Coco Chanel famously said “Imitation is the highest form of flattery” but I say “Imitation is the highest form of annoyance”! Okay, so Proenza Schouler did not invent the messenger bag but I think it’s fair to say that its PS1 tote spawned an entire generation of look alike bags when it launched to much hype a few years ago.
The latest, the Chloe Billie bag, definitely has a similar feel to the PS1, especially with the mix of linen and leather. Sure there are differences, the Billie is more structured, does not have a top handle, and the flap is more traditional but you can not deny that these bags have a strong resemblance. I don’t know about you but I prefer the PS1– the black suede strap detailing gives a richness to the linen bag and it looks well thought out and designed. The Billie bag in comparison looks like a boring school bag with clumsy buckles and uninteresting details. Which is why I am shocked that it’s more expensive than the PS1! Which one do you prefer?
Proenza Schouler PS1 medium linen satchel $1,485
Chloe Billie leather and linen shoulder bag $1,560
I have to disagree with you on this one… I don’t see much of a resemblance at all. The colors aren’t the same, the shapes are different, the structure & cut couldn’t be more opposite, the texture. The only similarity I see is that it’s a messenger… Sorry :/
There will only ever be one style of this messenger bag and it will always be the PS1. xo, Angie
Saw this on netaporter while perusing the site this weekend and I totally thought the same thing! There are similarities for sure.
PS1 forever by the way.
I agree with the first comment– I see where it’s similar, but I think they did enough with the shape to distinguish. The PS1 is such a popular style– to not derive or use it as an inspiration piece would verge on ignorance of what’s a la mode…
I believe the point of this is to show how the PS1 has resurrected an entire new generation of messenger bags. Which I absolutely agree with.
I am still saving up for one!
The Billie looks much more substantial structurally, with the PS being mostly fabric, I can’t imagine it holding up very well.
I’m sorry but I don’t like either of these bags.
Of the two, it’s the PS1 for me, even in this version. Much less boxy and rigid than the Billie, although I think that linen-mix bags are impractical and unattractive in any case. I do not want to carry a bag that looks like a craft project.
I’m not convinced by these satchel bags anyway. Those finickety long straps seem fiddly and annoying to me, and I have seen a number of women in London walking around with their Alexas unbuckled. Really, they might as well be holding up a sign to all of the pickpockets on the tube platform, “I don’t want my stuff; come and get it”.
Mulberry is now insanely popular in London, although the why escapes me. It’s the Coach of the UK. The prices have gone up by a good 20% in the last three or four years, without any discernable improvement in design or quality. (That does still make an Alexa £500 cheaper than a PS1 medium in the UK, though). The designs are dull, the badges are huge and most of the colours are vile – example: Mulberry.com is currently doing a watermelon pink Alexa – blergh.
I don’t think it’s a copy. As the messenger style is very popular at the moment different designers are going to do their own version to make sales. The Chloe Billie looks very old school like a vintage school bag from the 50’s. I think I prefer the Billie for a vintage inspired look.
I like the Billie linen and leather mix and I like the PS1 in other colours but don’t want a messenger style bag at all.
No contest- PS1!
Messenger bags are NOT new. I don’t really like the PS1.
I like the Chloe Bag better. The colors are beautiful and very striking. Shrinking violets need not apply. And, the hardware, for me, is far superior. Besides, I find the Chloe to be a cleaner and more streamlined look.
PS1 looks okay in comparison to this Chloe bag. I would rather carry the Chloe than the PS1
As a former knock off artist ( albeit with footwear) I know a copy when I see it and the Chloe is a copy when it comes to the essentials of the design. Key is the black contrast trim. I’ll take the PS1 although I much prefer it in sturdier fabrications. I love the old school Chloe bags where Phoebe Philo changed the course of fashion.