Our constant guilty pleasure? Scrolling through social media, first thing in the morning too. Forget breakfast as we feast our eyes on a steady stream of celebrities, influencers and brands we actually care about — but hey, where else do you go to be in-the-know, right? And if a healthy dose of social media happens to be your jam too, you might have spotted a couple of these trending bags.
Meet the new luxury classics, which we realise, aptly sum up the range of trends we’ve seen the past few seasons. Let’s see here — we’ve got all the makings of a 90s-style baguette shoulder bag from Prada, now extra sleek; the Chain Cassette from Bottega Veneta that nicely brings together a soft yet structured silhouette; as well as bags that rock the modern monogram. Throw in the epic comeback of an old favourite and we think that’s about all the It Bags we can handle.
1. Prada Cleo
Cute? Very. The micro baguette bags of the 90s are right on trend this very moment, but Prada isn’t just content to be a pioneer and frontrunner in that category — the Italian luxury fashion house updates their iconic design with the Prada Cleo, a new bag style that serves sophisticated, sleek allure. While technically still a hobo bag, the rounded construction at the bottom and sides are more structured than the former. That sleek curve is also emphasised by the brushed leather material, a versatile and modern material that reflects light with a soft matte sheen, while hardware is kept to a minimum, save for that signature triangle logo, of course. This is one flattering silhouette that you’ll want to carry for decades.
$2,900, available in 5 colours. Shop here.
2. Dior St Honoré Tote
A good leather tote is hard to come by, especially when it looks as timeless as this new Dior essential. The Dior St Honoré tote, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, pays homage to the fashionable district, while that classic elegance certainly comes through with an iconic “CD” swivel clasp. It’s a nice take on the seal of a Christian Dior perfume bottle and a continuation of the house’s 30 Montaigne line, either finished in antique gold-finish metal or ton-sur-ton enamel, on the large and medium styles respectively. Here, the bag’s boxy silhouette keeps things practical and graphic, though you can always play it up with either box or grained leather, fun but still subdued shades of cloud blue and dove grey, or by switching out that removable shoulder strap for bolder embroidered designs, the Dior Oblique print included.
From $6,300, available in 2 sizes, Medium or Large. Shop here.
3. Mulberry Alexa
We can fondly recall a time when everyone was carrying the Mulberry Alexa, the coolest bag to own in the 2010s, which, incidentally, pays homage to British model Alexa Chung — still very much the style icon these days. That slouchy, roomy silhouette that gives the bag a laidback stylish vibe; that braided top handle and double strap closure that nudges it towards a casual but elevated everyday style. Everything just works! While the bag was discontinued for a while, Mulberry is now announcing a relaunch of the beloved Alexa at its 10th anniversary mark, with a sustainable twist — it’s now made with sustainably-sourced leather and carbon neutral manufacturing at their factories in Somerset, England. There are now three sizes available, including a mini version you can wear crossbody-style, in shades that range from earthy neutrals to Porcelain Blue and Deep Amber.
USD1,115 for the Mini Alexa, USD1,390 for the Alexa, and $1,690 for the Oversized Alexa. Shop here.
4. Saint Laurent Elise
Here’s one to covet: the Saint Laurent Elise. For a brand that’s known for their hardware, most notably the interlocking YSL initials that have propelled bags such as the Cassandra and Sunset into cult status, we expect nothing less — now with the French luxury brand under Anthony Vaccarello though, he has opted for a slight shift away from the logo. On the front-flap shoulder bag itself, which sports unbelievably clean lines, with a structured bottom and a hint of curve at the top, the Elise is simple but oh-so-chic in either shiny calfskin or croc-embossed leather. It’s subtle luxury at its best. Then again, the hardware still shines — if you know where to look. On an antique gold chain strap, you’ll spot that recognisable YSL logo, now part of the metal detailing and only seen when the bag is viewed from the side; you may also remove the strap to carry the bag as a clutch. Now, who said the baguette style was overrated?
$3,450 in shiny lambskin, and $3,650 in croc-embossed leather. Shop here.
5. Bottega Veneta The Chain Cassette
Aren’t things a lot more fun at Bottega Veneta with Daniel Lee at the helm? Where the prestigious Italian label was a classic and respected for its leather goods, the creative director has brought in a distinct cool factor to the mix, starting with new takes on the intreccio weave, padded designs and oversized chains. This all comes together in the Chain Cassette, which combines the beloved Padded Cassette with a chunky chain strap. Here, shiny Nappa padded leather strips are woven together so they look like a maxi version of the intreccio, now paired with a chain strap so the bag can be worn crossbody. A smaller chain strap near the front of the bag also means you can tuck your hand through to carry it as a clutch. Did we mention the myriad of colours this comes in too? These span across a spectrum of neutrals to bright pops of green, red, and blue; even muted lavenders and yellow. Both soft and structured, with exaggerated proportions to boot, we can’t think of a cooler way to rock Bottega.
$5,380, available in 14 colours. Shop here.
6. CELINE Triomphe Embroidery in Black
The monogram is alive and well in 2020, so long as fashion brands such as CELINE keep them relevant. Here to grace the house’s key signature silhouettes — including the Cabas, Triomphe satchel, and new Tambour bag — is the Triomphe Embroidery in black, a new colourway that gives these classic styles a retro twist. Looking very much like hidden finds you snagged at a vintage store, each bag features an archival monogram design first unveiled in 1972, of a link motif inspired by the chain encircling the Arc de Triomphe. Worth noting is the craftmanship on that bold embroidery too, done in a refreshing black on natural canvas. Even details such as the black leather trimmings and round corners on the Horizontal Cabas, or that oval leather patch with a metallic triomphe plaque also add to the series’ 70s travel feel. A blast from the past that’s made to stand out, yet an effortless style that will go with most ‘fits in your wardrobe, this one’s a no-brainer.
From $2,950 for the Small Cabas Vertical, to $4,950 for the Medium Triomphe Bag. Shop here.
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