The luxury French fashion house Céline started out as a children's shoe boutique in 1945 by designer Céline Vipiana. As a business became successful, Céline ventured into new areas including the manufacturing of women's shoes, clothing and handbags too.
The luxury French fashion house Céline started out as a children's shoe boutique in 1945 by designer Céline Vipiana. As a business became successful, Céline ventured into new areas including the manufacturing of women's shoes, clothing and handbags too. The handbags in particular were loved and adored by both the middle classes and the rich and famous and following the appointment of designers like Michael Kors and Phoebe Philo the brand over the years has established itself as one of the top brands in the world, expanding to Paris and recently to New York.
Céline's luxury goods are synonymous with craftsmanship, class and elegance and one of the most celebrated designs is the Luggage Tote, created by designer Phoebe Philo (Philo is well known for her creativity as she also designed the Paddington bag for Chloe) and since it debut in 2010 it has been dubbed the 'It bag' and the trend continues to this day.
Philo introduced 3 foundation bag lines, the Cabbas, Luggage and Classic. These were simplified styles which were logo free but easily distinguishable by their identifiable shape. Each season Céline releases new variations, sometimes customising for specific regions around the world or certain retailers.
The Luggage Tote also known to some as the Boston Bag, has a large roomy square body that widens slightly towards the top, with zip top opening and double top handles. Detailing includes the signature wave leather piping on the front, external zip pocket and flap out winged sides. The inside is lined in suede and leather plus to add to its versatility, it comes with a detachable shoulder strap. The only logo is a small gold embossed Céline Paris on the front at the top between the handles. The Luggage Tote comes in 5 sizes, the nano 20cm, micro 26cm, mini 30cm, shoulder and phantom 35cm and also in a vast range of different colours from neon pink to monochrome to tricolour red, white and black.
Céline's handbags for the fall 2014 which were previewed on the catwalk this March were not consumer friendly. With big buttons and no stitching or the construction was such that it exposed the contents inside. Thus giving an indication of what we may expect in the shops in the future, a pared down more user friendly Luggage Tote, with weathered hardware, calf hair and exposed stitching.
The must have Celine Luggage Tote is an expensive addition to your wardrobe. Prices range from £400 to over £2,000 dependant upon the size and materials used. A bag only a few can afford but don't despair as there are many reputable designers who make fabulous similar bags in the style and homage to the Luggage Tote that are made by artisans in luxury Italian leathers, that will look fabulous and last a lifetime. But do also be aware of fakes, which are poorly made in vast numbers from the Far East and pretend to be original complete with fake logos.
The History of Mulberry
Mulberry was founded in 1971 by a 21 year old, Roger Saul. With a £500 loan and the help of his mother Joan, he started the business in the garage of their home in Chicompton, near Bath. They opened their first factory, The Rookery, in 1973 in Somerset, England. The collection was small, initially with leather poacher bags, binocular bags and dispatch bags but they soon became known for their British lifestyle brand.
The Iconic Fendi Baguette 'It Bag'
The iconic Fendi baguette was created by Italian designer Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997. A small rectangular handbag, designed to be carried on the shoulder with the body of the bag under the arm like a French loaf, hence its famous name. It has been created in over 1,000 styles and carried by everyone who's anyone, from Madonna to Julia Roberts.
