a true classic

Photographer: Tommy Ton for Jak and Jil

I've been keeping an eye out for the perfect small-ish shoulder bag:

- it will hang from my shoulder to at least my bottom-most rib (bonus if strap is adjustable)

- it will be made of a soft leather in a neutral hue (I'm hoping for navy or camel)

- it should not be so glitzy that I can't use it for every day, but it should be dressy enough for a nice dinner

- minimal or at least, well-deployed hardware

- it will be structured, but not too stiff

My last factor is a bit vague: it should have a strong design identity/integrity. You see so many bags that could tick all the above boxes, but there's something generic about the design, as if they're all copying from each other, or something vintage.

I was at Chanel some time last year and on hindsight, despite it being extremely, extremely over-exposed (I was at a party full of girls carrying one, and you have to wonder if they were handing them out for free), the Chanel re-issue is still an amazingly distinctive piece of design. It's instantly recognisable (and not because of any logo), and no matter how many knock-offs there are, the charm and elegance of the original can't be beat. It has a strong design integrity. It came out and didn't look like anything else. The Louis Vuitton Speedy has it. The Loewe Amazona has it. The Hermes Constance has it. The Longchamp Pliage totes have it. The original Gucci Jackie hobo has it.

I didn't think the Chanel was very me, though I'd always found it very pretty. But when I actually tried on the re-issue in indigo navy distressed lambskin, I didn't want to put it down. It looks more discreet than you'd expect. And it was exactly the sort of day-to-evening bag that doesn't go out of style. I have a fetish for things that have remained largely unchanged since they were created but still look relevant and timeless, and this Chanel classic is definitely one of them.

The price is rather staggering for me, and I still can't quite square myself as a Chanel girl so I'm not putting this bag on my want list (yet), but as I continue to walk amid boring bag after boring bag, I have newfound respect for this enduring bit of design. I have been Internet-stalking another bag though, will share more on that some other time.

Also, how Maya Singer (shot by Tommy Ton) carries her Chanel is exactly how I'd like to carry one; without looking precious, and simply letting it be part of her, and not the whole outfit.



I also like this picture I found on Quiet is the new loud



Pictures from jak and jil, quiet is the new loud