Let me preface this post by saying that there was a time in my bag-loving life that I once dreamed about owning a Givenchy Antigona Bag. In its heyday, the Givenchy Antigona was beloved by celebrities, fashion editors and everyday bag lovers alike. Born back in 2010, the Antigona has been around for nearly a decade and it has been released in dozens of iterations including different sizes (mini, small, medium and large), colors and fabrications (everything from leather and embossed croc to suede and fringed leather). The Antigona was designed under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci who has since moved on to Burberry. And while a brand won’t keep a bag around for no reason at all (it clearly must still be selling well for the brand in some way), regardless there comes a time when a bag must go, and with new designer Clare Waight Keller putting her own spin on the brand’s DNA, now is as good a time as ever for the Antigona to enter retirement.
Like most things in life, seeing anything too often for a long period of time will make people sick of it, and for me, after nearly ten years of the Antigona, it’s kind of lost its luster. Additionally, it feels like the Antigona has sort of rode out its popularity. I often find various versions of the Antigona in the sale section when I’m crafting up bag deals, which to me is another indicator that it’s time for Givenchy to phase this bag out. It’s best for a bag to go between its peak and its pit, and it seems that the Antigona is well past its peak popularity. Do you think its time for the Antigona to go? If not, which popular bag are you ready to say goodbye to?
Givenchy Antigona Small Leather Tote ($2,290)
Wow way to insult the most practical, well built, incredibly priced and classically shaped – with a minimalist logo to boot! – bag of the century. You’re going to have to pry my two antigonas out of my cold dead hands. Are you kidding? Who cares how long you’ve had it. This isn’t about following (the often vile, uninspired) trends. This is about personal style and comfort. It’s in the sale section? oh. no. You know where a lot of Chanels end up? A bonfire. Pradas? Ebay, at 50%+ off never worn. The Fendis and Guccis? In the back of closets of Instagram fashionista wannabes dealing with credit card fraud.
The antigona is an accomplished woman’s bag. One who has other things going on and needs things to make them happen. And the antigona will hold my every day needs and heart for years to come.
99% agree! I only disagree when you say that Antigona is a “woman’s bag”… I’m a man (34 years old) and i proudly carry it (almost) everyday and i think that everyone can carry it if he want!
My husband also want to carry it to his shipyard, but i dont trust my antigona at shipyard , especially in his care
Agree 100%
yes! Agree!
Yes! Thank you
Thank you for sharing your opinion!!! I totally agree!! Love the Antigona.
Amen sister. I can’t wait to join the Antigona tribe.
Couldn’t agree more!
Facts!
Absolutely agree 100%
Well said. I totally agree
Hey, I still have mine and like it too! Which colors do you have?
I have one in Oxblood (heavenly) and one in Rose. I only skipped on the black because I made a vow that when I parted with $7,000 Canadian Cash Money for a 2.55, it would be my only black bag. (We all justify in our own ways.) I really love the articles and the sense of community for bag lovers that PurseBlog has nurtured. But this piece came off really negative and stirred so many people up – especially women who work so hard for their money and want to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Well said. Thank you.
Every couple years y’all try to say that the Antigona is “over” lol. It’s a classic, well made bag with a unique design. Why would Givenchy retire it? Should Hermés retire the Birkin? Should LV retire the Neverfull? Should Dior retire the Lady Dior? Like, it makes zero sense to say that a brand should retire a bag just because it’s “been around a while.”
Well put! I’ve always wanted to buy a Neverfull but it seems to me that it’s impossible to keep them in good condition. I’ve never seen anyone on the street with a pristine Neverfull. They always look like they’ve been kicked around, dropped or laid to rest on the floor. Or stuff is always falling out of them.
Yeah, I’m not a LV girl personally, but I know a lot of people love the practicality and classic look of the Neverfull. It’s just so silly to me to suggest that a designer should retire a certain bag solely on the longevity of existence, or because it’s popular. I think designers are actually smart to keep classic designs around, and if anything, offer updated limited editions, like what Maria is doing with the embroidered/embellished Lady Dior, or like what Silvia has done with the Peekaboo X-lite.
I think it’s interesting that they’re putting out new colours, new twists, new textures to the Antigona. That’s one thing I admire. I sold an Antigona Piercing in a mini and I got a lot of interest. The bag is a few years old but the look was just so interesting. Do google!
Nice job PB. Crap all over a bag by saying it is time to retire it BUT still include a link for readers to purchase so you can earn a commission on the click. Classy!
My thoughts exactly. You don’t think a bag is relevant but still post a link to purchase. You contradict yourself, Kaitlin.
This article makes ZERO sense lol, this is one of the best bags out there and yet y’all think its time for it to go? Even folks who aren’t into bags know this bag is just fantastic. Also, you guys think the Chloe Marcie is worthy of a 10 year anniversary but the Antigona isnt???? The Marcie is always on sale much more often than the Antigona and the Antigona sells for significantly more in the resale market than the Chloe Marcie due to higher demand and desire…I disagree with this article entirely.
Never. It’s a classic. It should stay for years, together with the likes of Lady Dior, Birkin, Chanel , Mulberry Bayswater…
I have this bag in medium size and a beautiful green color which I’ve never carried. everyone talks about the short strap and the small opening despite most comment on how beautiful the design is and I also find it very beautiful and unique. I am tempted to buy the smaller version in black mod croc but I think I’ll buy a Celine small big bag next. To each his own but I feel like the Antigona definitely deserves to stay. I think ALL CHANEL BAGS deserve to go because of their RIDICULOUS PRICINGS!! Let the reasonably priced ones like Saint Laurent (which btw is churning out more beautiful bags lately) stay!! Chanel because of your ridiculous pricing I must say buh byeee!!!!
I’ve given up on Chanel buying going forward. I have 3 bags and a WOC. But the levels they’re charging now, every stitch better be perfection and that’s simply not possible. Agreed on Saint Laurent – incredible price point for stunning bags that give Chanel a run for their (oodles of) money.
I agree re: Chanel. They are sabotaging themselves by putting out poorly designed bags, lacking in quality, for huge price margins. This sentiment has been debated and discussed ad nauseam, with good reason. This once great fashion house is slowing putting themselves on the extinction list, but I wonder if they read commentary to know how buyers feel about them? Or, if sales are declining which would indicate a growing discontent with the brand? It would be great if they put quality on the same par as profit margins. IMO they can’t continue to put out junk, put a huge price tag on it, and think that it will sell because it has the Chanel label on it. I’m disgusted with the brand and am no longer interested in buying the “shit” (sorry, PB) that they are selling.
That’s kind of been Chanel’s brand strategy all along. The CCs are so mythical that you can probably sell Chanel tap water. And given the Swell bottle bag in the latest collection (it’s called a flask… but let’s be honest) that actually is true. I’m starting to think that no one can actually charge that amount of money for a bag, because it’s nearly impossible to have manufacturing quality that keeps up with it – manual or automated, there will be mistakes not caught by QC.
My Antigona is and will always be my go to bag. I will never sell or get rid of it.
No Kaitlin. It will never die!!!!! It’s a beautiful classic. I will be enjoying mine for a very very long time to come.
While I would agree that I no longer lust after the Antigona (along with a few other bags), it’s polarizing and feels passively judgey/hurtful to encourage commentary on what bags are “so over” as inevitably there will be readers who still own and/or enjoy these bags.
I love PB, and think Kaitlin is great, so this isn’t a knock to her, but would suggest the team reconsider when contemplating these types of posts in the future. Thanks! 🙂
I agree, it came off a little “Regina George” in the “If you have an Antigona, you can’t sit with us.”
Wasn’t at all trying to be hurtful! Everyone is entitled to their opinion which is why I titled this post Which Designer Bag Are You Ready to Say Goodbye to? versus “I think It’s Time to Say Goodbye to the Antigona” This was post was meant to generate healthy discussion, and I’m interested in hearing which bag(s) you all think are phasing out too. While I think it’s the Antigona you all may think differently. We’re a tight knit community and we take your comments to heart and appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
I should clarify – I didn’t think that you meant it to be hurtful at all. I just feel like polling folks on negatives can leave owners of those bags feeling a bit crummy. A different spin could be polling folks on bags they bought a while ago and that they feel have had real staying power. That still keeps a pulse on what readers are drawn to, but without potentially having other readers read that other people think their bags are past their prime. KWIM?
Much love and I just want to reiterate that I do enjoy your contributions Kaitlin. <3
Perhaps it was the 2nd line “I think it’s time to lay the Givenchy Antigona to rest” which ruffled some feathers. It was a good topic for discussion tho
I totally agree with you re: that this topic led to a very lively discussion. It was both interesting and intriguing. Some of the comments may have been hard on you, but hopefully they don’t discourage you from continuing to explore these types of topics!
I think it is a great article that kicked off a wonderful discussion! A part of this blog is checking the pulse on how the readers feel about certain bags. Kaitlin raised a valid perspective, and people are responding to it, which is they are still crazy about the Antigona! I would love more articles that raise lively debates like this.
Well said! Declaring a bag “over” is judgy and subjective and will make people feel bad about the bags they spent their hard earned money on. And asking others to label other bags as “over” takes it another step in a negative direction. Imagine how your readers will feel after you and commenters declare their very expensive bags are out of style.
I couldn’t disagree more that it’s time for the Antigona to go. It’s probably the most classic new bag to come out in the past decade and I think it looks as fresh as ever (unlike many of my Fendi, Gucci, Chloe, and other bags, which I’ve gotten sick of). I agree that Clare Waight Keller is coming into her own (I especially love the Mystic, which riffs on the Antigona with its triangular flap). But I think she should keep the Antigona in the mix. Long live the Antigona!
I was looking at the Gucci 1955 and it’s a gorgeous bag. But then I thought… I could get an Antigona for less on Farfetch and it’s leather all over and can actually hold things.
I have wanted an Antigona for awhile, but the price was too high. I went online to Farfetch and they had several small Antigona’s on sale, for one day only, for less than $1400.00. I purchased one in “lipstick” which arrived today and it’s stunning! I would not have known to look there if I hadn’t read your post!
Oh my god. That’s amazing. You made my year! Saving people money makes me so happy. And great purchase. Enjoy the bag!
Any particular bag of those brands you’d like to see go? Totally agree I’m loving the Mystic too!
What should go: Pandora, Nightingale (which has mostly gone)
It’s sad a practical, well priced, full leather bag that come in a lot of sizes, colours and textures is something this blog thinks should be retired.
I know my income in limited and I can’t go out and purchase the latest “it” bag. But the point of having a classic bag is that you don’t HAVE to go buy trendy bags every season even if you can afford to.
The Antigona is one such bag. And it can be still be affordable (relatively speaking to say a Chanel Boy bag) when it’s on sale for someone who might want to invest in a solid designer bag without going into debt.
I have two: black and navy, and they go perfectly fine with most anything I wear as I do not have a jet-set lifestyle. Especially since I live where we have heavy snow, I know they don’t have to be sheltered like other leather or finishes.
They are fine for a day out, fine for work, fine for a weekend away or a plane trip, because they hold their shape and can be filled to the brim if the user desires, the long strap can be work sideways to keep things hands-free or be carried by the top handle if one desires.
They don’t scream look at me, unlike the logo frenzy stuff which do go in and out of style every so many years. Yet someone can see the brand name IF they want to pay attention.
I know we are all very passionate about bags here, but it seems a shame to always put down one particular bag over and over as its done with the Antigona.
Even worse that there are links to shop for the same in the article.
It seems insulting to us readers to be honest.
Oh thank god, that bag is so over it’s expiration date it’s growing mold as we speak.
Purseblog has done several iterations of this “the antigona is dead” post over the past few years, only to be proven wrong. The antigona is a classic—neither dated nor an “it” bag. I personally find the antigona much more appealing now that the hype has died down (same goes for other “it” bags that have transitioned into classic status, like the MG bucket). I need my bags to be attractive, versatile, and functional. The antigona hits all those marks. Also, while the seasonal colors of the antigona may go on sale, the classic black shiny calfskin version does not (which, to me, further signals its staying power).
This is part of the joy of everyone having their own personal taste. We may be over a certain bag, but not everyone else is, and that’s totally ok! Also, just because Kaitlin doesn’t like a certain bag anymore, doesn’t mean that I agree. She and I have different beliefs and taste as well.
I have a small pink Antigona – and I love the bag! I wish I purchased it in a more usable year round color though (classic black shiny calfskin as you note!), but it’s a bag I’ve always been drawn to.
They said the same thing for Celine Luggage Tote. Last time I went to Celine couple of months back, it is still the most popular bag people buying.
I never understood the need to put another popular bag down just to promote the bag you’re being paid to promote (cough…Fendi Spy…cough).
Yes, they’re both the professional woman’s understated daily work horse but classic bags are classic for a reason, they have staying power.
I still like the Antigone…it is a great bag and a great design.
I don’t think I’d buy a new Antigona for full price now, but I’d certainly hold on to any bags that I already owned. I do think it looks slightly dated and haven’t seen anyone carrying it in the SF Bay Area for a while…but I also think it strikes a nice balance of simple and edgy that’ll likely come back in style within the next decade or so. It’s definitely a more classic design than most everything else that’s come out in the last ~10 years.
Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a Celine Luggage or Chloe Drew on anyone in a while, though I also classify those under the “overplayed now but will definitely come back” category.
I love my Antigona. I think it’s a classic style and shape and the logo is subtle. I will happily continue to wear mine.
I have one, and I love it. It has got to be one of the least offensive bags on the planet, and I can’t fathom anyone attacking it. Live on Antigona! You are a loyal servant to well dressed professionals everywhere!
I find the opening with the zipper terrible. I can forgive a lot of quarks in a bag, but not getting my hand scratched up every time I reach into my bag.
I love the look, but after a few months with the mini, I had to sell it. I would say it was never destined to be a class… yes it’s pretty, but it’s not that functional.
“Born back in 2010”
“has been around for over a decade”
Literally if it’s born in 2010 it’s not over a decade…I’m sorry to nitpick but I read this and immediately laughed. Seriously?
” Additionally, it feels like the Antigona has sort of road out its popularity.” I think you meant “rode out its popularity.” Sorry, the teacher in me gets out of her box at times.
I’m so glad you commented on this. I was so irritated by the poor grammar but felt maybe I was being nit-picky.
The sentence was supposed to read nearly a decade. Mistakes happen. Thank you for letting us know.
I still love my Antigona. It’s become a classic bag yet it still seems fresh.
I was relieved to read so many positive comments about this bag! I was confused re: the suggestion that this bag should be retired because it is so classic and beautiful!
I really dislike the Antigona so I agree wholeheartedly that it should be retired!
I am surprised how many people get their feelings hurt just because someone said their bag was now dated. Who cares? Get over yourselves and wear what you want! #WinterSnowflakes
Do you even like bags? I have only ever seen negative comments from you
Well said!
I love bags like all of us here. But I certainly recognize that I’m picky.
Who’s offended? This is just opinionated and passionate – the reason we all visit the blog and the forums. Don’t jump to conclusions, silly rabbit.
Have you read the comments??
One better, I wrote some. If you’re going in cancelling a bag retailing for $2.5K+, and not for the first time, you gotta be prepared for some contradicting opinions. That’s all they are.
Exactly, That!
The writer merely posed a question and many people read it as “it’s gotta go”. Chalk it up to the love they have for this bag.
I was drawn to the Antigona for its look and structure, and purchased two of them. Ultimately sold them, though, as I found the bag TOO structured for me. I agree with the others that it’s a classic shape and style and has some staying power.
My sentiment is similar. If a bag is very structured, it feels like I am carrying around a bin with handles. I prefer a tiny bit of soft slouch.
Haha “a bin with handles.” I love it!
Why discontinue? There are bags I like late in their run and save up to buy, and by the time I can get them, they’re discontinued because of a new trend. It’s a good bag that’s well liked. I think it’s up to the company’s bottom line to tell when it’s time for a bag to go. If a person doesn’t like it, don’t buy it.
Good topic Kaitlin, you succeeded in a good discussion. I have never sold or stopped using any luxury bag that I have bought. Goodbye is not in my vocabulary but I’ve only been collecting designer for 12 years. When I get a few more in rotation “bye” might be an option. I seriously doubt it. Age is a factor, almost 60. If I was younger, I’m sure I would feel more like you. The Antigona, a small size, black is on my short list. I’ve wanted this bag since my dentist bought his wife a medium black one. I’m trying, but I can’t think of one single bag of any brand that should go! I love ‘em ALL
Personally, I think Dior Saddle, Prada Galleria Saffiano and Celine Luggage tote should go. I used to love each one of those bags tremendously. In fact, I owned said Prada and Celine. I also worship the grounds that Phoebe Philo walks on but, I believe their time is up. Often times, it is the bag that stands out in the crowd the most that has the shortest time span. Conversely, classics such as Fendi Baguette, LV Speedy, Chanel Flap bag and Boy Chanel should never retire.
While the Fendi baguette is a “classic” it did go away for some time. The Boy Chanel has some very well documented quality issues and is frankly way over priced.
Re: Boy Chanel having some quality issues is news to me. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I can only speak from my own experience though. I have been wearing a teal Boy Chanel with silver hardware for almost 6 years now and never encounter any problem with it despite regular usage. I’ve got to say the leather hold up pretty amazing considering that it is lambskin. The same goes for the silver chain. Unlike the gold hardware on my Gucci Sylvie that changed colour in less than a year.
I really like the way it looks and the size of it but in my opinion, it was the most uncomfortable bag I owned. The opening was not wide enough. With my bags I like when I can reach in quickly to get what I need. With the Antigona, I felt like I can’t just stick my hand in it without scratching my hands with the zipper. But that’s just how I felt about it.
I don’t understand why so many are taking Kaitlin’s comments personally. Can’t the woman voice her opinion without everyone getting up in arms? You’re free to disagree but why get offended? No one’s going to take your Antigonas away from you, for goodness sake!
Same situation with Chloe Drew, right? All kinds of Drew, different sizes, colors, always on sale
No but Birkin yes
Good thought! I’m sure many ppl would love for the Birkin to “retire” so the price would drop and they could get their hands on one. Unfortunately, I can’t see this happening. 🙂
100% agree. This bag is stale. I love old bags but this one doesn’t hold up. Gave the one black one I had to a neighbors daughter a couple of years ago…
Sorry I literally logged in to say this. It is THE HOUSE’S CLASSIC ICONIC BAG. why retire it?! It’s practical, useful and stylish! Besides I feel the sales is because of its many iterations of it. And for that I say thank you Givenchy. It’s always been my dream to own one Antigona and one Nightingale. I can’t buy the night at the boutique now cos it’s phased out but for sure I’ll get the Antigona in shop.
NOOOOOOOO! I haven’t bought one yet 🙂
Luckily everyone has a different taste ..
No way! I just purchased one (after binging on Chanel) and I LOVE it!
Duck Kaitlin-mass attack!! I see people are very passionate about the Antigona. I personally find it beautiful and admire it on anyone I see. I think it is a classic and has many more years of life in it.
No way! This bag will be an awesome classic to me as the Chanel flap. Like other commenters have said here, it’s well built and is beautiful and the different iterations (like the crocodile patterned one) are gorgeous. I have the small red and the medium black bag and both still look as beautiful as the day I bought them and they hold a lot of stuff! I hope they never discontinue this bag.
So, using your logic, Chanel should retire the Classic Flap?
I just ordered this bag last night from Nordstrom . This morning I woke up and this bag was sold out last night in brown sugar once again . This is the second time I watched it get sold out. I had many choices and my top choices were Gucci horsebit , givenchy gv3 and Chloe Tess in nut color.
I’ll break down all these bags ; Gucci horsebit is very classic and timeless yet capacity is lacking . I still will revisit that bag however I needed something that could actually hold items including my children’s electronics.
Gv3 is also super beautiful and underrated and classic looking bag however suede and soft structure might look tired very fast:
Chloe Tess I actually love the look however Chloe bags are extremely low quality. Hardware is pleated and will turn color into silver and eventually black. I had the same bag for about 4 months as my day bag and look wise was beautiful however it failed functional part of it. It’s heavy , noisy and low quality. Additionally Chloe customer service is the worst I ever encountered!
Also all bags now are leading with these giant letters such as giant c for Chloe , giant v for Valentino and so on . It’s tacky . If Chloe didn’t give away bags like candy to influencers I’ll doubt anyone want to carry a giant c , like what is it stand for “ see you next Tuesday” pardon my language it’s super crass looking bag.
Givenchy antigona is subtle , edgy and functional bag.
Gucci also has been on fire 2019 and will be undeniably leader again in 2020 with horsebit which is subtle , classic and timeless design .
Also Dionysus who has been around almost a decade is still edgy , classic .
Just because bag been around many years doesn’t mean it’s outdated , it means it’s established and classic .
Antigona is certainly not out and if anything when the giant letter game is over will still be a desired bag
Agreed re: Chloe. The quality is inferior and customer service is beyond horrible!
I think the antigona is beautiful bag but it is a little to bulky for me. I see it often for sale on secondary markets, which makes me wonder if it just doesn’t work for people. I love the Cartier C de Cartier bag, which to me is a similar shape as the antigona, but I also see tons of those for re-sale and I wonder why? Why do people want to get rid of these bags? If you have an opinion, let me know.
It’s ‘rode out,’ not ‘road out’ (Para 2, sentence 2). It’s a lovely bag, sleek lines and timeless design.
Ok, so Kaitlyn said the Antigona should be retired (her personal opinion and nothing wrong with that), but her 2nd question was: “Which popular bag are you ready to say goodbye to”? Obviously, many ppl don’t agree the Antigona should retire, but this 2nd question was sidestepped. For me, I’m ready to say goodbye to the Valentino Rockstud and Hermes Jypsiere.
OMG I just had to go look that up as I love the oil slick look! That may be my next bag! Thanks for pointing it out!!!
I can’t find how this article is inspiring or useful.
I’ve been reading article from this site many years and never thought that you will come up with this kind of article with focusing on just one particular model of bag.
Many questions come up on my mind after read it, why Antigona? why Givenchy not others? why this article?
I think this bag is not ready to be retired but I think it is less a list worthy bag as it once was. A few years it was the bag to have, these days when I see it I recognize the bag and do not think it is old and dated. I do. It believe it has the staying power of a birkin or Classic flap or speedy … but it is still a very classic bag that will be recognizable for years and years. I never personally bought it because it didint suit my needs but I know many friends that say it is the everyday workhorse bag they use.
I think the Valentino rockstud needs to be changed , probably because I had it and saw so many, also I think Gucci soho bags are way too popular in my area and they would need to start changing the models produced.
The Antigona is far from iconic like say the Speedy nor is it an architectural wonder like the Celine Phantom bags BUT we must admit that this bag has polorised handbag connisseurs all over,. Its bowler look is slightly tired and screams crica 2010 when big bags were all the rage .I know a lot of people who sold their Antigonas and purchased silent hits like the Dior Forever and the more popular Sac Du Jour. However there are those who swear by it and rightfully so. Its roomy with a great strap that looks like it belongs there .I like the sporty look it has to it and think its a great bag and probably the best Givenchy has made. Givenchy must iconise it in my opinion and own the Antigona narrartive.
All these comments encouraged me to buy a M antigona and lol
I wholeheartedly disagree. This is my favorite bag that I do not yet own. It’s been on my wishlist consistently for years, never wavering, while other wishlist items come and go and I’m glad that I didn’t purchase. Other expenses (baby, new house, kitchen remodel, cars, etc..) always seem to come up and so I make do with the beautiful bags that I’m fortunate enough to already own. One day though, the time will be right and I’ll purchase my long awaited Antigona.