In defence of your expensive handbag

In defence of your expensive handbag

Women everywhere are compelled to shell out substantial sums of money for an item, that at first glance, does nothing a supermarket plastic bag can’t do. But what plastic bag makes you feel as good as a handbag can?

A designer bag multi-tasks: it combines practicality and utility with style; it showcases personal taste; and suggests a certain economic prosperity. It’s a subtle—or not-so-subtle depending on your thoughts on garish logos­—nod to your personality, your situation, your preferences. To you.

Yes, it’s giving in to fashion—but what’s wrong with that? If you require a receptacle to carry around your belongings, far be it from anyone to suggest you don’t choose the one you like. And yes, there are many situations in which not having to lug around a bag would be appreciated—the ability to be bag-free can be a power move indicating you either have someone to carry your stuff for you or your clothing has been blessed with actual pockets—but for mere mortals, handbags are essential parts of the daily arsenal.

And it’s not as if there isn’t a bag for every occasion. A chic clutch for dinner or drinks; a structured workbag for your lunch and laptop; a roomy tote for shopping or beach trips; a cross-body for hands-on situations like markets and sales racks; a statement piece to elevate your city look or cocktail dress. Vogue reckons you need five types of bag to get through modern life, but is silent on how many of each one may require…

A bag is often the stepping stone to the world of luxury fashion. An investment bag will stand the test of time—buy a classic and it’ll never be out of style, it won’t shrink in the wash or lose its shape, and you can’t get too fat for a handbag. It’ll serve you for a lifetime and will blend into your lifestyle. After all, you chose it to do so. When it comes to designer bags, investment is the operative word.

How many cheap, vinyl, low-quality handbags have you purchased over the years? How long was it before the strap broke, or the seams split? A luxury bag is built to last and will handle any abuse without losing its shape or looking exhausted—a designer bag ages. The easiest way to tell an authentic bag from a copycat is the stitching; attention to detail is paramount in constructing a designer bag while copycats feature sloppy stitching and careless finish. Any damage to a high-end bag can also be repaired. There’s no need to think of handbags as disposable items; take torn leather to a cobbler and have it restored. It’ll be far cheaper to repair than re-buy and while you could apply this logic to your cheaper items (and you should, especially if they’re personal favourites #sustainability), realise they’re far more likely to rip again. Invest in the good stuff.

Especially when the good stuff carries some serious resale value. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Hermes hold their value the best, because they’re timeless, iconic and beautiful. Last year, a Hermes Birkin bag set a record auction price at Christie’s in in Hong Kong; adorned with 18-karat gold and 10 carats of diamonds, it sold for $380,000. The majority of us aren’t going to be able to expect such highs for our own bags, but you’ll still find a large potion of its original value is retained. On top of that, there’s no need to pay full price. If you’re investing in a classic, look to designer sales and department stores—if you think you’re good enough, try eBay for second-hand pieces. Try vintage sales and sample sales—it’s surprisingly easy to get a large discount on the list price. You can also find the same levels of quality in more affordable brands: try Radley for structured workbags, Cult Gaia for on-trend crochet and the ark shape, Kate Spade for your everyday elegance, and Kayu for fun statement clutches.

While it’s easy to feel like we’re scammed into needing handbags by the lack of pockets in our clothing, the handbag was a symbol of the increasing emancipation of women. Women had their own bank accounts, their own cash, and keys. They carried cigarette cases and lighters, lipsticks and mascara, business cards and notebooks. They needed something to carry the symbols of their independence and they wanted it to be beautiful, fashionable and representative.

Your clothes and accessories are shorthand for conveying individual style. Handbags can’t make you feel inadequate as there’s no need to attempt to shimmy into it in a poorly-lit dressing room. Handbags make a punchy statement with an everyday necessity—pick a fancy one and feel yourself elevated among your fellow tote-slingers.