iT's all in the bag!

What sacrifices would you have to make to afford Miu Miu's gorgeous Coffer bag - all butter-soft leather, ruches and gold hardware, and a hefty worth Php 50,000?




If you ate beans on toast for a month, could you stretch Php 63,000 for Marc Jacobs's delicious plum metallic Mariah?




The "it Bag" is the ultimate 21st- century object of desire, not just for models and celebrities, but for working women from all walks of life. These days we're prepared to spend more on a handbag than a holiday or even a car - and we want the rest of the world to know it.

They say, "it's the handbag that makes a woman". No wonder, other girls would really have some cash to throw or burn just to carry one of the most expensive designer bags and handbags for that much coveted fashion extravagance! But why do we find bags so desirable? It's partly because they've become a unique outward statement of a woman's status, fashion savvy and earning power - and the rising popularity of handbags over the past 100 years has followed the increasing social independence of their owners.

If guys are obsessed with an exquisite car or upscale shoes, it’s the most expensive designer handbags for the ladies. If you don’t have the cash, don’t worry, you are not alone.

Another vital element of an "it-bag" is its glamour. Most women would feel, naked without their bag. As they say, "it's all in the bag" that would make a women stand out from the crowd.

(The Hermes Kelly Bag was named after the actress Grace Kelly. Her husband, Prince Rainier uses it to hide her bulging tummy, for she was pregnant at that time.)

It's no accident that many of today's most luxurious handbag design houses, such as:

Louis Vuitton

Gucci

Prada

and Hermes

all originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as travel became more common.

And even some of our famous celebs also have their "it-bags", just like Ruffa Mae Quinto, who reportedly had a bag worth of 1 million pesos.

Our very own mega star, who also had a bag, which is thrice expensive to that of Ruffa's bag. And last night, if you happen to watch SNN, hosted by Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda, the mega star had a dozen of that bag already.

Others may not understand these people who are willing to throw some cash over these luxurious and expensive handbags. Let's not judge them, I mean, not all of us have the same passion for a thing.

It's all in the bag, and for a true bag lover, that is almost beyond price.