Before we introduce this week’s nominees for your new go-to staple candidate, and invite you to enjoy the latest installment from our curated edit series, let us dive into the story of the quilted bag.
If you didn't know it, the word "quilt" originates from the Latin word "culcita” - stuffed pillow or cushion, with the quilting practice and techniques dating back thousands of years, across various cultures.
What we can consider as one of the initial forms of upcycling, appreciated mostly for the functionality, today is also (and widely) regarded as a form of art.
A minimum of 3 layers are artfully stitched together to form a tactile, three-dimensional, even sculptural results that can be further enhanced with embroidery or embellishment.
The rich history of the quilted bag can be traced back to the 16th century or even earlier, but it was not until Coco Chanel introduced her legendary 2.55 quilted flap bag, the fashion world, fashion design and designer bag-related vocabulary started to see words “quilted” and “matelassé” rising in popularity.
That was in 1955, and since this significant milestone, many prestigious designers and fashion houses have contributed to the enduring popularity of quilted bags (we would dare to say every bag lover, including yourself, has at least one of in their personal collection).
If you read us frequently, you know we love all the nominees equally, and never list them ordered by our level of affection, but arranged in a playful, mostly unpredictable, alphabetical sequence (starting right where we left of).
T FOR… THREE-DIMENSIONAL SOPHISTICATION
Miu Miu has been elevating the three-dimensionality of the quilting to a whole new level.
Sophisticated in its iconic texture, versatile in its nature, the Matelassé Nappa Leather Tote is an ode to refined artisan craftsmanship.
Gold-tone accents, removable leather mirror case, zip pocket for the tiniest or most precious essentials, and detachable and adjustable shoulder strap complete the first nominee's feature list.
U FOR… UK CREATED, CRAFTED IN ITALY
Say hello to Burberry Snip Bag, one of the latest additions to the fashion house's bag silhouette spectrum created by Daniel Lee.
Handcrafted in Italy from puffy nappa leather, this quilted stunner with hand-painted edges and foldover flap B-cut clasp closure looks kind of like a cushion you want to hug.
And you can do exactly what you please, hug it, or wear it as clutch, shoulder or crossbody.
The adjustable chain strap was inspired by Burberry’s Equestrian Knight’s spear.
V FOR… VALENTINO RHOMBUS PATTERN
When thinking about Valentino’s art of quilting, your mind most probably serves you the maison’s signature rhombus pattern of Roman Stud Bags and Rockstud Spike Bags - the family our next nominee belongs to.
The Rockstud Spike Embroidered Denim Bag brings everything this iconic bag line is renowned and loved for, plus a bead embroidery mixing the hardware and studs-matching platinum tone with iridescent beads that provide the bag with an ever-so-subtle touch of color.
Carry as handbag, shoulder or crossbody.
W FOR… WAYS TO WEAR
For the next nominee, we’re staying in Italy.
Elisabetta Franchi’s Small Hobo Bag with foulard scarf chain handle, and chain & faux leather strap (both detachable), brings an array of styling options: clutch, hand or arm carry, shoulder and crossbody.
The handle itself is a fun accessory you can most certainly play with further. This beauty with quilted logos is rendered in synthetic leather.
Y FOR... YSL QUILTED SIGNATURES
When we say Saint Laurent quilted bag, what’s the first style or pattern that pops into your mind?
Is it the signature chevron quilt topstitching of the Loulou Bags or Lou Camera Bags? The chevron and vertical quilting of the Puffer Bags? The diamond quilted Gaby? The Envelope Bags, showcasing all three of the iconic topstitching patterns? Or Jamie - our next nominee - with Carré Rive Gauche overstitching?
Compact and light, the Saint Laurent Jamie Bag is crafted from soft lambskin. Its sliding leather & chain strap allows you to switch from clutch to shoulder or crossbody in one effortless movement.
And last but most definitely not least…
Z FOR... ZIGZAG WITH A ZEST
Also made in Italy, Gucci GG Marmont Shoulder Bag is crafted from GG Matelassé chevron leather, embellished with small GG studs and twisted torchon GG appliqué on the flap.
Each stitch of this compact creation exudes a zest for craftsmanship and style.
Slide the chain from single to doubled to wear your bag just the way you prefer or need.
Before we say goodbye, if you want to explore more from a spectrum of textures and volumes, visit "Puffed & Padded" the latest installment from our curated edit series. All of the above, and more, awaits.
As always, thank you for sharing your time with us.
Until the next story!
Love, Lozuri
