Nowadays, we are ready to pay more for a handbag than a holiday and we want the rest of the world to know it. But why do we women love handbags so much? Why do we find bags so desirable?
It certainly is because they have become a unique outward statement of a woman’s status, fashion savvy and earning power.
The rising popularity of handbags during the last century echoes the growing independence of their owners. As women left their homes, both for leisure and work, bags became a useful way of carrying their belongings. The importance of rail and sea travel triggered the need for luggage ranging from suitcases, hats, shoeboxes and vanity cases. Incidentally, some of today’s most famous handbag design houses, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Hermes were originally known for their luxurious leather luggage. As women became increasingly financially independent, the handbag industry exploded. LVMH makes millions of pounds a year from the sale of handbags. One report has shown that sales of bags have grown at twice the rate of clothes.
According to Bahrain-based designer Abir Achkar, a bag is a woman’s best friend.
“It contains all your personal belongings. A bag carries a woman’s identity. Every bag tells a different story, just as every outfit should. With bags, you can say something about yourself without having to utter a word.”
Lebanese-born Abir Achkar is known for her recent and successful Spiky Ash bag. However, one of her flagship collections remains the Amber collection made with pony hair.
“I look for uniqueness in my bags; because I used pony hair and spikes, I toned down with nude colored Italian leather, thereby creating an elegant yet edgy statement to the Amber bag.”
Ash’s latest Lola Collection has garnered a huge interest due to the details, combination of textures, the color contrast and its practicality. The Lola bag is versatile as it can be used as a clutch, a shoulder bag, and an interchangeable daytime and evening bag.
“The first thing you should look for in a bag to check whether it is a high quality bag, is the smell. The smell of genuine leather is unique. Also look for good, clean stitching and feel the texture of the bag to ensure its richness. The story to finding a bag that is well made is to see it, smell it, feel it and of course fall in love with it,” says Achkar.
Before Achkar began fashion designing, she set up her own fashion consultancy company. During her early stages of working in the industry she concentrated on designing clothes, until her passion for bags surmounted all other interests.
Achkar confesses that she never really knows when she will be inspired to design a bag, however once an idea formulates in her mind, she sets out to create a mood board and begins to sketch her designs. Next, she sets out to choose the leather, its texture and color. When the design of the prototype is complete, the production of the bag can be launched.
A timeless bag is not just well crafted it also transcends the time in which it was created. It’s beautiful design combines functionality and luxury with the finest leather. The Chanel 2.55 is an iconic bag and incidentally is also one of Chanel’s top selling bags. The name refers to the month of February and 1955, the year in which it was launched.
The young designer acknowledges that fashion is a lifestyle rather than a trend. She also believes different bags serve different occasions as each bag delivers a different message. Every woman should have a classic bag that suits all outfits, a tote or a travel bag which can be used for a working day and a statement bag for certain occasions to provide a unique touch.
“A bag unlike clothes defines a woman’s personality. Each bag has a different story and you can easily tell someone’s personality and style. I design for fashionable, self-assured and sophisticated women. My bags combine a timeless quality and style,” concludes Abir.
Lassy handbags by Abir Achkar
Lassy handbags by Abir Achkar
