As romantic expressions go, even old standbys like candy, flowers, and an evening out have become hackneyed, requiring little thought or effort. To be fair, no gift or romantic gesture can adequately express the depth of feeling for your beloved, and many women even tell their significant other not to make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day. But they are secretly hoping their better half knows them better than to take this amnesty at face value.
So why all the fuss? Isn’t Valentine’s Day just a meaningless fabrication of greeting card companies? Not exactly. It’s easy to see the glass half cynical when shops stockpile conversation hearts and chocolate roses the day after Christmas. But the same can be said for most mainstream holidays.
As the name suggests, St. Valentine’s Day was originally a feast day to venerate Valentinus, an early Christian martyr. According to hagiography, Valentinus is the patron saint of lovers because he was executed for performing clandestine marriages. The cult of St. Valentine came to prominence sometime during the Middle Ages when conventions of Courtly Love involved an exchange of tokens or favors between lovers. Today we recognize these tokens as “Valentines,” the universal symbolic declaration of love.
So if you’re a hopeless romantic, and keen to kick things up a notch this Valentine’s Day, look no further than our Luxury Accessories Valentine Signature Auction on February 9th. While Lorelei Lee may opine diamonds are a girl’s best friend, handbags are hands down the power accessory for the stylish modern woman. And we’ve got some fabulous ones. Pretty much any handbag in the sale would make it on my wish list, so I’ll just highlight a few favorites.
A delight of evening ware, this Shiny Amethyst Kelly Clutch earns the name of amethyst, as the crocodile clutch sparkles like its namesake gemstone. As amethyst is also the birthstone of February, this handbag would also double as the ideal birthday gift for the Hermès-loving Aquarius or Pisces in your life.
An alternative to the usual box of chocolates, feast your eyes on this stunning example from the Hermès Candy Collection. Birkins will always make a statement on a lady’s arm, but this pink confection is, well, eye candy.
Not from the Candy Collection, but equally tempting, the Shiny Violet Crocodile Birkin boasts a gorgeous jewel tone that brings to mind the wardrobe of Mad Men’s impeccably dressed Girl Friday, Joan Holloway.
And finally, my top picks are the exquisite Judith Leiber evening bags that offer a chic and romantic alternative to the traditional Valentine’s Day Hearts and Flowers. Handbags in the shape of actual hearts and flowers! And they say romance is dead.