My impression of the Givenchy Antigona bag, where to buy it, and budget alternatives.

Back in the good’ol 2000’s, the part-time waitress, full-time dirt broke, Fashion Toast reading law student that was yours truly was busy making important life-defining decisions about her future designer bag exploits. It was the time that the slouchy modern Nightingale of Riccardo Tisci creation conquered the ‘It Bag’ scene, which had thereafter sealed my infatuation with all things Givenchy, double handled, and black. Fast forward to present day, this unwieldy holder of an American Express card (by which many an ill-advised but wondrous sartorial fantasy was made real) finally has object in hand – not the long lusted over Nightingale, but its (I would call it) grown up successor, the Givenchy Antigona.

Overall impression

The Givenchy Antigona is an undeniably beautiful bag. It’s all at once sedate and fierce, refined and androgynous, with the archetypal dark romanticism for which the French label has come to be known.  Even those not familiar with luxury goods could probably guess its price tag at a glance. The leather is buttery soft, the exposed stitching is impeccable, and the over sized hardware is luxe to the core –  it simply looks expensive.

My Givenchy Antigona is an ultra-modern spin on the classic, with bold plexi and palladium hardware. The stark contrast of the palladium handle plates threw me at first, but the more I look, I am  convinced that it create a sense of balance to the classic all leather facet. As for the size. Mine is a medium, which I have always thought to be the ideal size for this style – the big is too big in my opinion, and the small is an awkward in-between size. The mini Antigona is just a novelty bag, in my mind.

Practicality

The main criticism of the Givenchy Antigona is its supposed impracticality. It’s structured, and therefore bulky, the stiffness makes it difficult to access the contents, and it is characteristically on the heavy side. However, having worn this bag around all week, I’m happy to alleviate any real concern. Yes, it is a a little heavy, which, while rendering moot its generous capacity, isn’t a big deal for day to day use. I also love that the Givenchy Antigona can be carried in hand, elbow and on the shoulder – the handles and strap are perfect sizes and lengths for all these uses. It’s also one of those versatile styles that fits equally well with a three pieces suit as a wrinkled t-shirt.

However, the truth of the matter cannot be fully dismissed – the Givenchy Antigona’s selling point will always be its minimalist chic aesthetics and transcendent quality, and not its convenience. So is it worth its heavy price tag? As a stunningly beautiful and timeless bag that will make every work or play outfit look amazing for decades to come, absolutely, yes.

Where to buy the Givenchy Antigona

Ssense has this version of this bag at the cheapest price at the moment, but there’s just one left! Otherwise it’s also available from Net A Porter, My Theresa, Barneys and Selfridges.

Givenchy Antigona Lower Priced Alternatives

I haven’t really come across a true Givenchy Antigona ‘dupe’, but these below lower priced alternatives are somewhat similar, and very charming as well.

Wearing: Tales Blouse and Resistance Pants by Wish

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