Luxury bags — we all want them, and want to be the person who saunters about town with them, casually slung across our arm, just so. Unless you’ve got a sugar daddy limitless cash reserve though, most people would diligently save up in order to treat themselves to a bag they deserve, or you know, get your hapless S/O to sponsor a splurge or two. Presenting, this season’s definite list of what’s trending, so you can bookmark all the designs you love.
VALENTINO GARAVANI VSLING
Most people swoon over Valentino’s instantly-recognisable Rockstuds, but a savvy shopper with a minimalist eye would gravitate towards this — the new Valentino Garavani VSLING. Rest assured, the house signature VLOGO is still on board, though now framed with an elegant 70s geometry and clean appeal, plus a monochromatic scheme that makes even the bright-coloured models just as wearable. A hint of gold hardware lends femininity to this structured design, but also practicality; it adjusts the length of the shoulder strap, so you can wear it as a crossbody. To covet, indeed.
from USD1,950 for a crossbody bag and USD2,255 for a small vsling shoulder bag, at valentino stores. full range here.
CHANEL 19
Chanel’s gone soft. That is, soft, supple leather or fuzzy tweed for a relaxed silhouette markedly different from its other iconic bags — which is something we can get on board. Just like the 2.55, the number 19 bears significance to the Parisian house, especially in the eyes of creators Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard; it represents the birth date of Coco Chanel, August 19. Here, you’re still looking at a quintessential Chanel bag. However, its rectangular flap design now has its elements upsized, including a large leather quilting pattern and an oversized CC clasp. What’s more modernised is also a curb chain right above the flap — imagine holding it in your hand like a snug clutch — as well as a metal chain interlaced with leather, finished with a gradient of silver, aged gold, and ruthenium. All these details combine for a sophisticated yet unfussy vibe, much like the modern Chanel woman: effortless.
from $6,480 for a large flap bag in tweed and $7,600 in leather, at chanel boutiques. full range here.
More on the bag here.
BOTTEGA VENETA PADDED CASSETTE
Speaking of soft, Bottega Veneta’s latest designs feel almost cuddly — though really, almost controversial. The house staple of Intrecciato has given way to a more voluminous, oversized design, now a padded maxi weave swathed in the softest nappa leather. In other words, it got thicc. Love it or hate it — locally, we’ve heard it compared to a ketupat — that’s creative director Daniel Lee’s riff on a classic, but perhaps tired, design, and his way of making a noteworthy debut. The other details of the crossbody bag are deliberately simple, with a hooked button closure and an adjustable strap accessorised with a sole triangular buckle. We think it’s something you’ll grow to love, a little strange on the eyes at first, but an absolute dream when it’s in your arms. Best worn in contrast with a sleek, contemporary outfit.
FROM $3,560, in 6 colours, at bottega veneta boutiques. full range here.
BURBERRY LOLA
By now, you’d have noticed that puffy bags have been making a comeback — basically, the more they double up as a pillow, the more in trend you’ll be. Next on the list is the Burberry Lola, part of Riccardo Tisci’s ongoing overhaul of the British fashion house (remember the hype over the brand logo?). This one’s a playful evolution of his first TB bag, which explains the prominent TB logo hardware on the flap. Quilted lambskin leather forms the Lola’s key design, meant to cleverly replicate the iconic Burberry check. The nod to tradition is less apparent though when you look at the range of eclectic styles available — after all, it’s named after a song by 60s Brit rockers, The Kinks. In the same cheeky spirit, the bag comes in colour block styles, embellished with crystals, stamped with bold text, or laminated all over. Like most bags this season, you can wear this over the shoulder, extend the chain strap for a crossbody, or carry it as a clutch.
from $1,750 for a camera bag and $2,390 for a small quilted lola bag, at burberry stores. full range here.
CHLOÉ ABY
One might assume that Chloé bags are defined by their hardwear — think, the gleaming letter C, or the polished gold ring that defines the popular Tess series of equestrian styles. On that, the brand’s new statement bag, the Aby, goes hard on signature hardware too. Witness its distinct padlock with a logo-embossed leather band, and dainty key charm, revived from the archival 2006 Paddington design. We like how Natacha Ramsay-Levi updates the brand’s boho-chic sensibilities and imbues much-needed structure with this bag series; its sturdy shape, in earth-toned leather or embossed croc stands tough but with soft angles, especially prominent against the sweep of flowy, romantic fabric. Also worth a mention, the Aby Lock — with a youthful silhouette that resembles a reimagined padlock, complete with a metal handle, it makes for a sweet evening accessory or charming day bag.
from $1,727 for the small aby lock bag and $2,269 for the small aby day bag, at chloÉ stores. full range here.
MULBERRY KEELEY
A designer bag with mass appeal is a seriously underrated endeavour, but that’s where British brand Mulberry shines. Perhaps not as hotly coveted as other big brand names, we’d still vouch for their classic, timeless designs — not overly trendy but still successful — and quality make. The new Keeley bags hover between feminine edge and rebellion; they look elegant, but with rich colour palettes (deep amber, nordic blue) or contrasting textures that make you look twice. Punk-like rivets and eyelets, as well as woven houndstooth, plaid and prints, recall defiant Brit movements. The key detail though? Whether it’s a Shoulder Bag, Satchel, or Mini, they can be identified by a Keystone Lock — pyramid studs connected by a ring and hanging metal chain — a new hardware addition that references British architecture and masonry. Hung from your shoulder, you’ll instantly embody sophisticated-rock chic.
from $853 for the mini keeley, $1,155 for the keeley, and $1,595 for the keeley satchel, at mulberry stores at takashimaya and the shoppes, marina bay sands. full range here.
GIVENCHY EDEN
Back to box bags then. There’s something striking about a clean and graphic design — at least, that’s the allure of Givenchy’s Eden bag, the house’s statement bag for Fall/Winter, officially making its debut at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. The Clare Waight Keller creation plays right on the edge of desire, especially the ones in exotic finishes of ombré python and ostrich, the only thing delicate about its rigid angular silhouette. Minimalist hardware sees a double hexagonal turn-lock and the Givenchy double logo tucked under its flap, while you’ll spot this a mile away thanks to the wide detachable band strap that runs over both sides. This one’s cutting alright, but in all the right ways.
from $1,790 for the mini eden bag, $2,650 for the small, and $3,550 for the medium, at givenchy stores. full range here.
VERSACE VIRTUS
Virtus, a Roman deity who symbolises strength, valour and courage, that while traditionally defines masculinity, has now been appropriated by Versace to celebrate its line of bold, distinctly feminine, bags. A gold Barocco-style letter V sits proudly at the centre of each bag, along with other nods to the brand’s aesthetics, such as V-letter quilting. What now makes these super trendy though are the bright, bold colours of fuchsia, coral and turquoise, as well as shiny jacquard or tweed — these sit comfortably among the usual neutrals and smooth leather. Consider also the various bag styles, from a saddle bag or tote bag to belt bags and shoulder styles, making for a wide range where you’ll be truly spoilt for choice.
available at versace boutiques, at paragon and the shoppes at marina bay sands. full range here.
LOEWE CUBE
Loewe has no shortage of covetable bags, and whether it’s a slouchy boho tote, unusual structured styles, or even woven baskets, their quality craftsmanship stands unparalleled. This season, we’re leaning towards something that’s rather in between, the Cube bag. Don’t call us this a compromise though — the mastery is in that perfect balance of a cubic structure and relaxed design, hard and soft, angled yet with subdued folds of Nappa Calf leather, all of which is accented by a signature buckled detail and asymmetric handles. Contrast colour panels also show off its unusual style. Elsewhere, there’s also the Multipatch Puzzle bag that plays with contrast panels, and the Postal Bag, defined by a rigid frame and postcard-inspired design, down to the stamp-like Anagram on the top right corner.
2,200€, available at loewe boutiques. full range here.
SAINT LAURENT CARRÉ / JOAN
We can’t help but associate the phrase ‘je ne sais quoi’ with Saint Laurent, particular because the French fashion house makes everything that leaves its atelier so particularly charming. These new styles, the Carré and Joan respectively, are no different. The first is of pared-back minimalism, a front flap style defined only by a square clip fastening and the smallest engraving of Yves Saint Laurent, and comes available in leather or suede. Likewise, Joan is just as understated, the rounded satchel silhouette sees the most elegant Y quilting and no logo at all, so you’re presented only with an uncluttered graphic statement.
$2,840 for carrÉ, $2,630 for joan, at ysl boutiques. full range here.
CELINE CHAIN MAILLON TRIOMPHE / CRÉCY
New Celine / Old Celine? There’s been much uproar over Hedi Slimane’s takeover, but FW19 isn’t his first rodeo — so, instead of divisive logos and designs, he’s gone ahead with an air of Parisian-chic on his runway. Models channeled the late 70s bourgeois French girl, and for fashion insiders, indicated a homage to old old Celine. No complaining now! Similarly, the bags look like classics you’ll wear over and over again: an arched Maillon Triomphe closure on an understated satchel, accented by exquisite leathers, or a horse-bit detail on the Crécy. There’s also the Triomphe Canvas collection that reiterates the link motif from 1972, originally inspired by the chain encircling the Arc de Triomphe.
from $1,800 for the medium folco bag in triomphe canvas, $2,500 for a small crÉcy bag and $4,250 for a medium chain maillon triomphe bag, available at celine boutiques. full range here.
GUCCI 1955 HORSEBIT
It doesn’t get more classic than this — the Gucci 1955 Horsebit bag, which clearly takes references from the lines and forms of its archival design, introduced over six decades ago. Sorry, no double GG logo here, though you should know that the Gucci Horsebit, with its equestrian roots, is every bit an important house code too. Here, the gold-toned double ring and bar hardware is paired with a vintage beige/ebony GG Supreme monogram canvas, complete with brown leather trim, for those who like collecting classics. More updated versions though, see monochrome leather and iconic stripes, or come in the form of a bucket bag that resembles a hat box, all to emulate that vintage flair.
available at gucci stores. full range here.
LOUIS VUITTON MULTI POCHETTE ACCESSOIRES
Always an icon, the Louis Vuitton monogram has perhaps fallen in favour in recent times, partly because of its ubiquity. That’s not to say that it isn’t still coveted — we can tell from the constant queue outside LV’s Ngee Ann City boutique. Perhaps then, updating the historic monogram and their Pochette Accessoires, a classic pouch first created in 1992, is a smart move. This season, we’re welcoming the Multi Pochette Accessoires, a hybrid crossbody bag with multiple pockets and a playful, fluid way of wearing your style, by way of customisable elements. You’ll get a mini pouch and a round coin purse, of which you can mix and match with its straps; either an LV-inscribed jacquard sports handle, or a delicate (removable) gold chain. The Monogram canvas is, of course, a given — and definitely a fresh way to wear the brand on your shoulders.
from $2,360, available at louis vuitton boutiques. full range here.
DIOR SADDLE / BOOK TOTE
The Lady Dior has got to be one of the most popular silhouettes carried by women in Singapore, and why not? It’s classic, classy, and exudes elegance. On Instagram and lookbooks galore though, you’ll spot these two: the new Saddle bag and the cult-favourite Book Tote. Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, this season, doubles down on these popular designs, presenting new versions and styles to covet. First up, the Saddle — a new iteration of John Galliano’s original design, it’s available in Oblique canvas and calfskin leather, in forms such as the original, mini, clutch, and belt bag. As for the Dior Book Tote, the roomy design represents casual elegance, and appears in Oblique or embroidered canvas, including a couple of checked designs that are a huge win for any wardrobe. If you love subdued though, note that Dior has a few bag designs in ultra-matte; this sees entirely black stitching, leather and hardware in a most sensual, yet stark, palette.
from $3,450 for the mini saddle and $3,500 for the book tote. available at dior boutiques. full range here.
BALENCIAGA TOTE BAGS
Does anyone remember the City bag? Its sexy, rock-chic attitude rocketed it to It-bag fame, and was seen on celebrities and OLs alike, eager to cop its cool-girl factor. At Balenciaga, that has since given way to a new urban style, one that borrows from streetwear in its logomania and sense of irony. Enter, the Shopping Totes, made with real leather mind you, though they may resemble shopping bags or the brown paper bags you carry on supermarket runs. Demna Gvasalia calls it “my ode to the customer”, people who actually shop for fashion, so you’ll definitely see young men and women carrying Balenciaga-branded totes in time to come. On the runway, the Shopping Phone Holder Bag‘s even styled with actual water bottles in them. The structural Hourglass silhouette deserves a mention for its unique shape and curved base, but no question, if you’ve got the bucks, the low-fi leather shoppers ought to be your pick.
