Margaux who?
It seemed like only yesterday that we were gushing over The Row's Margaux bag, a sleek, logo-less tote, in leather or suede hung on the arms of the most affluent celebrities from Kendall Jenner to Harry Styles. In the monastic style popularised by the Olsen Twins' ultra-luxury label The Row, the capacious carryall immediately became 2024's status symbol, not only because of its eye-watering price tag (the average tote comes at £4,500) but also because it was near impossible to get your hands on one for a time, with some even calling it the new Birkin.
While there are sartorial detractors who claim we've moved from quiet luxury season into a more OTT, White-Lotus-inspired hot girl summer, at the luxury level, the pieces we're investing in will always require a timeless appeal. After all, if you're going to spend several grand on a bag, you'd best hope it'll remain relevant for more than a season. But for those of us who've missed the boat on The Row's hero bag, there seems to be a new Margaux in town.
You can look expensive without looking expensive, apparently.
Balenciaga's Rodeo bag first garnered attention a few seasons back when they tapped global icons like Kim Kardashian and Nicole Kidman to front their campaign. The bag itself was inspired by the “legendary intersection of luxury and fashion, Rodeo Drive" a place inextricably associated with Hollywood. Most notably devoid of the “B” motif found on Balenciaga's more recent styles like the Hourglass bag, the Rodeo feels more grown-up; to the untrained eye, it could even look like a bag you may have dusted off from your chic grandmother's closet.
The ultimate investment bag.
Stars and tastemakers alike immediately took to the bag's vintage appeal, the slouch of the silhouette mimicking that of a well-worn tote and the fastening resembling the familiar clasp on iconic bags like the Hermès Birkin. Another way it resembles the Birkin? It's made to be bedazzled. Balenciaga also sells pre-made bag strings of bag charms (for a cool £1000) that celebrities like Amelia Gray have loved adding to their Rodeo bags, but of course you're welcome to Jane Birkin-ify it yourself.
Unlike the Margaux, the Rodeo bag also comes in various sizes, the mini size a lovely and relatively (read: marginally) more affordable version perfect for evenings or the XXL size that comfortably fits a 13'' laptop.
The Rodeo already counts Lindsay Lohan and Hailey Bieber as fans, and we all know you can't crown an ‘It’ bag until the Rhode founder gives her stamp of approval. It's official: 2025's Rodeo bag comes celebrity-approved, and it's a future heirloom that your grandchildren will dig up and love.
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