Latest news with #handbags
New York Times
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Their Superpower? Holding Things.
Everywhere you look, women have their hands full. They are clutching water bottles, phones, cups of matcha and wallets. Now that it's summer, sunglasses dangle off the pinkies of already stuffed hands. Never mind that women's handbags, where these items could theoretically live, make up an entire industry and that bigger bags, in particular, are having a moment. The phenomenon, in which women are gripping their necessities without the aid of pockets or bags, is called the claw grip, and on social media, it has been crowned as a secret superpower. In one video on TikTok, a woman challenged herself to carry as many items as possible in one hand. She managed 15, including a lip balm, a pen, a bottle of hand sanitizer, a Kindle, a notebook, a wallet, a power bank, a comb and three water bottles. An Instagram account dedicated to girls carrying things (which uses a profane synonym for things and sometimes goes by G.C.S.) posts images submitted by users of their hands full of various bric-a-brac. Some social media users have gone as far as displaying their hand-held necessities in disposable coffee trays. Others say that men could never successfully pull off this Jenga act, nor would they understand it. And these videos or photos of women clinging to their belongings are not polished; they are presented as the most mundane of girl experiences — the equivalent of posting your unesthetic breakfast. They are also hilarious. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
We're familiar with the evils of fast fashion. But is high fashion so much better?
When I was 22 all I wanted was a Chanel 2.55 bag. My desire was spawned in part by the TV show The OC, where teenagers paraded the halls of their high school with quilted bags draped over their bony shoulders. The other influence was Vogue; women quizzed on their essentials often name-checked the clutch for its timeless elegance. Back then, the bag retailed for about €1,500 – already aspirational. Today, the same bag costs €11,000. Why is the Chanel 2.55 so expensive? Is it because a) it takes time and skill to make? b) because it's rare?, or c) because the materials are so costly? Each quilted bag uses several metres of premium leather. It takes 18 hours for a skilled artisan to produce. Although the direct cost of production (materials and labour) is not made public, luxury analysts estimate a gross margin of 80-85 per cent for luxury bags. This doesn't include factory overheads, logistics, marketing and above all, the branding that makes the 2.55 not just a bag, but a cultural object. Western culture places a hefty premium on authenticity, and consumers are willing to pay a lot for 'the real thing', especially when it's exclusive. Not all cultures have the same baggage. In China, philosopher Byung-Chul Han argues, a good copy can rival – or even surpass – the original. So why is this bag so expensive? I'd wager the answer is d): the Chanel 2.55 isn't expensive because it's valuable; it's valuable because it's so expensive. Luxury handbags such as the 2.55 and the Hermès Birkin are the ultimate Veblen goods: as prices rise, so does demand. Some fashion houses (ahem – Burberry) have been known to destroy their stock rather than sell at a discount. READ MORE [ Jane Birkin's original Hermès handbag sells for record €8.6m at Paris auction Opens in new window ] But maybe we've hit the limit of this fiscal mindmelt. About five years ago, I stopped wanting a Chanel 2.55. I still think the bag is beautiful. But everything it once represented for me – timeless, long-lasting artistry – began to feel like a pale imitation. As Chanel bags have grown more expensive, craft hasn't kept pace. While pre-2008 the bag had 24-karat gold-plated hardware, the newer models have brass finishings that tarnish. Vintage editions had sturdier handles, thicker lambskin and higher stitch counts. Around the time Chanel prices began to soar, production also went through the roof. The result is a more expensive and, to my mind, poorer product. A Chanel bag on the runway at Paris Fashion Week: as Chanel bags have grown more expensive, craft hasn't kept pace. Photograph: PascalThe fate of the Chanel 2.55 is emblematic of what has happened to the fashion industry in the past decade. If luxury once meant a quality, ethically produced object, today it may just mean stupidly expensive. We're all familiar by now with the evils of fast fashion – ecologically devastating practices, quick churn, poor quality and exploitative labour costs. But is high fashion really so much better? A slew of recent news stories about alleged labour abuses by high-end Italian brands suggests not. 'People think 'Made in Italy' means you're getting a long-lasting craft item,' says Caoimhe Grant, a Dublin-based designer and founder of the handbag line, August Night. 'But real artisans can't produce at the speed luxury brands demand. If it's mass produced, how luxury is it?' Last week the luxury cashmere brand Loro Piana (a subsidiary of the LVMH group) was placed under court administration in Italy . The company is accused of exploitative labour in its production line. In Loro Piana's case, its main contractor outsourced to a Chinese subcontractor called Evergreen. A police search of the factory premises uncovered 10 Chinese migrant workers. These workers put in 90-hour weeks for €4 an hour, housed in illegal dorms on the premises. A Loro Piana wool coat can retail for €5,000. One factory owner claims the contractor was charged €118 per unit. Loro Piana is the fifth luxury brand – and the second LVMH-owned one, after Dior – to be investigated for alleged violation of Italian labour laws. How did this happen? In the past decade, Chinese workers emigrated en masse to Prato, a textile manufacturing hub in Tuscany. While most worked in fast fashion, some now work in the luxury manufacturing business. Chinese-owned workshops offered fast, flexible garment production that was still legally 'Made in Italy'. Today the practice has spread to Milan and Lombardy, the heart of Italian luxury. Companies such as Evergreen are Chinese-owned and staffed by Chinese immigrants, a shadow supply chain the consumer doesn't see. The internet only accelerated this demand for speed. Luxury brands, once operating on two collections a year, now produce up to six. The churn of novelty, the pressure to deliver product faster and cheaper – all while maintaining the illusion of Italian craftsmanship – has hollowed out the old idea of luxury. In 1955, a designer bag would have been a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, made to last a lifetime. Today, influencers say they're 'no longer reaching for' a bag bought last month. The recession trained customers to expect discounts; ecommerce platforms such as Net-a-Porter and Mytheresa squeezed brands with exclusives and RTS deals (where designers eat the loss when stock doesn't sell). [ Handbags at dawn: It was obvious I was not the typical Chanel customer Opens in new window ] It's not surprising then that many people are leaning towards circular fashion and resale. I've been devoted to eBay for 20 years. Some of my best buys: The Row trousers (€80) and a Margiela coat (€45). Others are leaning into luxury 'dupes' – counterfeit goods produced in China for a fraction of the cost. While the factory still has to pay for materials and labour, they get the brand for free. In the new world of mass luxury, a good copy might be just as 'good' – even better – than the cheaply made original. Reddit purse forums are hopping with details on where to find the best-made Chanel replicas. (187 Factory in Guangzhou is popular.) Maybe this is our sign to reject the logo game altogether and look for real luxury elsewhere — small, local, upcycled or direct-to-consumer brands that aren't caught in the hamster wheel of mass production. 'It's thoughtful, clever design, quality fabric, high-end, ethical production,' says Grant, who makes sculptural bags from fabrics such as silk, velvet and Irish linen. 'You can see the ideas, the work, and the story behind it. That's real luxury for me.'
News.com.au
15-07-2025
- News.com.au
Luxury bags stolen in ram raid at Fendi store in Sydney CBD
Thieves have smashed their way into a luxury fashion store in Sydney's CBD in a ram raid. An SUV was reported driving into the window of the Fendi store at the intersection of Elizabeth St and Market ST at about 3.45am on Wednesday. Police say the thieves made off with luxury handbags, fleeing the scene in a white BMW wagon (NSW registration NCA59A) and a grey Audi S3 (registration DMR81V). Significant damage has been done to the store's shopfront, with shattered glass strewn across the area now cordoned off by police. The SUV – which remains at the scene of the alleged raid – had been reported stolen from Waterloo early Tuesday. 'Checks have now confirmed the two vehicles driven from the scene were stolen during a break-in at a home in Kingsford overnight,' a police statement read. Police have established a crime scene, and are working to determine how many people were involved and the number of bags stolen in the ram raid.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The Lulu Guinness sale has got even better with 60% off statement-making handbags - with an EXTRA £100 off when you spend £300
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more The Lulu Guinness sale has just got better with a massive 60 per cent off their iconic, statement-making handbags and accessories. Fashion lovers have already been taking advantage of the unmissable discounts, with many iconic handbags selling out fast, but the brand has added a whole new load of styles into the sale - so you can shop for less. Perfect for weddings, special occasions and the office alike, the sale has something for everyone, and is a brilliant time to invest in designer handbags for less. And that's not all, you can enjoy a rare £100 off your order when you spend £300 or more with code SAVE100; just enter code at the checkout to redeem. But hurry, this is a limited time offer, so you won't have long as it expires July 14 at 23:59pm (BST). Whether you're after a classic tote bag for the office, stylish clutch for the social season or want to add one of the iconic British brand's witty designs to your collection, now is the perfect time to shop. Lulu Guinness Pearl Medium Lips Clutch Bag Calling all 2025 or 2026 brides! The Pearl Lips Clutch Bag has just got into the sale and we think it would be a gorgeous accessory for any hen do or weddings events. £72.10 (save £96) Shop Lulu Guinness Black Leather Billie Crossbody Bag Billie is a bestseller and for good reason, thanks to its classic style with subtle Lulu Guinness trademarks. The black leather crossbody has been sealed with a kiss thanks to the Lulu Red stitched lips for that extra special finish. £139 (save £56) Shop Lulu Guinness Black Sequin Lily Basket Bag The Black sequinned Lily bag is selling fast, thanks to the unmissable price, and you can get an extra £100 off with the code LILY100. Designed in luxurious Black Moire satin with the flowers inspired by an archive design, this is a limited edition style not to miss out on. £295 (save £56.90) Shop Lulu Guinness Denim Keira Crossbody Bag Go hands-free this summer with the Keira Crossbody bag with pleated denim design, black leather trims and a black leather panel inspired by the lip's Cupid's bow shape. It also comes with adjustable shoulder straps so they can be removed and worn as a clutch. £99 (save £146) Shop Lulu Guinness Red Lulu Mail Postbox Purse Inspired by the traditional red postbox, the Lulu Red Postbox Purse is a quintessentially British Lulu creation and a brilliant keepsake that will let you carry a slice of home with you wherever you go. £59 (save £126) Shop Lulu Guinness Black Leather Denise Shoulder Bag Lulu Guinness is known for its quirky designs, but the Denise shoulder bag is a classic and will go with everything in your wardrobe. Designed in a super soft, the leather shoulder bag has subtle red contrast stitching on front. £139 (save £56) Shop Lulu Guinness Pearl Collectible Fan Clutch Bag Lulu Guinness has you covered for standout accessories this summer. The ornate Ivory Satin Clutch with embroidery has freshwater pearls and a signature lip link crossbody chain. £249 (save £96) Shop Lulu Guinness Sterling Silver Shell Stud Earrings Shells and summer go hand in hand, so why not coordinate your accessories in honour? These pretty shell stud earrings with this sterling silver will add a whimsical finish to all of your looks. £249 (save £96) Shop Lulu Guinness Black Quilted Leather Stevie Belt Bag Lulu Guinness is known for its quirky designs, but this belt bag is more of a classic piece, but still pays homage to the brand's iconic lip design. Perfect for carrying your essentials and going hands-free, the recycled soft Nylon material sits comfortably around your waist for a practical addition to your wardrobe. £249 (save £96) Shop
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Michael Kors Outlet is having a major sale — you can save $100s on purses, totes, wallets and more
If you've been eyeing a new designer purse (but don't want the designer price tag), now's the time to buy. Michael Kors Outlet is having a major sale and the savings are seriously impressive. During their Prime Day competitive sale, you can get designer totes, purses and wallets at more than 70 per cent off their retail price — we're talking savings of more than $500 (!!) in some cases. Plus, there's an extra deal that's too good to pass up: if you buy a bag and a wallet from the outlet, you can get an extra 20 per cent off the sale price off both with the code TAKE20. The discount applies to specially marked bags and wallets from the site and is only available for a limited time. Wondering where to start? We've rounded up a few especially good deals from the Michael Kors Outlet sale. Keep scrolling to shop. Shop Michael Kors handbags on sale Shop Michael Kors men's bags on sale Shop Michael Kors travel on sale Shop Michael Kors wallets on sale This medium-sized wallet features a classic bi-fold design with plenty of card slots and a zip compartment to keep coins and bills organized. It's made of a luxe cross-grain leather and comes in multiple colours. This pebbled leather shoulder bag can hold all your essentials (and then some). The bag features two handles with a comfortable 11-inch drop, as well as multiple interior compartments to keep stuff organized. It's finished with gold hardware for a timeless look. Want to be hands-free? This trendy dome-shaped crossbody bag is great for taking on the go. The bag features an adjustable chain-trimmed strap and a convenient back slip pocket for easy access to essentials like your phone or keys. It's available in three colours in Michael Kors's signature logo-print canvas. This leather crossbody bag is great for taking on a night out. Despite its compact size, the bag offers enough space for all the essentials, like your phone, keys and wallet. Its structured style and chain strap detail also make it easy to dress up or down. Looking for a bag that can do it all? This medium-sized satchel is timeless and elegant, made from a supple leather and featuring top handles and stylish gold-tone hardware. Inside, you'll find a roomy main compartment, as well as back zip and front slip pockets so you can stay organized. This classic tote bag is great for both work and play. Made from 100 per cent Saffiano leather, the bag features a centre-zip compartment for keeping items secure and organized, as well as a back zip pocket and two side pockets for smaller essentials. It comes in multiple colours, including blue, pink and green. This messenger bag is practical and timeless. The bag is made from coated canvas and features a compact silhouette with an adjustable, wide shoulder strap for all-day comfort. Inside, the bag has room for your phone, wallet and more, with an interior pocket where you can store cards, keys and other small items. This versatile bucket bag will be a piece you pick up again and again. The bag is made from a pebbled leather with a smooth trim, and, despite its small size, opens to a spacious interior. Wear it cross-body style or carry it by the top handles to dinner, while travelling, and just about everywhere else. Who says a backpack can't be classy? This logo-print backpack combines style and function, with front and back-zip pockets for quick access to essentials, and a roomy interior that can hold all your stuff. Its finished with stylish gold hardware for a classic look. This large continental wallet will ensure you never have to fumble around for your cards again. The wallet is made from a luxe pebbled leather, with multiple organizational slots for credit cards, loyalty cards and more. There's also a space for change and cash, and the handy wrist strap allows you to carry it as a clutch. Meet your new travel go-to. This large tote bag is perfect for taking on your next trip, featuring a timeless look made with Michael Kors's signature-print canvas with leather trim. Inside, the bag opens to a spacious interior with plenty of room for the essentials and an inside slip pocket for storing quick-access items, like a passport, phone or wallet.
