timeless addition to any proud bag collector. The stitching and border trim remains as beautiful details, embellished by a gold-toned hardware bearing the logo. It looks cute held by its bamboo handles – another signature of the series – but attach the included chain strap to make this a delightful shoulder or crossbody bag for your essentials.
- Soft pink leather
- Silky satin lining within
- Fixed-length chain shoulder strap
YSL PUFFER SMALL IN CRINKLED LEATHER (S$4,420)
The puffer bag trend continues to excite and Saint Laurent's version in Barolo Red is one for the bold and free-spirited. The House has kept it more timeless by reducing the volume on the chevron-quilted pattern but left enough to convey cushy plushness. And when rendered in a deep burgundy, the crinkled leather gives off bewitching vibes with its tone. The sliding leather and chain strap is especially clever – instantly adjust the length to wear as a crossbody or shoulder sling.
- Internal zip pocket
- Grosgrain fabric lining
- Adjustable single strap
GUCCI HORSEBIT 1955 MINI SHOULDER BAG (S$4,500)
This mini shoulder bag, with its striking asymmetrical design, is quite a scene stealer. The playful design indicates an unconventional owner and the iconic Horsebit embellishment adds a touch of sparkle. It's incredibly versatile too, with two interchangeable shoulder straps – leather and chain - that accommodate different looks. Detach it altogether and transform it to a clutch. Available in four colours, the gold leaf variant is especially suited for glamorous affairs.
- Whimsical asymmetrical design
- Silver-toned Horsebit hardware
- Two strap options
BOTTEGA VENETA MINI SARDINE (S$4,570)
Best known for their Intrecciato weave feature (a method that creates very dense weaves that do not leave gaps), Bottega Veneta surprises with a new series of mini crossbody bags sporting a sardine as a handle. The fish is a graceful metal hardware finished in brass. This creates a playful relation between fish and bag, given how the latter looks like a basket or net. And juxtaposing the sleek handle with the woven body really plays up the drama – one that looks fantastic slung or held in hand.
- Artisanally crafted, quirky fish handle
- Supple lambskin bonded leather
- Magnetic closure to secure
GUCCI TOTE BAG (S$5,500)
A tote bag is an extremely versatile piece that transitions beautifully between work and life, and this rendition offers an edgy flair. Injecting a dose of modernity with a new material, Gucci unveiled a collection of men's bags in an innovative black rubber-effect leather for Cruise 2024. This material infuses a sense of contemporary style into the timeless essential, and as its utilitarian nature goes, features two zip pockets with an open pocket nestled within. With the GG logo lightly branded into the leather, the effect is an understated piece that boasts both functionality and refinement.
- Sophisticated rubber-effect leather
- Detachable and adjustable shoulder strap
- Soft cotton linen lining
PRADA LARGE LEATHER SHOULDER BAG (S$7,100)
Nothing speaks luxury more than artful nonchalance. Carefully executed, it says that you care about design but don't let it control you. Such is the message from this slouchy Prada number, which has a seemingly simple, spacious bell-shaped silhouette. However, its relaxed form gives it a sculptural quality. Small details – like the thickly hemmed mouth and stitched detailing on the handle – elevate the look. And while this is catered for the ladies, the design works just as well for the sartorial lads.
- Soft and durable black leather
- Fuss-free magnetic closure
- Cotton lining with convenient zip pocket within
GUCCI PORTER CABIN PLUS TROLLEY (S$5,500)
With our thirst for travel, it makes sense that a cabin bag can be just as essential, especially when it's such a head-turner. Sporting Gucci's GG Supreme canvas and bordered by silver aluminium trim, the luggage is destined for the runway – even if it's the one at airports. Straddling contemporary appeal and House heritage by expressing their Gucci Valigeria travel narrative, you can expect immaculate workmanship from these special pieces, as they are made under the expertise of Italian luxury luggage maker, Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano.
- 37.5L capacity
- Interior leather straps to secure belongings and zip pocket
- Smooth omnidirectional wheels
There’s much to be said for enduring quality and timeless appeal. As fashion evolves, truly iconic pieces can endure for generations, becoming more covetable and arguably, more recognisable. As our list shows, iconic luxury bags may come in a variety of styles but their appeal can potentially transcend time.
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Prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
