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Valextra Rigid Tote in white, $1,190 Small White Boston bag - $1,850 Exclusively at Barneys New York
Every Sleeping Beauty awaits a Prince to rouse her from slumber and Valextra was no exception. A luxury brand established in 1937, Valextra was once the ultimate in status bags and luggage; decorating the arms and yachts of Princess Kelly, Jackie O, Maria Callas, and Aristotle Onassis. By the '70s however, Valextra had drifted into what is described as a 30 year sleep by Massimo Suppancig, the exceedingly handsome CEO of Valextra, and the Prince who brought this beauty back to life.
Boston crocodile $8,600
I had the pleasure of meeting Massimo Suppancig at a private luncheon at Barneys New York Dallas last week hosted by famed art collector Cindy Rochovsky. After reading how much I love Valextra (can you believe my post made it to Valextra headquarters in Milan?), Massimo graciously agreed to grant me an interview after lunch. The minute I arrived I was mesmerized by the display of bags he brought with him from Milan. Valextra bags are like nothing I have ever experienced before, and you all know I am a girl with a 3 digit handbag collection. Valextra is often called the Italian Hermes and I can see why, the leathers are beyond heavenly and the workmanship is incredibly meticulous. I was like a little kid in a candy store, grabbing more bags than my little greedy hands could carry! There was a luscious taupe crocodile Boston bag($8,600!), an adorable fuchsia Punch bag ($1,600), and several other yummy concoctions that I was drooling over but the Boston bag in melanzana was the one that won me over. A vibrant purple (melanzana in Italian means eggplant) with rose pink stitching made of soft Franzi leather, it is one of the most gorgeous bags I've ever laid eyes on! The Valextra staff told me it was from the Fall 2007 collection and not for sale. I'd have to order it and receive it at the end of July or early August. I almost cried when I heard that I had to wait all summer for a bag that was obviously meant to be mine! But after a few minutes of pleading my case to Massimo, the bag became mine! In his delightful Italian accent he said "You are the only woman in the world with this bag. The rest of the world will wait until Fall delivery". Sweeter words have never been spoken to the Bag Snob!
Massimo was exceptionally kind, speaking with me extensively before and after lunch so that I could offer Bag Snob readers a peek into his extraordinary life as the man who revived Valextra.
Bag Snob: After 20 years of managing companies such as Escada and Hugo Boss, what made you turn to Valextra?
Massimo Suppancig: I saw a need for a new kind of luxury, one not defined by logos or trends but one defined by real style. I looked around and found it in Valextra, a company with a rich history of luxury that needed to be re-introduced to the world. Other than Hermes, there is no other brand that is dedicated to design, quality, and material. In my opinion, every other brand in the world is missing at least one of these necessary elements.
BS: Did you approach Valextra or did they find you?
MS: Yes, I approached Valextra with my ideas and became CEO and partner in the company in 2002. I wanted to re-introduce the world to the luxury of Valextra. In 1937 Valextra was considered "futuristic" in design; the designs still hold up today and feel modern and fresh. Valextra is magical. I even convinced 11 retired artisans in their '70s to come back and help rebuild the brand. The Valextra bag is functional and lightweight, with interiors as beautiful as the exterior
BS: You mentioned Hermes, how do you feel about being dubbed the "Italian Hermes"
MS: It is a compliment. I have tremendous respect for the House of Hermes and I think they also respect what I am doing with Valextra. I have always loved Hermes, even my polo shirts are from Hermes and I loved the beautifully made bags and shoes. I was born in Trieste to a family who taught me to appreciate beauty and luxury. I remember being four years old and my grandfather showing me daily the proper way to shine shoes. I was a little kid! I just wanted to play with my toys and I remember thinking "What is this guy doing? I don't care about shining shoes!"
BS: Do you see any difference between American women and European women?
MS: I really do not see much difference. American women are just as stylish as European women, the only thing I have noticed is the preference in size. American women seem to prefer bigger bags.
BS: What did you study in school?
MS: I am a trained engineer with strong interest in architecture. Milan is the capital of design; architecture, furniture, fashion, it's all there, the city provides a lot of inspiration. (No wonder he loves the clean structured lines of Valextra bags!)
BS: Your favorite vacation spot?
MS: Jackson Hole Wyoming, I love hiking and being in nature, it's beautiful. But I can be anywhere and find beauty. My grandmother taught me to always look up and see the wonder and beauty in everything. People always look straight or down, they don't realize what they are missing!
BS: Do you have a style icon or is there a person who inspires you?
MS: I loved Uma Thurman in Gattica, she was the general expression of what Valextra represents.
BS: Will you be contacting her to appear in your ads? Or any celeb spokesmodels for that matter?
MS: (shaking his head emphatically) No, no, there will be no spokemodels in our ads, the bags speak for themselves.
BS: What about ready to wear or shoes? Any plans to expand the brand?
MS: We currently have Men's shoes and will be offering Women's shoes in near future. Ready to wear is more complicated and we do not have plans to do that right now.
BS: How do you relax and unwind away from work?
MS: Oh, I have a lot of favorite past times. I love music, reading books, watching movies. I love music of all kinds, chamber, rock, classical, and of course, opera. The last movie I saw was Blood Diamonds but the most memorable was The Constant Gardener.
BS: When did you last cry?
MS: The day before yesterday I heard a very sad story and I cried. I am Italian, I am not afraid of emotions! But I am also a happy guy who loves to laugh.
BS: What sign are you?
MS: I am a Gemini with Scorpio rising.
BS: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about Valextra?
MS: Real luxury lasts forever and stands the tests of time. True style and pure design is magical, either you have it or you don't.
With that, Massimo bid me adieu with a kiss on each cheek and an invitation to Milan. Needless to say, I was thoroughly charmed!
Bag Snob Picks - Must Have Valextra Bags
Boston bag in Melanzana of soft Franzi leather from Fall 2007 that I snagged!
The Boston is the new Birkin! It's actually more functional than my birkins and so much lighter! There is a roomy outer pocket that fits a cell, iPod, and lipgloss! The interior pocket is also generous, spanning from side to side. It's also lined in white leather, so luxurious! My medium Boston in Melanzana will be available in August. Call Meeghan at Barneys Dallas to order! For now, I will relish being the only woman in the world with this bag, many thanks to Massimo and his wonderful Valextra staff!
Small Boston $1,850, Medium Boston $2,050 (Also available in White, Red, Light Green, and Fuchsia)
Punch Bag in Fuchsia
This bag was first designed in the 1950s but doesn't it look modern? It was a favorite of Jackie O and a must have for every classic woman. Valextra prices are very reasonable for such well made bags! You have to touch and feel it to see the meticulous details of these bags. Punch bag $1,600
Avietta Overnight Bag
This amazingly chic and modern luggage is on top of my must have list. The wheels tuck in and look more like mini discs than wheels. Even the zippers have compartments to tuck into so as not to ruin the streamlines of the bag.
All Valextra bags are available in Leather VL- the company's distinctive hide, Franzi- a soft leather (my favorite- it's so light and supple!), and Neuner- a smooth high quality calf hide. Also available in exotic skins- Crocodile, Opaque Crocodile, and Ostrich leg.
All at Barneys New York Dallas call 469.221.4725 to purchase!
Thank you for that very eye-opening article on Valextra. I am falling in love with their products and have yet to see one in person. That's the good news. The bad news is that I have another obsession! Hahaha!
You are soooo lucky! The bags look fabulous. You look great as well.
What a fun post! Thanks for this, and congrats on your new bag!
Your Boston looks enormous! And beautiful :)
I love the Punch. My mom has one that she "borrowed" from my grandmother back in the day, and she's still using it.
The bags are fabulous and he is gorgeous!!! Enjoy your new soon to be sort after bag!
Do you know if they do custom orders?
That overnight bag looks delicious, but I'm a disaster with white bags.
I feel I am a little young yet to do real justice to the classic, grown-up style of Valextra bags, as with the Birkin - but oh, oh oh oh how I want that luggage! It's just divine!!! Those clean, architectural white lines that somehow manage to be both hard and soft (and remind me very much of Uma Thurman's character in Gattaca) speak more of style and appreciation for luxury than any tacky monogram canvas ever will!
My bag looks big because I am 97 pounds. It's actually the medium size. Only about 12 inches wide. I have a toddler son so it fits everything we need for a day out and about. It's fabulous. I adore it, the new favorite!
Yes! It comes with a shoulder strap!!!
xo
Bag Snob Tina
Tina: I loved learning about Valextra. Can you tell me if your small Boston comes with a shoulder strap? I'll be in NYC in July and will stop by Barneys NY to see the bags in person!
The bag is gorgeous. I am all about simple bags as well. I don't want to buy anything that goes out of style. Thanks for the eye-opening article.
Oh my goodness, those bags look divine. Being rather young, I have never heard of this brand before, but the white leather lining and the quality you rave on about has just won me over to this brand! I love the work you do with this website, please keep up the good work :)
xxx
PS. I'm a new reader so I'm sorry if this is a silly question but- are you asian?
Congrats on the gorgeous bag! It's a highly functional beauty. Great for work and travel too. Do you know where one can get the Valextra bags in Asia, especially Singapore and Hong Kong? Thanks.
Wow, I am trying not to be jealous Tina. That bag is beautiful.
Oh my goodness - that Punch bag is fabulous! Hmm... maybe I can work that into the budget :-)
The first time I saw a Valextra bag was in an ad in a glossy magazine last year. I liked the clean lines but all I found were white bags. I'm glad to see more colors. The ones you are carrying are gorgeous (as you are!). Also, when I googled it, I found negative comments about it. Your stamp of approval is just what it needs to revive the brand and get it back into the consciousness of bag snobs everywhere.
Hi All,
We love it when everyone leaves comments but please remember that Bag Snob is a fashion website about BAGS. If you have constructive criticism to share about the bags we post, we welcome them! But please don't make this into a forum about personal prejudices (or Americans vs. Europeans!).
Thanks all!
xoxo
Bag Snob
I WANT ONE!! But I can't find any online retailers of Valextra bags... do we actually have to set foot into the Barneys store to see them? Can you suggest other outlets? THANKS!
Unfortunately Valextra does not allow online distribution of it's bags. You can call Meeghan at Barneys New York and she'd be happy to send you one!
469.221.4725
xoxo
What a fun read! Massimo is so handsome and Bag Snob Tina is so gorgeous! That purple bag is fabulous with a capital F. Will have to order one, it is hot!
These bags are uniquely beautiful - good work!
That Boston is the best, not surprised you wouldn't leave without it. Nice one Valextra! Thanks for the article.
That bag and Hermes are on my list. All the bags I will ever need. What a great story, you lucky, lucky woman.
Tina - did you see Alexis' Valextra handbag on Martha Stewart this morning (Friday, 9/14/07)? For years, I have been looking for a particular bag, and finally found it this a.m. when Alexis (Martha's daughter) showed her bag. I have been weak in the knees ever since. She said it cost $5600.00 or so, and I have spent hours on the internet looking for it. I fear it may not be available. Can you tell me anything about it? It was a very, very large bowling ball shape bag in tan leather. Tina, I can't even tell you how gorgeous it was. (Martha was surprised - she said she had never heard of it! I just can't believe that.) I'm so happy to have found your website - finally, one who is as obsessed as I!! Thanks for any information you can find on this handbag. I will continue to search!! (Sorry, I didn't know what to put in "URL.")
Finally, the San Francisco Bay Area has Valextra! The Barneys, near Union Square, opened to the public today and they have a very nice Valextra section. Granted, it's the only Valextra department I have been to. But, they have quite a selection. What amazing products, and it's something else to see them in person and to be able to feel the leathers. There were bags of all shapes and materials. There was the white shopping tote, as seen on the Barneys website, and the top of this page. Plus, it came in at least 2 sizes. There were travel bags and luggage, wallets, briefcases, and of course handbags. Plus, there were crocodiles, grained leathers, patent leather, and suede. Although, I would have loved to see the Boston Bag in Melanzana, which Tina has. They only had it in other colors. But, of course, they can special order it. Although, my budget won't allow it at this time. :( Maybe I'll buy myself a wallet, though.
So, any one who's curious, race down to Barney's to feast your eyes on these wonderful bags. Nope, I don't work for Barneys or Valextra. Just that after all these months of staring at all the Valextra posts and pictures, I was finally able to see them for myself.
Does the small and medium boston come with removable strap?