The Three Most Iconic Bags in Fashion History That Have Inspired Nantív

Some handbags redefined fashion. Here’s how they became icons and why they inspire us.

The most iconic handbags cast a kind of spell on us. They stimulate all the senses with their form, color, feel, and smell. They intrigue us with a compelling origin story and long lineage. And, like all great art, they have an undeniable presence. Somehow, they speak to us. 

Such cult bags are carried by big name actresses, models, and influencers, and regularly make Hollywood cameos, which only increases their allure. Mostly, though, it's their ability to transform a woman's look that's the true measure of their power. 

Here's a short list of handbags in history that have become icons of the fashion industry and have inspired our designs at Nantív: 

Louis Vuitton's Speedy 

The Speedy is not only the most famous Louis Vuitton handbag, it's the most recognizable bag in the world. LV originally designed it as a travel bag in 1930. Back then, the company was mostly making high-end luggage and crafted the Speedy out of cotton canvas so it could be flattened inside a suitcase for ease of travel. That bag, which was 30cm long, was dubbed the Speedy 30. 

In 1965, actress Audrey Hepburn asked LV for a slightly smaller Speedy for easier everyday use. Thus was born the 25cm 'Speedy 25.' Hepburn carried the bag religiously and appeared in countless photos with it draped from her arm, transforming her into a kind of handbag icon herself. 

There are now other Speedy bags (the 35 and 40) and the design went through minor changes over the years. But the Speedy 25, LV's signature handbag, remains the most popular. It's considered a must-have handbag for women who love fashion and accessories. 

The Speedy's backstory, functionality, and elegance are three essential components of a great and timeless handbag that Nantív always aims to emulate.

Chanel's 2.55 

Once again, here's a cult classic that was birthed by the marriage of fashion's greatest lovers: functionality and art. 

In 1955, Coco Chanel decided it was time for women to end centuries of encumberment by handheld purses. She had seen soldiers carrying bags over their shoulders and thought, "Why can't women do that?" So, in February of that year (2/55, that is), she debuted the 2.55, a small purse with a long gold chain that could be slung over the shoulder. For the first time, women's hands were free. 

In 1980, designer Karl Lagerfeld, who then helmed Chanel, added the famous crossed CC logo to the handbag's enclosure. Today, the 2.55 is the gem of the French design house and a fixture in every fashion lover's repertoire. 

At Nantív, we love that Coco Chanel had a vision for what women needed at the time. She changed fashion and even lives. We strive for the same with our designs. That's why we study movement and gestures and create bags that compliment modern women's lifestyles. 

We're all about flow...just like Coco. 

Hermès' Birkin 

The Birkin bag's backstory is best told on Hermès' website: 

[In1984] The English actress [Jane Birkin] and [Hermès designer] Jean-Louis Dumas meet ten thousand feet above the ground. The young mother laments that she cannot find a shopping bag big enough to carry her daughter Lou’s bottles. No sooner said than done, the empathetic, clever Monsieur Dumas designs a deep and supple holdall. It has distinguishing features such as a polished plaque, a swivel clasp, and, of course, the house’s signature saddle stitching. A legend is born. 

Today, the Birkin is available in a variety of color combinations, materials, and motifs and is one of the most desired luxury leather bags on the market. Demand has remained so high for so long, in fact, that buying one is even considered to be a financial investment. Why is that? Because the Birkin has what the Speedy and 2.55 have: gorgeous design, superior craftsmanship, and timeless style. 

Moreover, all three bags met women's needs just as modernity was changing norms and impacting their lifestyles. 

We’re in a similar time now as technology, female empowerment, and gender norms change our lives. At Nantív, we’re designing with those elements in mind. And we're looking to fashion icons for inspiration. 

Check out our handbag collection and see if you can spot a little bit of Louis, Coco and Jane in our bags VITA, EVE, VINT and TIV. 

Love and flow, 

Nantív

Text taken from Nantív

5 Great Reasons to Buy a Handbag From an Independent Designer

Big brands have name appeal, but independent handbag designers offer originality and, often, superior design and craftsmanship.

Every woman wants a Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta, or some other well-known luxury leather handbag. But a well-rounded collection should include at least one handbag from an independent designer. 

Here's why: 

Exclusivity 

Spending a small fortune on a handbag only to notice women everywhere carrying the exact same bag is a bummer. A high price tag is supposed to bring exclusivity. Somehow, it doesn't. Women everywhere are wearing your shoes, your dress, and carrying your handbag. 

Unfortunately, looking unique is rare in this rapidly gentrifying world. That's mostly because women (and men) buy their clothes and accessories from the same stores. They're being targeted by the same fashion ads and by influencers pushing the same brand names, which drives consumers to make the same mainstream purchases. Meanwhile, big fashion companies are producing designs that appeal to the widest customer base possible. 

The result is fashion homogeneity and millions of people who look "basic." 

It doesn't have to be this way. Small labels and independent designers offer an antidote to all the sameness by producing original designs in fewer numbers. That, obviously, means fewer people have a chance to own that unique pair of shoes, scarf, or handcrafted bag. 

Going "indie" doesn't mean you have to completely rebel against what's trending. You can combine original and mainstream fashion in creative ways for a dynamic look. The result is a kind of fashion conversation where you're contributing to fashion, rather than submitting to it. That conveys confidence and says more about you than any trending brand you might be wearing.

Sustainability 

Some big brands that produce "fast fashion" use all kinds of low quality materials, cheaply produced, that are made to last no longer than a season. Low cost materials will very quickly become pollutants. Our planet has enough to worry about already without millions of extra pounds of discarded handbags. 

Since small labels can't compete on name recognition, they often compete by offering higher quality materials that last longer. Nantív, for example, works only with the very softest leather from top-rated tanneries that adhere to environmentally sustainable practices. That means humanely-raised cattle and minimizing waste and water consumption. 

Quality 

Speaking of quality, here's what to look for in a handbag: clean lines, straight stitches, softness, and color. Don’t forget to smell a brand new handbag. A genuine leather handbag speaks to more than one sense. It should impress your hands and nose, as well as your eyes. 

Those details indicate that a company has quality standards in place and that the handbag is not just beautiful, but also durable. That means you've made a good investment. Remember, demand for certain bags often skyrockets years or decades later based on cultural changes, celebrity influence, and after a small brand becomes a big one. Quality craftsmanship means you can sell, or flaunt, your vintage handbag years later. 

Price vs. Value 

What are you actually getting when you spend $3.000 on a brand name handbag? How much of that price is for the design work and materials? How much is simply markup for the "privilege" of wearing a logo? 

As we already mentioned, small labels often use materials that are just as good, or better, than those used by big brands. They also, very often, use the same craftsmen. Nantív bags, for example, are handcrafted in Florence, Italy by the same people who produce big-name handbags for women. So, we can tell you firsthand that much of the purchase price for brand-name luxury bags is purely markup. 

Backstory 

A great handbag should always have a compelling origin story. Where was it made? Who designed it? How, and why, did the designer get involved with handbags? What are their values? 

Indie brands are often born of romantic principles and values. Today, more than ever, with the consolidation of so many industries, it takes guts and an unshakable belief in one's creation to bring a product to market and find a sustainable customer base. 

When you purchase a handbag from a small brand, you're investing in that passion and supporting fashion diversity. 

At Nantív, we strive to create bags that surpass traditional brands in quality and innovation. Every bag is designed and handcrafted to transcend the norm and last a lifetime. 

Our VITA, EVE, VINT, and TIV handbags are handcrafted by the best Italian artisans, using the softest leather and highest quality hardware. They’re beautiful, functional, and are a great investment. Most importantly, each one is born out of our passion and principles. 

And we're never basic. 

Love and flow, 

Nantív

Text taken from Nantív

Here's Why You Should Empty Your Handbag Every Day

Emptying your handbag every day might seem like a chore, but it's totally worth it.

Your phone is ringing. You scramble to answer it, but can’t find it in your handbag until the ringing has stopped. 

Your keys are missing. You run around the house looking for them only to find them buried deep within the handbag that you already rummaged through. 

You lose your favorite lipstick, then find it weeks later in the handbag you carry every day. 

Sound familiar? 

If you're like us, you've accumulated so much stuff in your bag that it's become something of a Pandora's Box. And all that clutter is causing a problem. In addition to the time it takes to find things in your bag, the weight can be cumbersome. Meanwhile, the dirt and trinkets that accumulate can stain or damage the lining of your pricey investment.

Thankfully, organization guru Marie Kondo has a simple solution to help you get a handle on the chaos: 

Empty your bag every day 

Marie Kondo advocates completely emptying out your handbag every day. That includes purses, backpacks (yours and your kids), gym bags, and any other bag you use on a daily basis. 

Following Kondo's advice yields the following benefits: 

• You will be able to remove dirt and dust and toss out junk like unnecessary receipts and wrappers. Then, you can decide if you really and truly need to lug around every remaining item. 

• When your bag is empty, it gives you the opportunity to check for stains and clean them while they’re fresh. But, be careful. Don't rub the stain. You could end up increasing its size or darkness. A large stain can ruin your bag's look, even if it's on the inside. At the very least, it could affect its resale value. Take it to a professional who specializes in cleaning handbags. 

• Once you repack, you won't have to walk around wondering, 'What's in my bag?' You'll know exactly which pocket your keys and lipstick are in and not waste time digging around for them.

• Your handbag will be lighter, relieving your back of unnecessary strain and improving your posture. Posture and gait are an integral part of your style and are two of the first things people notice as you approach them. That, in fact, is why Nantiv bags are designed to compliment women's movements and gestures, or their 'flow,' as we like to call it. 

• You will use more bags from your collection because each one will be empty and ready to go at all times. And whether those handbags are made of leather or some other material, they'll last you a lifetime and retain their value because of the care you gave them. 

• The items you do carry in your bag (like phones and documents) will be safer when they’re not being battered and marred by handbag clutter. 

• Decluttering your bag will declutter your mind. Think of it as Zen in a bag. You'll grow conscious of all the things you don't really need. What's left in your handbag will just be essentials. 

Women's handbags shouldn’t cause women stress. They should complement daily activities and outfits and make life easier. By dedicating a few minutes each night or morning to Kondo's method, you’ll simplify your life. The practice might even inspire you to apply it to other areas: your closet, desk drawer, car console—maybe even your relationships! 

The important thing is simply to start! 

Nantív's current handbag collection features simple, timeless designs that lend themselves to an uncluttered lifestyle. Yet, they're designed to compliment modern women's movements and busy schedules. 

Check out our online store to see the full line. 

Love and flow,

Nantív

Text taken from Nantív

2020 Bag Trends You Should Know

Explore the latest handbag trends and see how runway shows defined shapes, colors, and combinations for 2020.

Accessories work magic. A belt over a dress changes your silhouette. A hat can redefine a tired outfit. Jewelry can take you from bleak to chic. And a handbag can make a statement. 

What statement you're making requires an understanding of what's trending. What's trending is often apparent on the street and in fashion publications. Runways, however, can give you a peak at the future, allowing you to incorporate a new accessory, or look, before it reaches a tipping point where everyone is sporting the same style. 

Here are some 2020 bag trends we've recently seen on runways around the world: 

Leather 

Leather has always lived on the runway. It's the quintessential material when it comes to handbags for women. But we're now seeing designers combine leather with other materials like denim and nylon, while creating bags in all kinds of new shapes, colors, and sizes to achieve a sophisticated style. 

Meanwhile, big leather bags are back. So are croissant-shaped leather purses and leather bags embellished with things like large chains or bamboo handles. 

Leather, as always, is king.

Micro Bags 

Micro bags have been trending for years. Now, they're leveling up. Or should we say, levelling down? The bags are getting even smaller. Micro bags are a kind of status symbol because they hold very little. If all you've got in there is lipstick and a credit card, you're probably on a leisure excursion. 

Needless to say, functionality is beside the point if you're carrying something like Longchamp's Spring 2020 micro bag. 

Puffy Leather 

Puffy pouches and other kinds of billowy handbags are some of the most practical bag trends. You have space for everything you need inside a soft, buttery cloud of leather. Aside from functionality, puffy designs are lightweight, have a great silhouette, and make for a relaxed, stylish look. Designers from Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and others are creating variations of puffy handbags in many different colors. 

In 2020, feel free to embrace your puffiness. 

Unconventional Bags 

If you love to thumb your nose at tradition, this trend is for you. Unconventional bags have unusual shapes and features and are designed to ooze personality. We're talking about bags by Sies Marjan that are so big you could fit your first-born child inside of them; Givenchy's and Valentino's rope bags; and Kassl Edition's rubber-coated totes. 

You just need two things to pull off a look with these bags: 1. Find a bag that matches your personality, then 2. Carry it with confidence. 

Pastels 

It's Miami Vice all over again. Leather crossbody purses and clutches in rose, green, blue, purple, and beige in every combo imaginable, along with cotton-candy pastels will be hot this spring-summer season. Look no further than Fendi's gorgeous clutch that brings together multiple pastels and a vintage design. 

XXL Totes 

Big totes have been trending since 2015. This year, they're super-sizing. That's good news if you typically lug around a lot of stuff or just want to make a statement. Excessive? Perhaps. But Balenciaga's enormous blue leather tote is, according to GQ, actually awesome. And it might just change your mind. 

Remember, fashion trends change fast. Integrating the hottest new style into your look is a ton of fun, but every woman still needs some tried-and-true fashion basics to fall back on. In other words, you still need the handbag equivalent of the little, black dress. 

Nantiv's debut handbag collection is built on classic, timeless designs inspired by iconic bags like Hermès' Birkin and Louis Vuitton's Speedy. We also study women's movements and gestures to create bags that are comfortable, functional, and that compliment modern women's lifestyle. 

Visit our online store to see our work. 

Love and flow, 

Nantív

Text taken from Nantív

How to Care for Your Leather Handbag in Winter

Cold weather can ruin a leather handbag. Here's how to take care of your investment so it lasts for many years to come.

You love your leather handbag. It’s not just an accessory. It’s a trusty companion. It holds your necessities and completes your look. So, of course, you want to carry it all year, no matter the weather. Heat and sunlight, we already know, can adversely affect leather over time. But is cold weather bad for leather, too? 

If you live in a part of the world where winter brings rain and snow, the answer is a resounding ‘Yes.’ Dampness is one of leather’s worst enemies. With proper care, however, your leather handbags can withstand the elements and remain a valuable, long-term investment. 

Here are some tips to help your luxury leather handbag survive the cold: 

• Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme cold. Try not to forget your handbag in your car overnight or on that frigid ski lodge balcony. For that matter, don't leave it in front of an AC vent. Over time, freezing temperatures will dry out the leather's pores and cause the surface to crack and lose its suppleness. Keeping your bag in a temperature-controlled climate, just like musicians do with their prized instruments, will keep it in prime condition. 

• Shield your bag from rain and snow. Water can alter leather's texture and color. If you must be outside in wet conditions, protect your bag with an umbrella, clothing, or whatever you've got. And while we're on the topic, keep your bag away from sinks and off of tables where there are drinks. Spills happen. If it does get wet, don’t use a hair dryer. Let it dry naturally. Rubbing it could make things worse.

• Moisturize! Remember that leather is a natural skin, even after processing. And the best way to protect skin in cold weather is to moisturize. It's a good idea to clean your bag with a specially made leather cleaner first. Do this as often as you have the time and patience for. If you're not comfortable or don’t know which products to use, visit a local leather restoration and treatment service specialist. If you buy moisturizing or cleaning products, though, always test it on a small hidden surface before applying it all over.

• Store your bag in the dust bag it came with. This is a good idea in any weather. A dust bag, as its name suggests, prevents the accumulation of dust, which can affect its color. It also blocks UV light, which will do the same and simultaneously harden the leather. In winter, meanwhile, it'll help keep out dampness. And don't throw away those little silica sachets. They come with leather accessories for a reason -- to absorb moisture. While you're at it, stuff your unused bag with paper so it retains its shape. The paper will absorb moisture, too. Whatever you do, don't store your handbags in plastic sacks or in a synthetic cover. They prevent air circulation and create a perfect environment for dampness to build up. 

We know you love elegant handbags as much as we do. Genuine leather withstands the test of time better than almost any other material. It's durability and beauty are why we choose to spend so much of our hard-earned money on accessories made from the material. Still, no material is immune to neglect and abuse. That's why it's important to know how to properly care for your purchase. 

Now that you're an expert, why not give some of that love and attention to a Nantiv bag! Each of our bags is designed for natural elegance, is handcrafted in Florence by old world artisans, and is built to last a lifetime -- a lifetime of Springs, Summers, Falls and, of course, Winters. 

Visit our online store to see our current collection of bags, including EVE, TIV, VINT and VITA. 

Love & Flow, 

Nantív

Text taken from Nantív