Obsessions…

Valentino Garavani’s ‘Panthea’ was only created two years ago, but you'd be forgiven for thinking it came directly from the archive thanks to its vintage-inspired design. Since joining Valentino Garavani as creative director in 2024, Alessandro Michele has found a way to honor the brand’s heritage while also staying true to his own aesthetic – itself an eclectic mix of historical references, maximalism and romance.

Unveiled for the first time on the fall/winter ’25 runway, the ‘Panthea’s defining feature is the two crystal-embellished enamel panther heads decorating the front – a signature motif that first appeared on a tunic in the house’s fall/winter 1967 haute couture presentation and has been a mainstay ever since. Although the first iteration came in chevron-patterned leather, it has been given a makeover for fall. This version is decorated with floral needlepoint embroidery and dainty beads that make it feel like a true work of art.

“The craftsmanship of the new ‘Panthea’ is absolutely incredible. I love all the detailing, particularly the crystal-embellished panther heads, and the contrast between the studded leather and chain straps. It’s one of my favorite bags from Valentino,” says NET-A-PORTER’s chief buying and merchandising officer, Brigitte Chartrand. Read on for how to style it now…

There’s a bohemian edge to the ‘Panthea’ that makes it perfect for the weekend. It’s an easy way to add character to relaxed off-duty looks, no matter how simple, and works beautifully with denim, leather and suede alike. Try yours with Agolde’s ‘Rounded Baggy’ jeans from our NET SUSTAIN edit with a long-sleeved tee and flats, adding Róhe’s elegant wool and mohair-blend jacket for a low-key dinner or drinks downtown.

A statement style like this might feel like too bold a choice for the office, but not if it’s styled correctly. Simply opt for monochrome separates in sleek, understated silhouettes such as Khaite’s ‘Harlow’ blouse in draped ivory satin and Nour Hammour’s black leather ‘Alana’ midi skirt from our NET SUSTAIN edit to keep things polished. Finish a chic workweek look with Toteme’s pierced leather pumps and a pair of gold hoop earrings to complement the bag’s sleek chain strap.

The beauty of the ‘Panthea’ is that it’s sleek enough to wear in the evening, too – simply detach the studded leather strap and carry by the two chain top handles instead. When it comes to styling, take a similar approach to your office looks by opting for understated silhouettes. Ticking every box, Tove’s ‘Sacha’ gown comes in smooth black jersey that skims the figure as it falls. Wear it with Tom Ford’s crystal-embellished sandals and Stephanie Windsor’s Boucheron Vintage cocktail ring from the 1970s.

Some bags need little in the way of introduction, especially when they’re as iconic as Chloé’s ‘Paddington’. Originally debuted in 2005 by former creative director Phoebe Philo, it quickly became the hottest It-bag of the decade and an off-duty staple among celebrities including Sienna Miller, Kate Bosworth and Mischa Barton. To mark its 20th anniversary, Chloé’s current creative director, Chemena Kamali, revived the equestrian-inspired design last year, to the delight of fans eagerly awaiting a comeback. In fact, the response was so huge that it sold out before even hitting stores, generating a waitlist to rival that from the peak of its popularity in the 2000s.

Although, thankfully, largely unchanged (it still has the same leather-wrapped padlock and gold hardware), the ‘Paddington’ 2.0 feels significantly lighter than the original and a touch more streamlined. For fall/winter ’26, Kamali debuted two new iterations in green canvas and striped tweed on the runway that chime with the collection’s folkloric mood and this season’s wider folk trend. A season highlight, the ‘Paddington’ has all the makings of modern-day classic. Read on to discover how to wear yours now…

The beauty of the ‘Paddington’ is that it’s neither too casual nor too polished, adding a sense of Parisian nonchalance to any outfit, but there’s no denying how good it looks with denim. If you already have a classic black or tan version or simply want to mix things up, then waste no time adding this dark-chocolate leather and striped tweed style to your basket. “There’s something about the new-season ‘Paddington’ that nods to folklore for me – the striped pattern and the colors, which we saw a lot of at the show,” says Chartrand. “It’s the chicest weekend bag and looks great with your favorite jeans.” Follow Chartrand’s cue by styling yours with Citizens of Humanity’s checked shirt and Khaite’s bootcut ‘Conforti’ jeans and Chloé’s checked wool and cotton-blend cape, another highlight from the fall/winter runway.

Arriving in tan leather and sage-green canvas, this ‘Paddington’ is perfect for adding a touch of character to understated workweek outfits. The colors work beautifully with Victoria Beckham’s blazer and the matching pants in olive-green twill – just add a pair of optic-white heels and minimal jewelry to really make it pop. It will lift the simplicity of monochrome pieces such as a crisp white shirt or a black leather pencil skirt, too. Alternatively, take cues from the ultimate Chloé girl, Alexa Chung, by styling yours with a waist-cinching blazer and elevated denim.

A bag this size might not be the most obvious choice for evening events, but it’s certainly a chic one. Plus, it’s a lot more practical than smaller clutches, making it ideal for days when you’re heading straight from the office to a dinner party or drinks reception and have no time to change. Wear it with Saint Laurent’s figure-skimming ribbed silk midi dress and Chloé’s two-tone leather and suede sandals, and you’re guaranteed to be the best-dressed person in the room.