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The Guardian
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The perfect ‘new' handbag? An old one
The world seems to get loopier by the minute, so I am delighted to bring you news of one small way in which it is becoming more sane. In fashion, until recently, the only desirable handbag was a new one. 'It bags' have come in all shapes and sizes over the years. We have lived through and lusted after the Paddington by Chloé, the Bayswater by Mulberry, Gucci's Jackie bag, Dior's Saddle and the Bottega Veneta Cassette. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The bag of the moment has been teeny tiny one season, and sack-like the next. It has been understated and in-the-know some years, brash and statement-making in others. But through every chop and change, there has been one constant: we wanted our bags box-fresh and brand-new. The dream was gleaming hardware, straight-out-of-the-dust-bag leather, a pert silhouette unstretched by use. But finally, fashion has fallen for the charms of love-worn handbags. As vintage has become a flex, bags that look as if they've lived a life are now seen as status symbols. At Balenciaga, bags on the catwalk now come scuffed and softened. At Coach, they have graffiti scribbles on them. At Bottega Veneta, they have rolled-up newspapers sticking out of them. At Miu Miu they have spare shoes poking out and emergency sweaters looped through their handles. The new obsession with old handbags is changing the way bags are made and marketed. The hottest bag of 2025 is Louis Vuitton's reissue of a collaboration with Takasha Murakami from more than 20 years ago. The Haribo-bright monogram on white, a Y2K-meets-pop-art take on the brown and gold classic Vuitton colours, looks as good now as it did when it was launched in 2003. I've still got mine from the first time around and the reissue reminded me to take it out of retirement. When I put it away, I remember thinking it was past its best because it looked old – but in our more vintage-enlightened era, I love it all the more for looking as if it has been around the block a few times. The British film director Joanna Hogg, who made The Souvenir, recently made a 23-minute film for Miu Miu about the life of a white handbag, following it from unboxing to old age. All of this adds up to a radical new perspective: bags don't have to be spanking new to be desirable. This is deeply, wonderfully sane. Because when you find a bag that you love to use, rather than just love to look at, you love it more every day. A new bag is an unknown quantity, because bags only reveal their strengths and weaknesses when tested out in the wild. Sign up to Fashion Statement Style, with substance: what's really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solved after newsletter promotion Some bags turn out to have a Tardis-like ability to fit everything you need without looking as if you are carting luggage around: but you won't know this until you've road tested it. Other bags have an incredibly annoying tendency to suck objects into dark depths so that you can never find anything. A frazzled rummage to locate a ringing phone is not fun. We need to rethink the way we buy handbags. A couple of years ago, I decided to give myself a Loewe basket bag as a birthday treat. In the store, I asked to see the bags I was considering, and proceeded to decant my possessions into each one to see if they would fit, walking around the store to see if the strap would dig in or the weight would bounce at an awkward point. The sales assistants were charming but clearly thought I was eccentric. But you wouldn't buy a coat without trying it on over your jumper. Why should buying a bag be different? Still, a new bag is always a punt. And you know what makes a bag more valuable than any designer price tag? The confidence of knowing it will do the job. The battle scars and wrinkles of age don't detract from its worth, they prove it. The best new bag is an old bag. At last, something that makes sense. Model: Tomiris at Milk. Styling assistant: Sam Deaman. Hair and makeup: Sophie Higginson using Davines and Charlotte Tilbury. Dress, £270, Essentiel Antwerp. Earrings, £37, & Other Stories. Bag, £129, Dune London
What's On
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
6 incredible things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: March 10 to 13
Ramadan is underway in Abu Dhabi… The Holy Month is here, and with it comes love, light, giving and a wonderful time of togetherness. There's loads of great things to do in the capital throughout Ramadan. Take your pick from this list here. Monday, March 10 Check out an exclusive iftar menu La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi, the home of French-Mediterranean cuisine, invites you to experience their exclusive Iftar Menu during the holy month of Ramadan. Showcasing the best of their signature dishes while honouring tradition, they're serving up a beautifully crafted menu available from sunset until 8.30pm everyday. La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs270, @lpmabudhabi Check out Ramadan Al Hosn The historic fort and Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building invites visitors to step back in time with storytelling sessions, cultural performances, and heritage experiences that bring Emirati traditions to life during Ramadan. Open majlis sessions, poetry nights, and live oud performances add to the festive ambience. Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, until Mar 21, @qasralhosn Tuesday, March 11 Check out this nature spot before winter is up This isn't an Earth-bound formation or nature spot but a place from which you can witness a rare sight in the UAE. This location is just an hour and a half out from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain and offers the perfect vantage point and conditions to spot The Milky Way in the sky. It's a night time haunt, so make sure you drive down after sunset and bring a nice picnic with you to spot our stunning galaxy. Supercar meets Marina at this cool collab During the Holy Month, the iconic, high-luxury Bentley automobile brand and Marsa Al Bateen's Saddle Cafe invite you to experience an exclusive pop-up in Abu Dhabi. Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of the luxe automobile giant's luxury and Saddle's signature ambiance, where automotive artistry meets Ramadan indulgence at one of the capital's leading cafes. The special 'Continental Collection' beverages are available to savour between Iftar and Suhoor throughout Ramadan. Hint: If you're planning to get snap happy, you might want to show up in green and white. Saddle, Marsa Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 4am daily, @saddle Wednesday, March 12 Take a trip to Al Jahili Fort This heritage-infused site was built close to two centuries ago in Al Ain and is one of the largest that has ever been built in the UAE. Initially built to serve as the summer residence of H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan before British forces assumed military use of the tower until 1970. Today, with major rehabilitation completed and the addition of interesting visitor features, Al Jahili Fort represents a fascinating cultural enclave to walking around and explore. Al Jahili Fort, Castle Park, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, daily, 9am to 7pm, Tel: (0)3 711 8311 Thursday, March 13 Check out Emirates Heritage Club Get a taste of life before the skyscrapers and vibey beach clubs at this recreation of a traditional Emirati village, conveniently located next to Marina Mall on the edge of the city. Conceived by the Emirates Heritage Club, you can catch local artisans demonstrating their skills in metalwork, pottery, weaving and glass-blowing. There's even a mini souk where you can pick-up souvenirs from these time-honoured crafts. Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater, daily 11am to 11pm, Dhs5, Tel: (02) 681 4455, Images: Supplied/Getty > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
South China Morning Post
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Evolution of the ‘It' bag: how Sex and the City, Kate Middleton, Hailey Bieber, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have defined what's hot – from the likes of Hermès, Dior, Fendi, Polène and The Row
If you want a quick lesson on the 'It' bag phenomenon, the best place to start is by rewatching old episodes of Sex and the City . During its six-season run, the hit TV show was the perfect place to spot the next must-have handbag: from the Saddle (Dior) and Birkin (Hermès) to the Baguette (Fendi), the latter of which was a hot topic in multiple episodes, including one in which Samantha accuses a Playboy bunny of stealing her fake version. While the Baguette still holds a place in Carrie Bradshaw's heart and wardrobe – it's made several appearances in the current spin-off, And Just Like That – it has been replaced by other worthy contenders over the decades. Vérité Weekend bag from Métier. Photo: Handout Advertisement From Balenciaga's Le City and Chloé's Paddington to current favourites like the Loewe Flamenco , Bottega Veneta Andiamo or Chanel 11.12, 'It' bags have become a big business for designer labels, which continue to launch new styles each season. And now that the market has matured, the 'It' bag is having a renaissance. 'While [the 'It' bag] once revolved around iconic designs from major luxury houses, it has since expanded,' says Blondie Tsang, president of the Lane Crawford Joyce Group. 'It is no longer solely defined by recognisable logos or branding, and includes contemporary brands, or luxury names that favour a quieter approach.' Logo-covered handbags by high-end brands may still be in big demand, but the competition is heating up with the arrival of understated labels like London-based Métier and hip New York label Khaite . Part of the stealth luxury trend, they focus on timeless designs and exceptional quality and craftsmanship, making them even more alluring. The Margaux by The Row. One of the most popular is The Row, a minimalist fashion label founded in 2006 by former child TV stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen . It has managed to position itself among more exclusive brands like Hermès and Dior, especially in the accessories department, where its logo-less styles have been flying off the shelves. Its bestselling style and celebrity favourite, The Margaux, has often been compared to a Birkin with its clean lines and limited quantities. It also tends to hold its value or increase in price on the second-hand market, making it very much an 'investment piece' – something that not all 'It' bags can boast. Another low-key 'It' bag favourite is the Croissant by Lemaire, the brand founded by former Hermès creative director Christophe Lemaire. Its functional details and eye-catching curved shape – hence the name croissant – have made it an essential for fashionable women in cities across the globe.
What's On
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: March 7 to 9
New month, new weekend… What's On in Abu Dhabi this weekend? Check out our guide to find out. Here are 8 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Friday, March 7 The Mirbad popup is back in Abu Dhabi for its 18th edition, taking place at cultural hotspot, Manarat Al Saadiyat. Over five days, it will feature over 120 local and international brands showcasing fashion, homeware, high-end jewellery, and art. it will also host exclusive themed collections and a bustling programme of entertainment, workshops, and curated culinary experiences. Mirbad, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, March 6 to 10. @ Head out on a food walk Explore the UAE capital, a culinary destination that's growing in might every day, with a unique food walk experience. During Abu Dhabi Food Trails: Hidden Gems , you'll be able to explore a direct connection between the city's cultural fabric and its history. Each session will follow a different theme, aiming to highlight lesser-known cuisines and dishes. March 7, 10pm to midnight, Dhs120. Explore a cool Bentley x Saddle collab This Ramadan, Bentley and Saddle cafe invite you to an exclusive pop-up experience at Saddle House, Marsa Al Bateen. Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of the luxe automobile giant's luxury and Saddle's signature ambiance, where automotive artistry meets Ramadan indulgence at one of the capital's leading cafes. The special 'Continental Collection' beverages are available to savour between Iftar and Suhoor throughout Ramadan, and make sure you catch the stunning new Bentley Continental GT. Saddle, Marsa Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 4am daily. @saddle Saturday, March 8 Alongside the ongoing kings & queens of africa: Forms and Figures of Power exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Fouquet's Abu Dhabi is celebrating African art and heritage with a limited-edition tasting menu. The four-course experience showcases authentic African ingredients and culinary traditions, crafted by Chef Balveer Balkissoon. Highlights include grilled West Coast calamari, slow-roasted beef short ribs with jollof rice, and South African rooibos tea ice cream, with optional South African wine pairings or a signature mocktail. Fouquet's Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, until May 25, Dhs350 per guest. @fouquetsabudhabi Savour a special Ramadan menu at Zaatar W Zeit Zaatar w Zeit has launched its specially-curated Ramadan meal selection Selection, featuring flavourful options such as the W rap Iftar, Skillet Iftar, and Iftar Duo, accompanied by a selection of signature desserts to complete the meal. The menu also offers Suhoor Favorites and the Mega Suhoor, carefully crafted to provide a w holesome and satisfying pre-da w n meal. It's available across all outlets in the UAE. Zaatar w Zeit, various locations, Abu Dhabi, throughout Ramadan. Tel: 600 522 231. @ zaatar w zeit uae Check out AVLU at Yas Mall AVLU Greek & Turkish Cuisine is now open to you at Yas Mall, and this is a great new spot to immerse yourself in the rich flavors and warm hospitality of the Aegean region. From freshly caught seafood to slow-cooked meats, dishes on the menu are crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, blending traditional Greek and Turkish flavors. Bon appetit. AVLU, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10.30pm. @ Sunday, March 9 Remake Ramadan will air on beIN gourmet throughout Ramadan, will keep you on the edge of your seat while celebrating the rich flavours of the Arab world. Tune in to catch a high-stakes competition, where top chefs and talented cooks go head-to-head over 30 episodes, reimagining classic Ramadan dishes and putting their skills to the test as they transform traditional recipes into innovative masterpieces. @bein Explore the Al Jahili Fort Another heritage-infused site that was built close to two centuries ago, the Al Jahili Fort is one of the largest that have ever been built in the UAE. Located in Al Ain, it was built to serve as the summer residence of H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, before British forces assumed military use of the tower until 1970. Today, with major rehabilitation completed and the addition of interesting visitor features, the Al Jahili Fort welcomes one and all. Al Jahili Fort, Castle Park, Al Ain, 9am – 7pm daily. Tel: (0) 3 711 8311. @visitabudhabi Images: supplied, unsplash, Instagram, What's On archive
