7 November 2023 |
From Alexander McQueen to Prada, these are the accessories of the season.
Deciding on a new bag can be sensory overload – so many options, so little time to wade through them all. Do you go small? Perhaps it’s time to embrace the return of the big tote? Is a classic color better or should you go for a new hue? Whatever you’re looking for, here’s a breakdown of the styles to know for the season. Whether it’s designs from Balenciaga and Prada that bring to mind early aughts nostalgia to sedate, restrained creations from Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton to more playful carryalls by Alexander McQueen and Miu Miu, here’s every big handbag launch to know right now.
Prada Re-Edition 2005 Bag
With the wave of nostalgia for early aughts designs, it makes sense that Prada is reissuing a popular style from that era. Dubbed the Re-Edition 2005 and made in the brand’s signature ReNylon, a fabric made from recycled plastics, the tiny shoulder bag is meant to be worn tucked under the arm. But unlike the Y2K pochettes, the newest version features detachable pockets to give it a modern utilitarian flair.
Bottega Veneta Gemelli
The other week Bottega Veneta announced Shu Qi as their latest global ambassador, with the Chinese actress posing for photos with the brand’s latest design: the Gemelli bag. Made from intrecciato leather, the hobo style features a detachable tubular strap as well as double compartments – a nod to its name. Find it in two sizes and in classic shades like black, dark brown, and white.
Alexander McQueen Peak Bag
For a unique take on the shoulder bag, the Peak by Alexander McQueen is equal parts tough and elegant. Featuring a knuckle-inspired perforated closure and hefty chain strap, it comes in three sizes. The smallest, micro, has just enough room for a credit card while if you go up to a mini you’ll be able to slip in a phone. Should you require more space, there are also small and regular sized options available. Available in classic colors like black, ivory, and red there are also seasonal shades like camel and lapis blue on the site now.
Louis Vuitton GO-14
Named after Nicolas Ghesquière’s first designs for Louis Vuitton, the GO-14 bag refers to Ghesqiuère October 2014, when it first appeared on the runway. For 2023 the brand decided to reimagine it with a malletage detail in the form of padded leather. The crisscross pattern refers to what one might see in the insides of trunks and is in line with luxury house’s beginnings as a go-to for travel accessories.
Balenciaga Le Cagole Sling Bag
Fans of Balenciaga’s Le Cagole will be happy to note that the brand came out with a new version called Le Cagole Sling bag. Smaller, simpler, the pochette is meant to be tucked under the arm. Featuring both studs and small buckles, the details will satisfy both the minimalist and maximalist. You’ll find it in classic shades like black and white plus more playful tones like mint and pink, all featuring aged silver hardware.
Saint Laurent Le Bea
Despite the continuing popularity of small bags, there comes a time when you do need a larger style. That’s where Saint Laurent’s Le Bea comes in. The expansive tote, made from grained leather and lined in suede, is finished with the brand’s signature YSL clasp. With inner ties, so you can collapse or expand the sides, it’ll fit everything you’d need during the day.
Miu Miu Wander
While technically this style first made its appearance back in spring 2022, the Miu Miu Wander is back for the holidays in two metallic colorways: gold and silver. Named because the word implies the desire to roam, explore and indulge curiosity, the bag is equal parts playful and elegant. Like the original, it’s pillowy soft as it’s made with the brand’s Matelassé leather. In the new shimmery colorways it’s an eye-catching way to approach festive season dressing.
Celine Héloïse
Few celebrities can inspire a frenzy as much as the members of Blackpink do. So it’s not a surprise that when Lisa, who is a brand ambassador for Celine, was spotted with the luxury label’s Héloïse style, that it instantly triggered a wave of social media posts on the bag. The structured hobo is a favorite for good reason – the combination of calfskin leather and gold finishing as well as its ample size makes it a chic everyday caryall.
Chanel Camellia Clasp Flap Bag
How do you reinvent a classic? For Chanel, that’s a challenge they undertake every season. For fall 2023, the luxury house decided to make a spin on their classic flap bag. Swapping a camellia (a signature motif for the brand) instead of the interlocking C-logo clasp, the result is a playful yet elegant creation. Designed to be a day-to-evening style, it’s available in both patent calfskin as well as classic tweed.
C de Cartier Embroideries
You might think of jewelry when it comes to Cartier but they also happen to make elegant bags that work equally as well as day as they do for evening. Case in point this C de Cartier Embroideries Mini Chain bag. Like the name implies, the exterior has tonal embroidery that hints at a logo while the interior is made with luxurious lambskin. With a removable chain, it can be worn tucked under the arm as a clutch or as a crossbody sling.
