In my experience, you're either a shoe person or a handbag person. Perhaps you have the budget and closet space for both (congrats!), but if you fall into the latter category of seasoned bag pro, then it's highly likely that you'll be one of two types of collectors: You'll enjoy either indulging in the fun, It bag of the moment or investing in timeless classics. Rarely do the two meet, and the opposing camps that divide this world of leather-goods connoisseurs provide inspiration for those who like seasonal switch-ups as well as the shoppers with a longer-term strategy in mind.
This dynamic has played out across the fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris. I've witnessed many a classic come back to the fore. In fact, you can't move through the street style galleries for the Hermès Birkins, nylon Pradas and Chanel Flap bags. They are all quiet, neat and timeless; worthwhile purchases considering how they appreciate in value. However, if it's adrenaline you're after, I've also seen plenty of the season's unique and unusual statement bags toted on the arms of fashion's leaders. There's nothing quite like a new handbag style to totally transform an old outfit, so puffy finishes and Y2K throwback styles—complete with trinkets and all—are what the more experimental dressers are using to pep up their looks.
I combed through thousands of IRL looks from stylists, buyers, editors and influencers to hunt down the new (and old) handbags on the rise for autumn/winter 2022, and these were the results…
1. LOEWE PUFFER GOYA SHOULDER BAG
Style Notes: An entirely new style for Loewe, the Puffer Goya takes a classic idea of the shoulder flap bag and turns it into something really spectacular with squidgy leather and a circular-link chain strap.
Doubles as a companion to cuddle.
Style Notes: It comes in a host of neutral, autumnal hues like tan, chocolate, rusty red and more.
I've fallen in love with this soft, retro red shade.
2. PRADA SYMBOLE BAGS
Style Notes: Any fashion person can spot a Prada triangle plaque logo from a mile off—now it's inspired a repeat pattern called Symbole.
The weave comes in many silhouettes, from shoulder bags to larger totes like this.
Style Notes: It's the actual triangle-shaped bag that has been popular with the It-girl set.
Triangles on triangles!
3. COPERNI SWIPE BAG
Style Notes: For a conceptual, sculptural bag, it's Coperni's egg-shaped Swipe that has been chosen as leader. It comes in everything from classic black leather through to glass—yes, really!
The style in black is still a statement but more likely to turn into a classic bag you can use for many years.
Style Notes: For extra A/W 22 trend points, a mini bag covered in crystals ticks a lot of boxes.
It's the mini size that has been most carried.
4. BOTTEGA VENETA CHAIN POUCH
Style Notes: It's not a new style, but I always love to see an It bag with year-after-year mileage—the Bottega Veneta Pouch has now been loved since spring 2020. Both the chain styles and the clutches are still going strong.
This shade of orange will look so good with denim.
Style Notes: Red iterations are often the first to sell out and be sold again for a much higher price.
Green is a signature Bottega colour too.
5. BALENCIAGA LE CAGOLE
Style Notes: If Y2K is your jam, then you won't be new to the phenomenon of Balenciaga's Le Cagole bags. It's loosely based on the original City styles of the '00s, only with extra bells and whistles and rendered in slightly curvier shapes.
Crinkle leather is such a throwback.
Style Notes: Larger styles are great for those who like the carry all the essentials 24/7. However, the bigger versions are very hard to come by.
I don't know what's more authentic to the era: white, baby pink or shiny black?
6. COS CROSSBODY BAG
Style Notes: So it's not designer, but boy, is it popular! COS's Leather Crossbody Bag has been flying out of stores for months now.
It's not in stock at the moment, but keep checking back!
Style Notes: Who What Wear's affiliate editor Emily wears hers with everything from minidresses to trouser suits.
A smaller pink version is currently available.
7. DIESEL D-PLAQUE BAGS
Style Notes: For another nod to the year 2000, Diesel's logo-plaque styles have a cult following.
She's ready for a night out!
Style Notes: The shoulder and crossbody styles are roomier but still give a specific aesthetic. You'll find the hyped styles already popping up on pre-loved sites for a higher cost.
There's clearly a trend for bright-white bags at the moment.
8. A.W.A.K.E. MODE MIA BAG
Style Notes: A.W.A.K.E. Mode was doing puffy bags before many brands tapped into the idea. This knotted Mia style takes the look forward.
If you prefer vegan leather, this is a great option.
Style Notes: The Mia comes in a smaller size as well—great for an evening look.
Adorable.
9. HERMÈS KELLY
Style Notes: Birkins and Kellys never fade, but it's been fascinating to see them being quite so prevalent over the past month.
Rare-Birkin alert!
Style Notes: Whether larger black totes or baby Kelly like this cream one, it's all about the iconic styles in neutral hues.
A never-used second-hand style.
Up next, timeless fashion essentials French women wear.
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