Maison Margiela New Lock bag

The New Lock is the new proposal by Maison Margiela created as part of the Spring-Summer 2022 Avant-Première Collection. Designed by Creative Director John Galliano, the double-sided bag is characterised by its indicator turn lock founded in everyday associations familiar to us all. Employed as adornment, the lock activates the study of inverted snobbery: the act of transposing the placement of fine and humble notions and materials, giving new value to the latter. The idea embodies the genetics of the dual-compartment bag, whose contrasting sides create a dialogue between materials broadly regarded as refined versus modest.

The New Lock materialises in two sizes. A clutch with a shoulder strap morphs into a cross-body or belt bag. A handbag with a shoulder strap and a short brass chain handle can be carried either way. Drawing on the notion of inverted snobbery, the indicator turn lock is created in a clash of metal colours and treatments including enamel, silver and brass. It comes in two combinations: one with a blank space when unlocked and the word ‘Engaged’ when locked; and one with the Maison’s numeric coding when unlocked and the words ‘In use’ when locked.

The two sizes take shape in a number of colours, materials, and lock combinations. A series of styles feature a goat leather front carrying the indicator lock available in orange, blue, greige or black, with a juxtaposing reverse side covered in the treated white cotton of the blouse blanche coats traditionally worn by members of staff at Maison Margiela. A trompe l’oeil style expands on the code-switch of inverted snobbery. Here, one side is created in printed leather posing as herringbone and adorned with a tan leather flap, while its reverse side is created in printed eco fur posing as crumbled paper.

Maison Margiela New Lock bag will be available this spring in select Maison Margiela stores and on maisonmargiela.com from €1.390 - £1.390 - $1.740 - ¥219.000 - RMB 14.800 - HKD 14.790 - ₩2.530.000.