My life in a bag

WITH DAANTJE WELLING

Heya Tuesday. Time for a new bag. Meet Daantje Welling, marketing and communication assistant for the brand ILJA who will once again be taking part in Paris Fashion Week next week.

How many bags do you have?

‘This is my very first designer bag. Other than this one, I think I have about 10 other bags: from H&M to Michael Kors. I’m more of shoe girl to be honest, but I’m sure that’ll change in the long run.’

What’s the story behind this bag?

‘I had spent months staring at this red Mulberry bag at a big department store in Amsterdam. I wanted it so bad! When I finally decided to buy it, it was sold out in pretty much all of Europe… So pretty soon it was ‘out of sight, out of mind,’ until it was gifted to me a few weeks after I obtained my masters degree in Fashion Retail in London. And the love for this Mulberry came rushing back.’

How well do you take care of your bag?

‘As well as I can. I never take it out when I go out for drinks, or when it’s raining out and once I get home, I store it in a special place rather than hanging it on a rack. Although sometimes it does find its way on the floor…’

What about its content?

‘The size of this bag is perfect: not too big, not too small. Everything has a specific place, or else it won’t fit.’

What do you always carry around?

‘My wallet, keys, liquid lipstick, phone and cigarettes (for now), but that should change soon.’

What are the best qualities of a bag?

‘It needs to have the perfect combination of quality, practicality and of course it has to look good too. An instant upgrade to any outfit.’

What can we still find on your wish list?

‘I guess the standard bags everyone loves: the Chanel Classic Flap Bag is still a dream. Plus the Chanel Boy Bag and the Luggage Handbag from Céline.’