It’s in the (Chloé) bag

French luxury label Chloé has a storied history not unlike other fashion greats, like Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. Founded by Gaby Aghion, a Parisian of Egyptian origin, Chloé pioneered the concept of “luxury prêt-à-porter” during a time when women couldn’t afford made-to-measure haute couture. Some of the greatest designers of our time once held the reins at Chloé, including Martine Sitbon, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo. It was during the time of Philo when the brand once again made fashion history with the release of the Chloé Paddington handbag in 2005.

Without a doubt, there were other “it” bags before the Paddington, however, few could argue that they were as hotly coveted. Not only was it the perfect slouchy handbag for the feminine bohemian with mermaid hair — it was incredibly elusive. At the time, owning just any other designer handbag meant that you had money, but getting your hands on a Paddington meant you had real clout. In 2005, it was reported that all 8,000 of Chloé’s Paddingtons for the spring/summer collection had already been accounted for — months before they even hit store shelves. Even though the Paddington was released nearly eight years ago, its cult appeal still holds true today. In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Chloé is set to release a limited-edition set of re-editions of its most popular items, from Stella McCartney’s 2001 pineapple T-shirt to Karl Lagerfeld’s 1978 printed maxi dress, along with, of course, Philo’s enduring Paddington. The collection was released in Pritemps in Paris on Jan. 24.

Enter Paraty, Marcie, Angie and Alice

Today the brand is run by Clare Waight Keller and still continues to produce coveted handbags that are a little more accessible this time around — no waiting lists or trips to Paris required. In Manila, getting your Chloé fix is as easy as stepping into the Adora department store in Greenbelt 5, where all the latest handbags are available.

Four years ago, the brand excited handbag enthusiasts all over again with the Chloé Paraty. It was first spotted on Katie Holmes (back when she was still Mrs. Cruise), when she wore its black python incarnation on her shoulder. Today, the Paraty is as still as popular as ever as it continues to be photographed on A-list celebrities and the brand continues to reissue it in every hue and size possible. Unlike the Paddington, the Paraty does not sport any of its predecessor’s slouchiness or the heavy padlock that weighed down many of its owners. The design was ladylike and grown-up, yet still covetable for its unique shape. Complete with minimal hardware (for less excess weight), a detachable shoulder strap and handles, the bag is roomy enough to carry all your essentials plus a pair of flats, yet chic enough to tote to a formal function at night.

A year after the success of the Paraty, Chloé then went on to create the Marcie handag, which also became a favorite of Katie Holmes, along with Rachel Bilson and Emma Stone. Originally available as a hobo — a nod to the brand’s hippy, bohemian image — it is reincarnated today as a prim top-handle, perfect for holding in the crook of your arm. Refined and elegant, it features pristine front-flap topstitching along with burnished monogam hardware and beautifully wrapped handles — perfect for ladies who lunch or for bringing along to Sunday brunch with your significant other.

One of Waight Keller’s first offerings in the handbag department since becoming Chloé’s creative director last year was the Angie, which was an instant hit with Elizabeth Olsen, who seemed to be carrying the bag everywhere. (When an Olsen carries your bag, you know you’re doing something right.) For the Angie, Waight Keller took a classic, clean silhouette and gave it a rock ‘n’ roll edge with a pair of lustrous gold zippers and long handles. Unlike the Marcie, the handles are long enough to throw on your shoulder, especially when you know you’ve got a busy day ahead and need a bag that’s stylish enough to carry from meeting to meeting without being cumbersome.

For the two-toned Alice handbag, Waight Keller was said to have been inspired by the 1970s. This time, the brand created a top-handle that’s all about business while still being feminine and luxurious. Featuring colorblock leather with tonal topstitching and golden hardware, it also comes with a detachable crossbody strap. Softly structured and available in exotic materials, like python and rawhide, the Alice is the latest addition to Chloé’s must-have list and has been spotted on the stylish arms of Olivia Palermo, Jessica Alba and Naomi Watts.

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Chloé is available only at Adora, 3/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati; tel. no. 217-4029.