Celine Box Bag

With her many ingenious designs—from Chloe’s Paddington, to Celine’s luggage tote, Phoebe Philo revives minimalism in fashion.  Her designs garner well-deserved attention and cater to customers looking for a more polished look.  Celine influenced a trend towards clean, classic, inconspicuous bags, and since it’s rebirth in 2010, I’ve been lusting over Philo’s works of art. 

Celine’s Box Bag is just as classy as it is modern, not monstrously priced, though it carries a heftier price tag, and is versatile.  Released in 2011, the box bag is quintessentially timeless.  With it’s simple lines and effortless design, it’s the perfect alternative to your Classic Chanel flap bag.  The weight and size, practical for everyday use, and can be styled up or down! 

I’ve always been one for pretty, glammy, luxurious things, but before making a purchase, I still do my fair share of research and homework.  My findings? 

Released in 2011, the box bag features: 

-        Push tab closure with the Celine logo imprinted on the interior tab

-        Interior compartments with an interior zipper

-        Adjustable strap to two lengths

-        Lambskin Lining

-        Offered most commonly in calf skin, but other options include: Croc/ Python/Pony

Current Prices as of November 2013:

Small Box:  $2950 USD

Medium Box: $3900 USD

Large Box: $3600 USD

Sizes: 

Small:  7” x 5” x 3”     20” Length

Medium:  9” x 8” x 3.5”     37” Length

Large:  11.5” x 10” x 3.5     (Discontinued)

The only Cons I can think of? 

1.     Price: For most of us, when you spend your money buying one thing, you sacrifice purchasing something else…For the price of a Chanel’s Classic Flap bag, and even a tad more pricy than Chanel’s latest Crossing Times Vertical Mini Bag, Celine’s box bag does carry a steep price tag.  Comparing apples to apples, the Box Bag is double YSL’s Chyc Flap, which looks somewhat similar in structure, shape, and size, but in my opinion, much more luxurious and subtle.  Would you rather purchase a YSL Flap Bag and a Chanel, or one Box Bag?

Durability:  I’m picky about my bags, and calfskin, though soft and smooth, scratches easily.  If you’re thinking of purchasing the box bag in calfskin, be prepared for natural wear and small scratches…

Personal Pick?

Personally, I would purchase the Medium Box in either maroon, dark brown, or for fun, perhaps dark pink!  This bag would look gorgeous and so feminine in a crème colored shoulder bag with gold hardware…but with my track record, it’s better if I stick to more “low maintenance” colors.