The Fish Bag That Proves More Bags Should Be This Fun

When I first stumbled upon this fish-shaped bag, I audibly said, “GIVE IT TO ME!”

Not in a quiet, demure way. In a full, impulsive, slightly unhinged, not very demure or mindful way. Because you know what? This is what I want in the bag world right now. I want fresh. I want bold. I want something so unexpected that it immediately turns into a conversation before I’ve even introduced myself.

And that, dear readers, is exactly what Vin. brings to the table.

Vin. is the brainchild of childhood friends Claudia Li Johnson and Gabby Starr Kono-Abdy, and honestly, even their names feel cinematic. The two reunited in the summer of 2024 and bonded over a shared obsession: unique evening bags and the kind of vintage treasures you either score at a flea market at opening or uncover in your grandmother’s closet if you’re very, very lucky.

That love of storytelling runs deep in both of them. Gabby, who works in film production and acting, understands how a single detail can elevate an entire scene. She’s seen firsthand how the right accessory doesn’t just complete a look, but it defines a moment.

Claudia, on the other hand, has built a following styling clients for red carpets and major life events, constantly hunting for vintage-inspired bags that feel special, rare, and conversation-worthy. When she couldn’t find what she wanted, she did what the best creatives do: she decided to make it herself.

And so, Vin. was born. Since the brand’s launch, it’s quickly gained traction with its tightly edited collection of vintage-inspired, handmade evening bags that feel more like wearable sculpture than accessories.

Right now, the brand has just a handful of designs. That’s it. No overwhelming assortment. No safe staples to round it out. Just three unapologetically novelty-forward silhouettes. And honestly? I love this positioning. In a world filled with so many options, Vin. leaned in on what it set out to do, and didn’t find the need to add another ‘safety’ option into the mix. It feels confident.

The Bag That Started the Obsession

The standout, and the piece that stopped me mid-scroll, is the Fishy bag. A solid brass, fish-shaped evening bag that quite literally does not swim (no, really, it says on the site to ensure you keep this piece away from water), but absolutely makes waves. Crafted from 100% solid brass with a black suede-like interior, it measures 13 inches long and features a hinged top-handle frame with a magnetic closure.

The differentiating options include the fish’s eye, from staying tonal and gold to a crystal, ruby, or turquoise gem (on the silver version). This bag is the one that put Vin. on the map.

One major point I must add is that this bag doesn’t fit an iPhone. Which, instead of feeling like a flaw, feels like the point.

This isn’t a bag for your daily essentials. It’s a bag for an entrance. For a wedding where you want to be remembered. For a dinner where someone inevitably asks, “Wait, where did you get that?” It’s a piece that embraces impracticality in favor of personality. When you carry this bag, you are making an active choice to make a statement.

There’s also an Heirloom Tomato evening bag, which has been having a moment in the luxury world as of late. Modeled after a tin can of sardines, the Sardine Clutch features a Betta made from natural wood with a tassel detail.

Overall, Vin. is finding its footing at a time that feels right. The brand is compelling because it’s not trying to be everything to everyone. It’s not chasing trends. It’s leaning into character, craftsmanship, and a little bit of whimsy, which is a mix that the handbag world could always use more of.