Have you found yourself thinking about a bag that you really, truly wanted as an investment? If so, you’re not wrong. No matter if you’re deliberating between a mini clutch or a maxi tote, bags become an investment as soon you realise their versatility–and we’re not just talking about styling.
AiSPi founder and our unofficial bag guru shares all the reasons why her favourite bags are an investment for her. “For me, the entire concept of investment bags relies on versatility, which comes in many forms and shapes and sizes.” Ahead, she breaks down her favourite investment mini and maxi bags like the Hermès Mini Kelly, Gedebe Cookie Satin Bag, Christian Dior Book Tote, and the 0711 Copacabana.
From Day To Night
Many times, we have only a short span to switch our look as we hustle during the day and make dinner plans at night. “Whether it is the Hermes Mini Kelly and the Gedebe Cookie Satin or the 0711 Copacabana, all three of these bags are very easy to carry from day to night given the fact that they all come with a strap,” says Aisha.
“You can carry it out during the day for lunch and easily put on a strap for a night time event. Or vice-versa: if you have a really busy day you can strap it on and remove it for a more formal night event.” You can have a fun lunch with girlfriends and then take the same bag to party the night away. What more can you ask for in an investment-worthy bag?
Functionality
Practicality is yet another important aspect to consider when picking an investment bag. Ask yourself this question: how many ways can you actually wear a bag? Each of the bags that Aisha has handpicked can be used for multiple things.
“Let’s start with the Dior Book Tote. I actually bought the Dior Book Tote when I had my daughter. Everyone buys their diaper bags because they suddenly have so much stuff they have to carry around when you have a little baby! I knew I would have to do the same, but I wanted to have a bag that I could proudly carry without feeling embarrassed as it was going to remain with me all the time!”
“Fast forward to today, when this Dior Book Tote has transformed from a new mother’s diaper bag to a working woman’s laptop and notebook carrying tote to a traveller’s go-to bag as well. It folds into a tiny flat piece which fits into any luggage; it’s very light, and fits almost the entire world in it, making it the perfect investment!”
From Glam To Work To Pick-Up
Bags that can easily turn up the glam factor but can also be carried to work? Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But Aisha explains how the bags she has picked are glam yet practical–after all, it’s all about the styling here.
“All of these have an element of glam to it. Of course–I don’t need to explain the Hermes Mini Kelly. It’s an investment bag on its own. The Gedebe Cookie Satin bag has this most brilliant shine to it! The Book Tote is Christian Dior (an investment by itself) and its intricate print makes it so beautiful. And then the 0711 is an extremely stunning piece and a work of art.”
“Now each of these bags have a glamorous factor, and depending on how you wear it and how you style it. But you can also take it for a work meeting or a business lunch or to your children’s drop off. They have the ability to be casual just depending on what else you’re wearing with it.”
Easy Maintenance
Your investment bag should be made with high-quality materials, be durable, and also super easy to maintain. “While the Hermes Kelly is leather, it’s a calf leather which is grainy so it doesn’t get easily scratched. Gedebe Cookie Satin is covered in crystals so you won’t notice any stain or marks on it. And in case the crystals fall off, they are very easy to replace!”
“The Christian Dior has a print all over it which is very intricate–to be honest, I’ve had a coffee spill on it and you can’t even tell! The 0711 Copacabana is made out of wool, flexiglass and threads so again it’s super super easy to maintain.”
Colour Story
An investment bag should be easy to style and work with different outfits as well as mood easily. The bags Aisha chose use the same principle to ensure each of them cover all her outfit needs.
“I’ve picked my investment bags in a neutral brown, a fuchsia pink, a tri-colour, and a print. The fuchsia pink is very easy to style as I can always use it to colour block an outfit. It also goes well with warmer tones as well as cool ones. The brown is a neutral shade and acts as a wardrobe builder.”
“The print of the Book Tote allows me to mix and match with almost every colour shade that’s in the print. The 0711 tricolour, which has three different colour variations within the same bag, allows me to style it with many different options.”
Statement Making And Loving Something
“Both of these are rather intertwined because it really depends on your personality,” says Aisha. “I really do believe that everything you’re investing in is a window into your personality. And I think each of these bags is defining a different moment for me, what I want to express, and how I feel.”
“Whether it’s the Gedebe Cookie Satin which is extremely fun, very noticeable, uplifts an outfit and tells people I’m not afraid to showcase who I am. The Hermès Kelly is reserved for days when I want to be more practical but still make a statement. With the Christian Dior book tote, the print you choose to buy it in really defines your personality. And of course, the Copacabana is by itself a statement because of the way it’s made so beautifully.”
“In the end, if you’re planning on investing in a bag, make sure you love it! If you love the bag you buy, you will always use it and it will very easily become an investment.”
Interviewing Aisha Saraf Kothari, Written by Penka Slavova Dimitrova
All images are courtesy of Aisha.
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