This 1950s Bag Trend Is the Blueprint for Spring's Most Sought-After Carryalls

east-west handbags
(Image credit: Alaïa; Vestiaire Collective; Bottega Veneta; Jil Sander; Prada; The Row; Savette; Loewe)

So far in 2025, we're seeing a major style shift into a much more elegant and refined mood. Delicate satin shoes, pretty A-line silhouettes, and antique brooches are just some of the items that were omnipresent in the S/S 24 collections. In addition to them is a new rising handbag shape that succinctly wraps up this elegant fashion mood. Everywhere we look, bags are taking on a slim, oblong construction, commonly referred to as an East-West style.

Some of the standout bags of the season—the Alaïa Le Teckel, Hermès Shoulder Birkin, and Bottega Veneta Andiamo Clutch—all feature long, horizontal shapes. With fashion going back to the 1950s, designers are looking back at the accessories of the decade to inform modern-day carryalls. Ahead are nine popular East-West bags that everyone is after right now.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: Alaïa; @erinoffduty; The Style Stalker)

Alaïa is behind the It bag that everyone is buzzing about right now. It's called Le Teckel, which is French for "dachshund," and it features a slim rectangular shape with long double straps and a double zipper.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: Bottega Veneta; The Style Stalker)

Bottega Veneta's beloved Andiamo bag has most recently been released in two updated shapes: an East-West version of its popular shopper and a petite top-handle clutch.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: The Row; @monikh)

The Row's Abby Bag is a more modern interpretation of the 1950s-inspired shape with its thin double handles and relaxed suede-lining.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: @darjabarannik; Vestiaire Collective)

Hermès debuted (or rather, re-debuted) its Shoulder Birkin during Paris Fashion Week this March, and it's all anyone could talk about. The bag reimagines the classic Birkin with a smaller, more rectangular body and a long strap that easily goes over the shoulder.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: Savette; The Style Stalker)

Savette's Symmetry Pochette is the epitome of an IYKYK handbag. Its logoless design and discreet but recognizable hardware clasp make it an insider favorite. The new slimmer take on the bag is even more elongated to highlight its East-West shape.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: Tory Burch)

Tory Burch's T Monogram Bag brings new life to the brand's monogrammed logo with a retro horizontal shape and long double handles that sling easily over the shoulder.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: Jil Sander; @laurareilly___; @hannahlewisstylist)

Jil Sander's Goji Bag is a more under-the-radar silhouette that feels like a genuine vintage find.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: Prada; @camillecharriere; @The Style Stalker)

Prada is also getting in on the East-West idea by introducing a shoulder bag that features crinkled-looking leather and a micro belt detail.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: Loewe)

Like many bags this season, Loewe, too, remixed one of its popular styles from a previous season. The brand took its Puzzle Fold Tote and hacked off the majority of the body for a closely cropped version that feels just as fresh.

Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.