Hold Steady: On The Verge Of The New Heritage Piece

Clutch designed for Nautica by Verge Creative Group #byverge

Some bags are, as Vogue says, "future proof," with silhouettes that never go out of style, transcending time, place, and the trends of the moment. These designs are reimagined season after season in fresh takes with new materials. Many are associated with the houses that originated them: the Dior saddle bag, the Gucci crossbody, the Balenciaga weekender, the Chanel satchel. Playing with familiar forms allows designers to play with construction, taking iconic silhouettes and making them current. Although they often start at high prices, these heritage pieces are considered a worthwhile investment — they're bags that simply never go out of style.

These days, the "it" bag has taken on new meaning. No longer trendy, of-the-moment bags exclusively owned by the fashion elite, today's "it" bag is an impeccably made, trend-transcendent hybrid of high fashion and high function. And functional doesn't necessarily mean utilitarian: rather, function speaks to versatility, and today's most sought-after bags work for a wider variety of outfits and occasions, blowing up the cost-per-wear calculation and bringing new meaning to the term investment piece.

Crossbody designed by Verge Creative Group #byverge

For many traditionalists, the Hermès Birkin remains the be-all, end-all of heritage pieces — but a new army of up-and-coming designers are reinventing the concept. Marrying quality materials with sophisticated, modern takes on timeless silhouettes, some of the hottest bags of the moment are in it for the long haul at considerably more accessible prices, to appeal to millennial clients.

For example, Copenhagen-based label Aesther Ekme, founded by Alexander Wang alum Stephanie Park, is steadily growing in popularity (especially among fans of Céline) due to their structured yet relaxed spin on the classic tote bag. Carry-all powerhouse Senreve, founded by a pair of ex-financiers, made a name for itself with impeccably designed, handcrafted work bags that don’t scream “made for laptops.” Additionally, new "slow fashion" leather goods labels like Linjer and Cuyana are delivering made-to-last pieces made with high-quality raw materials and precise craftsmanship. And minimalist label Kozha Numbers' simple handbag is the epitome of effortless style, featuring gold-embossed sheen leather and luxe hardware. 

Tote bag designed for Cole Haan by Verge Creative Group #byverge

When it comes to the future of the "it" bag, it's all in the lines, not the label. While luxury heritage pieces will never go out of style, the new "it" bag artfully combines classic silhouettes, intentional craftsmanship, and the highest quality materials — in other words, it's all about form, no matter the brand or price tag. At Verge, intention is our design imperative. Our mission with every assignment is to create beautiful, versatile pieces that last longer than a season or a photoshoot. We may live in the moment, but when it comes to bags, we design for life.