Once in a while there is a piece that makes me think, “that’s going to be mine”. No ifs, ands or buts. Last year, Karl Lagerfeld came out with the Ultimate Icon collection, in honour of the Met’s 2023 Costume Institute Exhibition (Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty), and the iconic fan that Karl always carried around took centre stage in the accessories collection. There were a lot of great items (belts, boots, wallets) but this bag was what stole my heart.
And it was going to be mine.
This is not my first Karl Lagerfeld bag, so I had some expectations already. And just like I expected, this feels sturdy and very well constructed. It’s made of a smooth leather that does not scratch easily, and a brushed silver-toned hardware, and it holds its shape really well. It closes shut with a magnetic clasp that feels quite secure. There is only one pocket on the inside where you can fit a card or two, and that’s it – no extra compartments, not even on the back.
It’s not the roomiest of bags, but if I Tetris my stuff right enough, I can fit my phone, my small wallet, keys and a sunglasses case. If you forego the sunglasses case, your wallet does not need to be small. This also comes with a long detachable strap to wear as a crossbody bag, but I never wear those, I always prefer to use my bags as handbags.
This is a sturdy, reliable bag with a simple but eye catching design. I love it. There is also a hot pink version in a crocodile patterned patent leather that I wish I had a good enough excuse to get as well. Both are currently available, on sale, on Farfetch (not an affiliate, but oh, how I wish it was).
