Who buys Gucci bags these days? Every time I walk past its boutique I laugh at the hideous bags in the windows. Sometimes, for further entertainment, I will actually walk in and watch the fashion victims who buy the bags merely for the Gucci logo and not for any real style or taste because anyone with eyes can see these bags are lacking in both departments. I guess you could argue that Gucci bags are at least predictable, you will get either the boring GG logos or bags that are just ridiculous. Like the carpet bagger inspired Hysteria Tapestry Totes above ($1,295). Gone with the Wind was one of my all time favorite movies as a kid (I had a lot of older cousins) and one of my favorite words uttered out of Scarlett O’Hara’s mouth was when she told off the carpetbagging nouveau riche couple and called them “Scallowags”. Which is such a perfect description of these bags! At Gucci.com, while you’re there, click around and check out the entire Hysteria line with the awful Gucci crest. It’s good for a Friday afternoon chuckle.
Tina, YOU are hysterical! scallowags! love it!!! and I looked around the gucci site and did not just chuckle, I laughed my ass off! even the exotic skin bags are ruined by that crest. ugh, just awful!
If anyone sees someone with this bag get a picture they must be named and shamed!!!:P
I like to think that those bags are made for desperate z-listers and being send off to them as a joke so the poor things can get excited about being ‘rich and famous’
I am just looking at Longchamp’s fall campaign photos,Gaspard Ulliel and Kate Moss both look stunning!
http://www.longchamp.com/index.php?coe_i_id=249
this is so funny because my friend just asked me to find her a cute gucci bag the other day and i had to search for hours just to find one decent bag. here’s the link.
http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod33480025&parentId=cat269102&masterId=cat269601&index=20&cmCat=cat000000cat257221cat260101cat261004cat20087cat238207cat269601cat269102
as far as the hysteria collection is concerned…ew…but i still love gucci. it has the same hold over me that prada has over kelly. i blame tom ford.
Lina- thanks for the link– Kate looks amazing! God I love her, I don’t care who she’s dating and what she does recreationally, I just like the way she looks. It’s a purely superficial infatuation, nothing deeper 🙂
James– We met Tom Ford and funny enough, I was wearing a YSL coat from his last collection. He had a hold over me with Gucci as well but I’ve transferred that fixation to his new line of accessories. What makes me really sad is that the GG logo bag and matching wallet was my first designer bag set– a gift from my mother when I was sixteen. I have it in a box to pass on to my daughter/granddaughter one day.
I feel like the brand is really lost right now as far as bags go– trying to redefine itself via marketing gimmicks instead of just making good bags.
OMG people this bag is just awful-WHAT were they thinking?-lottie I AM SO taking a pic of this bag if I see it on anyone’s arm…
Checked out Kate on Longchamp and she looks GREAT as always!!!
These bags look just awful. But I could imagine that they would look ok when worn by a native African in the jungles. Hope I didn´t hurt anyones feelings. The sad part is that I doubt that people who have to strive for a meal daily just couldn´t afford a Gucci bag.
That is so not cool what spewed out of your mouth! Doesn’t take one to know that your looking down your nose, and using prejudice reasons to say why you don’t like the bag! I have a white hobo that I sold for $1450.00, and mine was because I didn’t like it was a gift when they came out in 2008 that could not keep them in the stores! But don’t blame a black person for your not likes in a bag it didn’t hurt my feelings and I’m white! If Michele Obama, and a few well known woman were wearing it you woukd be running through the jungle to find it! Thanks for showing people need to sit in the back of the bus as far as your concerned! Oh sorry if I hurt your feelings!
Well its being a while since I post a comment.
Now I have a good reason to call a carpet cleaner to clean my Hysterical bag —oops I mean Hysteria bag.
B.. ill join you in the hunt for the fashion victim
OMG, how is this possible ??
At least these bags are not as bad looking as the Oscar De La Renta giveaway bag. That is a realy piece of joke and hideous!
Can you explain the difference between the tired & boring Gucci logo and the equally blase Chanel Double C’s? I won’t wear Chanel for the very same reason — the C’s scream logo mania to the world!
oh, those are just awful. And wat is with the ugly GG logo? Hate those too – who in their right mind would wear one?
The residents of dollhouses everywhere want their Oriental rugs back now!
The bag on the right has a nice shape, though. Try it again in a soft leather and it would work.
I’m with you on label whores. They annoy me to no end.
I hate that someone will sacrifice so much money just for the sake of “style”.
It definitely seems like finding a Gucci bag is few and far between…
I’ve said the same about several other name brands. I dont get the stupid satiny basic Prada bags, nor do I really get some of Kate Spades plainer designs, and the only conclusion I come to is that people are just desperate for the label.
LOSERSSS!!! lol
Actually, this is a pretty interesting discussion, and one that I’d like to see Bag Snob address, in particular.
Why is it okay to judge one label as being more “snob worthy” than another? What constitutes quality? Why are certain forms of branding (the CCs one person mentioned, the LV monogram which many readers hate but the authors find “iconic,” etc)legitimised, while others are not? Obviously, a blog like this is for opinions, it’s not science. Purseblog loves the Gucci hysteria, for example, and they are also fairly respected online. When is it okay to pay for a brand, when does quality even out? Is a $7,000 Hermes bag REALLY better made than one of April in Paris’? If so, is it really $5000 better made, or is it closer to $500?
I certainly don’t know, but maybe Bag Snob does?
I purchased this bag and I love it. It is something different from the basic leather bags or monogram bags. I read this blog to see what they think, but do not base my purchases on their opinions. You need to buy bags that you love because it is your money that you are spending and you are the one using it.
Kaytey i think you have some good points…i would be interested to see how Tina and Kelly respond. I too love Hermes and despite knowing the bags are individually hand made unlike most bags these days I am sure they are not truely $7,000 worth its all about the way they try to manipulate the supply and demand etc what do you think bagsnobs?
Michelle….your right you should buy what you like especially when your using your hard earned money! I would love to know what you like about this bag?
L.xo
kaytey – imo it’s based on the history of the brand. sure hermes bags are of the EXACT same quality as lana marks and marcela calvet, but hermes has the history (grace kelly, jackie o, jane birkin) that makes them iconic. as far as the logos are concerned, the less ostentatious the better. a small cc on a clasp definitely trumps a gucci monogrammed canvas bag but a HUGE white cc on the side of a black bag is just as tacky. at the end of the day logos are just walking advertisements and people need to stay away from them. not to mention the fact that the monogrammed bags are always the lowest quality bags that the brand offers. lastly and perhaps most importantly the brand needs to “make up” for their logo bags by designing high quality snob worthy bags, which gucci and lv just can’t seem to do.
michelle – AMEN!
My sister has this bag – the square one – and I think it was a fantastic choice. Her wardrobe is almost all simple neutrals, and the color, shape and visual texture of the bag looks amazing. While I can see a lot of ways to go wrong with this one, it can also be perfectly right for someone with the right style.
All those gigantic logos – the worst offenders truly are Gucci and LV, James is right – there is usually at least one offending bag per designer per year – with, of course, notable exceptions! But Gucci and LV seem to be directly catering to the music industry’s “Bling Bling” set, who are all about flash and sparkle and bad taste that they seem to really love! ANDDDDDD…If it wasn’t for bad taste, we would lose our appreciation for good taste!!
Oh come on…Gucci is a classic. I still love Gucci! My husband recently purchased me the pelham bag as a ‘push present’ and I love it! It is so roomy it serves as a diaper bag too. All lines eventually produce something we dislike….
I bought this bag because it was different. I find the pattern of the bag interesting. I had to call around to many stores just to find one. If it so hideous to many of the readers, why is it sold out. Like I said before, you need to base your purchases on what YOU like. I haven’t seen any response from Tina or Kelly since last Friday. I would really like to hear what they have to say about all of the comments that have been left. I too don’t understand how a bag with GIANT CC’s on the front is any different from a Prada plaque or Gucci logo, etc.?? Is it that you just prefer Chanel to other lines?? If so, that is fine, but I just think that it is hypocritical to judge one logo as bad but accept another one as fantastic!!!
Hi All,
I dislike logos in general but sometimes they are hard to avoid– but one logo is much better than an entire bag made of logos. As for Chanel, I do not own one single bag covered in CC logos. I find them obnoxious.
That said, I do love the construction of most Chanel bags and the history behind the brand. If you have ever read books on Coco Chanel, you will know what I mean. If you read up on Gucci’s history, it is filled with infighting of family members, tax evasions, and other sorts of distasteful events that for me, has tainted the brand. And seriously, Tom ford was the only reason I bought Gucci clothes, he made sexy chic!
You all know I love Hermes– I love the way their leathers smell and the craftsmanship of each bag but I do not own an “H” belt or a constance bag with the big “H”. All of my Hermes bags have the discreet Hermes stamp. If you ever get a chance to tour the Hermes private museum, you will find that any brand who claims they are just like “Hermes” is full of lies. There is only one Hermes, and even if one worked there, it does not mean one is able to fully replicate the Hermes experience.
In my opinion, April in Paris is merely a knock off (from a self proclaimed former craftswoman) and unattractive line of bags not worthy of the high 4 figure price tag.
But as many of you stated, preferring one brand over another is merely our opinion.
There, hope that answers your questions. Sorry I’ve been MIA– I’ve had 4 birthday parties in the last week and have not fully recuperated!
xoxo
Hello,
I’m curious, is Hermes the only bag that is handmade? I thought that Loro Piana bags were also handmade and made with the same leather as Hermes bags? The reason I ask is because this was in fact mentioned to me by a SA. I own an exotic kelly as well as an exotic globe bag and I have to say…I love the way my globe feels more so than the kelly.
As for the logo thing, there really isn’t any need to call them names such as losers or tacky. We aren’t in high school anymore. We can all agree to disagree at one point or another.
This is coming of course from someone who only owns a beautiful well crafted Gucci Indy Guccisima Logo Bag. I haven’t ever had the need to own a logo bag till I saw that one. I have it, use it and love it every time I take it out to play. I look at myself in the mirror a few times before I leave the home. The last thing I look like is a tacky loser.
good day everyone.
Hi Roe,
I agree, we should all agree to disagree. There are many brands who make handmade bags, but none hold the same allure for me as Hermes. I have multiple styles from the House (Kellys, Birkins, Bolides, Medor clutch, Kelly Clutch, wallets, Lindy bag, etc) and each have the most amazing construction that is unrivaled.
Valextra and Bottega Veneta are other brands that I adore. Logo free and beautifully handcrafted, they are timeless and always relevant.
As for Loro Piana, I have a tote from them and though the leather is wonderful, it is far from a Hermes bag. The side stitches are actually unraveling which is a great disappointment and probably one of the reasons why Loro Piana bags end up on the last call sales table each season.
Enjoy your Gucci bag, the way you feel when you carry it is more important than what anyone else has to say about it.
Um…
Perhaps Coco Chanel had a history…. a history of fraternizing and I believe dating NAZIs. So, if you are saying that you do not like Gucci because of the infighting and tax issues, I find it ironic that you think that a Nazi symethizer is a better choice….
As a bag designer, I find the Gucci collection very interesting, and i personally love the Hysteria bags. They are stylish and functional, and don’t look like anything else out there.
Yes, Chanel is iconic… but you shouldn’t base it on Coco’s life. If you had read her bio, you would know that she treated her workers pretty poorly, and was not a pleasant person in general.
Hi M8
I stand by my statement of admiring Coco Chanel in general over Guccio Gucci. And today, I prefer bag designs from the House of Chanel over the House of Gucci. I mention their respective histories because a reader asked whether or not it had relevance to me.
What Coco Chanel did, who she fraternized with, she did for survival. She was a single woman living in a man’s world and created an empire with nothing but her charm, style and determination to succeed. She did what she had to, unapologetically. She survived two world wars and came out reinventing herself each time. She put women in jackets and pants as well as the Little Black Dress and she bought jewelry for herself, costume or real did not matter. What mattered was she made choices for herself. But that doesn’t mean she didn’t accept lavish jewels from her gentlemn suitors. She was fiercely independent, but she was no fool. She often hawked those pieces to pay for her samples.
The Gucci clan’s actions were fueled by GREED and thus put the company in a perilous position until it was bought out.
Again, just my opinion. You have yours and I have mine, please do not be rude and accuse me of preferring Nazis over tax evaders.
Thank you.
I am sorry if you think I am being rude. That was not my intention. I just found it interesting how you were commenting on the Gucci family’s history vs. Coco Chanel’s history. I usually do not base my like or dislike of a bag or design house on such information. But as you say, you have your opinion and I have mine. No disrespect to you. I don’t agree that Coco did what she had to do just to get by… I’ve read her biography, and I agree she was a trailblazer. No doubt about it. She took women out of hobble skirts and put them in functional clothing. But she treated her workers badly…
So, we agree to disagree.
hideous! but I don’t mind the crests on the leather bags.
Hi M8
I do not base my like or dislike of a bag solely on the history of the brand either- that would be rather ridiculous. For example– if I were presented a classic chain Chanel bag and a GG logo bag, I would choose the bag based on its design, quality, and functionality FIRST.
Then, I like to find out what the history is behind it. Why it was designed and for what reasons. I find it interesting to know why my bag was designed the way it was. I know, it’s really not that deep but I’m always curious about the history of design houses.
As my husband always says, “it’s just a bag”. But for me, it’s much more. I know many think it’s shallow and mindless but hey, it’s my thing 🙂
Im with you Tina I believe that Coco was an iconic woman who went through alot. She has singlehandedly transformed fashion in her time and even today!!
I’m so sad to hear all these awful remarks about the hysteria bag. I love the black and cream, the size looks perfect, I can’t answer about the logo – I’ve only owned Coach. Yes, it struck me as a ‘carpet bag’ but that is what I love about it! I’ll send a pic of it on my arm to save everyone the trouble of finding me 😉
ok, this might be too odd… but take a look at the patent-leather black clutch with the golden Gucci crest… is n’t it simply beautiful?! i love it-i gotta have it!
Has anyone considered why gucci has named this line Hysteria? I find the video on utube a weak attempt to sexualize and fetishize a woman’s relationship to an object that merely houses our possessions. When considering the definition of Hysteria and how it has been defined as a “women’s disease” it is repulsive that gucci is furthering the stereotype of the over-emotional woman, madwoman-a slave to her consumerist impulses. We need to expose the philosophical flaws to this advertizing campaign.
Hi,
I admire your blog and your taste, and I’m sorry to focus my first comment here on semi-relevant historical details.
However, it should be known that Coco Chanel was not merely “getting by” in Nazi-controlled France — she exploited anti-Jewish policies for her own gain. She tried to revoke her fragrance license from the Jewish, exiled Wertheimer family based on anti-Jewish policies of the Vichy government.
That action is not merely about survival. She exploited her Nazi ties and aligned herself with anti-Jewish policies, all for monetary gain.
I appreciate what she’s offered not only fashion but also women, and I am a huge fan of Lagerfeld’s. But we should all know the despicable truth.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C00E0DA113DF937A15751C0A9649C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=3
Also, in Lagerfeld Confidential, Karl questions her contributions’ true impact on history and claims that their significance was exaggerated as a PR ploy.
Grain of salt, everyone!
man…its such a tacky bag..were they inspired from pakistani carpets or what…evn d carpets look better…pls gucci do somthing…its like filthy expensive n not at all gud…dont go for gucci…dere wallets turn blak just in a week purchase..i spended so much..n its blak..god…dont go for gucci guys…boss n odr brands are better than this GUCCI PUCCI
i just want to say i love the tapestry bag. not just because it is gucci, but i truly like it. i guess that is why this website is called bag-‘snob’ because that is what snobs do-criticize other prople’s taste indiscriminately. the bag is lovely and of good quality. so there- go buy some other bag if don’t like it…
Is that why you call yourself ‘Bag Snob Tina’???
Hhhmmm….your comments made it all clear abt you. Sorry!
you are brain dead
I love this bag!!! I like it precisely becasue the logo is relatibvely low key and it’s not made of leather. And it is so different. Beautiful – my best bag purchase ever. Sorry to those who don’t like it, but why bash?
I have this bag and I absolutely love it. Everywhere I go someone always asks me about it. It’s a funky, clunky bag that’s also great for air travel. I can fit anything in there.
Almost every designer has made handbags with their logo plastered all over their bags. Dolce and Gabanna, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Chanel, etc, are just to name a few. Its funny that Louis Vuitton is famous for the logo mongram handbags but Gucci is critisized for their logo on their handbags. I personally do not like Louis Vuitton because their mongram bags are so predictable with the giant sized LV symbol and they all look exactly alike…but what’s even worse is, the fake LV bags look too much like the authentic ones. I think LVs are so ghetto. I like Gucci and I like the Hysteria bag but thats just my personal preference.
Brilliant remark! What makes branding profitable is it’s appeal and direct connection to style for many people – one size fits all falls very flat in this arena. Style is very personalized. But for those who are just chasing after a name and the lastest bag that EVERYONE must have is soooooo boring. However, it makes companies like LV, Hermes, and Gucci very profitable, authentic, companies- because of label whores and desperate housewives..LOL
Hi Tina, I admire your blog and am interested in ur opinion on Gucci Jackie medium handbag. I am looking to buy a functional but a nice looking bag in black. if u hv any suggestions I am open to it.
Your all so concerned with who is what and what is who! Now that Gucci has Been around for
Awhile your all worried about wearing the same shit (logo) It’s like being caught in the same
dress as someone during dinner or an event. If you like it wear it, and who cares what people
think. You also have to consider that the quality and life of these kinds of bag will last you a
lot long then anything cheaper that’s why they cost so much money. You all think your
getting ripped off but in reality your buying quality. With this type of bag at least your not
carrying a DEAD ANIMAL around on your shoulder!!! And it’s something different from
every other bag. So go ahead and take pic of what you should look like. What are you going
to buy instead? old navy? lol
I agree the Gucci Hysteria TAPESTRY hobo is awful, but have you seen the Hysteria Hobo in dark brown guccissima??? IMO, it’s to die for!!!!
How do you know these “fashion victims” buy Gucci bags merely for the Gucci logo? Do you know these women you are scoffing at? I’m sure they like what they are buying and not forking out over 1k for a bag for some friggin’ logo! I think your comment is waaaay wrong! Majority of women who would buy a Gucci just for the logo, in my opinion, is MAYBE 5%, if that.