Is the $5000 Valentino Cat Bag the latest version of the Pigeon Bag?

      As a child, my abuela affectionately called me Paloma, which translates to pigeon in Spanish. Pigeons are her favorite creatures, and during her early days in New York City, she would often feed those small birds while feeling lonely. Until she shared that with me, I thought perhaps she disliked me. I would fret and wonder why I reminded her of the "rats of the sky." Therefore, when Jonathan Anderson introduced the stylish JW Anderson pigeon clutch in 2022, I felt a sense of pride. My abuela and I always believed there was something unique about the often-misjudged bird, and it appeared that high fashion was beginning to recognize it too. Carrie Bradshaw later showcased the pigeon bag in And Just Like That, solidifying its status as a Fashion—capital F—item. Before long, it was sold out and was spotted in the hands of influencers and fashion editors seated at the front row of fashion week. It marked a refreshing change for an It bag that didn’t carry the weight of wealth and status but instead offered something rarer in the fashion world: a sense of humor.

      I anticipated that something would follow the pigeon bag eventually, and that time is now, three years later. However, what comes next isn’t another underrated bird but rather a slightly eerie, wide-eyed, and potentially haunted little cat. The cat clutch cradled at the Valentino S/S 25 show looks akin to a vintage cartoon cat brought to life. With haunting blue eyes framed by thick eyeliner and glamorous curled lashes, this cat can blush. It sports tiny blue ears and feet, with its front paws positioned in a way that suggests mischief, likely of the not-so-innocent variety. It can be held in your palm or worn with a small gold strap that hangs it at hip height, as if it's settled in for a catnap.

      Already, Valentino’s Chat de Maison Clutch Bag has charmed several celebrities on the red carpet, making appearances on multiple occasions. The earliest I recall is Colman Domingo carrying it at the Academy Museum Gala last October. He remarked to red carpet interviewers that his suit would have been just an ordinary suit without the cat bag, which added a welcome playfulness. Domingo pointed out that he enjoyed having something that sparked curiosity among people. He’s right; when you’re simply a man in a suit, there’s little to ponder. But when you're a man in a suit clutching a delightful cat bag, it opens up a whole new conversation.

      Charlotte Lawrence later carried the bag to this year’s Oscars, paired with a dazzling tiered pink Valentino gown. Clairo also sported it at The Met Gala, sharing photos on Instagram that featured the cat sitting at her table, its paws playfully clapping together alongside her plate in a scheming way. The cat bag always seems to project a sense of mischief, as if it strolled the red carpet without an invitation.

      Currently, Labubus, a viral fluffy keychain sporting a naughty grin, has become a hot topic, seen attached to numerous luxury bags. This trend reflects a broader movement where designer items are embellished with cute charms to express personal style and to make the high-end feel a bit more approachable.

      Ultimately, adorning your Louis Vuitton Speedy or Miu Miu Wander bag with charms can come off as an attempt to make something expensive appear less intimidating, which can be somewhat obvious or even overly eager. I genuinely enjoy cute key charms—I own several myself! However, opting for a pigeon or a cat as a bag feels like a bold choice. It defies easy interpretation and is certainly a bit quirky. Admittedly, the Valentino cat bag carries a price tag of $5000, which still is less than what caring for an actual cat would cost over time.

      But you’re not merely paying for a whimsical bag with an enchanting sparkle in its eyes. You’re investing in the numerous conversations it will spark and the countless double takes it will provoke. You’re also purchasing the unique energy it brings to any event. Few singular items can convey so much about one’s style, yet this cat bag accomplishes just that. Perhaps that’s what makes it just as impactful, if not more so, than the pigeon bag. Wearing it removes the need for anyone to guess your personality; it expresses everything for you. In fact, it purrs.