A Cult Classic

‘Tis the season for bad horror films, cult classics such as Night of the Living Dead, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Re-Animator.

Snore fest! That’s so not what I’m talking about when I say ‘cult classics,’ but I had you for a second, right?

I’m talking about iconic handbags. The ultimate lady’s collectable accessory—one in particular, the Céline Luggage tote (insert heart eye emoji).

If you don’t recognize it by name, you will surely recognize it by picture. This bag has been photographed on just about every celebrity and Real Housewife in the world, which is pretty amazing considering it has only been on the market since 2010.

That’s right. In just five short years this bag has become so popular it has doubled in price and dropped in availability. It has come in various sizes, textures, and colors, but you will probably never see two of the same bag in a store, even a Céline store. It is now one of the most knocked-off hand bags as well, but don't worry - when you buy from STORE 5a we always verify authenticity.

So who is the mastermind behind this iconic arm candy? Phoebe Philo.

 

Paris born Phoebe Philo grew up and went to school in England. She became the Creative Director at Chloe in 1997, where she reinvented the brand, giving it the soft feminine touches and whimsy of the 60s and 70s it’s known for today. During this time she also created their iconic Paddington handbag. After a few years she left Chloe to spend time with her three small children and husband. Not only is she a wicked fashion designer, she is also mother of the year.

In 2008 she was appointed creative director and board member at Céline and in June 2010 she presented her debut collection. It included a version of the Luggage tote. Since then, the “winged tote” has been imitated by many fashion houses, but no one’s design comes close to the visual deliciousness of the original.

Currently we have available two Céline handbags, a mini Luggage tote in white leather and another winged style, the Trapeze, in black leather with white and orange calf skin.

I don’t really think horror films are boring. I actually used to frequent the midnight showing of Rocky Horror in costume. Yikes. These days I just think the designers behind cult classic handbags are much more interesting. Especially when said designer is an inspirational woman like Phoebe Philo, who has raised children, turned two design houses around, and created two iconic handbags. I can’t wait to see what she does next!

-Hannah Zadeh

S.A. STORE 5a

 *Pheobe Philo Photo Credit: Celine website