*Updated Dec 2023* At the top of my wish list: the Celine Luggage Tote. I’ve been chatting to my best friend for the last few months about a very real first world qualm. Big enough to hold my apartment-kitchen sink (ok, considering it’s a London apartment, it’s not that big an ask… but you get my point), elegant and structured. A reasonable price… not quite a Birkin or a Chanel, but higher than luxury premium. Here to sort your weekend needs, and marrying fashion and practicality together to create your perfect weekend tote bag, enter, the Celine Luggage Tote.
THE PERFECT WEEKEND BAG
Let’s set the scene…
The assignment: I want a black leather bag, with gold hardware. Big enough to fit a water bottle, notebook, reading book, pen, light makeup and wallet. I want to be able to wear it on weekends- for lunch, brunch and shopping. It needs to be a structured, elegant shape- I prefer these to slouchy bags. Preferably black with gold hardware. Not as expensive as a Birkin that I’d be scared to carry it around, but still be a high luxury bag.
A few months later my bestie came through and this was the result…
The response: The Mini Celine Luggage Tote in Black Smooth Calfskin with Gold Hardware. Smooth Calfskin being the *k*e*y* here.
In all honesty, I have n.o. i.d.e.a. how I forgot about the Celine Luggage Tote. It used to be on my bucket list back when I was about 16 (we’re talking 9 years ago now wow!). As soon as Julia suggested this bag, very importantly caveating the smooth leather point, I knew that this was the answer to my “struggle”. Read on to find out why this bag is the p-e-r-f-e-c-t // A* // 1st class answer to my handbag issue.
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my dream leather and hardware combo
*December 2023 update* This season (2023/2024), the black Luggage Tote comes with silver hardware, and is unfortunately not available in gold hardware. However, my lovely SA at Celine recommended that I try on the bag with a thick black belt or thick beige belt, with large “Celine” lettering printed across, and gold fastening. Although, I was dubious at the idea at first – fashion “rules” state that silver and gold shouldn’t be mixed. However, as soon as the strap was added to the bag, the gold and silver was ~outstanding~. The silver and gold bag combination perfectly complemented my skirt with silver buttons and belt with gold buttons. It was like love at first sight. Maybe I’ve been converted to the silver side?
THE RISE TO CULT STATUS
Creative Director Phoebe Philo released the now cult-staple Luggage Tote back in 2010, and its slow and steady climb to prized status now, in my opinion, makes it a classic choice. At one point in its trajectory, there were long waiting lists (we’re talking months!) at boutiques for the Luggage Tote. Marrying fashion and practicality, it’s not hard to see why this was the case.
ICE MINT here
I AM IN LOVE!!
THE ICONIC DESIGN
A large square bottom, with wide expandable winged sides, an outer prominent zip, and two short, sturdy and tubular handles, gives the bag the iconic Celine Face. No wonder the Luggage Tote is sometimes referred to as “The Smiley Face Bag”. It really will add a touch of happiness to your day when you see the cute comical face. And, when you see it, you can’t unseen it! This unique shape and cute, yet sophisticated, smile makes the Celine Luggage Tote a stylish accompaniment on your walk to a weekly Chelsea brunch.
THE PRACTICALITY
As well as making a fashion statement, the Luggage Tote is also one of the most practical bags. The wide flapped out sides (or “bat wings”) means that the bag is even larger and you can fit more in. Inside the bag is lined with soft suede, and there’s a side zipper pocket so you can fit your everyday items securely – think wallet and keys. There is also an optional shoulder strap, meaning that you can wear the bag cross-body, so your hands are free.
With pickpocketing and crime rates on the rise in London, the zipped top adds further security. Many luxury bags (especially totes) don’t have a top zip (something I always question!!), but the Celine Luggage tote has practicality and rationality at its heart. What’s more, is that there is a button fastening to secure the zip in place – this means that sneaky smugglers can’t access the bag through gaping holes that some top-zip bags make. You can be sure that your valuables are safe inside.
Four studs at the base of the bag mean that the bottom of your bag is less likely to get dirty, and it’s less likely to topple over like classic, unstructured and non-stud bags would. The reinforced leather base means that the base is strong and can stand the test of time.
SIZES & MATERIALS
From smallest to largest, the Celine Luggage has been created in:
- Nano, 20cm
- Micro, 26cm
- Mini, 30cm
- Shoulder, 35cm
- Medium, 38cm [discontinued]
Hardware is usually aged gold and aged silver.
Here’s a selection of materials that the Celine Luggage is created in.
The bi- and tri- colour ways were key landmarks in the Luggage Tote’s rise. The black Luggage Tote with the Cobalt blue front used to be on 16-year-old Jo’s bucket list!
The usual black Celine bags which I have seen are created with drummed calfskin, pebbled calfskin or goatskin – a distinctive texture which creates a slightly more casual bag but gives the bags its durability. I’ve always associated the Celine Luggage tote with thee textures.
However, when Julia suggested the bag in smooth calfskin, the game changed. It elevates the bag to the next level – creating a sophisticated piece, which will heighten your look. Combined with gold hardware, the bag is the closest to be able to sit with the Birkin club.
PRE-LOVED: LUXURY PROMISE
As always, Luxury Promise have a selection of gorgeous Celine pieces. Whilst you’re “Workin’ for the Birkin”, (as their iconic pink neon sign exclaims), why not purchase a gorgeous Celine Luggage Tote for under £1k? Yes, you heard that right, under £1k!
Founded by Sabrina Sadiq in 2017, Luxury Promise have Live Shows everyday, where you can shop your favourite Hermes pieces and beyond. They truly are disrupting the luxury resale market through creating these interactive shows which bring high-end pieces to their community. The Live Shows are a great way to directly ask questions about the bags on offer – this is a good way to learn more about the pieces, and see the bags, especially if you do not live close to central London!
Their cute store on South Molton Street (*the* side-road between Selfridges and Bond Street- IYKYK) is home to a selection of gorgeous bags – make sure to arrange an appointment so you can have a tailored experience with Sabrina and her wonderful team. However, do note that if you would like to view the Hermes collection, please email Grace: grace@luxurypromise.com
A fun finance fact for you (bc I’m still a banking girl by heart) … Luxury Promise recently raised $11m and is now backed by Pierre Denis, former CEO of Jimmy Choo and Francois Delage, former CEO of De Beers.
Here are a few handpicked Celine Luggage Totes from Luxury Promise:
Which Celine Luggage Tote is at the top of your bucket list? Which colours and materials are your favourites?
Let me know!
Lots of love, Jo xoxo
PS. Post DOES NOT uses affiliate links. Luxury Promise links are not affiliate. Celine links are not affiliate.
