New-in bags: Chloe, Gucci & a hidden Spanish gem that gives Bottega vibes
Spring cleaning always uncovers surprises—and this time, it brought back memories of my vintage fair adventures in March, and introduced me to a hidden gem from Spain that gives serious Bottega vibes.
In this haul, I’m sharing two vintage designer bags I found at NYC fairs and a beautifully crafted piece from a Spanish artisan brand. Let’s get into it…
1. The Chloe Paddington: A Slouchy Icon Makes a Comeback
First stop: the iHeart Manhattan Vintage Fair in Brooklyn. Nestled in the glass-topped Domino Sugar Refinery with stunning views of Manhattan, this was the biggest vintage fair I’ve been to—so big that I almost got overwhelmed browsing.
But then we found her: the Chloe Paddington in a dark chocolate brown. This bag has seen a major resurgence lately, and for good reason. It’s a Y2K icon—slouchy, cool, and surprisingly practical. Ours came with an authenticity card and was in impeccable condition, sourced from Japan by the vendor.
Some standouts:
Soft, malleable leather that hugs the frame beautifully
Iconic oversized padlock and key closure (yes, they still work!)
Flat bottom with protective feet
Spacious and casual—easy to toss over your shoulder and go
This one is from Phoebe Philo’s time at Chloe, which makes it even more special for fashion lovers who follow her trajectory from Chloe to Céline. The rich chocolate brown is the kind of color that goes with everything—black, navy, beige, even brights if you dare. Honestly, if you’ve been holding onto a Paddington, now’s the time to bring it back out.
Chloe Paddington
2. The Gucci Horsebit 1955 Bucket Bag: Quiet Luxury With a Twist
The second treasure? Found at the Vogue Vintage Fair, hosted by Gigi Hadid in SoHo. It was chaotic, to say the least—lines around the block. But tucked away on a bookshelf inside a beautiful shop was the Gucci Horsebit 1955 Drawstring Bucket Bag.
At first glance, I only saw the gold horsebit hardware—classic, clean, and unmistakably Gucci. But then I noticed something different: it extends upward, almost doubling in size and transforming into an elongated oval silhouette.
Details that sealed the deal:
Textured ivory leather with black trim (the definition of quiet luxury)
Blush suede interior in pristine condition
Shiny gold hardware, no scratches
Adjustable strap (though I might punch a couple of extra holes to suit my petite frame)
This one feels at home whether you’re running errands or sipping champagne at the Kentucky Derby. The mix of slouchy softness and polished structure makes it incredibly versatile. And best of all? No screaming logos—just elegant design that whispers style.
Gucci Horsebit 1955 Drawstring Bucket Bag
3. Atelier Madre: A Barcelona-Based Brand to Watch
Lastly, let’s talk about a hidden gem: Atelier Madre, a Spanish brand that recently reached out to me. Based in Barcelona, they handcraft leather bags next door to their boutique. The one I received is called the Saka Bag, made in vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather—like the trim you see on Louis Vuitton pieces.
Why I love it:
Handmade using traditional techniques and local materials
Lightweight and adjustable strap fits a petite frame perfectly
Bottega vibes with a more understated edge
Minimal packaging and a sustainable approach to leathercraft
The Vachetta leather will patina beautifully over time
It’s sleek and structured, but soft enough to wear day or night—plus, it doubles as a clutch when the strap is tucked in. Their team even offered exclusive color swatches not listed online, adding a personal, custom touch to the experience.
Saka bag from Atelier Madre
Final Thoughts
Vintage fairs continue to be one of my favorite ways to explore fashion’s past and discover new stories. Whether it’s the nostalgia of the Chloe Paddington, the refined elegance of a Gucci bucket bag, or the artisanal charm of a Spanish label—these pieces remind me why I love handbags so much.
And in a world of rising luxury prices and U.S. tariffs? Going vintage (or discovering boutique ateliers) isn’t just stylish—it’s smart.
Which of the three bags is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
📺 Watch the Full Video
Vintage Luxury Haul: Iconic Chloe, Gucci & a Hidden Spanish Gem (Bottega vibes?!)
You’ll see all the details, hear my thoughts, and get up-close visuals of each piece.
