Have you ever noticed that if you break your arm, suddenly everyone seems to have broken their arm? Or when you have a major haircut, like when I decided to chop all my hair into an Italian bob a few months ago, then it seemed everyone was suddenly doing the same thing? Well, the same thing has happened to me recently when I decided to revive my failsafe, dependable Longchamp La Pliage Large Bag (£120) from the back of the cupboard.
I have had this bag for years, in various sizes I may add, but this year I decided rather than looking around for the latest handbag shape I was going to save my money and revert back to an old faithful. It fits my laptop in, it’s easy to carry, not too heavy, it can be cleaned easily, and if I don’t need it anymore that day it can be folded up into a wallet sized shape and tucked away. Absolute genius.
After a few uses, I realised this was a classic for a reason and was pleased with my thrifty decision as well as giving myself a little pat on the back for my lack of overconsumption. I went from using it once a week to work from the office to taking it away with me to Turkey and then just finding myself reaching for it over the weekend too. There was never an occasion that suddenly wasn’t suitable for my Longchamp La Pliage Original Handbag and I have to say I was feeling pretty smug about it.
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Lara Grayson is a highly experienced freelance fashion and celebrity stylist based in London. With over a decade of industry expertise, she has worked across editorial, commercial, and television platforms.
Then, something weird happened. I started to notice other people were also using their classic Longchamp La Pliage bags too, everywhere I looked someone was carrying this classic handbag. I was sitting on the London Underground last week and there wasn’t one, but four other women on the carriage proudly using their Longchamp as if it was the latest designer purchase. Which got me thinking, maybe we are all over trying to keep up with the latest fashion trends and in this cost of living crisis we are far too busy thinking about our bills and not worrying if the bag carrying our laptop is the right shape or colour?
I also noticed that other classic shapes and styles like the Louis Vuitton Neverfull seemed to be experiencing the same resurgence in love and use — everywhere I looked people were carrying this under the shoulder, fill-it-to-the-brim handbag shape, which has been considered a bit passé over the last few years as people have moved towards smaller, more stylised shapes. It made me even rethink my decision of selling my old, battered Mulberry Bayswater if this was a sign of things to come.
I had to ask fashion expert and celebrity stylist Lara Grayson if I was right? Could this autumn be the year of the Clossic — AKA Cost of living classic? Because if so, I’m here for it.
Why Are Classic Handbags like the Longchamp La Pliage and Louis Vuitton Neverfull Having a Revival?
“This season we have definitely seen a shift towards more practical arm candy,” Grayson tells PS UK. “Designers have also showcased more timeless designs that are also more versatile and can work around the lifestyle of always being on the move.” I couldn’t help wonder why the fashion industry (and it seems the public) have all made this collective shift at the same time, but according to Grayson it makes sense. “The trend comes from the consumer wanting more versatility and practicality with our arm candy, we want one bag size that fits all, we don’t want to change handbags to match our outfits, that is why the classic always wins.”
I think this hit the nail on the head — with spiralling costs, we don’t seem to want to change bags for day or night, or it seems have the bags as a focal point in our outfit anymore. “A style that goes effortlessly with every outfit without trying to hard, is a classic,” Grayson tells PS UK. “It is timeless and goes through season to season; it’s a take everywhere, fit everything in bag.”
Are There Any High Streets Shops Selling Bags Like the Longchamp La Pliage and Louis Vuitton Neverfull?
If you don’t have a Longchamp Bag sitting in the back of your cupboard, then worry not as Grayson suggests you can still enjoy this Clossic trend. “There is so much choice when looking on the high street,” she tells PS UK. “Whilst most brands will always do a classic style all year round of this shape, most retailers tend to update this style with a key trend of the season. This autumn/winter it is all about burgundy, animal prints and suede, so if you like the shape but want to buy one for now then it is worth considering this as an option too,” Grayson suggests.
Some options Grayson suggest include a take on the Louis Vuitton Neverfull with this H&M Patterned Shopper (£38) or if you want to add a bit of suede into your life then this River Island Brown Suede large Tote bag (£65) could be a good option too. For a classic black then you can’t go wrong with this New Look Black Seam Detail Tote (£28).
Is it Worth Investing in a Classic Handbag like Longchamp La Pliage and Louis Vuitton Neverfull?
Personally I think my £120 was well worth spending on my Longchamp La Pliage, however this is not quite the cost of the Louis Vuitton Neverfull which starts at around £1400 — although if this bag is going to last you for years to come and isn’t going to go out of fashion then it may just be worth looking into. “If you are in the market for a designer bag, I would highly recommend splurging on a classic investment handbag,” says Grayson. “Having a piece of luxury in your bag collection is a good feeling. When you find your classic bag it is definitely worth the investment, for me it’s the Louis Vuitton Noé that I bought vintage and absolutely am still obsessed with.”
“Now I’m in my 30s I see the importance of wanting to splurge on items that will stand the test of time and never go out of style,” Grayson adds. “However, I am also a high street girl through and through and as these options will allow you to carry up to 10 kilos of weight without breaking the strap (or your heart) then this seems like only it should only be an option if you can afford to do so, rather than a necessity.”
Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.
