If I Buy a Demin Bag for Summer, It Will Be This One

I’ve repeated this many times, and I’ll keep saying it: when it comes to adding a new bag to my collection, I want a standout piece. I have so many classic options, so many solid-colored leather bags, that now if I am spending money, I want a standout. A bag that truly makes an outfit shine, a bag that is a conversation starter, a bag that reminds me that the art of accessorizing is intended to be fun.

Valentino under Alessandro Michele continues to find its new aesthetic, one that draws on historical elements and expands on them. For the bags, the DeVain family has been a major push, with celebrities spotted with them, seasonal iterations being fan favorites, and the design growing on me as well.

With my kids now being older, I don’t always need to carry an unhinged bag (no, really, that’s what my daughter called my bag when it’s packed for all my kids’ activities). Sometimes I can go back to a bag that I love, a bag that works for me. One that is slimmer in size, has more of an aesthetic than a practical purpose, and one that feels like it is solely for me.

The Valentino DeVain I Love

Enter the Valentino Garavani DeVain Embroidered Denim Shoulder Bag, the version of the DeVain that I have decided I ultimately love. As an inherently casual dresser by nature, this bag speaks to me. It’s denim, a nod to my casual-gal vibes, with intricate floral embroidery all over. The cord detailing makes it feel a bit reminiscent of a curtain tassel, but don’t think I mean that in a bad way, because I don’t.

I like that this bag can suit many different aesthetics. There’s a bit of a nod to Western vibes, but you don’t at all need to lean into that. I see it as a going-out bag, dressing up any outfit, even with the denim body. This also works for everyday wear, showing that you don’t need a ludicrously capacious bag to get by. Plus, the bag can be carried by hand or over the shoulder.

The bag includes hardware in antique brass finish with an adjustable, leather handle. The VLogo magnetic closure defines the DeVain style, and on the inside, you will find a single compartment and a slip pocket. A nice addition you may not be aware of is that this model has an additional leather section that can be attached to the bag with buckles. Its overall dimensions are 9.3″ W x 4.7″ H x 1.2″ D.

There are so many versions of the DeVain, but this is the one that gets my vote. Buy now via Valentino for $3,500.