At the risk of endangering her life, Cher Horowitz had only one thing to say to her captor: "You don't understand. It's an Alaia."
The scene from Clueless lives rent-free in every fashion girl's mind. The style-savvy main character had her priorities straight even when total demise was already looking at her in the face. Comically enough, that kind of stuff didn't matter. As hard as it may be to comprehend for some, it's really as simple as it sounds—it's Alaia, 'nuff said.
Cher, as expected, has pretty good taste. Launched in 1964, the Parisian label is credited for popularizing the bodycon silhouette, thanks to the genius of its founder Azzedine Alaia. An unapologetic celebration of femininity has always been at the heart of the maison, which is an ethos reflected through their pieces.
This includes their infallibly chic roster of designer bags. Embodying a balance of practicality and style, with a sprinkle of nautical flair, their totes are the ideal accompaniment for whatever agenda. See our top picks below!
The Best Alaia Bags to Add to Your Designer Closet
1. Le Coeur Bag
One of Alaia's pioneer models is the Le Coeur, which is quite literally "the French heart." The universal symbol of love becomes a stylish purse that can either be worn on the shoulder or in hand.
Le Coeur Bag, $1650 (approximately P92,445.38), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
2. One Piece Fishnet Bag
The One Piece Fishnet bag is as straightforward as it gets. The oval-shaped tote is the ideal beachside carrier given its capacity and see-through exterior. It comes with a rectangular leather pouch for smaller essentials.
One Piece Fishnet Bag, $1550 (approximately P86,842.62), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
3. Tube Bag
Inspired by Moucharabieh-style architecture, the Tube has a lace-like design running through its cylindrical body. We can see this chicly resting under any fashion gal's arm.
Tube Bag, $1490 (approximately P83,480.98), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
4. Mina 25 Bag
The Mina 25 carries on the same motif through its hand-held trapezoidal silhouette. Even if it may appear to have holes, it actually has an inner pouch which can secure your belongings.
Mina 25, $2450 (approximately P137,267.38), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
5. Mina 20 Bag
The Mina 25's more low-key cousin is the Mina 20. While it foregoes the patterned detailing, it can expand into a larger size thanks to snap fasteners on each side.
Mina 20, $2550 (approximately P142,870.12), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
6. Le Teckel Bag
One of the house's newest offerings, the Le Teckel is an elongated bag with an exaggerated handle, meant to be hinged on one's shoulder. Its name and shape are inspired by a dachshund a.k.a. a wiener dog. How cute!
Le Teckel Bag, $2250 (approximately P126,061.88), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
7. Babel Bag
Upholding the brand's mastery of diverse silhouettes, the Babel is fashioned after their iconic striped dress (You might recall seeing Zendaya wear it!) This can carry around your flask in style!
Babel Bag, $2500 (approximately P140,068.75), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
8. Rose Marie Bag
The Rose Marie is Alaia's signature wristlet bag, designed to be worn similarly to a bracelet. It closes via a strap and can be tightened using the drawstring.
Rose Marie Bag, $1790 (approximately P100,289.22), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
9. Le Papa Bag
Perhaps no other bag embodies Alaia's style codes more than the Le Papa shoulder bag. Aside from the vienne pattern, its lock also purposely forms an "A" when closed.
Le Papa Bag, $2590 (approximately P145,111.22), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
10. Khaima Bag
Looking for a vacation tote that packs heaps of character? Look no further than the Khaima. Strips of straw are intricately-weaved to create a cone-like shape, which is enclosed by a leather panel.
Khaima Bag, $2500 (approximately P140,068.75), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
The Best Alaia Bags, As Seen on Celebrities
1. Heart Evangelista
As expected, the global style star has not one, but two Le Coeur bags in her possession. She carried around an extra-large version as a statement-making clutch, offsetting a flowy daytime ensemble.
To max out the glam meter, Heart also has a chromed iteration of the Le Coeur. It perfectly accented her head-to-toe Alaia OOTD!
2. Selena Gomez
Also spotted with a Le Coeur was Selena Gomez, who toted the black leather heart with a dainty houndstooth look.
3. Anne Curtis
Anne's choice of Alaia is the ever-so-reliable One Piece Fishnet Bag. Given how it can fit all of her essentials, we see why a girl-on-the-go like her has one in her wardrobe!
4. Kim Yoo Jung
In rom-com K-drama My Demon, Kim Yoo Jung plays a stylish chaebol heiress named Do Do-hee. In one episode, she went incognito in an outfit that featured a Mina 25 in white. What a chic spy!
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