If Katie Holmes totes it, then it must be fab. As is the case with the Chloe Paraty, the slightly slouchy trapezoidal leather piece that instantly achieved “it bag” status when Mrs. Cruise stepped out with a black python version about a couple of years ago — way before any other bag-hogging celeb, way before it even came out on the shelves. (She used it to finish off her then-signature look: cropped hair, oversized sunnies, rolled-up boyfriend jeans and a cup of coffee.)
Lindsay Lohan followed suit with a faded blue version, Alessandra Ambrosio with an elegant white one, and a host of celebs who couldn’t resist the carry-all capacity and architectural stylings of the chic satchel bag. If you go to coolspotters.com, you’ll see an album of celebs who all tote the luxe Chloe Paraty. There’s Emma Roberts, who wears her oversized red Paraty with Chuck Taylors while Annalyne McCord glams hers up (a burgundy one) with a black pantsuit. Jessica Biel has a black one and it’s a staple shoulder hang in her Rome pictures with on-off boyfriend Justin Timberlake. It’s clearly a one-style-fits-all kind of bag, one that can go from glam to grocery to gophering.
Just like most of its predecessors, the Chloe Paraty has gold hardware subtly entrenched into the design. Curvy raised accents detail the front and back, while a detachable shoulder strap steals in a multi-wear option, which, to most girls, is a welcome thing. Though Katie’s python tote tops the preferred list, other worthy Paraty styles are the classic tan and the dove gray in a mini version (maybe Suri has this one for herself).
Another Chloe bag that has achieved Katie Holmes arm candy status is the Marcie. Although also infused with elegant geometric detailing like the Paraty, the Marcie is more of an updated hobo bag with softer, more rounded corners, a huge front flap and wrapped handles. Discreet stitching and tassel embellishment make it even more bohemian-looking, making it a less formal option to the Paraty. Classy Kate has the Marcie, this time in a buttery tan color. Jessica Alba and Rachel Bilson, both certified Chloe fans, each have one in a burnished pumpkin color. Model and Orlando Bloom’s wife and baby mama Miranda Kerr has the smaller version and uses it as a shoulder bag.
The pull of Chloe’s bags is impressive considering that the brand launched their line of bags and small leather goods only in 2002, under then creative director Phoebe Philo, she who made streamlined bohemian tres chic. It was the Paddington bag that first achieved iconic “it” status. Remember the long, slouchy bag that came with a huge matte gold padlock and its own key? Remember how it became an identifying — if not a unifying —factor for Hollywood’s most stylish? Everyone from Victoria Beckham to Halle Berry to Kate Bosworth to J.Lo to Gwen Stefani had one hanging from her arm, oblivious to the added weight that the padlock probably contributed.
The Paraty and Marcie are fast achieving the reputation the Paddington enjoyed nearly a decade ago. It won’t be surprising if both styles even surpass the popularity of their earliest predecessor, considering how the lack of cheeky, chunky hardware assuredly makes both styles more lightweight. Plus, with every fashion blog flaunting the arm stylings of Hollywood celeb, expect both to soon become valued classics.
* * *
The Chloe Paraty and Marcie are available at Adora in Greenbelt 5.