People With Bags is a series where I showcase fellow bag loversand creators. In every feature, I ask for three bags — their most special, most used, and most unexpected — to uncover the stories and memories behind the pieces they love.
Randa with her most unexpected bag, her vintage Prada shoulder bag
Meet Randa - a Vancouver-based Marketing & Business Consultant with 15+ years in the fashion industry, though mentally she’s in New York City planning tomorrow’s matcha. Her world lives between extravagant ideas and everyday life, guided by the belief that anything is possible.
From Left: Green Vintage Prada Shoulder Bag, Silver Woven Lamour Handbag, Vintage Gucci Canvas Messenger Bag
1) Hi Randa! Thanks so much for being a part of this series. Before we get into your bags – tell us all a bit about who you are! This is the place to shamelessly plug yourself if you so wish.
At my core, I’m mentally living in New York City with my husband and two cats, focused on which matcha latte I’m going to enjoy tomorrow. In reality I’m a Vancouver-based Marketing & Business Consultant with 15+ years in the fashion industry, also focused on tomorrow’s matcha. My mentality is that anything is possible, and most of my energy floats between extravagant ideas and my everyday life. Intrusive thoughts include re-arranging my living room 4 times a year and changing my outfits based on mood.
2) This interview is particularly special to me as it was YOU who helped shift my wardrobe-building habits into more sustainable practices. Tell us about how sustainability intersects with your style, and how it guides you to choose your pieces.
Longevity is the most important quality of my wardrobe. I expect the pieces I buy to last a long time, be easily repaired, or be versatile with my other pieces. I like to get the most mileage out of my wardrobe. This usually stops me from purchasing very unique pieces, but when I do take one home I wear it a lot.
3) Let’s begin with the most used! I recognize this bag as being one from your previous shop, Collective Will. Can you tell us about the brand, and what it is about this bag that has you reaching for it constantly?
Silver Woven Lamour Handbag
Lamour is an independent female-run design studio based in Kuwait, creating small-batch handbags. This is a great example of a unique piece that I wear a lot. A silver textured bag is a fashion paradox… it easily goes with everything, because it doesn’t match anything exactly. I’ve worn it for a casual lunch, and it’s the one “going out” bag I take when I travel.
4) Okay – the most unexpected, the Prada! I’ve never seen this style or pattern - I love it. Why is this an unexpected piece for you and, what keeps you reaching for it regardless?
Green/Black Vintage Prada Shoulder Bag
This beautiful vintage Prada bag is from the Fall/Winter 2004 collection. I’m very thoughtful when it comes to choosing my bags, yet this one caught my eye and I immediately purchased it without hesitation. It’s the perfect intersection of feminine and edgy, while being an unexpected option with most outfits.
5) And the most special is the Gucci – she looks vintage! I’m curious about the story here – can you tell us why you’ve selected this piece as your most special?
Vintage Gucci Canvas Messenger Bag
This vintage Gucci Messenger bag is my most special because it was my very first designer bag. I purchased it from the GUCCI store in Italy (either Rome or Florence) in 2002. I’ve styled it for 23 years and am never bored of it. I will never stop wearing it!
Randa with her Gucci Messenger Bag, Italy, 2002
6) Is there anything currently missing in your handbag wardrobe that you’re on the hunt for?
The Balenciaga City Bag has been on my list for years, but I’ve never pulled the trigger. I am yet to find the color that makes me melt, for the price I want to spend.
7) And finally, as a fellow bag lover, tell us – what do handbags mean to you?
Handbags are the ultimate expression of who you are. You can determine my emotional and mental state based on the size and style of my bag. Your bag says everything you want someone to know about you.
Be sure to follow Randa @randasalloum on instagram.
If you loved this article, you’ll love what’s coming next. I write about vintage luxury in a way that feels fun, approachable, and never pretentious. Stick around, ask questions, and make yourself at home — you’ve always got a seat at this table.
XO Bags For Breakfast by Shay Prasad
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I love this interview and it makes me want to jump in and contribute too. I am not in fashion or design, but I have always been an admirer and an "appreciator" of those in the industry. Shay--your platform not only shares the love of these beautiful pieces we cherish, but you also share the history behind the bag. You share the triumphs, the failed attempts and you share the resiliency that pushed the r designer to be successful!
So I am going to answer the question too! My most unexpected bag is my Chanel WOC that I purchased for my 60th birthday and to commemorate my retirment and 35 years as a teacher and elementary principal. A gift to me, from me! My most used bag is my Balenciaga Le City Bag--she is simply a rock star, an icon and holds everything that I need on the daily. My most special handbag is my Chanel Jumbo Single Flap in black lambskin that was gifted to me by my cousin. My cousin is one of the few Filipina pilots (Yes! A Pilot!) and when she purchased her brand new double flap, she gifted the vintage Jumbo to me. I will always cherish this beautiful and unique piece. What does a handbag mean to me? It has so many symbols for me, but it symbolizes a woman's power, her feminity and where she holds her financial power--in the old, old days....a woman had to ask her husband for an allowance. Now, women make their own money, have their own autonomy, make their own success and their own decisions. Some people like to collect cars, or shoes, or beautiful dishes, and jewlery...but I am a unapologetic handbag girl. -Marilyn
I love this interview and it makes me want to jump in and contribute too. I am not in fashion or design, but I have always been an admirer and an "appreciator" of those in the industry. Shay--your platform not only shares the love of these beautiful pieces we cherish, but you also share the history behind the bag. You share the triumphs, the failed attempts and you share the resiliency that pushed the r designer to be successful!
So I am going to answer the question too! My most unexpected bag is my Chanel WOC that I purchased for my 60th birthday and to commemorate my retirment and 35 years as a teacher and elementary principal. A gift to me, from me! My most used bag is my Balenciaga Le City Bag--she is simply a rock star, an icon and holds everything that I need on the daily. My most special handbag is my Chanel Jumbo Single Flap in black lambskin that was gifted to me by my cousin. My cousin is one of the few Filipina pilots (Yes! A Pilot!) and when she purchased her brand new double flap, she gifted the vintage Jumbo to me. I will always cherish this beautiful and unique piece. What does a handbag mean to me? It has so many symbols for me, but it symbolizes a woman's power, her feminity and where she holds her financial power--in the old, old days....a woman had to ask her husband for an allowance. Now, women make their own money, have their own autonomy, make their own success and their own decisions. Some people like to collect cars, or shoes, or beautiful dishes, and jewlery...but I am a unapologetic handbag girl. -Marilyn