Heya lovelies,

Welcome to the second edition of “Fad or Cult Classic” and this time, featuring the Cambridge Satchel!

Originally published on Tongue in Chic, 8 May 2012

American design duo Proenza Schouler kick-started the satchel trend with the PS 1, and then came Mulberry’s Alexa. Previously a very seasonal style with a utilitarian shape, satchels took the world by storm and are now here to stay.

In early 2011, the Cambridge Satchel caught the eye of fashionistas around the globe, and were soon spotted on numerous fashion editors during Fashion Week. And just like that, the Cambridge Satchel Company, with its humble beginnings in late 2007, catapulted to the fashion forefront. Initially designed with a practical purpose in mind – founder Julie Deane wanted to create schoolbags for her children that she imagined Harry and Hermoine from Harry Potter would have used in Hogwarts – it is now dubbed the new “Brit It Bag”. The Cambridge Satchel has since been featured in six international editions of Vogue, not forgetting its cult celebrity and fashion blogger following.

Available in four sizes (11″, 13″, 14″ and 15″), the Cambridge Satchel Company initially began with solid classic colours but has now expanded its collection to include Fluoro (neons), Designer editions (bi-colours), Glitter, and the most recent addition, Metallics.

While the PS1 and the Alexa seem to have fizzled out just a little, the Cambridge Satchel appears to be a hot favourite, without any signs of slowing down. Priced between £74 and £113 (approximately RM700+ on average), it’s neither snooty nor pretentious, and one that almost everyone can afford! What’s more, it’s also a unisex bag, and guys can rock it just as well as the girls!

Though it isn’t available here locally, you can get it delivered to Malaysia for free via Shopbop and Singapore-based e-tailer Doorstep Luxury, while ASOS has an exclusive range of Cambridge Satchels unavailable elsewhere. Alternatively, for the full range, you can check out The Cambridge Satchel Company’s Official Website for a more extensive range and the option to embossing initials.

As for whether it’s an It Bag or Cult Classic, I’d say BOTH! To me, the neon, metallic and glitter versions are more seasonal, while the Classic range is a cult classic! And the 11″ versions make a mighty fun clutches! Now what do you think?

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Image credits: Cool Spotters, Cambridge Satchel Company, Keiko Lynn, Schushopmanila, Fashion Squad