Photo: Instagram/@eannes.c
Cover Datin Sri Eannes Chop (Photo: Instagram/@eannes.c)

Lived-in or pristine? How this Asia's Most Stylish 2022 honouree keeps her favourite bags

After a long stint of logomania, the idea of "quiet luxury" or "stealth wealth" has taken hold of global consciousness yet again—largely thanks to young people and fashion enthusiasts online. The growing fascination with no-label, high quality clothing and accessories is spurred on by the popularity of HBO's Succession, characters often embody the "old money" aesthetic and attitude. Who can forget fan-favourite character Tom Wambsgans' disdainful quip about the ostentation of Bridget's "ludicrously capacious" Burberry bag and its signature plaid print? 

One cannot discuss this global phenomenon without the OG quiet luxury brand, Hermès and its iconic bags from the elegant Kelly to the coveted Birkin, as well as its younger counterparts Bottega Veneta, Toteme and The Row. They offer discreet, simple designs and elevated basics, which only those truly in the know can recognise. 

However, the online community has recently been taking the concept a step further, declaring that the sign of status and quiet luxury can be found not only in the ownership but the condition of one's luxury bag. Where before it would be sacrilegious to even put their Birkin on the floor 20 years ago, the public is embracing—and celebrating—scratches, scuffs, overstuffed shapes, and faded colours on their precious carriers. 

Read more: What did Asia's Most Stylish wear to Tatler Ball 2022?

Tatler Asia
Photo: Getty Images
Above Mary-Kate Olsen (Photo: Getty Images)
Tatler Asia
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 26:  Singer Jane Birkin attends the  'Jane Birkin sings Serge Gainsbourg "VIA JAPAN"' press conference at L'Institut Franco-Japonais de Tokyo on March 26, 2013 in Tokyo, Japan.  (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)
Above Jane Birkin (Photo: Jun Sato/WireImage)

They draw inspiration from The Row's founders and '90s sitcom star, Mary-Kate Olsen and her worn-in Kelly bag; Kim Kardashian's "limited edition" Birkin bags featuring paintings by her daughter; Julia Fox's grey Birkin bag, which she claims was slashed by a machete; and Jane Birkin herself, who uses her namesake bag for trips to the office and grocery shops. 

Related: How Kate Middleton honoured Princess Diana at King Charles III's coronation

Some people have even taken the trend quite literally, starting a running online joke where they share videos of themselves beating up luxury bags by throwing them on the floor repeatedly or bringing a hammer down on them.

While Datin Sri Eannes Chop wouldn't deliberately scar her own luxury bags, she admits she doesn't mind when they are a little worn-in, subscribing to the philosophy that luxury bags are supposed to be as practical as they are stylish.

"Aren't bags meant to be used? I bring mine everywhere I go, even for travel with the kids. I don't take special care of them when I'm out. And when I'm not using them, I don't have a set way of storing them," confesses the Asia's Most Stylish 2022 honouree.

She adds: "That said, sometimes, if it's raining very heavily, especially in Malaysia, I do worry about stains and water damage."

A longtime fan of luxury items, Chop has an enviable collection of Hermès treasures in a range of colours, providing easy styling for every occasion, whether it's her casual Cargo Birkin paired with grey sweatpants for a quick coffee run, her auspicious red Kelly 25 for Chinese New Year outings or Black Matte Crocodile Birkin Touch 25 with gold hardware for casual meetings with friends. 

Topics