Tasteful Dressers Have Carried This Style for 70 Years—Now, It's 2025's Biggest Handbag Trend

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

We've seen 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 spring/summer 2025 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 an east-west shape with slim, oblong construction at the forefront of the designs.

Some of the standout bags of the season—the Alaïa Le Teckel, Hermès Shoulder Birkin, and Bottega Veneta Andiamo Clutch—all feature east-west 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 seven popular east-west bags that everyone is after for 2025.

SHOP THE BEST EAST WEST BAGS:

east-west handbags

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

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

east-west handbags

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

Style Notes: Prada is also getting in on the east-west idea and introduced a shoulder bag that featured a crinkled-looking leather and micro belt detail.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: Bottega Veneta; The Style Stalker)

Style Notes: 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: @darjabarannik; Vestiaire Collective)

Style Notes: Hermès debuted (or rather, re-debuted) its Shoulder Birkin during Paris Fashion Week last year 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)

Style Notes: Savette's Symmetry Pochette is the epitome of an "IYKYK" handbag. Its logoless design and discreet but recognisable hardware clasp make it an insider favourite. The new slimmer take on the bag is even more elongated to highlight its east-west shape.

east-west handbags

(Image credit: Tory Burch)

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

east-west handbags

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

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

Shop More East-West Handbags

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.

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