Closet Confessionals

CC 138: The Holy Trinity Collector

"I have a bag room where the bags are on show at all times."

In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet CC 138, a handbag lover hailing from Australia who has been collecting bags for two decades. This collector has amassed a massive, and incredibly impressive collection of bags, spanning bags from the holy trinity (Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel) and so much more! CC 138 began collecting bags in her mid-30s, and while she does admit to struggling with her shopping habits at one point, these days her purchases are carefully thought out.

An impressive and hefty collection doesn’t stop this collector from lusting for her next purchase, a Hermès Kelly, and she’s currently on ban-island while saving up for it. This collector is lucky enough to have a partner who is supportive of her passion, though admittedly not quite understanding of the appeal of luxury handbag collecting. Read the full CC and check out photos from CC 138’s closet below!

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The Basics

Age: 55
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Western Australia
Occupation: Accountant
Industry: Tax and Business Advisory
Salary: $130,000
Household Income: $300,000

The Bags

Are you a PurseForum member? Yes

How many bags do you own? 60-ish

What bags are in your collection?

  • Givenchy Pandora Medium
  • Givenchy Nightingale Medium x 2
  • Longchamp Mademoiselle
  • LV Pochette Metis
  • LV Speedy Bandouliere 25
  • LV Speedy Bandouliere 25 Empreinte
  • LV Speedy 30 Reverse XL Monogram
  • LV Nano Speedy
  • LV Multi Pochette Accessoire
  • LV Palm Springs Reverse Mini
  • LV Alma BB in Galet Epi Leather
  • LV Neverfull World Tour
  • LV Neo Noe
  • LV Denim Shoulder Bag
  • Saint Laurent Camera Bag
  • Saint Laurent Small Loulou Puffer
  • Loewe Small Puzzle Bag
  • Valentino Candy Stud
  • Hermès Evelyn
  • Chanel Jumbo Caviar Black
  • Chanel Medium Classic Caviar
  • Chanel Mini Reissue All Black
  • Chanel Mini Rectangular in Olive Lambskin
  • Chanel My Perfect Mini in Black Caviar
  • Chanel Seasonal Flap Bag
  • Chanel Coco Handle Medium Black
  • Chanel 19 in Beige
  • Chanel Reissue 225 in Beige
  • Chanel Small Coco Handle in Iridescent Turquoise
  • Lady Dior Medium in Rose
  • Dior Medium Bobby
  • Balenciaga City Bag (multiple in various colors)
  • Mansur Gavriel Tote
  • Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag
  • Bally Snakeskin Shoulder Bag
  • Longchamp Leather Crossbody Bags and multiple versions of the Le Pliage
  • Victoria Beckham Black Top Handle Bag
  • How much is your collection worth? I dare not count but at least $50,000.

    What is your most expensive bag? Chanel My Perfect Mini which I had to pay a premium for with a reseller.

    What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? My Chanel pieces – I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would own one let alone a few!

    What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 34 – LV Galleria (which I have now sold)

    Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Hermès Kelly 28.

    Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? The World Tour Neverfull has sentimental value as it was purchased with monies left to me by my mum, my Chanel 19 which was a surprise gift from my husband (who puts up with my bag obsession even though he can’t understand the appeal) and my Chanel seasonal flap bag which was my purchase from my first trip to Paris.

    Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Definitely – I think that if you’re carrying an expensive bag you get served better and treated more seriously. I don’t usually carry my expensive bags to work as my Neverfull tote is my go-to work bag. But I happily carry them to the shops or out with friends. Some friends do pass judgment about my obsession for branded bags but hey I always say ‘each to their own.’

    Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? Nope.

    The Shopping

    How often do you buy new bags? When I see something I love. But I am putting myself on bag ban island to save for my Hermès Kelly.

    Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury?No

    Which stores do you frequent the most? Chanel at the moment although I love MyTheresa and Farfetch.

    Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? I have but only if they are in great condition from a reputable reseller. I usually authenticate them separately for my own peace of mind.

    Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Yes to consignment stores and resellers. Occasionally on luxe FB groups but I am always wary as there are so many horror stories of sellers being duped.

    Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No

    Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Definitely! My Chanel pieces are worth so much more than what I paid for them.

    Who influences your buying decisions? YouTube influencers, Runway Shows, Instagram

    Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Yes, I find that if you have a good relationship where your SA understands your style and what you like then they are more likely to go to bat for you when ‘hot’ items come in.

    Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? I love retail therapy! I love nice things like fine jewellery, designer bags, designer shoes, designer clothing (only because the quality is generally better). I’m a lot better these days – 10 years ago I would definitely consider myself a shopaholic. These days I consider what the purchase is, the quality and longevity, and do my homework before launching into the purchase.

    Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? Sometimes – I find I get better service if I’ve got make-up on and dressed well. These days because I have good relationships with SA’s in the various designer stores, I usually make an appointment before going in so that they have the time to spend with me.

    The Money

    Who pays for your bags? Me and my hubby.

    Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Nope

    The Taboo Topics

    Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Yes! a Balenciaga motorcycle bag on eBay – mind you, I didn’t know it was a counterfeit at the time. I never buy bags on eBay now.

    Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Nope, I have a bag room where the bags are on show at all times.

    What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? Can’t think of any.

    Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? In the past yes. But now with age, I have clarity and more self-restraint.

    The Rest Of It

    Any other expensive hobbies or passions? Designer shoes.

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