No modern woman can do without a bag, which sometimes stores a lifetime. Practical models for every day or elegant clutches for special evenings - any model can be used. There are leaders in the world of handbags, whose products are desired by all fashionistas on the planet, and most of them have settled in Italy. The designers of this sunny country regard their creations as a work of art that should delight women daily.
Features, pros and cons
Bags of Italian designers are famous for their 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 an elegant or catchy appearance, the products of this country are also distinguished by such an important quality as functionality. Despite their love of relaxation, Italians know everything 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 in the post-war period women wanted beauty and splendor. It was then that the bags were granted not only practical value, but also the role of an accessory. There are models decorated with intricate decor.
What were the joint works of Salvador Dali and fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, Italian by origin. They created bags in the form of balloons, apples, and handsets. Elsa became the founder of the avant-garde, which was reflected in her designs.
Italians as a whole are inherent to come up with a new fashion.That is why most of the modern styles of bags were developed by the designers of this country. They are trendsetters, so the acquired item will be completely stylish. Italians wonderfully combine classic trends with trends. Therefore, a bag from the latest collection will be relevant in a few years.
Many designers are not afraid to go for experiments, so in the lineup you can find shocking, daring divide. 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 material consumption, the less common it is, the more expensive the bags are. On average, the price of a standard mid-size model varies from ten to twenty thousand. Exclusive and vintage models can exceed hundreds of thousands of rubles.
The cost is due not only to the name of the company and the availability of this or that material. An important role in its formation is played by production technology. Basically, bags are completely or mostly handmade. The high cost is also associated with the type of furniture used, as well as the decor, which often acts as fur and precious stones.
However, having paid such a price once, the happy owner of the desired product receives a durable bag. Well-known Italian brands around the world have appeared in different years and decades, each of them has its own style, its own characteristics. What unites the bags of these companies is quality. It is one of those virtues that is so appreciated by women, and that is why everyone is eager to get at least one bag from Italian leading designers.
Things of 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 brand names of famous labels flicker here and there. Thanks to this, people around will be able to appreciate the taste of the one who holds in her hand a bag from the Italian manufacturer.
Popular brands
Gucci
Brands with world renown and luxury status include Gucci, founded almost a hundred years ago in Florence. The design of the bags is restrained, but elegant, thanks to strict forms, harmonious color combinations and minimalism in the decor.
Prada
The brand has already exceeded one hundred years. Brand products have experienced ups and downs and significant changes over a long history. If at first Prada bags were decorated with decorative woods and tortoise shells, now the style has become minimalistic. Individuality is given through a variety of colors and experiments with materials.
Dolce & gabbana
Another major and recognized brand. The famous duo of fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbano are considered innovators in many areas of fashion. The brand's style is bold and largely rebellious. One of the brand names of the label are bright knitted bags.
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 nice textures.
Valentino
In 1960, thanks to Valentino Garavani, the Valentino brand appeared. Much attention is paid to details, so rhinestones, embroidery, and beautiful decoration are often found on bags. On many products, one way or another, there is a red color - the brand name of the label.
Moschino
Some of the most daring and unusual handbags can be found on the Moschino brand. Even classic models now and then appear in bright colors. The design uses all kinds of prints, badges, stripes, experiments with forms.
Roberto cavalli
The brand boasts an exclusive method of dressing the skin so that it becomes very soft and strong. In the lineup 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 are 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 break out into the lead. Designers pay much attention to product quality, and not to external brand names that are not on the products.
Salvatore ferragamo
The brand remains always in demand, as its style is classic and relevant regardless of trends. The label's products are chic and elegant, and variety is brought in by custom designs and rich colors.
Furla
The brand produces leather goods, 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 classic Italian fashion. It was founded in 1925 and became instantly in demand thanks to high-quality materials and accurate handwork. In the late 80s, a special peak of popularity fell on the clutches and travel bags of the brand. In addition to standard practical models, the label is experimenting with colors and finishes.
The world of the bag industry is vast 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. Brands such as Benetton, Diesel, Lotto, Geox, Genuine Leather, Ferre have chosen practicality, simplicity and affordability as the main focus. And unusual colors, textures and sometimes luxurious design can be found in the products of Blumarine, Marino Orlandi, Florence Collection, Arcadia, Tosca Blu.
Materials
Material for all time, which allows you to embody any design ideas, is considered leather. Use both natural and high-quality leather substitutes. Matte texture is more popular, as it has versatility in drawing up the image. Lacquered leather models often become part of an evening look.
Often, exotic reptile skin, for example, snakes, crocodiles, and lizards, is chosen as the material. The cost of such a bag is high, but it makes a lasting spectacular impression. More familiar skin types are treated in a special way to give it a skin texture.
Suede is no less common material for bags. In fact, this is also leather, highlighted by a special technology, so that the texture is velvety and soft.
Both of these materials require some care in order to serve as long as possible. Normal skin sometimes needs to be moistened with special products or oily creams so that it does not crack. You can clean it with a normal damp sponge. Suede bags are more whimsical, so they require special impregnation to protect against moisture.
All kinds of textiles are used as decor, especially silk, satin. The whole bag can be trimmed with natural or especially popular in recent years faux fur. The product may contain lace and tulle inserts, ribbons, flowers, as well as embroidery, patterns of rhinestones, stones, beads. As accessories, metal locks, buckles and zippers are used, as they are reliable and organically fit into the design.
Design and color schemes
Model bags can be divided into categories by size.Small handbags, including clutches, envelopes, crossbody, are very convenient if you do not need to carry documents and large items with you. They fit only the most necessary - money and cards, phone, keys. In addition to the classic design, there are often unusual ones in the form of handsets, buses, chests.
Large and bulky bags, on the contrary, contain as much as possible. In the worst case, shapeless models can be completely driven to failure. Unusual designs are rare, but the decor can be varied - from small embroideries to the entire canvas, studded with sparkles.
Among the variety of bags can be identified several of the most relevant types. Handbags are the most popular since they are spacious, elegant, but concise. Outwardly, they resemble the simplest paper bags, but are made of leather or other familiar materials. Often, such a model is extravagantly decorated to create an interesting contrast with an outwardly simple form.
Bag-bag has a conditional soft shape and resembles a standard backpack, except without straps. Such a product is worn on the shoulder, since the handle is most often long. This model is practical and roomy, and sometimes the sloppy look fits well into street images.
Trolley bags have become indispensable for those who often travel for short periods. It is a large product in which the necessary things will fit, with wheels and a folding handle.
Small clutch and crossbody handbags are applicable not only for evening looks, but also for street ones. Everyday models without extra frills, so as not to overload the bow and not interfere. Elegant items can be decorated with stones, rhinestones, crystals or fully studded with sequins and sparkles.
Another popular variety of small bags is envelopes. Rectangular and flat they fit best into business life. Most often, they do not have pens, but carry them 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.
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 the classic one, 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, contain everything you need and at the same time look stylish.
Glamorous bags have a lot of decor that gives extra shine. And the style of rock and punk love the abundance of leather, metal spikes and fasteners. The ethnic direction is bright, catchy, has a special charm, thanks to colorful embroideries or patterns, jewelry made of minerals, bows. Boho is related to him, which also uses popular ethnic motifs, fringe, large drawings and natural materials. Romantic style includes delicate shades decorated with lace, pearls and beads.
A separate favorite direction of Italian designers is vintage style. Fashion designers are happy to recreate and rethink the popular types of handbags of the 60-70s.
The color scheme of bags varies depending on the direction of a particular season. Out of fashion and trends, basic neutral colors remain that are convenient to combine with any clothing. These include black, gray, brown and the whole variety of shades - from dark to light. White is also a classic, but it is often impractical for daily wear, but indispensable for evening and special occasions.
Among the popular colors are also blue, red, green.This season is especially relevant yellow and mustard, blue, emerald, lilac, light burgundy.
The colors used for the bags are dyed 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 began to appear more often.
How to distinguish an original from a fake?
Fakes have become common not only in the market, but also in decent stores. "Masters" creating counterfeit, reached heights in mastery, making it difficult to distinguish their creations from the originals.
The first and easiest way to avoid cheating is to buy bags in company stores. Large brands have sales points in all major cities in the world. Thanks to the Internet, it is possible to order your favorite item from the official website of the company or boutique. Another popular way is to contact a reliable reseller.
When choosing a bag, you should pay attention to all the details, including the smallest. Most often, branded products are made by hand, so factory rejection is impossible. Therefore, curved seams and protruding threads, drops of glue, crookedly attached parts should be alarming. Fittings must be branded.
The material itself should be checked. Italian bags are made mainly of high-quality soft leather, on which there are no bends, if it is slightly wrinkled. Tactile sensations are also important - good material is pleasant to the touch, not to mention poor quality. Lining fabric inside the bag is also important. Brands on it usually do not save, and those who make fakes try in every possible way to reduce the cost of the product.
A counterfeit bag may have a nasty, pungent chemical odor. Its presence should signal poor skin or improper production.
Most brands have their own encodings. Their presence on the inside or side pockets will make sure once again that the product is original.
Finally, pay attention to the price. Fakes can be expensive, but more often than not, their price is far from that declared by the official. The more popular the brand, the more expensive its products can be. Therefore, you should be wary of looking at the label bag at a low price.