For the Love of Bags

This is the beauty I’m eyeing.

Its a Francesco Biasia bag, which is an Italian brand, a bag and accessories company based in Veneto, Italy. This brand isn’t like all the big Italian fashion brands we are used to seeing - Gucci, Ferragamo etc but having followed some of its designs online, I’m rather drawn to this brand.

Why? Well, because I like the way it looks. Their bags have a fashionable yet classic look that won’t go out of style. Its not like the IT bags that you see trotted out every season. Their bags are made to last through trends. And I like that they look sturdy and useable, not like something thats more for show instead of substance.

This design is from the Sunshine Collection. I’m not so taken in with this orange colour. However, I first saw a picture in the latest Isetan Kuala Lumpur newsletter. Its not yet up online but if you check in a few days, you’ll see a model holding a chocolate brown bag in the design above.

I’m absolutely freaking in love with it in chocolate!!

But not the price. Its RM2,200 and found at Isetan Kuala Lumpur along with their other designs. I’ve been to check out this brand before there. The quality of the leather is lovely - buttery soft with a quality feel. I think this is an under-rated brand.

Now let me go and shake out the couch again for any spare change. I need me that bag!

Life & Style had this style tip to offer, with Jennifer Lopez aka J. Lo taking the spotlight with her fringe bag.

I love bags, and its nice knowing you own a fashion accessory that is endorsed by the stars. But looking at the fringe bags on offer, I can’t help but wonder if it might look dated after a bit. Its fussy and can dominate an outfit, which in my mind, a bag should never do. I mean, just look at it on J. Lo. I think a smaller or more streamlined bag would be looked better with her outfit, as she is quite bundled up. A large fringed bag just seems to add to the bulk - unflattering.

I would like a little beaded fringed bag for the evening. But I think I’ll sit out this rage of fringe bags for a bit. As I’m not very tall, a large fringed bag will make me look like I’m carrying a furry animal on my shoulder!

This is a controversial issue, but what is your take on fake bags?

My place of work is near Petaling Street, which is a haven for fake merchandise, ranging from bags to T-shirts and watches. I am usually assaulted by the many new designs of fake luxury bags available there, some of which don’t even exist in the arsenal of the designer houses.Its impressive what these pirates can come up with. I’m going to just talk about bags because I love bags and at one time, used to buy lots of it from all ranges. I’ve since scaled back, as my wallet thanks me every day.

My take on buying fake bags is, Don’t Do It.

If you buy a fake bag because you want to own the brand but cannot afford it, then in my view, you’d be better off not buying the fake at all. You aren’t doing the brand a favour, and you won’t appreciate it even after you buy it, because you know its fake. Your friends or family may not know it, but you will. There will be situations when you feel awkward, if in the company of people who carry the real stuff. And you won’t treasure it, which is a pity for a good bag ought to be treasured. You’d really be better off putting that money spent on the fake towards a little saving fund for the real thing. Its not that hard to save for it, if you really want to. Also, wait for sale periods. When buying expensive items, even 20-30% off is a lot saved!

If you buy a fake bag because you like the design, then you could just find a similar design in a cheaper brand. Many brands, both local and foreign, make knock-offs of designer bags. So if you like a particular design, try looking in a brand you can afford. If it’s a classic design you are eyeing, then its worth saving up for. If its just a trendy design that could go out of fashion quickly, look for alternatives.

This is my take on this issue. I’ve been there and done that, and I’ve found that I have greater appreciation for and value the items I have saved up for. Also, the period it takes me to save up for the item helps me decide if I really still want it. If I still want it by the time my savings hit their target, then I’ll get it. If by the time I hit my target I don’t find myself thinking of it anymore, great! Money saved!

But if you must buy a fake, then make sure you get your money’s worth. A good fake doesn’t come cheap. Expect to pay a couple of hundred ringgit for a A-rated copy. Some of these copies are so good, its hard to tell it from the real thing. But the price you pay is also very good. As I said, this money could be put towards a bag fund for the real thing.

If you plan to get a fake again, try to go for a brand other than a Louis Vuitton monogram. The pale leather on a monogram Louis Vuitton is a dead giveaway as to whether you are carrying a real or fake bag. So, go for logos in other brands, or maybe on canvas, that isn’t so obvious or easy to tell. If you plan to get a PVC copy of a leather bag, again its obvious. So really, a canvas bag is the best bet.

If you only plan to pay less than RM100 for a fake, then you’ll only be getting a copy that could obviously stand out as a fake. You’ll notice fraying ends, loose threads, odd looking designs… in other words, not worth your money faking it.

If you agree with me, yay. If you don’t, well, you’re entitled to your opinion on this