No modern woman can do without a bag, which sometimes has a lifetime. Practical models for every day or elegant clutches for special evenings - any model will find application. In the world of bags there are leaders, whose products are desired by all fashionistas on the planet, and most of them settled in Italy. Designers of this sunny country treat their creations as a work of art that should please women daily.
Features, Pros and Cons
Bags of Italian designers are famous for the elegance and courage of designs, for a large selection of styles. Fashion designers manage to create products that remain relevant at all times, regardless of trends. But, in addition to the elegant or catchy appearance, the products of this country are also different in such an important quality as functionality. Despite their love for relaxation, the Italians know all about the needs of modern business women, active housewives and even young fashionistas.
The history of Italian bags began a little more than a hundred years ago, when after the war, women wanted beauty and splendor. It was then that the bags were granted not only practical value, but also the role of the accessory. There are models decorated with intricate decor.
What cost joint creations of Salvador Dali and fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, Italian by origin. They created bags in the form of balloons, apples, handsets. Elsa became the ancestor of the avant-garde, which was reflected in its designs.
Italians in general are inherent in inventing something new in fashion. That is why most of the modern styles of bags were designed by designers of this country. They are trendsetters, so that the item purchased will be 100% stylish. Italians wonderfully combine classic trends with trends. Therefore, the bag from the latest collection will be relevant in a few years.
Many designers are not afraid to go for experiments, so in the model range you can find shocking, bold share. And the original handbags, and classic, one way or another, reflect the individuality of their mistress.
One of the undoubted disadvantages is the price of products. Even small simple clutches cost, starting from five thousand rubles. The more famous the brand, the more decor and cost of material, the less it is found, the more expensive are the bags. On average, the price of a standard model of medium size varies from ten to twenty thousand. Exclusive and vintage models can exceed hundreds of thousands of rubles.
The cost is not only due to the name of the company and the availability of a particular material. An important role in its formation is played by the production technology. Basically bags are completely or mostly handmade. The high cost is also related to the type of fittings used, as well as the décor, which often includes furs and precious stones.
However, having paid such a price once, the happy owner of the desired product gets a durable bag. The Italian brands known all over the world appeared in different years and decades, each of them has its own style, its own characteristic features. What unites the bags of these companies is quality. It is one of those advantages, which is so appreciated by women, and that is why everyone wants to get at least one bag from the Italian leading designers.
Things luxury brands have a peculiar status. This has a positive effect on the internal confidence of the owner of such a product. Even those who are poorly versed in fashion know how the brand names of famous labels flash here and there. Thanks to this, people around will be able to appreciate the taste of the one who holds the bag from the Italian manufacturer in his hand.
Popular brands
Gucci
The world famous brands and luxury status is Gucci, founded almost a hundred years ago in Florence. The design of the bags is discreet, but elegant, thanks to its strict forms, harmonious combinations of colors and minimalism in the decor.
Prada
Brand has already passed for a hundred years. Products of the brand have gone through ups and downs, as well as significant changes. If at first Prada bags were decorated with decorative woods and tortoise shells, now the style has become minimalist. Individuality is given through a variety of colors and experiments with materials.
Dolce & Gabbana
Another major and widely recognized brand. The famous duo of fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbano are considered innovators in many fashion trends. The brand's style is bold and in many ways rebellious. Brightly knitted bags are considered to be one of the brand's trademarks.
Versace
The brand was founded in the late seventies of the twentieth century by a fashion designer who was not afraid of experiments. This primarily affects the combination of different, sometimes contrasting materials and colors. And the design is mostly elegant, with soft curves and pleasant textures.
Valentino
In 1960, thanks to Valentino Garavani, the Valentino brand appeared. Much attention is paid to detail, so rhinestones, embroidery, and beautiful finishes are often found on the bags. On many products, one way or another, there is a red color - the logo of the label.
Moschino
One of the most daring and unusual handbags can be found under the Moschino brand. Even classic models now and then appear in bright colors. The design uses all sorts of prints, badges, stripes, experiments with forms.
Roberto cavalli
The brand boasts an exclusive method of dressing leather so that it becomes very soft and durable. In the model range there are both classic bags and non-standard with unusual shapes.
Bvlgari
The brand appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, but became famous only in the 50s. The design is well thought out, elegant and sometimes has architectural designs. A large number of fakes made on the products of this particular label.
Bottega veneta
The brand appeared in 1966 and was immediately aimed at bags, suitcases, wallets and shoes. Despite the recession experienced in the nineties, the brand was again able to take the lead. Much attention is paid by designers to product quality, and not to external brand names that are not on the products.
Salvatore ferragamo
The brand always remains in demand, as its style is classic and relevant regardless of trends. The label's products are chic and elegant, and the variety is brought in by non-standard designs and rich colors.
Furla
The brand is engaged in the production of leather products, including shoes and bags. The brand is aimed at elegant and concise models, however, cooperation with young designers significantly expands the range. So there were transparent products, as well as decorated with large art prints.
Fendi
It is considered a typical representative of the classic Italian fashion. It was founded in 1925 and became instantly in demand due to high-quality materials and neat handwork. At the end of the 80s, a special peak of popularity fell on the clutches and travel bags of the brand. In addition to standard practical models, the label experiments with colors and finishes.
The world of handbags industry is extensive and famous not only for these fashion houses with a long history. Among the labels that prefer minimalism, rigor, elegance and refined classics are Cerruti, Cromia. Such brands as Benetton, Diesel, Lotto, Geox, Genuine Leather, Ferre chose practicality, simplicity and accessibility as the main direction. And unusual colors, textures and sometimes luxurious design can be found in the products of Blumarine, Marino Orlandi, Florence Collection, Arcadia, Tosca Blu.
Materials
Leather is the material for all times, which allows to embody any design ideas. Use both natural and high-quality leatherette. Matte texture is more popular because it has versatility in the preparation of the image. Varnish leather models often become part of the evening bow.
Often, exotic reptile skin is chosen as a material, for example, snakes, crocodiles, monitor lizards. The cost of such a bag is high, but it makes an indelible spectacular impression. More familiar types of leather are treated in a special way to give it a texture of scales.
Suede - not less common material for bags. In fact, it is also a leather, selected by a special technology, so that the texture is velvety and soft.
Both that and other material demands some leaving to serve as long as possible. Ordinary skin sometimes needs to be moistened with special means or rich creams so that it does not crack. You can clean it with a regular wet sponge. Suede bags are more whimsical, therefore they require special impregnation to protect against moisture.
All kinds of textiles are used as decoration, especially silk, satin. The whole bag can be trimmed with natural or especially in recent years artificial fur. On the product there may be lace and tulle inserts, ribbons, flowers, as well as embroidery, patterns of rhinestones, stones, beads. Metal locks, buckles and zippers are used as accessories, as they are reliable and fit well into the design.
Design and colors
Model bags can be divided into categories by size. Small handbags, among which are clutches, envelopes, cross-bodies, are very convenient if you don’t need to carry documents and large things with you. They fit only the most necessary - money and cards, telephone, keys. In addition to the classic design, there are often unusual in the form of handsets, buses, trunks.
Large and bulky bags, on the contrary, contain as much as possible. At the very least, shapeless models can be completely hammered. Unusual designs are rare, but the decor can be varied - from small embroidery to the entire canvas, covered with sequins.
Among the variety of bags can be identified several of the most relevant types. Bags packages are the most popular, as they are roomy, elegant, but concise. Outwardly, they resemble simple paper bags, but are made from leather or other common materials. Often just such a model is extravagantly decorated to create an interesting contrast with the seemingly simple form.
Bag-bag has a conventional soft shape and resembles a standard backpack, except without straps. Worn on the shoulder of such a product, as the handle is often long. This model is practical and roomy, and sometimes sloppy look fits well with street images.
Trolley bags have become indispensable for those who often travel for short periods. It is a large product, which fit the necessary things, with wheels and a folding handle.
Small clutch handbags and cross-bodies are applicable not only for evening images, but also for street ones. Casual models without unnecessary frills, so as not to overload the bow and do not interfere. Elegant products can be decorated with stones, rhinestones, crystals, or fully sewn with sequins and sparkles.
Another popular type of small bags is envelopes.Rectangular and flat they best fit in business life. Most often they do not have pens, but they are worn on a thin chain or strap.
Backpacks are loved not only by schoolchildren and students, but also by those who love ease and lightness in appearance. There are both roomy models and very small ones in which only the most necessary will fit. In the trend - backpacks decorated with bright geometric and ethnic ornaments.
The design depends not only on the shape and size of the bag, but also on the style in which it is made. The most popular is classic, in which there are no unnecessary details, for example, compartments or decor. Such products are popular because they are suitable for work and for going to a party, they contain everything you need and at the same time they look stylish.
On the glamorous bags a lot of decor, which betrays extra shine. And the style of rock and punk love an abundance of leather, metal spikes and buckles. The ethnic direction is bright, catchy, has a special charm, thanks to colorful embroidery or patterns, ornaments made of minerals, bows. Boho is related to him, which also uses popular ethno-motifs, fringe, large drawings and natural materials. Romantic style includes products of delicate shades, decorated with lace, pearls and beads.
A separate favorite direction of Italian designers is the vintage style. Fashion designers are happy to recreate and rethink popular types of handbags of the 60-70s.
The color range of bags varies depending on the direction of a particular season. Beyond the fashion and trends remain the basic neutral colors, which are convenient to combine with any clothing. These include black, gray, brown and all variety of shades - from dark to light. The classic is white, but it is often impractical for everyday wear, but it is indispensable for evening and special occasions.
Among the popular colors are also blue, red, green. In this season, yellow and mustard, blue, emerald, lilac, light burgundy are particularly relevant.
The colors used for bags are painted and printed, so they are a popular way of giving the product exclusivity. Animalistic, floral, geometric and ethnic patterns and patterns are in fashion. Recently, prints in the form of famous works of art and paintings have begun to appear more often.
How to distinguish the original from a fake?
Counterfeits have become commonplace not only in the market, but also in decent stores. “Masters”, creating counterfeit, reached heights in skill, making it difficult to distinguish their creations from the originals.
The first and easiest way to avoid cheating, to purchase bags in retail stores. Large brands have sales points in all major cities of the world. Thanks to the Internet, it is possible to order your favorite item from the company's official website or boutique. Another popular way is to contact a trusted reseller.
Choosing a bag, you should pay attention to all the details, including the smallest. Most often, branded products are made by hand, so that factory marriage is not possible. Therefore, crooked seams and protruding threads, drops of glue, crooked fasteners should be alarming. The fittings should be branded.
The material itself should also be checked. Italian bags are made predominantly of high-quality soft leather, on which there are no bends left, if it is slightly dented. Tactile sensations are also important - good material is pleasant to the touch, which is not to say about poor quality. It is also important lining fabric inside the bag. Brands on it usually do not save, and those who make fakes are trying in every way to reduce the price of the product.
A counterfeit bag may have a nasty, harsh chemical odor. Its presence should signal poorly cured skin or improper production.
Most brands have their own encodings.Their presence in the inner or side pocket will once again make sure of the originality of the product.
Finally, it is worth paying attention to the price. Counterfeits can be expensive, but more often than not, their price is far from that of the official. The more popular a brand is, the more expensive its products can be. Therefore, it is worth guarding, looking closely to the label bag for a low price.