As they say, when it comes to bags, do as the It girls do. We agree. That’s why we hunted down the 5 bags from this season that might just achieve ‘Cult Classic’ status. Read on.
When it comes to luxury and designer bags, there are two types of fashionistas – the younger, Gen Z baddies who like to buy and resell bags frequently and the older, mature, wiser woman who prefers to use one bag consistently before getting another one. But the one thing everybody agrees on: handbags are the building blocks of any outfit! A good designer bag is one of the best investments you could make. And finding that staple bag is one of the hardest things to do. But, the biggest advantage of a standout bag is that it is innately versatile, and a dream to style. That said, this year saw some really great additions when it came to bags. Many designers brought back older designs with a revamped look and many introduced completely new silhouettes. We hunted through all the bag launches this year to find you the best bags. These bags have the potential to become the new ‘It’ bags and achieve iconic status. Read on to see if any of them calls out to you.
1. BOTTEGA VENETA, SARDINE TOP HANDLE BAG
Sardine top handle bag from Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta has transitioned from a trend bag to a ‘Full Cycle’ brand. The brand has had to prove that they aren’t just a one-trick pony with the ‘It’ bags, rather, they possess the range to do several different colours, textures, etc., attractive to both the Gen Z and the previous, older generation. In this respect, Bottega Veneta has managed to set itself apart. The leather in Bottega’s bags is pretty much the best out there and the depth and minimalism of their designs sets them apart. Their Autumn/Winter 2022 show introduced a fresh range of bags in the house’s signature intrecciato weave including everything from puffy clutches and gargantuan totes to bucket bags with knotted ropes. But the bag that caught the spotlight was the Sardine. The reason that the Sardine caught so much attention is due to the simplicity and minimalism of the design. The slouchy silhouette is a riff on the Jodie bag from the brand that was also known for its simple design. Crafted from rigid woven leather, the Sardine boasts a single pouch and no inner pockets, and a magnetic closure. This understated option for any accessory fanatic comes in 5 colours and has been spotted on countless celebrities. 3 additional colours have been added to the line-up for the Spring/Summer 2023 shows as well. Although it has only one compartment, the bag is actually quite roomy – you can comfortably fit in 2 hairbrushes, glasses, sunglasses, a fan, and makeup in the bag. It is truly an accessory set to stand the test of time.
2. GUCCI, JACKIE 1961 MINI SHOULDER BAG
Jackie 1961 mini shoulder bag from Gucci
Gucci has been at the forefront of the bag game for quite a while now. The fashion house is responsible for giving us quite a few iconic bags over the years. One of them is the Jackie 1961 which made its grand return in 2020 and then once again on the Fall/Winter 2022 runway. The timeless design was revamped for the 2022 runways in a bold red hue and was downsized to a mini. The Jackie 1961’s recognizable shape is enhanced by a second detachable strap – the archival style thus takes on a more contemporary feel that gives one newer ways of wearing it. The bag is a fresh iteration of the historic Gucci bag from the 1960s and the iconic shape makes it a must-have for true handbag fanatics. It might be small in size, but it can fit your phone and a few other, smaller items. The bag has a piston closure, and 1 open pocket with gold-toned hardware. Available in 3 colour variations, the bag seems to be on its way to becoming a cult favourite of many.
3. AMINA MUADDI, AMINI BETTY
Amini Betty from Amina Muaddi
Next up on our list, is this pink Amini Betty in this gorgeous baby pink shade. When you want a more elegant and understated bag that will elevate your outfit despite its simplicity, this is the one you need to reach for. The top-handle bag is the one to choose when you know you’ll have a place to rest your bag for the most part of your day. An extra chic look can be achieved by tying a silk scarf around one of the handles, and you’re all set. The bag is crafted from lustrous quilted silk satin that gives the bag its elegant and minimalistic look. The colour is gorgeous and the simplicity of the bag means you can pair it with any outfit, especially bold and loud ones. The handles feature sparkling rainbow crystals that catapult the bag straight into glam status. The designer was certainly able to bring to life his glamorous vision without ruining the essence of the bag. This made-in-Italy bag has a flap closure and one pocket that is big enough to let you fit in your essentials. The simplicity and minimalism of the bag make this bag a must-have for every woman since one bag like this is an absolute requirement for all. We feel this might just make it onto the ‘It’ list after all.
4. DIOR, MINI LADY DIOR BAG
Mini Lady Dior bag from Dior
Forget the large, clunky bags, the mini bags have become the hottest bag trend for the past few years. There is nothing new about the silhouette, per se, but today’s Instagram era has popularised it a little too much. Mini bags launched in 2017 are still so much in trend, that they’re still considered to be the ‘It’ bags in the present season as well. The tiny bags resonate well with fashion’s cognoscente, so much so that the silhouette is still very much in circulation with luxury designers coming up with new variations pretty much every season. The bag we have our eye on is the Mini Lady Dior in peony pink. A paragon of elegance and beauty, the sleek and refined silhouette of the bag makes it a timeless bag. The instantly recognizable quilted texture, and the pale gold-finish metal ‘D.I.O.R.’ charms highlighting the silhouette, all combine to give this bag its elegance and charm. The bag features a removable chain shoulder strap and can be carried by hand, worn over the shoulder as well as crossbody. The bag is ideal for evening wear and can be carried with a variety of outfits. The colour is gorgeous and will make this the star of your outfit. The bag is durable and will last you a good few years. That alone makes it a must-have in our opinion. Now, all that’s left to see is if it will stand the test of time, which we’re fairly confident it will.
