Give me a bag and I'll tell you who you are. This applies to brand, type, and certainly to content. Just look. Today we are speaking with Janet Richter, communication director at Renault.

How many bags do you have?

“Not much, I hate having to transfer the entire contents of my bag all the time. I’m currently carrying a cream-colored Mitzy hobo from Mulberry, which is now 3 years old. I also have a black shoulder bag from the French brand Groom for winter, a small blue crossbody from Longchamps for the city, on the bike, and when I go golfing. Additionally, I have a chic Gucci tote that is 10 years old, which I use for appropriate occasions. I have a cotton easy shopper from Becksondergaard for groceries. Finally, I cherish the Fendi handbag that once belonged to my grandmother. I will never part with it.”

How did you get this beauty?

I once saw this Mulberry in a store in Laren. The moment I wanted to buy the bag, it was sold out. No longer available anywhere in the Netherlands. I even called Mulberry in London and Paris. Eventually, I stumbled upon it six months later by chance in the Printemps department store in Paris. Within 5 minutes it was done.

 What does a bag do for a woman?

With a nice bag, you actually don’t need much more with other accessories. The same goes for a nice watch.

Honestly, are you a bit careful with it or do you throw it in a corner or do they all sit on a shelf with dust bags?

I’m not very neat with it. It’s a utility item for me. Nevertheless, I do keep my bags for a long time.

What about the contents? Are you a chaotic person or neatly organized?

I’m a chaotic person, everything goes in, small errands, my work folders, water, and even clothes.

What do you always have with you?

My phone with an Eiffel Tower case, wallet, my passport, and my makeup bag with macarons that I bought in my favorite restaurant in the Dordogne. When I look at it, I’m back there. Of course, I always have my car key in my bag. I can leave that car key in my bag, my car opens automatically when I get close. Ideal, never rummaging anymore, was I always lost my keys before.

Do you notice that more doors open with a designer bag?

I work in a car world with many men. There, beautiful cars open doors, bags play no role. Nevertheless, a French female colleague recently asked me via email which brand bag I had. She had seen me walking. Shortly after, I also received a compliment in Paris about my simple shopper from Becksondergaard. I thought that was nice as a Dutch person.

If a woman could only have one bag, which would it be?

The Fendi from my grandmother. It remains beautiful, of course also because of the memory.

Is anyone already eyeing this gem to borrow?

No, because I don’t lend the bag.

Do you prefer trendy or classic? And should a bag also be practical?

I love a mix between chic and sporty. A tough, sporty, timeless bag that is chic without bling bling. Practical is handy, but if I find a bag beautiful, I still go for the appearance.

And lastly, is there another one on your wishlist? Which one?

I’m ready for a new bag. Last year I almost caved for a Givenchy shopper, but I didn’t. Yes, I have a thing for French designers, I would love to have a Chloé Marcie. Or maybe a Givenchy Nightingale? Soon we have the Paris auto show, hopefully, I have time to browse a bit.