The New Bag Icons To Invest In Now
‘Icon’ is a word that gets thrown around a lot. But there’s a new wave of bags on the scene more than worthy of the moniker – and all from your favourite brands. Here, we round up the styles destined to be future classics…
Alaïa’s ‘Le Teckel’ bag
Alaïa’s ‘Le Teckel’ bag is the latest in an exceptional lineup of accessories designed by creative director Pieter Mulier and reached cult status the minute it debuted on the SS24 runway. Playfully named after the French word for dachshund, it has a distinctive, elongated shape that’s compact yet deceivingly spacious, making it practical enough for daytime and sleek enough for evening. The long, tubular handles not only exaggerate its stretched-out silhouette but ensure it’s comfortable to carry, too. Your only challenge will be choosing a color.
Balenciaga’s ‘Bel Air’ tote
Balenciaga knows a thing or two about creating a cult bag – the brand is behind some of the buzziest designs of the past two decades, starting with the ‘City’ tote back in 2001. Set to be every bit as iconic as its predecessor, the brand’s ‘Bel Air’ carryall is named after the exclusive Los Angeles neighborhood and an evolution of the ‘Rodeo’ style released last year. It boasts multiple pockets and has twist-lock-fastening straps that can either be left undone to emphasize the relaxed, unstructured shape or neatly fastened for a smarter look. What’s more, the supple leather construction is designed to develop its own unique patina over time, so it will always be special to you.
Bottega Veneta’s ‘Lauren’ clutch
Bottega Veneta’s ‘Lauren 1980 Teen’ clutch is based on an archival design originally worn by American actress Lauren Hutton on screen in the 1980s – and again, on the runway, to mark the brand’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The epitome of enduring style, this updated version is crafted from butter-soft intrecciato leather – a technique so iconic it negates the need for a logo – and comes in a softly structured shape that tucks neatly under your arm. It already has fans in Rihanna, Dakota Johnson and Julianne Moore, who was spotted carrying hers to the brand’s FW24 show.
Chloé’s ‘Bracelet’ bag
For her FW24 debut as creative director, Chloé’s Chemena Kamali heralded the return of boho; and alongside a plethora of floaty dresses and cape coats, presented a series of seriously chic bags on the runway. Worn by various attendees watching from the front row, including the trend’s original It-girl Sienna Miller and Jerry Hall, the ‘Bracelet’ is fittingly inspired by a style from the early 2000s and comes in a slouchy crescent shape that embodies Parisian insouciance. The beauty of this design is that it can be carried in various ways thanks to the detachable strap and distinctive ring handle – wear it in hand or looped over your wrist like a bracelet.
Gucci’s ‘Milano’ tote
Gucci is responsible for some of the chicest bags of all time – the ‘Jackie’ and ‘Diana’ among them. Joining their ranks this season is the new ‘Milano’ tote, designed by the creative director, Sabato De Sarno. First seen on the FW24 runway and inspired by the city from which is takes its name, this top-handle style is available in quilted and ‘GG’-embossed leather (both house signatures) and shines with gleaming gold hardware. Embrace chic Milanese city dressing by styling yours with nipped-in blazers and pencil skirts.
Loewe’s ‘Flamenco’ clutch
Loewe’s ‘Flamenco’ was first introduced in the ’80s and revived with the original tassels replaced with knots and a unique donut chain later added by Jonathan Anderson. As for the name? It nods to the softly gathered top, which is designed to resemble the ruffled hem of a dancer’s dress when the drawstrings are pulled. Shaped from buttery soft leather, it represents the very best of Spanish craftsmanship and the artisanal nous for which the brand is known. This latest version can either be worn clutched in-hand like it was on the FW24 runway, slipped over your shoulder or carried crossbody using the detachable strap for maximum mileage.
Saint Laurent’s ‘Bea’ tote
Saint Laurent excels at elegant, understated bags that you can wear on repeat all year round, focusing less on passing trends and more on timeless style. The largest design in the brand’s ‘Le 5 à 7’ collection, the ‘Bea’ tote has ample space inside for essentials, including a laptop or spare shoes, making it the perfect everyday companion, whether you’re commuting to the office or traveling. It’s designed in a supple, unstructured shape that sits comfortably against the body and has wide straps long enough to slip over your shoulder. It’s little wonder that Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber have both made it an essential addition to their working wardrobes.
The Row’s ‘Sofia’ bag
The Row’s ‘Sofia’ bag exudes quiet elegance. A firm favorite among fashion editors since its resort ’23 debut, the timeless design has a structured silhouette, evocative of mid-century styles, and a gleaming flip-lock fastening, making it one of few in the brand’s collection with an embellishment. It comes in an array of versatile colors and finishes – from smooth chestnut leather to tactile mushroom suede – and can easily pull an outfit together, adding requisite polish to office and evening ensembles alike.
Toteme’s ‘Belted’ bucket bag
Toteme is built on the idea of a modern uniform, with minimal, clean lines and versatile colorways shaping its collections. Reflecting those finely tuned house codes, the Stockholm-based brand’s ‘Belted’ bag comes in a slender bucket shape with a single top handle and minimal gold accents. It is crafted in Italy using the finest materials, including vegetable-tanned Palmellato leather and robust canvas that will complement all your favorite outfits and last for years to come.
Valentino Garavani’s ‘VSLING’ tote
Echoing the perennial elegance of vintage styles, Valentino Garavani’s ‘VSLING’ tote celebrates the maison’s illustrious heritage – one defined by timeless design and storied Italian craftsmanship. It has a structured, boxy shape complete with a signature ‘VLOGO’ plaque and boasts both a top handle and detachable strap. While the silhouette of each stays reassuringly the same, there’s always something new to discover in the details, from sparkling crystal embellishments to chic raffia accents.