Yes you can build your dream bag wardrobe in a one-bedroom condo

While Regina Chow already has a substantial bag wardrobe in her main home, where she resides on weekends, she was adamant about dedicating a small section of her second home to some of her bags as well. 

She currently lives in her newly purchased one- bedroom apartment from Sundays to Thursdays (as it’s nearer to her daughter’s school). “As a bag lover, it was only natural for me to think about how to design a space to display my handbags in a practical yet aesthetic manner that fits in with the rest of my newly acquired studio home,” says Regina, who is also a self-confessed interior decor and home organisation enthusiast. 

Regina first started collecting luxury bags 20 years ago, when she started her first job in business development for a government agency. For Regina, buying bags is an investment, and she has a bucket list of bags she still wants to acquire. It includes an Hermes Mini Kelly in Craie or Bleu Brume, and an Hermes Constance 18 in Rose Sakura. She says: “I value ROI, both in terms of cost per use and resale value. I am safekeeping my bags to be passed down to my daughter – but only if she is filial [laughs].” 

Today, Regina has amassed quite a collection. “I have lost track [of the number of bags], but I definitely have more than what my husband thinks I need,” she says. One of her most memorable purchases was a Hermes Birkin 25 (B25) Noir Palladium Hardware (PHW) bag. A B25 in this particular size is highly coveted and hard to come by, which was why she was taken by complete surprise when she managed to purchase the bag. Regina shares: “This happened close to my birthday too. It’s the best birthday present ever!”

Why did you decide to display your bags? Keeping bags in dust bags and boxes would cause  humidity to build up, resulting in mould. I have  personally experienced this as well after storing  my older bags away in dust bags and boxes. Airing  them prevents mould from building up. I am  currently looking to invest in a dehumidifier for  mould prevention.  

Why did you choose this design? I chose a DIY cube shelf from Ikea as I feel loose  furniture better caters to my evolving needs. I can  easily shift it around or change the orientation with  minimal disruption. 

Where do you look for inspiration? Pinterest and interior decor accounts on Instagram  such as @lonefoxhome, @archdigest and @styledbypt  (I actually took an online interior course with her  before) just to name a few. I’m always on the lookout  for new bag/home organisation ideas – it’s one of  my hobbies.  

How did you eventually decide on the design? Beyond just a bag storage solution, I wanted a  space that honours bags as works of art and also  inspires creativity. I got the Kallax shelf from Ikea  as the depth and size of each cube box shelf hole  makes it ideal for displaying more bags as my  collection expands.  

Do you have a favourite bag brand? I generally focus on heritage brands such as Hermes,  Chanel and Louis Vuitton, as they are more likely to  appreciate in value over time. I prefer classic designs  in neutral colours. However, I sometimes fall prey  to fun novelty bags too. Recently, I bought a bag  resembling a fruit punch from Kate Spade, because  life is too short not to have fun! 

What is the most prized handbag in  your collection? My Hermes Birkin 25 in Noir Palladium Hardware.  The black with PHW has suddenly grown in  popularity in recent years, hence it is highly coveted  and hard to come by.  

What happens when there is no more space in your wardrobe? I usually display bags that I use most often. I also  resell bags that I no longer use.