And Just Like That, This Early-'00s Bag Trend Is Officially Back
No, it's not just you: I've spotted yet another trend from the early 2000s that's rearing its head again in 2022. From platform shoes to low-rise everything, Y2K fashion is nearly inescapable these days with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Its latest accompaniment is none other than bowler bags. Designer labels like Prada and Louis Vuitton, whose early aughts versions first put this handbag silhouette on the sartorial map, are bubbling up once again on a certain subset of cool girls like Devon Lee Carlson and Camille Charriere whose social media feeds are peppered with vintage bowling bags.
Popular as the vintage bags may be, labels like Celine and Loewe are reinventing the shape in their latest collections and those modern-day bowlers have quickly become a hit on the street style scene, proving the trend is being led just as much by nostalgia as it is by the current moment. As such, we've charted the bowler bag trend from the street to Instagram, so keep reading to see the bags on the fashion set and, of course, shop our favorites both vintage and new.
On the Street Style Set
The double-handle silhouette lends a fresh feel to otherwise classic top-handle bags.
Loewe's mini logo-embossed style is a modern-day favorite.
Dior's boxy bowler shape has the potential to become the next It bag.
On Instagram:
Prada's bowling bags from the era are trending hard on the resale market right now.
The double-handle style is like the sophisticated cousin of all the sleek '90s shoulder bags that are massively popular right now.
Louis Vuitton's nano speedy bag is a hot-ticket item right now, another indicator that this shape is taking off.
Look at any Y2K fashion girlie's feed and I guarantee you'll spot one of these bags.
They lend a polished quality to even the simplest ensembles.
If Devon Lee Carlson is wearing one, it's not long before the rest of the TikTok world follows suit.
Marge Sherwood's funky-shaped bowler bags are a fashion-person favorite since they feel like an especially modern way to get in on the look.
Retailers are offering up plenty of fun color options in this shape that are perfect for summer.
Up next, five summer bag trends that are meeting their demise.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
-
I Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe—33 Perfect Picks From Nordstrom's (Early) Black Friday Sale
Get a head start with these chic gems.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Is It Just Me, or Is Every Stylish Woman in L.A. and NYC Wearing This Elegant Bag Color?
Sorry, black bags.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Fun Fact: The Absolute Best Designer Bags of the Season Are All From Nordstrom
Shop with ease, my friends.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
I Own Over 8 Staud Bags, But These 4 Are the Ones I Actually Tell People to Buy
Confession time.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—30 Elegant Picks I'm Eyeing From Mango, COS, and Nordstrom
These are too chic to pass up.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
My Friend Wants a Chic Wardrobe—I Sent Her These Early Black Friday Fashion Deals
Discounted gems from Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, and more.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Sarah Jessica Parker Already Wore Spring 2025's Most Sought-After Handbag
Fashion people can't stop talking about it.
By Eliza Huber
-
Don't Come for Me, But I'd Pick Hailey Bieber's Elegant Bag Over a Margaux Any Day
It's that chic.
By Eliza Huber