Some people collect paintings from great masters such as Monet and Degas, others prefer sculptures from Rodin, for the Bag Snob, it is handbags.

Top of the bag chain. My Hermes collection.

Since the first Gucci logo handbag and matching wallet given to me in high school, I have been smitten. In jeans or gowns, there is nothing more sophisticated than finishing it off with a chic handbag! Whether you are a seasoned collector or looking for your first special bag, it is important to remember that you should only buy the bag if you really love it. Don’t fall into the trend trap and don’t buy something just because all of your friends have it. The key to having a great collection is to buy the best bag you can afford in your price range. Do not buy a knock off or fake bag if you can not afford the real thing. Instead, look to moderately priced designers such as Coach, Cole Haan, Kooba, or even Isaac Mizrahi for Target! Develop your own unique sense of style by studying bags from different price ranges and designers. Neiman Marcus and Saks both have wide ranges of bags, if you do not live near one, check their websites often. And If possible, go to vintage stores and look for bags from other eras. My current obsession are bags from the ’60’s when an explosion of young European designers took over an industry previously dominated by couturiers such as Chanel. 

The iconic Chanel 2.55 collection

Our taste has varied from the latest “it” bags to classic birkins, hobos to structured carryalls, and exotic skins to distressed leather, all in more colors than the rainbow. The only constant being my love of a well made bag. To date the Bag Snob has collected over 100 bags, all lovingly stored in it’s original dust cover and/or box. Each bag carries with it special memories of its acqusition. The brown ostrich Dior saddle bag purchased in Paris during a summer thunderstorm (each time I carry it I am reminded of how beautiful Paris is even in the rain), the first Chanel bag for my 21st birthday, the bleu nuit Chloe paddington from Paris that a friend picked up and sent to me, and the red lizard Hermes kelly purchased from Hermes over the phone and brought to me at Nobu to be inspected over tuna tartare and champagne. There are way too many other memories to mention so I will just share with you my top 25 favorite bags of the moment.

Old favorites such as the YSL mombasa, Fendi baguette, Tod’s white Rodeo bag, Prada pink hobo, and Dior saddle will always have a place in the Bag Snob’s heart.