I definitely do NOT think Paraty is past its prime. Whenever I wear mine (I own a few and I love each one of them) I get compliments - from women AND men. In fact today, I had set my Paraty down in the handbag department at
Nordstrom while I was trying another Chloe handbag in front of the mirror. Within a minute a man picked up my Paraty and showed his girlfriend/wife and said "honey, this is a great bag - I like it. You should get this one." I had to tell him that it was my bag - and he apologized and said "that is a very, very nice bag." His wife/girlfriend told me the same. That's actually happened to me before with another couple in another handbag department. In real life, Paraty is an eye-catcher - it's even better in person than in photos. I think it attracts attention because of its interesting shape and because of its functionality. It has a very natural, organic look. My husband is a big fan, and he normally really doesn't notice handbags much, but he definitely likes the Paraty. I think it's destined to be a non-prissy classic bag.
However, I agree with the ladies above. You should buy what makes YOU smile, what you like to look at, and carry everyday. I appreciate the fact that you don't see many Paratys on the street. The other day I was in the South Coast Plaza and I counted the women that were carrying LV logo bags. I counted seventeen within a half an hour. Those bags are definitely popular, but do you really just want to be part of the herd?. You have to buy what you love and makes you happy - it doesn't matter what other people think. Just my opinion.