One of my favorite pastimes is purse watching. It’s basically the same as people watching, but better because it involves purses, and everything is better when it involves purses. There is nothing I love more than spotting a great bag in the wild, and I take pride in being able to identify different brands from a glimpse of a bag on the arm of someone stylish. Non-purse loving friends always ask me how I know so much about different bags and brands, and it really comes down to the logos. A logo is what sets a bag apart and ties it to a brand. Yes, I know a lot about different styles of bags because I am a bag addict, but I wouldn’t have such a robust mental catalog of bags if it weren’t for logos. Bold logo hardware is having a major moment right now, and I am here for it. A bit subtler than monogrammed logos, bold hardware incorporating the brand’s logo manages to make a statement while still being understated for those who aren’t into monogram.
A logo can make or break whether or not I like a bag, and they often become the main focal point of a design. I happen to be a logo lover, and Chanel’s logo will forever be my favorite. It was designed by Coco Chanel herself in 1925 and has become one of the most recognizable and iconic logos in fashion history. Rumor has it that Chanel got the idea for the logo after staying at a castle in France, the Château de Crémat in Nice. It’s wild to think that the identity of Chanel would be completely altered if the logo had been a different design instead of the interlocking C’s that all fashion lovers have come to know and love, but that is how impactful the logo is. It truly does define a brand in many ways and Chanel is known for its elegant simplicity, which is truly mirrored in the design of the logo.
I recently saw a bag on Instagram with an anchor intertwined into the logo. Truthfully I had mixed reactions to the logo and still can’t put my finger on whether or not I love the look or not. After a simple google search I discovered it is the logo for JW Anderson’s bags. I am a big fan of JW Anderson bags, but the verdict is still out for me on the anchor logo…I think I need to see it in person before I can properly assess. One way or another though, the anchor logo hardware did its purpose in helping me to identify the brand, which at the end of the day is the reason logos exist.
I’m listing my top picks for this trend below! Do you have a favorite? I’d love to know what it is!
Chanel Small Boy Handbag ($4,500)
Chloe C Ring Shoulder Bag ($1,735)
Saint Laurent Large Cassandra Shoulder Bag ($2,590)
Marc Jacobs The Softshot 21 Bag ($350)
Gucci Borghese Small Shoulder Bag ($2,600)
Tory Burch Kira Camera Bag ($358)
Coach Parker Leather Top Handle Bag ($350)
Givenchy Small GV3 Crossbody Bag ($2,190)
