Doorstep Luxury – Handbags dreams are made of this
PUBLISHED August 10th, 2012 09:56 am | UPDATED March 29th, 2016 01:56 pm
From the ancient beaded bags of African priests and the embroidered pouches exchanged at medieval marriages, handbags have been ever-present throughout history. In the Elizabethan era, aristocrats would carry small bags filled with sweet smelling herbs and spices to make up for dodgy personal hygiene. When French fashion houses dictated that a slender silhouette was the look; with no room beneath for pockets, purses came into the open in the form of ‘reticules’ or ‘indispensables’. Women were becoming dependent on their handbags…some things never change!
In the 19th century women hand-embroidered their own handbags, often to show off their skills to potential suitors (can you imagine?…nice cross-stitch darling, now…fancy a beer?). But it was the 20th century that saw handbags reach cult status. Our busy lives suddenly required a host of accessories which we carry at all times, and let’s face it, a burlap pouch just isn’t going to cut it. So, thank goodness for the myriad of designers and handbags we modern women can now choose from.
I suggest you use the above information when justifying your next ‘slightly pricey’ handbag purchase to your husband/boyfriend/father. I mean, who can argue with fact? History is on our side ladies!
While the big luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Burberry are ever-popular here in Singy, if you are looking for something a little alternative and effortlessly chic – and I know you are, you’re a Nomad after all! – Doorstep Luxury is where to go.
Originally operating solely through their website, someone very sensible and enlightened realised that women like to hold and feel a potential new handbag, it is after all akin to the start of a love affair. You’re going to spend a lot of time together, you’re going to need to depend on them, it has to be the right fit, you want to have ‘that feeling’, this is heavy stuff ! And so Doorstep Luxury opened a boutique. (I’m guessing mainly for chicks like me who are a bit obsessive about their handbags).
Where Doorstep Luxury gets it absolutely right, is their brands which are ‘bang on the money’ when it comes to your fashion credentials. Cult favourites such as the Cambridge Satchel Company nestle next to emerging fashion stars like Sophie Hulme, who works simple, soft leather bags with bold metal detailing reminiscent of Alexander Wang.
Italian brand, Leghila is also stocked here. Fun, brash and definitely not for shrinking violets, these bags are entirely made of neoprene, so beach-friendly, baby-friendly, and ‘had a few too many glasses of wine’-friendly! If a Hermes Birkin bag seems like an inexcusable extravagance, pick up a Leghila B-bag instead; same shape, better colours!
And while Doorstep Luxury brings us emerging international talents, they are also loyal to home-grown designers such as Ling Wu who really, really knows how to rock a python skin! Still crafted in an artisan workshop, so exquisitely made and limited in numbers, her bags are tactile, chic, and ethically sourced, which is good to know.
Listen.. truth be told, I could rabbit on about Doorstep Luxury and my love of handbags for a few more paragraphs, but I will spare you all. Just know, that they also stock a wonderful selection of jewellery accessories and shoes, notably Tui, a Singapore-based brand who make adorable, hand-crafted, ballet flats for fashionable ladies, and rather delightfully, mini-fashionable ladies, so mum and daughter can both look equally chic!
It is a little expensive, but we are not talking about throw-away fashion here, this is the place to go for a quality item that you will keep for ever, an heirloom if you will….oh yes! that’s a good one, you can add that to the history waffle above!
Written by Heh Zee
