Bags are an everyday necessity for most women and plenty of men. They are, of course, also statements of fashion and/or practicality, depending on their unique features. Below is a selection of different styles — from micro-minis to spacious totes — and the trendiest versions of each currently in the world of luxury fashion.
Belt
Saint Laurent offers many iterations of the fanny pack/belt bag in the brand’s typical rock-and-roll style. The Lou comes with a narrow belt, a chic tassel, and vintage golden hardware on quilted oxblood leather. The iconic YSL logo adorns the front of the bag in a simple but powerful statement of luxury.
Bucket
The timeless bucket bag reached its peak shape in the hands of Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel. Their version in structured Italian vegetable-tanned leather is a carryall that will last a lifetime. Mansur Gavriel offers three sizes of their signature Bucket Bag in a rainbow of colours, plus optional monogramming for all their luxury leather goods.
Crossbody
Famous for using woven leather in the design of their shoes and bags, Bottega Veneta amps up the drama with an ultra-wide, padded leather weave in the classic Cassette silhouette. The lambskin bag has an almost quilted effect, reminiscent of Chanel’s signature look yet being distinctively Bottega Veneta. In off-white, the Padded Cassette looks as soft and dreamy as a cloud.
Clutch
As LVMH’s oldest luxury fashion house, Spanish clothing and accessories brand Loewe has steadily churned out the hottest it-bags of the past few years: the Puzzle, the Gate, and the Hammock, to name a few. Jonathan Anderson’s latest, the Mini Flamenco, is crafted from buttery smooth nappa calfskin and sports a generously ruffled drawstring top. Offered in multiple colourways, the clutch version of the 1970s bag is a perfectly roomy and minimalist option for everyday styling.
Micro
Impractical but utterly adorable, the hot pink Le Chiquito by Jacquemus is a real statement piece. It can be worn like a crossbody pouch, a bold pendant necklace, or even a chic bracelet. The tiny structured bag can hold the barest of necessities: cash, cards, and lipstick. Expect a lot of compliments and turning of heads when sporting this little standout piece.
Saddle
Dior’s funky, retro saddle bag got a revival in 2018 by Maria Grazia Chiuri — having first debuted in 2000 with John Galliano at the French house’s helm — and has been making its quirky presence felt ever since. In the most popular version, the classic Dior logo covers the entire saddle-shaped bag in rich jacquard embroidery (logo-free leather versions are also available) and is finished off with golden hardware in the brand’s initials: CD.
Tote
The roomiest bag available (short of IKEA’s shopping bag), The Row’s Park Tote is simplicity at its finest. Crafted in grainy, black calfskin leather and sporting a detachable wristlet, the clean lines of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s version make up the platonic ideal of the tote form.
Rose Ho | Staff Writer
