I have £2k for a beautiful bag - which one, though?

[RedPandaFluff]

I am fortunate enough to have been given £2k by a very dear relative and instructed to treat myself to a new handbag.

This will be a treasured item (because of the person I will always associate with it) and a massive, unprecedented splurge.

So . . . what do I get? I want beautiful quality rather than the usual brand names . . . and not a work bag, as I work from home. A small crossbody, probably. Any suggestions? Thank you!

OP has already said she & the giver have a long running thing about bags and the giver is not likely to be living much longer.

Wish I hadn't click that link - so many beautiful bags!

How about a Chloe Marcie?
Chloé Marcie Shoulder Bag in Grained Leather | Chloé FR

I have a much loved Chloe Paddington that's 16 or 17 years old and its still a thing of beauty.

I came on to say Loewe or Celine Triomphe but see they’ve already been suggested - hope you get a beautiful bag that you love!

Have a look at Metier. V beautifully made and understated

I went into Delvaux's flagship store in Brussels recently which was delightful, but I really wish they would produce their Grand Place silk scarf in neutrals, navy, black or similar. I love it but I don't want it in bright red/purple or moss green/orange!

The only way you'd get a Chanel for £2000 these days is to go pre-owned, and there are pitfalls there (Chanel being very reluctant to repair/refresh items that they didn't sell direct to the current owner.)

I second the suggestion of Launer. I have a Launer key holder and the leather is exquisite. They're best known for the iconic top handle bags carried by HMTLQ but they actually have quite a wide range of styles. Their bags are all made to order, with lots of different options. The service is spectacular too, incredibly personal. I recently had an email from them advising they are now doing personal appointments in central London too, so if you're near @RedPandaFluff that might be a lovely trip. I'm sure they'd really want to help, especially if they knew something of the background of the purchase.

Whatever you buy I hope you love it, and that it always keeps you close to the person who has given you the money for the gift. All best wishes to you both 💐

Aspinals have some beautiful bags heavily reduced on their websiteif you want to buy several for your 2k x

Oh shut up.

You could try pre loved from :

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/reselfridges/bags/?fh_sort_by=price_dsc

They may not have what you are looking for at the moment. Dior or Chanel may be in your price range by going pre loved.

😂

Not everyone is impacted by the current financial climate.

I’d personally avoid the Loewe puzzle - it’s having such an “it” moment that I suspect it will date.

I do like some of the Bottega and Celine bags, although I don’t actually have either (on my list).

I love my Chanel’s but the price rises and decline in quality have meant I’m unlikely to add more Chanel’s to my collection. Same for LV, Prada etc…

I have actually had a few more mid range Parisian bags (Fleuron, Atelier Auguste and Fauvette in particular) which I’m really impressed with. Quality and design is fab. Maybe a little trip to Paris and go have a look in person - would your benefactor be able to go ? You’d have enough for the trip and a bag…

Another vote for Loewe here. I have three handbags purchased between 20 and 25 years ago. Two of the bags have extremely discrete logos - you’d have to look hard to find them, and the other has their logo as a pattern on the side, but again, unless you know their logo it would probably pass you by.

They have stood the test of time and have been very easy to look after. The leather is so beautiful you could almost stroke it!

Have lots of fun choosing your handbag and enjoy it!

Handbags are one of my biggest passions. Inherited from a grandmother, we loved shopping together.
A few over the years have also turned out to be very sound investments.

Mrs Happily soulless and apparently loaded with issues x

I would get a preloved garden party or lady dior.

@RosesAndHellebores I disagree. Not a classic design...more quirky. If OP wants to spend £2k on a bag it needs to be a classic look in the circumstances.

Fab!
Check out Loro Piana, The Row, Loewe, Brunello Cucinelli, and Bottega for no/subtle logos.
Some Celine too, and Gucci horsebit can be classic.
Hermes Picotin is versatile (preloved ££).
Polene have some lovely bags in season and would come in significantly under budget.
Happy searching.

I am another who wonders why a bag give such happiness. Nothing wrong with it, I get my joy (and wasting all my money) from holidays, going to gigs and eating out. Which obviously are short lived though the memories for me are important.
Handbags do nothing for me but can see they do for others. If a relative left me money specifically for a bag I would have to buy 10 very practical ones but imagine they never would!

@Comefromaway why would anyone promote Bottega? Their reputation is in tatters due to their leanings and promotion of alleged child abuse and bondage. Terrible company.

I get what @totallyfloored said.
I disagree with @ayepecking a handbag is to be enjoyed and the best classics have been contemporaneous. Also, whilst £2k is a lot, it isn't Hermes or Asprey classic, so have a bit of fun. Use it every day for three years, have it refurbished when it's worn and get it out once or twice a month for the next 20.

I think you are thinking of Balenciaga

The Loewe bag someone posted is beautiful!

Gosh, you sound like a barrel of laughs. I’d love to meet you at a party.

That’s Balenciaga? Wouldn’t give them a penny of my money. Awful.