Every term a bag collector needs to know — leathers, silhouettes, hardware, authentication, and care.
The process of verifying that a bag is genuinely produced by the brand it claims — examining materials, construction, hardware, and provenance markings.
A compact bag with a very short strap, designed to be tucked under the arm like a baguette of bread. The original 'it bag', introduced by Fendi in 1997.
A compact bag worn around the waist, attached to a belt or built with an integral waistband strap.
The wearing away of gold plating on hardware to reveal the underlying brass — normal wear that appears first on raised edges and high-friction points.
A drawstring bag with a cylindrical or bucket-shaped body. Defined by a round base and a gathered or cinched top.
The most widely used luxury leather — smooth, fine-grained, and taken from young cattle. The base material for most designer bags.
A durable fabric used in luxury bags, typically coated for weather resistance. Common in Louis Vuitton, Goyard, and Prada's nylon ranges.
A pebbled calfskin leather used by Chanel, named for its resemblance to caviar roe. Known for exceptional scratch and wear resistance.
A metal-link shoulder strap — an alternative to leather straps that adds formality, flexibility, and a distinctively luxurious weight.
A small, strapless bag designed to be held in the hand or under the arm.
A standardised assessment of a pre-loved bag's physical state — from 'New' or 'Deadstock' at the top through 'Excellent', 'Very Good', 'Good', to 'Fair'.
The wearing away or darkening of leather at bag corners — the first and most common sign of use on any leather bag.
A small bag worn across the body with a long strap that goes from one shoulder to the opposite hip.
An alphanumeric code stamped inside a bag that identifies where and when it was manufactured. Used in authentication.
A bag that is new and unused but no longer in current production — often from a discontinued style, season, or colourway.
A protective fabric pouch included with a new bag, used to store it and protect it from dust and light when not in use.
A bag designed for formal or social occasions — small, often embellished, and prioritising aesthetics over capacity.
Small metal studs on the base of a bag that lift it off surfaces and protect the leather from contact wear.
A bag with a fold-over flap closure — the defining silhouette of the Chanel Classic Flap and one of luxury's most imitated designs.
A bag with all its original packaging and accessories — box, dust bag, authenticity card, receipt, and any included accessories like straps or pouches.
Collector slang for a bag you've long aspired to own — the piece that sits at the top of your want list.
The side or base panels of a bag that create depth and volume. A wider gusset means a larger interior capacity.
The metal components of a bag — buckles, clasps, chains, zips, D-rings, and feet. Available in gold, silver, palladium, and ruthenium finishes.
A large, crescent-shaped soft bag with a single shoulder strap and a slouchy, relaxed silhouette.
A metallic security sticker found inside Chanel bags that reflects light in multiple colours and encodes the bag's serial number.
A bag selected partly or primarily for its expected value appreciation or strong resale performance — as opposed to purely for use or style.
The softest luxury leather, taken from young lamb. Exceptionally supple and delicate — used by Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent.
A bag scaled below practical size — typically carrying only a phone, cards, and keys. As much collecting object as functional accessory.
Louis Vuitton's signature coated canvas featuring the interlocking LV initials and floral motifs. Nearly indestructible and immediately recognisable worldwide.
Full-grain leather buffed on the grain side to create a soft, velvet-like surface. More durable than suede but similar in appearance.
The natural darkening and character that develops on leather over time through handling and exposure to light and oils.
The leather edging that runs along the seams and edges of a bag — common on Louis Vuitton bags and prone to peeling over time.
A secondary-market bag that has had at least one previous owner — used interchangeably with 'pre-owned', 'second-hand', and 'vintage'.
A press-to-open closure mechanism — the wearer pushes a button or clasp to release the bag's flap or frame.
The original purchase receipt from a luxury brand — proves provenance, original purchase price, and serves as authentication evidence.
Professional repair and refurbishment of a bag — addressing corner wear, piping, hardware, leather cracking, and interior lining through specialist services.
A tiny embedded microchip used in newer luxury bags to verify authenticity digitally — replacing traditional date codes.
A hand-stitching technique using two needles and a single thread, producing a stitch that is structurally superior to machine stitching.
A cross-hatch embossed calfskin leather trademarked by Prada. Exceptionally durable and resistant to scratches and moisture.
A structured bag with a flat bottom, top handles, and typically a front flap closure. Often associated with the classic British school bag silhouette.
A unique identifier, stamped or embossed inside a bag, that ties it to a specific production batch. Different from a date code.
Any bag designed to be carried on one shoulder via a single strap — the most foundational bag silhouette.
A bag that holds its shape independently, without needing contents to maintain its form. Usually built around a rigid internal frame.
The soft, napped underside of animal hide — luxuriously soft to touch but requires significantly more care than smooth leather.
A bag carried by a short handle at the top — in the crook of the arm or in the hand. Associated with formal elegance and the great mid-century fashion houses.
A large, open-top bag with two parallel handles, designed for carrying everyday items.
A twist-to-close metal fastening on bag flaps — most famously Chanel's CC interlocking logo turn-lock. Opens with a quarter-turn.
Untreated natural leather used for the trims and handles of Louis Vuitton bags. Starts pale honey and darkens to a rich brown patina with use.