Earlier this spring we debated if Valentino’s unmistakeable Rockstuds were considered a classic by now, nearly ten years after Valentino debuted them. While the verdict was of course mixed, many of you brought up the idea of what actually goes into calling something a classic. Commenter Marla asked, “what constitutes a classic?”. Stating that the answer may not be as basic and obvious as it seems. So what does it take for a handbag to earn classic status?
Classic has a few different meanings according to Merriam-Webster. The everyday use of the word is defined as ‘historically memorable’ and/or ‘serving as a standard of excellence ie- a recognized value’. Conversely, the fashion definition of the word describes classic as being ‘characterized by simple, tailored lines’.
The word classic, when applied to fashion, and handbags specifically, is quite subjective. I would describe classics as bags and designs that have a timeless appeal, meaning they’ll remain relevant for years to come. Immediately a few bags come to mind that I would consider classic—regardless if I would personally wear them or not. If you were to ask any handbag lover, Louis Vuitton’s Speedy bag, Chanel’s 2.55 and Classic Flap bags and the Hermès Kelly and Birkin would be included in almost every response. When I think of bags that will be around for years to come, these bags have stood the test of time. And if I wanted to purchase a bag that I could pass down to my niece or future child, one of these would be my go-to.
Another point that’s relevant to make is the idea of a classic bag versus a classic style. One could argue that every bag lover needs a black flap bag in their closet because it’s a classic, but what one handbag lover chooses to purchase over another can be vastly different. A classic style, as in a silhouette that can be easily worn, refers to simplicity and wearability in style versus a specific design by a designer. For example, when my collection was lacking a black flap bag that I could wear for the everyday, I chose Gucci’s Marmont Flap Bag. Though it fits the bill and is a simple, everyday black bag, the bag itself is considered more on the trendy side.
A third point that is also notable to make is the idea of an iconic bag versus a classic. Iconic, which is defined as something that is ‘widely recognized and well-established’, is a bit less broad and easier to define. Handbag lovers can likely agree on a bag being iconic (ie well-recognized) whether they like it or not. For example, Dior’s Book Tote has become an icon for the brand in a short period of time. While not everyone would personally wear or purchase one, the Book Tote is instantly identifiable and recognized by handbag lovers around the world, making it a true definition of the word.
While iconic bags may come and go, a classic bag will remain relevant for decades to come. A classic bag to me means a timeless design that I’ll continue to reach for year after year. How do you define a classic and which bags in your closet do you consider your go-to classics?
To me, “classic” depends on the person. If a person knows their own individual style and buys based on what they love and know they will use, their bag will not look dated.
Just like a saffiano Prada Galleria bag will look good on the power business woman in suits both now and in ten years, a neon green Balenciaga will look wonderful on the woman who matches a patterned flowing skirt with a boldly colored top for years. If your style changes every year with the trends and the seasons, your bag will only be classic in your wardrobe for as long as you let it be.
If you buy a quality bag, treat it well, and know a good repair shop, you can use the same bag for years. Don’t buy into the seasonal marketing hype and buy every latest it-bag if it’s not “I love it” AND “I’ll use it.” By the same vein of reasoning, don’t buy a $6000 Chanel flap or $10,000 Birkin just because marketing tells you it’s a classic, even if it doesn’t fit into your style and lifestyle. Both traps are a surefire way to waste money on something that is not classic to you.
And finally, fashion is creativity, expression, and fun. Enjoy your purse choices, and if you change your mind and take a loss on a sale, accept that it was money well-spent into some fashion fun.
🙂 Candy
For me Classic means something that worths the emulation . In spanish i would say … Clásico es todo aquello que es digno de imitarse .
In the case of handbags … I feel classics Chanel 2.55 flap bag / LV speedy / Hermès Sac a depeches etc innovations, i don’t know who creates the first tote bag but that could be imo inside of this Classic category
For me is the shape that I can wear in years regardless designer. A distinctive shape that doesn’t look date in two years. Take Chloé Mini Marcie bag for example or Victoria Beckham Half Moon/A.P.C Demi…to me these are classic.
it’s an item that remains relevant even with the passage of time, may not have a lot of fanfare but still serves the purpose that it was born to serve. Burberry trench, Longchamp Pliage, Tod’s loafers to name a few
Something that is classic has staying power, and is not something that lives only for a year or a decade. It can look as relevant today as it did 20 or 30 years before, or as it does 20 or 30 years after.