When Phoebe Philo joined Celine the brand completely revamped itself, introducing shapes and silhouettes within both its RTW and accessories assortments that would become classics of the brand. In 2010, Philo introduced the Celine Luggage Tote and it became just that: an unmistakeable icon that would become synonymous with the brand.
While the Luggage Tote would eventually achieve It-bag status, it wasn’t the overnight success that one would typically expect from a cult-favorite bag. When it first launched, the Luggage Tote was relatively easy to access in stores and online. Until it wasn’t.
Soon, the bag garnered attention from handbag lovers of all kinds. From celebrities to everyday handbag lovers just like us, everybody wanted a piece of the C(é)line pie and eventually the bag was sold out, amassing long waitlists in the meantime.
Now, 10 years after its release, the bag remains part of the Celine lineup despite the departure of its creator from the brand and the appointment of creative director Hedi Slimane. However, unlike when the bag was in its prime, various versions of the luggage tote are widely available both in boutiques and online, which is to be expected once a bag has reached its peak. Even still, 10 years is an incredibly long time in handbag years, and for a shape to stick around for that long is no easy feat.
With its top handles and easy to wear shape, the silhouette remains both relevant and stylish to this day, however it goes without saying that while there are those that love the bag, there are also those that don’t. Possibly you were never a fan of the bag, which some have stated looks oddly like a face, or maybe you once loved this bag but got over it. Or if you’re anything like me you would still consider adding a Luggage Tote to your collection. I still have love for this iconic shape and could see it fitting into my collection well as either a fun accent or in a neutral hue.
Do you still adore this shape or do you think the Celine Luggage tote has passed its prime?
I haven’t even read the article yet, I had to rush to the comments and see what was being said! I love the luggage totes more than anything! They are modern, sophisticated, and still practical. I wish I had all sizes. This style may not be the “it” bag anymore, but it’s here to stay!
I do! Not a fan of the brand after Phoebe left…
I like how you always “like” your own post. ?
Still love my grainy black luggage tote — was my first luxury bag purchase and remains in my top 5 faves!
I do as well! I’m looking for a micro in the perfect color and price.
I still love my nano! It’s the perfect size for every-day, is lightweight enough, and in black & white, it goes with just about everything
I couldn’t agree more! My nano is perfect in every way!
I still use mine all the time. I adore it. I have a mini (which is not mini at all, rather a large bag) from Pheobe’s time. The leather is SO thick.
I feel the Luggage tote is more luxurious than my Chanels.
I still want the exact one that you have in the first picture. I like the size, and the color is stunning. I never liked the larger sizes as the don’t seem to age well.
I’m not a Celine customer. The design house is not my style, but that little bag is too cute.
Absolutely love my nano luggage tote. It is my workhorse bag, love how beautiful it is and functional. I miss old Céline, it’s just not the same with Hedi Slimane at the helm?
I don’t own it (strap is too long for tiny people like me) but still love it.
Its still on my wishlist…but not on my priority list…guess im still waiting for the perfect tricolor
Oh I would also love to add an adorable tri-color nano to my collection! Just added a single color one in the color flamingo.
I have been planning for the luggage tote to be my next bag purchase! I want it so badly!
Absolutely. Have a Micro luggage tote and I’m looking to purchase 2 more Nanos – most likely 2nd hand, but as new as I can find them from old Céline.
Absolutely still love the Celine Luggage Tote! I went through a phase where I had a variety of renditions in different sizes…finally settled on the Micro and and the Nano and sold the rest. The Mini in black drummed leather, I used for work for a couple of years. Held up so well, managed to sell it for a decent price. I got all of mine during #OldCeline, but I’m glad they are continuing to produce them. The Nano is great for travel…crossbody, zipped top and fits quite a bit.
I’ve never liked that the design made it look like a robot face. :/
Yes I do! I recently purchased a second hand Nano in black drummed leather and it’s gorgeous!
I still use my luggages! Love nano for casual days and mini (and phantom) for work.
I loved mine when I bought it in Paris and hung in there with it for quite a while. But the reality, for me, is the straps were just too short to carry it on your shoulder leaving it literally as a hand held or arm held only.
I have three different sizes of the luggage tote. I have a medium luggage in black, I have a nano multi colored and I have a micro in souris. I still love them and still get tons of compliments when I carry them.
Absolutely love.. I have the Celine luggage, belt and box from Phoebe era and totally lust over these pieces..
It’s a nice bag however when I look at it I feel like it is from a specific time. I feel the same when I see Balenciaga satchels.
Absolutely love my micro and nano luggage. I don’t use it as much anymore but I think it’s style that will always be relevant and one I wouldn’t part ways with…
Still love it and actually decided to finally buy a micro luggage just days before this blog!
I feel that Celine is the most underrated luxury designer around. Their quality and beauty should never be overlooked.
I still adore my nano luggage and use it regularly. My mini mostly resides in the back of my closet as I’ve been working from home since March and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. However, when I need a large stylish bag the mini will make its return!
I still think the bag looks like robot face, but I adore mine so much I’ll never let it go. Such a classy looking and quirky bag. ?
I like the nano size, but that’s it. I sold my mini luggage a couple of years ago and don’t miss it – a heavy, awkward bag that I now think looks dated whenever I see it in the wild. It might be a “classic lite” at this point, though. A lot of stylish women I know still love it and carry it well.
Because of this website I have purchased 4 Celine bags that I cannot love without. The Celine nano luggage tote is my favorite in my collection. I bought it pre-loved in mustard yellow and wore that for years. It was still expensive when I bought it from the pre-loved site but knowing it was authentic and coveted just thrilled me.
I also love but don’t use the Celine trio and the Celine triptyque bag. I have the exact same triptyque as Meg in that gorgeous red. When I do wear it I worry about the leather because it’s so delicate. The Nano’s leather is a lot more durable. If I had the option to buy the larger luggage size, I would pass. I’ve held the mini size and it’s heavy.
I loved my micro luggage, but recently sold it as it felt dated. It was easy to use, nice quality leather, & well-made. It held its shape nicely over the years. Rarely do I see anyone carrying this bag in my area.
I love it. I have one in the mini size. I want more. In various sizes/colors. I love them.
Never liked the robot face.
Great article Kaitlin & apologies as I am so far behind on commenting & keeping up with these blogs. Love them & often save them for when I can actually read them.
I have gone back & forth on this bag. I was going to buy it but then when I went to Neiman’s to check it out, I wasn’t sure & found the bag really heavy. Still on my list but will see what happens as there are a couple of more ahead of the Luggage Tote.
Happy New Year to all my friends on this blog.
I love Celine nano, even the other sizes too! I just added a new nano to my collection and it’s in this adorable flamingo color which I immediately fell in love with. I love that they are coming with new fun colors every now and then.
I feel like the luggage tote is over!