IMAGE: MOYNAT

What makes a bag rise above all others and become a classic in its own right? Does having the right parentage/heritage play a part? Or must it be crafted from the best leathers money can buy? Should it be easy on the eyes, as well as a piece that’s also functional? Then there’s the overall design, one that must be destined to outlive all the fads and trends as they come and go.

IMAGE: MOYNAT

Yes, many factors go into deciding whether it reaches the highest echelons of ‘bag-dom’, and while different criteria exist for different women out there, one thing is for sure. Because one has to spend so much on that bag, no one wants to make the mistake of banking on the wrong one.

And while it isn’t my job to tell you which exact bags to buy (I can after all only counsel, enable and urge), I can tell you about Moynat’s classic-in-the-making, the Réjane. Founded in 1849 (heritage covered here), the French luxury atelier uses only the best leathers from the finest tanneries in France. Crafted to exacting standards with most of it still done by hand, the bag is a good looker as well, the top handle poised beautifully atop its curvaceous body.

IMAGE: MOYNAT

Available in 3 different sizes, the BB/Mini Réjane (20 cm by 15 cm by 8 cm), the Petite Réjane (26 cm by 18.5 cm by 10 cm) and the regular Réjane (30 cm by 20.5 cm by 14 cm), each one is good for a different purpose. The smallest of the trio is also the baby of the family, an adorably cute number great for weekends. The medium one, also known as the Réjane26 is the one most everyone goes for, a sensibly sized bag that’s great for work or play. Finally, we have the workhouse, or the regular Réjane that’s frankly too big for most Asian women, because it is also always about the proportions.

IMAGE: MOYNAT

Coupled with a leather shoulder sling that’s adjustable as well, it’s an easy bag to wear, one that can go formal or casual quite easily, depending on your current get-up. And with the front clasp being the most eye-catching feature on the front of bag, it is also a subtle beauty without the need for massive logos.

Then there’s the leather it comes in, from Taurillon Gex (a hardy, pebbled leather) to Box (lustrously shiny and oh so smooth). There’s also Carat Calf, which is similar to Taurillon Gex but with a much finer grain, Natural Calf (like Box, but less shiny), with exotic croc leathers rounding up the quintet.

Now for the best part. Prices start from just SGD5420 for the Mini Réjane that comes with a sporty canvas strap or SGD5930 for the ones with leather slings. Prices differ depending on the leather, with the Réjane26 in Box leather peaking at SGD8980. The good news? Most of the bags are in the SGD6000 range, which is still reasonable for a bag that’s 100% leather inside and out. And because colours change from season to season (that, along with a few permanent hues that are almost always available), it is best you head down to Moynat’s new boutique at Takashimaya Shopping Centre to check them out for yourself. Because if you’re looking for something that will still be relevant in the years to come, this could be it.

Images: Moynat