Logos - A Thing of the Past?

Authentic Marc Jacobs Mariah Patchwork Handbag

By David Ruiz

Designers seem to be scaling back on the ‘in your face’ logo bags. There is so much one can do to a bag besides add a handle and a zipper. Designers are stretching their creative muscles and reaching for individuality.

Of course, there are your typical big name players that will always have their logos strewn across their bags (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, etc.) in every collection. But even these brands have found triumph in removing their names and replacing them with wonderful designs, colors (metallics are popping everywhere) textures (patent leather and patchwork), and shapes. This season, translucent bags will be home to Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, and many more. Even patent leather will find warmth with Marc Jacobs, Valentino, and others .Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent all have coveted bags in the metallic family. Right now, It’s all about texture and quality.

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Chloe Patent Leather Messenger Bag

Valentino Bronze Metallic Folds Handbag

It does seem that many of the names above established themselves by stamping their logo everywhere possible. It was how consumers first familiarized themselves with the brand. Their logos stood out and commanded attention. However, logos could perhaps be passé (for now).

Designers know that it is no longer enough to put your logo across a bag. Now, they must push to create beautiful works of art that the consumer will love and appreciate. This is very healthy for the industry; creativity begets more creativity. Small designers now have a chance to flourish as well, because it’s no longer about the logo. It’s actually about the bag itself. Small designers can freely create well designed bags and place them in retailers as well as boutiques. They can also price their carryalls at the same level of their big name counterparts.

Logos are not going away, they are merely taking a backseat to creativity. However, this new era is a breath of fresh air. It is great to see carryalls in such forms. It gives consumers variety and it opens a realm of possibilities amongst designers- both large and small. It brings home that fashion truly is art.

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