It Bags

Friday, 26 October 2007

It bags

Black Patent Shoulder Tote from Smith & Canova Claudia Range

How much would you pay for a designer handbag? £300? £600? £11,000? Somehow the goalposts have shifted so that no-one bats an eye at a bag that costs as much as a weekend in New York, but the fact is, the cult of the 'It Bag' means what you choose to carry is big business. Where 5-10 years ago you'd think long and hard before investing £300 in something as frivolous as a handbag, now the average price of an 'It Bag' is more like £600. And the £11,000 bag? That's the so-exclusive-it-doesn't-even-see-the-salesfloor limited edition Fendi B from Harrods' By Appointment only personal shopping service.

Because it's worth it
Why are we prepared to pay so much? A buyer for one of the big London stores says "A great handbag works with many outfits so the price per wear starts to look very affordable. Plus, you don't need to worry about squeezing into it, it looks fabulous on every size."  As our buyer states, it's the combination of luxury label, stylish design and media frenzy adds up to a must-have bag that will be obtained at any price. The high cost in itself defines a strong level of aspiration.

She's gotta have it
There's no question women have an emotional attachment to fashion - we honestly believe a new bag might change our life. The latest clutch of roomy, pocket-laden bags are so functional it's easy to feel that they really do make life easier (mmm, and they look so gorgeous too). If you want the bag badly enough you'll convince yourself it's worth it. And don't disregard the power of the media. However immune we think we are, it's easy to get sucked into must-have mentality with every new label that hits the stores. 
m.andonia In Crowd Chic Carrier as seen on Americas Next Top Model  

Check out our site, we have something for everyone at very affordable prices.