Welcome back to the Closet Confidential series, where we delve into the collections of influencers, community members, and self-confessed handbag enthusiasts.
Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by Caleb Snell, a content creator who specializes in all things luxury and lifestyle, with a special focus on our favorite topic – handbags. Caleb is renowned for his extensive knowledge and unwavering passion for handbags, as well as his perseverance in tracking down rare and archival designs.
Image courtesy: Caleb Snell
From vintage bargains and current trends to future Hermès investments, join us as we explore Caleb’s incredible journey and gain insight into his world of luxury fashion.
Let’s go back to the start – what was your first luxury bag, and what sparked your passion for handbags?
I think like many collectors, my collection started out with very humble beginnings, which as you’ll find out, is a huge understatement. My first luxury bag was a Louis Vuitton Speedy 35, but not just any Speedy 35, mine was incredibly vintage from the mid 1980’s. This poor thing had been put through the ringer, it had a busted zipper, a hole in the side that had been filled with vinyl car seat repair putty, and I think it goes without saying, but the vachetta was incredibly dark. I may have paid $150 on eBay (back in 2007) and although it was a very rough example, I fell in love with it. Not long after I quickly decided to save my money that summer and buy a brand new Speedy 40 in boutique which was only $650 at the time. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have those prices back again.
Read also: Uncovering the Original Price of Your Favorite Luxury Bags & Accessories
Every handbag collection has its hidden treasures – which unexpected gem do you find yourself reaching for repeatedly?
I like to think that I have a well-rounded collection with bags from all sorts of design houses, but the most unexpected gem in my collection would have to be my Muse Two bags from Yves Saint Laurent. I have two in my collection, a gorgeous full suede in a rich emerald green color with gold hardware, and the blue suede and canvas version that Kate Moss wore in the original ad campaign for that bag. This was a bag that I absolutely fell in love with in college back in 2008, and I repeatedly reach for them to this day. There’s just something so comfortable and familiar about them, and since the design is so unique, they kind of fall into that chic and timeless category. Another bag that I love grabbing for is my Ralph Lauren Soft Ricky 33 in RL Gold. It’s a great substitute on days when I want that classic buttoned-up equestrian aesthetic, but don’t want to mess around with carrying my Birkin out.
Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two. Image courtesy: Caleb Snell
When it comes to luxury bags for men, what are your three top picks, and what makes them stand out?
This is a great question! Personally, I typically don’t stick to men’s bags when shopping for a new bag because I always say that bags are unisex and can be worn by anyone. When I first started collecting bags, I always found the pieces offered for men to be (dare I say it) a little boring. But now, the designs are really improving and becoming so much more intricate and interesting. I would say that my number 1 pick right now would have to be the Fendi Maxi Multipocket Baguette FF because it falls under the cargo and East/West trends for 2024. My next choice would be the Bottega Veneta Large Intrecciato Hobo because I think hobos and shoulder bags are going to be coming back in a big way. Plus a big carefree hobo is comfy to wear. And lastly, the Hermes Birkin because “it’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin”.
What handbag trends for 2024 are you particularly fond of, and do you
anticipate investing in any of them?
I’m really into the East/West trend, I was never very fond of East/Bags until I bought my first Celine Boogie bag (I know, talk about a throwback). Would I invest in this trend? That’s a hard “yes”. I actually loved my first Boogie so much, I bought two more just last week (when do we consider this a problem?). Another bag that I’m loving that fits the East/West bill is the Tod’s Di Bag Reverse Flap in Leather Small (say that 5 times fast). I absolutely fell in love with that bag when I tried it on in boutique a few weeks ago. But you know when you love collecting Hermes, you have to really love something to reallocate those funds to something else that could also be considered a big ticket item. But never say never!
Read also: 7 East-West Bags That Are Better Than the Y2K Version
Celine Boogie. Image courtesy: Caleb Snell
Considering your Chanel journey last year, are you planning to take the plunge? If so, which style are you eyeing, and why?
I think if I keep declaring every year the “Year of Chanel” people are going to stop taking me seriously! But all jokes aside, I think a Chanel could happen this year (keyword: “could”). I always get so close to purchasing one, and then something else pops up that I want more and end up buying instead. However, if I were to buy a Chanel this year, it would have to be the vintage Jumbo Top Handle or “Kelly” as so many resale sites call it. But now that Chanel has rereleased the actual Chanel Kelly, it makes searching for the bag I want even harder. I think the Chanel Jumbo Top Handle is the perfect first Chanel for me for many reasons especially since I love a good top handle like my Hermes Kelly or Fendi Peekaboos and DotCom. Also, since I’m 6’7” tall (yes, you read that correctly), many of the classic flap bags don’t work with my height when wearing crossbody, although I could make a double flap Jumbo work. But who knows, maybe I’ll declare 2025 as the “Year of Chanel”. Can I get away with it just one more time?
Chanel Jumbo. Image courtesy: Caleb Snell
You recently unboxed your holy grail Prada bag. What’s another bag you’re obsessed with but haven’t acquired yet?
Finding the iconic Prada Spazzolato frame bag from the opening scene of The Devil Wears Prada was one of the hardest bags in my collection to source! After years of searching, I’m glad I can cross it off of the list. Aside from collecting more Hermes (obviously), I think the next big bag that I’m going to search for is the Ralph Lauren Ricky 33 in alligator. The Ricky has to be one of my favorite bags right now and I kind of think of it as luxury fashion’s best kept secret. (Shhh… don’t tell anyone though, we wouldn’t want this secret getting out.)
Ralph Lauren Ricky. Image courtesy: Caleb Snell
Now, let’s discuss all things Hermès. . .
Finally, my favorite topic!
What’s your favorite ‘under the radar’ Hermès bag and why?
This is such a great question. I think when it comes to Hermes, so many people only think of the Birkin or Kelly, but the house has so much more to offer as far as bags go. Some of my favorite discontinued ‘under the radar’ bags would have to be the Vespa, Massai or Gao. I already have the Vespa in my collection and I love it, so I’m sure the Massai or Gao would be right at home in my closet. If it comes to what’s currently available, I would have to say the 24/24 is an excellent option or even the newer Sac Maximors or Faubourg Express (which conveniently falls under my favorite 2024 East/West trend).
Which Hermès bag in your collection do you reach for the most?
That’s an easy one- I would have to say my Vespa in buffalo leather Havane with Palladium hardware. I bought this bag specifically because it’s the perfect everyday bag for several reasons. Buffalo leather is historically very durable and fairly weather resistant. I would also venture to say that the Vespa is very ‘under the radar’ and incredibly light and comfortable to carry for weeks on end. As bag collectors, I always think it’s a sign that we really love a bag if we stay in it for more than just one week at a time, well I carried the Vespa for nearly a month after I got it, and easily 1 week a month since then. It’s also great when we run into the city because it doesn’t take up nearly as much room as my Birkin 35 or my Kelly 35. If you can get your hands on a Vespa, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed, and the chain d’ancre closure is a very chic touch.
Hermès Vespa. Image courtesy Caleb Snell
We aDoré your Birkin 35 in Box calf leather. Having experienced Box leather with your Birkin, are you considering adding a Box leather Kelly to your collection?
Wow, thank you so much! If someone had told me that my first Birkin was going to be Box leather, I would have laughed. But here we are, just me and my Box Birkin 35 in Vert Fonce and Palladium! To answer your question, absolutely, I would love to add a Box leather Kelly to my collection. I think people are afraid of Box, but in my opinion, it’s easily one of the most beautiful leathers to collect and honestly fairly easy to care for. I also have a vintage Rio PM in black Box, so I kind of knew what I was getting into before I ordered my Birkin. Now when it comes to the Kelly in Box leather, I’d like to try something smaller than the 35 cm I already have and maybe get a 32 or a 28 and add a longer strap to it.
Birkin 35 in Box Calf, Vert Fonce. Image courtesy: Caleb Snell
Now that you own both, are you team Kelly or team Birkin?
Oh boy, the age-old question: Team Kelly vs. Team Birkin. You know, to answer completely honestly, it all depends on the day and my mood. Sometimes I’m both, some days more Birkin or more Kelly, it all really depends. I love both bags for different reasons. In my collection, I own a lot of single handle top handle bags, and love them for their ease of use. I love how the Kelly , even in Togo leather, can dress up any outfit effortlessly. That being said, we all know it’s a pain to get into a Kelly when it’s closed, and I refuse to carry it open. The idea of carrying a Kelly open just stresses me out. Now with the Birkin, I love how chic and casual it is. I like the versatility of carrying it open or closed, but I don’t always love the weight or the size of it- a Birkin 35 takes up a lot of real estate both in the car or out and about in the city. What was the question? Oh! Team B or K? Hmm… I guess I’m Team Both!
Image courtesy: Caleb Snell
Considering the extensive research and thought you put into your Hermès purchases, what advice would you give to someone seeking their holy-grail bag on the pre-loved market?
I buy most of my bags on the pre-loved market, so I know a thing or two when it comes to this topic! My biggest advice: when they say patience is a virtue- they mean it! Take your time and don’t rush into making a purchase because it can easily turn into an expensive regret. Also, don’t settle for the wrong size, color or leather type just because it’s a good price. I promise you, the right bag at the right price WILL come around, you just have to keep searching for it. Your holy-grail bag should excite you, and if you feel any doubt in the pit of your stomach, listen to it, always trust your intuition.
Hermès Kelly 35 in Blue Jean. Image courtesy: Caleb Snell
As a respected figure in the luxury community, you’ve guided many new collectors. Finally, what tips would you offer to someone starting their luxury handbag collection journey?
Thank you so much for saying that, and for inviting me to do this interview! My first piece of advice to a new collector: have fun! You’re going to make mistakes along the way, but that’s how you’re going to find out what you like, and what’s going to work for you and your lifestyle. Also, be patient, I know it’s a cliche, but Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your handbag collection won’t be either. Trust me, that’s a hard lesson to learn because as collectors we see all these beautiful things, and we want them all now. Take your time to learn what styles, materials and design houses you like, and make your purchases intentionally. One thing I regret in my own journey is not understanding “Quality vs. Quantity”. It’s easy to get caught up in the mindset that $x,xxx could buy me 4 or 5 bags, or it could buy me 1 dream bag that would leave me feeling fulfilled. For me, that 1 dream bag is my Birkin or Kelly. Once I realized that, (my friends and I call it “Hermes Math”) it was easier for me to shift my perspective when it comes to spending and reallocate those funds to make those larger dream purchases feasible.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey, and connect with others in the luxury community online who also enjoy collecting these beautiful things- trust me, we’re all a lot of fun!
Be sure to follow Caleb on Instagram @Caleb.snell.designer for plenty of luxury handbag eye candy, and stay tuned to his YouTube channel, where he discusses all things luxury and lifestyle, with a sprinkling of unboxings.
Read related articles:
7 East-West Bags That Are Better Than the Y2K Version
Could This Be the Must-Have Alternative to the Kelly Pochette?
Revive Y2K Style with the Hottest Denim Handbags
Hermès Picotins and Patience: The Art of Waiting
Tiny Bag Energy and Luxury Trends with Cassie Thorpe
Love, PurseBop
XO
Updated: June 23rd, 2024
Comments
3 Responses to “Hermès Insights and Archival Handbags with Caleb Snell”
Caleb snell is a woft. Waste of fucking time. With beat up shitty bags
If Jeffrey dahmer was overweight and wore purses
It looks like it smells musty