I was scrolling through Instagram last week when I spotted the most beautiful turquoise bag on a morning talk show host that I follow. When I zoomed in on the photo, I was fairly shocked when I realized her bag was from Tiffany and Co. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of Tiffany and Co. (does anyone ever NOT want to see the little blue box when receiving a gift?), but my knowledge is pretty limited regarding their handbags and I’ve never seen one in person. The designs are nice and I am such a sucker for the turquoise color, but the price tag is hard to swallow. Don’t get me wrong, I think the bags are definitely priced fairly given the materials, the fact that they are made in Italy, and come from a luxury brand such as Tiffany and Co., but I still am not sure I could drop $1,500 on a Tiffany and Co. tote when I associate the brand so deeply with jewelry. Frankly, I’d rather get something sparkly for my wrist. Seeing that stunning bag on one of my favorite Instagram accounts just might have changed my mind and has brought Tiffany bags onto my radar, especially since Tiffany blue is one of my all-time favorite colors. Although admittedly it will be really hard for me to associate the brand known for sensational jewelry with incredible handbags. Is it just me?
[sc_ic_ad1]Just when I was changing my tune on Tiffany and Co. bags, I was perusing my usual sites for camera bags earlier this week (I still am on the hunt for the perfect one…), and my eye was instantly drawn to a pretty silver camera bag embossed with “CHOO” on the side. I really liked the design of the bag, but I must confess that I had almost forgotten that Jimmy Choo designs bags since the brand is synonymous with fabulous shoes. Then I remembered a time when the Jimmy Choo Ramona bag was a huge it-bag (a decade ago!). I always really wanted a Ramona bag back in the day, but alas it was never meant to be. For a while the momentum of Jimmy Choo handbags was full steam ahead, but it seems to have waned in recent years and the brand hasn’t produced an it-bag since the Ramona. I know that Jimmy Choo is a luxury brand that sells shoes, bags, and fragrances, but I always tend to associate them exclusively with shoes. I’m worried I am being short sighted here and would like to open up my mind to the idea of Choo bags, but the mind is a tricky thing and I cannot break the notion of Choo = shoe. Same goes for an iconic brand like Christian Louboutin, the master of luxury shoes. I am not inclined to search Louboutin’s brand for a handbag, I go to them to elevate my shoe game. What can I say? I’m more drawn to their heels. Maybe it will just take the perfect design to change my mind, but it hasn’t happened yet.
I fully acknowledge that most, if not all, of my favorite handbag brands do not exclusively design handbags but also sell shoes, jewelry, clothing, and other various products. So why am I so internally conflicted by a shoe or jewelry company designing a luxury handbag? If a brand like Jimmy Choo makes high quality crafted shoes, it’s safe to assume that they will also produce wonderfully made bags (and I love some of the designs I have seen!). I would never hesitate to purchase a pair of Louis Vuitton or Gucci shoes just because those are my go-to brands for handbags, so I don’t understand my own hesitation. At the end of the day, the brands all fall into the luxury market, so for that reason, I think I may need to give them a chance. That Tiffany and Co. blue tote may just be where I start!
Jimmy Choo Stevie Bag ($1,350)
Jimmy Choo Balti Bag ($850)
Christian Louboutin Small Cabata Calfskin Leather Tote ($1,290)
Christian Louboutin Spiked Leather Clutch ($1,050)
Tiffany & Co Grained Calfskin Tote ($1,550)
This is weird I was just looking at Jimmy Choo bags last week. Jimmy Choo has some really nice bags for formal functions and weddings.
They do. I agree with you.
All of the bags in this post are gorgeous! I would definitely take the Tiffany bag for a spin. The color is pretty and springy and we need spring here in NY!!!!
Tiffany bag I really like it the most.
I wouldn’t purchase leather goods from Tiffany’s. It’s not that the quality is subpar or that I find them ugly. It’s just that bags don’t belong in the brand’s heritage. It simply would not even cross my mind to go to Tiffany’s in order to purchase a bag!
Similarly, I don’t understand people who buy food items at IKEA. 🙂
….I have a serious love of Ikea’s bulk candy section 🙁
It’s like the last section of IKEA becomes an Aldi! ?
Totally get your point of view. It’s the same with Cartier. I immediately just associate it with jewelry and watches it would not immediately cross my mind that they also manufacture handbags and sunglasses.
Thanks!
Also, that would be “you’re” not “your.”
I really, really like Tiffany bag. I imagine to carry it as a cary-on bag and as a day bag.
It does look nice. I also agree with you it would be a cute carry-on bag. It could add a pop of color to a neutral colored outfit.
Absolutely so true. I love to see it in real life.
I’d love to see it also. The closest Tiffany store is three hours away from where I live.
Wonderful. It’s a long way. Maybe one day you can have a day trip and visit Tiffany. Why not? 🙂
Yes, especially with the traffic in LA. But I am planning on going sometime this year.
Ugh. Horrible. You can go early in the morning on a weekday. 🙂
Yup it’ll have to be a weekday. LA is a nightmare on weekends.
I see. Ona day when you go, I hope you can see it and you can share a picture of the bag if want to. 🙂 Few hrs ago I was at Tiffany, but I didn’t see the bag and I didn’t ask if they have it.
My main turn-off w/r/t niche brands branding into bags is that more often than not, they seem to be using the overall recognition and positive perception of their brand to boost an otherwise boring or basic bag as a similarly desirable item. The camera bag looks like something that you can buy at Forever 21, minus the big CHOO slapped on front. Same with the suede Hobo – I had an identical bag from American Eagle in 7th grade. Or for Tiffany/Cartier, a logical progression from the jewelry offerings would be structured minaudieres or the SLGs currently offered on the Tiffany website. Maybe I’m just bitter because I haven’t seen bag designs from ANYONE recently that really stirred something in me and made me want something badly, so any further implication that designers think that lowly of our discernment is frustrating.
Of the items listed here, Christian Louboutin is a reasonable exception because their bags are consistent with the brand’s overall look AND have something to add in terms of design choices and flair. At least they’re not making a bland camera bag with “Christian Louboutin” scribbled on it and trying to sell it as “design”.
What about Bulgari? Here in Rome they have a separate store for their handbags and other leather goods. My mom bought an amazing carry all bag from them years ago and it’s the best one she ever owned! The canvas is lighter than lv yet just as durable, the craftsmanship in general is top-notch. I also have a Bulgari wallet and again, it’s great.
But before stumbling upon their leather goods store we only associated the brand with jewelry.
i love bvlgari’s bags!!!! it is so beautifully made and i love that it’s not as common in the US.
Louboutin makes some pretty edgy, cool handbags. I just can’t bring myself to plop down that kind of money for them. The newest Cartier bag that’s shaped like their iconic box is cool as well. Again, it’s not enough to make me want to buy one.
I own two Choo bags, but they’re older styles which I love. Great everyday bags.
I have a small Cartier bag and it is very well made. I think because it’s a luxury brand one expects a certain quality. However the Louboutin bag I looked at a couple of years definitely was not a quality bag. Seams, studs etc are supposed to line up and match on these bags. That one did not so I have never bothered to look at them again.
Lord Piana has some gorgeous bags too!