What I remember (and miss) most about the early aughts is how effortless fashion felt. Social media was just barely a thing, and style felt a lot more personal and a lot less contrived. Bags, too, felt different, offering a more no-fuss (but not lacking in frills) laid-back approach to the accessory we all know and love. And the thing I remember most about the bags of the early aughts was the size (yes, they were large enough to carry our whole lives and then some), but also the ease with which they worked into our outfits and lives. The latest bag from Celine and Hedi Slimane, designed with the 2000s in mind, feels like everything I loved about the fashion of another lifetime ago. An era that has certainly returned to our collective consciousness.
New In: Celine Conti Bag
The Celine Conti bag was first introduced at the brand’s Summer 2023 runway show in late 2022, and the show and collection itself was an ode to the 2000s. Against the stunning backdrop of Saint-Tropez, models walked the runway in outfits that were nothing short of nostalgic. Chunky moto boots, mini skirts, lots of leather, and of course, the staple of the early aughts, skinny jeans, were all present. However, the standout piece on the runway was the brand’s latest bag, which appeared numerous times, nonchalantly slung in the crook of models’ arms, offering that exact effortless vibe mentioned above.
The Inspiration Behind the Conti Bag
During the design process, Hedi Slimane dipped into the archives from his London period, and the Conti Bag is described as a relaunch of the Cabas bag. The Conti is a one size fits all silhouette, offering that slouchy, relaxed feel that the early aughts were known for, especially when worn with its fully-functioning belt buckle slung open. And while the shape is more relaxed, unique heat seaming outlines the bag’s shape, which is finished with saddle stitches done by hand and metal feet.
The Conti is available now in Celine boutiques and via Celine.com in neutral-hued supple and natural calfskin, suede, and crocodile. Inside, the bag featured a zip pocket as well as slit pockets, and overall dimensions are 14″ W x 10″ L x 6″ D. Retail is $7,200 for the suede Conti, $7,500 for the supple calfskin, $7,900 for the natural calfskin and $55,900 for crocodile. Discover more and shop now via Celine.
