The Handbags of the Manhattan Vintage Show.

What's old is new. Still.

After walking the most recent Manhattan Vintage show, I was not too surprised to see what was available for “vintage handbags.” And if you have been following me long enough, you know that I have been shouting from the rooftops about the product life cycle post-Spanish Flu making a comeback. Use this post for inspiration for your purchases, designs, and overall conversational knowledge of the handbag market. That’s why we are here.

As I have said, the work of beaded bags, novelty, and the throwback to times pre-zipper with tapestries, bold colors, and unique shapes. See my post last week on Armani Privé.

The use of DIY, using the entire skin of leather and animal to ensure no wastage.

Once again, the granny frame bag is just enough to hold what you need to go out, nothing more, and definitely nothing less.

What you would see on a “TheRealReal,” or “What Goes Around, Comes Around.” It wouldn’t be a vintage show without a label that isn’t actually too old.

Yes, the limited edition collab which is totally on track. Someone definitely was over it and thought they could make more money reselling it than just keeping it in their closet.

Shiny crossbody shapes - again - no zippers.

Did I say novelty? I will say it again - and guess what? It’s in oxblood. It's a color that seems to be on constant trend but is definitely my least favorite.

Yes - bag to granny chic. It’s no wonder why fur and faux fur coats are back in style. They are called trends for reason as all of these bags work well with an oversized coat. What was missing shockingly enough were Coach bags. I did not see one at this show.

Finally, I needed to share this. My daughter, a senior who has been attending this show since she was eight years old, was looking for a prom dress. Her eye is more discerning than mine at this point. Speaking of nostalgia, I felt like I had to share this since she is going off to college at the end of this year, which I am not sure I am ready to admit. She is wearing my coat, and her name is Helen. (Yes, my coats have names when they look like that.)

I will start sharing posts just for my paid subscribers, so stay tuned for that. If anyone is in New York, I would love to meet up and talk handbags so let me know if you are interested and up for that.