Monograms have long been a symbol of luxury. Whether delicately stitched into dressing gowns and silk pillowcases or embossed onto luxury handbags and clothing trunks, there’s something inherently opulent about having gilded initials emblazoned on your favourite garments and accessories.
During our school days, parents and guardians would lovingly iron and stitch on bulk-bought labels with our full names and, for the more pedantic carers, complete addresses. Labelling in this manner had a solely practical purpose which prevented other children from going home with rather expensive school uniforms that were purchased roughly three sizes too large so that they could go the distance.
While many of us have grown out of the habit or need to label our clothes in such a fastidious manner, rolling back lengthy names into chic initials and plastering them on all our favourite items makes for quietly luxurious accessorising when done correctly.
So coveted have monogrammed accessories become that the late, legendary editor André Leon Talley’s set of three personalised Louis Vuitton trunks were sold via auction at Christie’s for $94,500.
This prompted the auction house to host another exhibition featuring legendary trunks from a private European collection, which is running from June 19 to July 3, 2024. One monogram Courier 110 trunk by Virgil Abloh is estimated to go for between €50,000 – €70,000.
Another monogram canvas wardrobe trunk with the monogram ‘John Moffat’ is on offer for between €24,000 – €35,000, prompting a re-interest in the classic luxury trend. It seems that individuals aren’t just in the market for personalised monograms, but vintage treasures bequeathed with the initials of world-famous icons.
Nevertheless, the vast majority of us are not exactly in the market for the kind of monogrammed accessories on offer at Christie’s. A simple, sleek and effective means to add a touch of luxury to your accessories collection is by purchasing personalised wash bags instead.
We’ve curated a selection of the best customisable wash bags on the market for all your quiet luxury needs.
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Lily & Bean Transparent Ultimate Travel Set
Though no three-piece LV trunk set, this gorgeous set of three versatile travel wash bags makes for cohesive and stylish packing. Available in a variety of colours, we’re partial to the sunny orange hue which works for all genders. Enjoy a maximum of three embossed, golden initials on each pouch. Transparent pouches are also better suited to frequent flyers.
Buy now £135.00, Lily and Bean
Bespoke Walton Wash Bag
Known for producing gloriously customisable and oh-so-chic toiletry bags alongside its iconic handbag range, Anya Hindmarch’s Walton wash bag has a distinct coastal feel. Perfect for trips to the seaside, the canvas, two-section bag features a petrol blue leather trim and red leather initials. Inside, you’ll find a pouch labelled ‘tools’ and a discrete zip pocket labelled ‘unmentionables’.
Buy now £395.00, Anya Hindmarch
Monogram Quilted Cosmetic Bag
Beautifully simple, this embroidered quilted cosmetic bag would make a brilliant gift for brides and grooms-to-be. Though each toiletry bag is machine washable, take extra care to tighten the lids to foundation and self-tanner before use.
Buy now £16.49, Etsy
Striped Wash Bag
Crafted from premium cotton with an attractive striped detail, we can picture this striped wash bag holding court in the locker of a luxury tennis club. Spacious and finished with hammered leather, inside pocket and zip closure, it’s a gym bag essential.
Buy now £73.00, The Go-To
Train Case
Designed to hold travel-sized and small bottles flat or upright, the Train Case by Leatherology is a brilliant, easy-to-organise wash bag with two interior zipped pockets and four interior open pockets.
The Train Case is also equipped with a water-resistant lining and is available in three different sizes and 12 colours. What’s more, you can choose between three different kinds of personalisation. Debossing produces a classic gilded finish, hand-painting is incredibly stylish and trapunto lettering is stitched into place.
Buy now £117.40, Leatherology
Pastel Striped Monogrammed Makeup Bag
Available in four preppy colourways, these monogrammed cosmetics bags can be customised with matching or mismatching thread – depending on how big of a statement you’d like to make. A wonderful gift for all ages and occasions, the candy-striped exterior is sure to delight any recipient.
Buy now £16.49, Etsy
Personalised Canvas Wash Bag
A value-for-money option that makes a fantastic, intimate party favour, we love the simple navy stripe, canvas base and golden stitching.
Buy now £9.99, Etsy
Cream Rosebuds
Offered in a myriad of shapes and sizes, from the pictured ‘pencil case’ option to a full-sized laptop case, we simply adore the pretty posies which decorate this glorious, quilted wash bag from Iris Va Emma. Handmade upon request in Sweden, each and every item from Iris is certainly worth the wait.
Buy now £27.00, Iris av Emma
Lisa Angel Personalised Embroidered Initials Washbag
We tend to hold onto our washbags until they are falling apart. Therefore, one that will resist the wear and tear of travel is essential. This vegan leather washbag can be personalised with minimalistic initials in a gold or grey embroidery that pops against the classic tan backdrop.
Buy now £34.00, Not on The High Street
Elizabeth Scarlett Turtle Conservation Cosmetics Bag
Not only can Elizabeth Scarlett’s charming designs be personalised, but they also contribute to the well-being of turtle hatchlings across seas. This gorgeous turtle-print number is spacious enough for the bulkiest of skincare and is washable when spillages and leaks occur.
Buy now £38.00, Elizabeth Scarlett
