Askme – Classic Prada Bag

Dear Purseholic

I want a bag from Prada which design is unique to Prada and is a classic. Which design would you recommend? My budget is not more than $1000 so I think I will settle with a nylon bag.

Carole, NYC

Dear Carole

The good news is you could get a nice Prada nylon bag for USD690 now but if you want a truly classic Prada bag then you need to prepare to stretch your budget by another USD200 yet I really think it will be worth it. The Gaufre bags, especially the east/west satchel from Prada has been its classic and is one of the best classic bags from any big luxury name that does not cost arms and legs. Of course the calfskin version is divine but the nylon version is nothing less than splendid either. It is available now in the classic black, grey and navy blue. You can’t really go wrong with any of these three colors. Price is USD1,195.

J Purseholic

Write to us at askme@purseholic.com

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Prada Camouflage Nylon Gauffre Tote

For Fall 2010, Prada upgraded her classic black nylon with Camouflage print. Admittedly, Camouflage on handbags is not the first. Fendi and Louis Vuitton did it a few seasons back but this Prada is somehow more classy and less trendy. Available soon at your favorite Prada and high-end stores for GBP1,080.

Image is courtesy of Prada

Prada Nylon Shopping Tote

The nylon bags turned Prada from an old luggage house to a respectable fashion behemoth overnight back in the 90s. There is unique appeal with Prada bylon bags that other brands could not replicate. It could give a sense of being smarter carrying one black nylon Prada tote than a heavily logo-ed one from another brand. Of course then again it depends on the mood and what you wear but generally Prada nylon is just safe to fall back on. I own one old Prada nylon tote (limited edition) that i adore and of which my sisters are envious. For you who shop often or like throwing stuff inside your big bag and tired of Louis Vuitton Neverfull, feel free to fall back on the newly styled Prada tote. For this Fall, the tote is available in various colors of nylon and with choices of Saffiano leather or Crocodile skin trims, if you could spare more cash for the premium. The one with Saffiano trim is priced at €350 while the crocodile trim is at €620. The trick with Miuccia Prada’s initial (MP) is not inclusive with the bag and sold separately.

Image is courtesy of Prada