When you’re planning your outfits, the bag you use to carry your precious belongings matters. An interesting handbag can elevate every outfit—and similarly, a boring bag can destroy a polished ensemble. You probably can’t get through life without a good bag (or two or three), so it’s important to choose one that goes well with the clothes in your wardrobe, fits your lifestyle, and reflects your personality. If you live for high-end fashion styles and love a bag that people can’t help but admire, then you might be interested in one of these daring handbags we’ve selected below.
Saint Laurent Quilted “Y” Loulou Leather Bag – CAD$2,525
Upon first glance, you probably won’t understand what makes this handbag fit into the bold category. Look closer, though, and you’ll see it. Diagonal strips of puy quilting meet in the middle and turn vertically, forming layer upon layer of Y’s that pay homage to the fashion house’s founder, Yves Saint-Laurent. It’s different but subtle enough to never clash with an outfit.
Valentino Small Locò Shoulder Bag With Rhinestones – CAD$7,060
Embrace your inner Barbie with this glittering pink handbag! Nearly every point of its hot pink surface is bejewelled with pink, magenta, and red rhinestones. Needless to say, the bag is dazzling, even more so with the golden chain shoulder strap. The pink will stay imprinted in your eyes long after you’ve looked away…if you even have the willpower to look away.
Bottega Veneta Mini Kalimero Bucket – CAD$9,230
Bottega Veneta is on the list again with another eye-catching bag. No stitching was involved in the making of this bag — it’s purely hand-woven from black, grey, and beige leather strips. True to its name, the bag is shaped more like a bucket than a traditional handbag. The interior is reinforced by a detachable canvas drawstring pouch, and the bucket bag is accompanied by a detachable crossbody strap.
Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Handbag – CAD$5,410
If you ever dreamed about a handbag that looks like a cloud made of the lushest grass, the Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette in the colour “Parakeet” is here. Thick straps of leather woven together give the bag its cloud-like shape. It’s fun, it’s fresh, it makes a statement. But if lime green is not your thing, this handbag comes in 11 other colours, including some neutral shades.
Amanda Jodie Handbag – CAD$375
The Amanda Jodie handbag looks more like a sculpture than a handbag, but don’t be fooled. This is definitely a handbag, and it’ll catch plenty of eyes. Golden vegan leather ropes twist together at the base of the top handle, resembling a coil of glossy wire. The best part? It won’t even cost you $500. Get one while they’re still available!
Dolce & Gabbana Small Devotion Top-Handle Bag – CAD$2,990
Gold hardware, including a chain shoulder strap, pairs daringly with glittering silver fabric. The flap comes to a close with a bulky golden heart, and the heart is framed with pearl inlays and metallic leaves, all tied together with a pearl-adorned gold bow. This handbag doesn’t hesitate to make a statement.
Maison Saha Dragon Scale Floral Bag – CAD$653
Here’s an option for the quirky fantasy lover! This handbag looks like something out of a different timeline, and may not be for the faint of heart. The brick-shaped handbag is layered with scales of leather as thick and textured as a dragon hide, which is then balanced out by a delicate sculpture of a daisy that serves as the clasp for the bag’s flap.
Givenchy Mini Antigona Stretch Bag – CAD$3,785
Feel relaxed every time you glance at this lavender-coloured handbag. As we all probably know, lavender is a calming colour and inspires a sense of inner peace — yet it’s bold enough to stand out and make a statement. This bag also owes some of its capacity to stand out to its rarely-seen trapeze shape.
Kate Spade Carson Garden Bouquet Convertible Crossbody – CAD$299
A fresh, uplifting floral print decorates the white surface of this bag. It’s like carrying a miniature garden on your shoulders, which is sure to catch some eyes and complement a few outfits, especially in spring and summer. The crossbody strap makes this bag as practical and comfortable as it is aesthetically pleasing.
Peafan Designer Handbag – CAD$117
Who says you need to spend a ton to get a cute, bejewelled bag? The rounded edges give the bag enough of a casual feel that it can come everywhere with you, but the rhinestone studs and crossbody chain spice it up. The bag has personality without being intimidating. Comes in black, red, pink, white, and two shades of grey.
Luke Miles | Contributing Writer