He sat there looking rather dejected, hidden in his duster bag that had grown weathered over time. He made a long journey from Paris to finding a new home in a make shift shed, on an entirely different continent, and in a new city. For a time I had kept looking at his duster bag, looking at the fan motif without taking much notice. One day I finally had, and the connection was made. I plucked the handbag up, saving him from a life of dejection, or of being sold. (Can I make this tale about my handbag any more dramatic?:P)
I’ve mentioned this vintage Karl Lagerfeld handbag in a previous post. But this time I thought I would dedicate an entire post to the bag that had fallen into my possession in an unusual way. I should first say that I adore Karl Lagerfeld as a designer and creative director. He has captured my attention with his gusto for wearing sunglasses at all times (he’s actually kind of scary without them and I don’t advise looking that up). It’s his quotes, persona, Choupette, and well because he’s simply Karl Lagerfeld.
The Karl Lagerfeld handbag was supposed to be sold by an aunt of mine, she doesn’t have the slightest idea of who Karl Lagerfeld is (even though I’ve tried explaining), and allowed me to walk away with “him”. In a way this bag let my KL obsession grow, because whenever I buy something I do like to know who the person is behind the designs, the clothing, the accessories, etc. And in a way the handbag furthered my knowledge of ‘Karl who?, +provided quite a bit of amusement for the day. I think it was so unusual how this bag came to me. I do not find it to be beautiful, if I could describe it I might say it’s a bit ‘off’. I imagine the bag to be from the 1980’s, and I bet it would probably have paired well with power suits, and shoulder pads simply because the bag has a boxy structure. I do know that Karl Lagerfelds 1984 collection was about “intellectual sexiness”. The bag also has a unique seal on the front (as a closure) with KL’s name.
Anyways Matryoshkas, I wish I had more information on my KL bag, I’ve never been able to find a duplicate, or a picture of it- (other than the ones I’m about to post of it). I also want to know your thoughts, and what vintage finds do you own? And what unique stories are attached to your vintage finds? Or do any of you have kind of an ugly vintage piece in your possession that you love/hate?
– Zaychishka
Zaychishka 
Great to know a bit more about your vintage bag! It is a great way to own such a thing. I really like the 80´s structure and the simple lines with the red touch (and thank you for the close up to see the details!). Let me know how you usually wear it 🙂
I recently saw on a Lisbon vintage market a beautiful red midi high waist skirt. It very cheap and I bought it to her previous owner you said “it was like to see a daughter leaving”.
Great post! 🙂
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Actually I’ve never worn this bag out.
when I’ve tried it on and because it has it’s own shape it is just one of those difficult pieces, it doesn’t go with any of my outfits..it almost acts like a briefcase…but not large enough to hold any of my notebooks.
That sounds so sad, It’s funny how we can invest feelings, thoughts, emotions into the things that we own…sometimes it’s like with clothing it can remind of you of a certain memory.
But I like that story of yours, and what she said about it feeling like seeing a daughter leaving, that it very thought provoking.
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I get you, it is one difficult piece. But I’m sure you ll find a way to wear it! Let me know when you do that 🙂
It was a bit sad. And though I get the girl – if there’s anyone attached to clothes because of all the memories around them it’s me! – I was a bit annoyed because I almost felt guilty for buying it. Anyway, it’s a great skirt and it sure is in good hands 🙂
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All the ‘vintage’ I have, is from my mom. A little black bag is thick leather that’s probably about 40 years old now, and still rocking, a necklace with little uneven pearls, and a silver ring with a ‘wavy’ lapis lazula in it (at least, I think that it’s lapis lazuli). I like the way they survived all these years and are now worn by me 🙂
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Awwh this is like a warm feeling story, I honestly love your mother has saved certain items and was able to pass them along to you, to your care. Now it’s up to you to keep them in tip top shape so that possibly one day it can be given to your future children 😉
The necklace sounds elegant, anything with pearls, and to have a ring…jewelry lasts so it makes for amazing vintage.
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I’ve see the Karl Lagerfeld “wax seal” discs on earrings and broach — I think that you bag is from the 1980’s and very unique. It’s good to be different. XO
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Thank you Dievca!! 🙂
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I saw †he earrings too. Could you tell me where you saw the broach?
BW
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Hey Ale,
You could try looking on etsy since these particular items are vintage someone might have a broach listed etc.
-z
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The broach I saw was on Etsy — but it looks like it sold. I think you have to check eBay, Etsy and vintage stores to get lucky….”It’s the thrill of the hunt.” ~Iris Apfel. XO
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