Autumn Arm Candy
With summer ending, people are finally returning to the city from their holidays, sporting perfect tans, relaxed energy, and a renewed excitement for that first aperitivo with friends. Soon the weather will cool down, and we all know what that means: Fall fashion!
Givenchy Spring 2003 via Vogue Runway
Fall clothes and accessories are probably my favorite part of the colder months. It’s the season of boots, suede, big leather bags, and other amazing pieces that not only bring fashion lovers joy but also become staples in our closets. September truly is the New Year of fashion, and to celebrate, I decided to share some of my favorite underrated designer vintage bags, which I spent (more time than I care to admit) curating. Let's dive in!
Okay, so we all probably know and love the Chloé Paddington—it’s everywhere on TikTok and was a huge it-bag during the noughties—but I actually wanted to shed light on its sister: the Silverado. She first made an appearance in 2004, designed by Phoebe Philo, truly one of my favorite creative directors for Chloé. This piece is on the mid-to-heavy side, but it’s very roomy, so it depends on whether you’re fine with carrying the weight. Still, it’s a lighter alternative to the Paddington. This piece is boho but with an edge, featuring cute braided pockets and handles, as well as chunky silver hardware. It's one of my favorite bags at the moment. I'm currently on the hunt for a black snakeskin one—wish me luck!
I can’t forget to mention another mid-2000s it-girl bag on our list: the Fendi Spy, designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi. This bag has been on the arms of its girls, from Sarah Jessica Parker to the Hilton sisters, and a few years ago, Bella Hadid and Rihanna. It’s sort of a hobo bag but with a more unique shape—a lot rounder and a bit puffy. My favorite feature is definitely the woven handles that are not only stunning but also offer a luxe feel when carrying the bag, plus the secret pocket on the top opening. It’s a really special piece and something I’ve been eyeing for some time. Another great thing is you can find several smaller versions referred to as a baby spy, which is great for going out. Overall, the bigger size is quite versatile and can be dressed up or down, and it’s very particular with a vintage feel yet doesn’t seem dated.
Givenchy Fall 2024 - Photo: Alessandro Lucioni via Vogue Runway
A widely underrated and quite unknown piece that has my heart is the Givenchy Pumpkin or Squash bag, which—as you guessed—is shaped like a pumpkin. It was first presented on the runway for the Spring 2003 ready-to-wear collection by Julien Macdonald as a turquoise big crossbody motorcycle bag, and it’s actually been reissued for the Fall 2024 collection. This piece is quite easy to find online in an endless array of colors and shapes (from minibags to hobo bags and crossbodies) on the resale market. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is on the heavier side, but it is great if you have to carry a lot and for traveling because it’s so spacious. I actually own a baby pink one, and I have to say she is easily my favorite accessory right now. I can’t recommend this one enough!
I couldn’t finish the list without including a little going-out bag, a staple in every closet. The Dior Malice, designed by Galliano (had to mention him, of course), is the perfect underrated vintage piece—mostly found in the pochette style, though you can find some totes in the same line as well. Overall, they are on the smaller side. This one is very fun, with beaded detailing, interesting colors, and prints—the pony hair version is to die for! It makes a statement while maintaining a fun, girly essence. Its energy is so early 2000s. It is on the pricier side, but you can find some good deals—definitely worth investing in.
It’s always fun to express yourself with fashion, either by trying new trends or finding funky pieces that speak to you, and vintage is an amazing way to do so! The hunt is just as rewarding as finally integrating something new into your collection. Bags are a recent obsession of mine (I’ve always been a shoe girl and still am), and the time I've spent curating them and learning their story has really deepened my appreciation for the artistry and history behind them. Sharing some underrated picks could maybe help you with your fall wishlists or motivate you to start curating a vintage wishlist of your own. Anyway, Happy Fall!
