WORDS BY STEPHEN YU
IMAGES BY JOSEPH MARSHALL and BROTHERTON - LOCK
Rewind to 2011, the Chloé Susanna ankle boot reigns supreme, Prince William is marrying Kate Middleton, and celebrities like Kate Moss and Miranda Kerr are never seen without the ‘IT’ bag of that era –– the Givenchy Antigona.
The now-iconic Antigona bag was designed by fashion’s first high-priest of streetwear Ricardo Tisci during his tenure at the French fashion house founded by Hubert de Givenchy. Inspired by Greek mythology, the Antigona (which means ‘unbending’ in Greek) was adored for its strong architectural shape and luxury leather construction.
To celebrate a decade since the Antigona’s release, for AW20 Givenchy’s former artistic director British-born Clare Waight Keller brought back the original in a more relaxed shape known as the Antigona Soft. Crafted from supple leather with a narrower base, the Antigona Soft is a far cry from the structured trapezoid shape of its predecessor –– this is a Givenchy handbag for the modern-era with a slouchy aesthetic closer to that of Bottega Venetta, and decorative side straps with turn-lock fastenings that can alter its shape from collapsed to rigid. While Tisci’s Givenchy was defined by its use of monogram print and in-your-face graphics, the Antigona Soft sees a return to the timeless sophistication of founder Hubert’s original Givenchy with its subdued colour palettes and distinct lack of flourish.
As Givenchy looks to a new chapter, one of modernity and inclusivity with new creative director Matthew Williams – of 1017 ALYX 9SM, and Kanye West and Lady Gaga creative direction fame –– at the helm, we can’t help but wonder what the future icon bags of this illustrious fashion house will look like. At his SS21 debut, Williams teased a Givenchy Antigona bag with elongated handles, but for now we’re more than happy with the Givenchy Angitona Soft bag which has all the markings of a classic, and so should you be. Here’s our guide to the different Givenchy Antigona Bag Soft sizes with Fashion Creative, Renia Jaz @venswifestyle.
The Givenchy Antigona Soft Bag Size Guide
The Givenchy Antigona Soft Small Bag
Coming in an array of soft pastel colourways and timeless neutrals in smooth calfskin, the small Givenchy Antigona Soft is the ultimate everyday bag. Big enough to fit even the largest 12.9” iPad Pro alongside a small notebook and a bottle of water, there’s space for everything you need on lengthy commutes or long days out.
Using the handles, the bag can be worn stylishly in the crook of the arm, but this is the only one of the Givenchy Antigona Soft sizes to come with an adjustable strap, allowing the bag to be worn both off the shoulder or across the body, so we suggest you make use of it.
TIP: Unfasten side straps and stuff with paper when storing to prevent creasing and wear.
Measurements:
Maximum Strap Length: 36cm / 14.2”
Handle drop: 10cm / 3.9”
Height: 25cm / 9.8”
Width: 30cm / 11.8”
Depth: 6cm / 2.8”
Shop the Givenchy Antigona Soft small bag edit:
Blue Antigona Soft Tote | Grey Antigona Soft Tote | Blue Antigona Soft Tote | Black Antigona Soft Tote
The Givenchy Antigona Soft Medium Bag
Don’t be fooled by the slouchy shape of the Givenchy Antigona Soft medium size, this bag is deceptively spacious inside. With the side straps unbuckled for added volume, this is the most versatile of the Antigona Soft bag sizes –– not only can you squeeze in a 13” laptop with a backup tablet just in case, but there’s room for an A4 notebook, a small pouch filled with essential beauty products and even a spare pair of heels –– but even better, unlike the original Antigona which felt cumbersome and boxy when less full, due to the Soft’s narrower width and slouchy shape, the Givenchy Antigona Soft medium size wears easier when just carrying your keys, smartphone and purse too.
Think of this is your dream work bag –– it’s easier to access than the original Antigona with its two-way zip and larger opening, and with a dedicated business card holder, making looking for possessions during meetings a thing of the past. The smooth leather versions come in classy jewel tones, but if you’re looking to make more of a statement opt for either the faux-crocodile skin, pleated leather or studded versions.
TIP: When wearing the shoulder strap the handles can dig into your armpit –– simply undo the side straps to relax the bag to prevent this.
Measurements:
Strap Length: 69cm / 26.9”
Handle drop: 10cm / 3.9”
Height: 34cm / 13.3”
Width: 47cm / 18.3”
Depth: 7cm / 2.9”
Shop the Givenchy Antigona Soft medium bag edit:
Teal Antigona Soft Tote | Yellow Antigona Soft Tote | Givenchy x Browns Exclusive Soft Tote | Purple Antigona Soft Tote
The Givenchy Antigona Soft Large Bag
The Givenchy Antigona Soft large is up there with the best designer weekend bags, making it a serious alternative to the Balenciaga shopper, Louis Vuitton duffle or big Hermès Birkin bag. We reckon you could squeeze in the biggest of laptops, a change of clothes and footwear, and all your gadgets like headphones, straighteners and hair dryers quite easily.
What makes this bag excel as a travel bag? The soft padded handles make it comfortable to hold in the hand whilst the removable strap helps take the weight out of your hands and onto your shoulders when the bag is stuffed to the brim. In the large size, it’s clear why this model is also known as the Antigona Soft tote –– with the side straps unclipped it has this aesthetically-pleasing square shape that’ll only get better with age as the leather becomes more supple and begins to sag as depicted in the Givenchy campaign imagery.
While the Italian calfskin renditions are the most timelessly luxurious, it’s those crafted from striped embroidered canvas and houndstooth wool that feel most contemporary (and you don’t have to worry about scuffing them).
Measurements:
Strap Length: 55cm / 21.5”
Handle Drop: 10cm / 3.9”
Height: 41cm / 16”
Width: 55cm / 21.5”
Depth: 9cm / 3.5”
Shop the Givenchy Antigona Soft large bag edit: