Cato van Ee is a model for Paparazzi models, her home varying between New York and Amsterdam while flying around the world from job to job to job. During my visit in New York we met up for tea and chatter and we took a minute to dive into her bag.

Which bag do you carry the most?

“I always travel with hand luggage as I have a wardrobe in New York and one in Amsterdam. The only other thing I take with me is my little Rebecca Minkoff bag. The perfect size as it holds everything I need. I never carry large bags during the day, I prefer to minimize my daily essentials.”

How many bags do you have?

“Hmmm about 15. Some were gifts but I bought plenty of them myself. I have a little Rika bag in my collection and a pretty Alexander Wang and a very nice &Other Stories piece. Oh and one by Smaak.

Do you wear them all?

“No. I’m not the type to wear down a new piece. Except a few that fit every occasion.”

First designer bag?

“Oh yes that was really exciting. When I was 18 my modeling agency took me shopping and I came eye to eye with a Chloé bag I just had to have. I still use it every day as I take it with me on my travels. It’s rather large so perfect for on the plane. And it still looks beautiful; the black leather ripens with age. It shows I’ve made a wise investment.”

Organized?

“Yes very. Everything has a fixed spot. Passport, wallet, keys, mobile, everything is kept in the same place. I need it to be like this because I travel so much. I’d go nuts otherwise. I’m really very organized.”

Do you keep them on an altar or somewhere in the corner?

“Well I don’t keep them in a dust bag or anything, I put them somewhere. Someone once told me never to put your bag on the ground or you’ll lose money, some kind of wisdom I guess. But I haven’t put one on the ground since; it’s become a bit of a tick.

What do you always have in your bag?

I always have some Hurraw lip balm on me and chewing gum. Oh and earplugs!”

And what’s on your wish list?

“Yes I’d love a real Céline bag. The one with those flaps, the Trapeze bag. Of course there are more bags, really beautiful ones but it’s not like I want a Birkin or anything. I don’t believe owning a certain bag will make you happier.”

Does a bag open doors?

“At castings yes, for sure. I remember when I started at the modeling agency they told me the following: “look a million, make ten million.” There’s truth in that, as a model you’re your own business card. When you look perfect they assume they don’t need to add anything and just think: ‘ah yes, looking good’. The Chloé bag works a charm at castings. And I’ve earned it back by working.”