A handbag is a great finishing aspect of any good outfit. The design that you pick has the power to uplift the rest of your outfit and make you feel like a thousand bucks. To enhance your wardrobe and get the most out of it, a great selection of bags is necessary.
In the Spring/Summer 2023 runway I’ve seen not just one bag over and over like in previous years, but a wide selection of bags making it into the high fashion world. Designers are getting more creative, so our wardrobes can follow suit.
In the designer world, I was surprised to see some interesting new luxury choices, from work bags that are well structured with top handles, to night bags like fuzzy clutches or gold baguette bags. Then there are the cutely oversized bags from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, and then super colourful daily bags I haven’t seen in a while. The point to take away was how fresh all the designs look and how wearable they are.
If you want to translate these luxury handbag styles into your daily life, you don’t have to splurge on the original design. I am a sucker for buying the original but as the season goes on, other luxury companies will start taking ideas from one another, so instead of giving you the original bags from the runways, this guide will tell you the handbag design, so you can make a choice for yourself.
Without further ado, here are the latest handbag designs broken down:
Green is In
This spring, seasonal green hues are all over the runway. You might think that green for spring is a given, but I usually see one or two greens for spring, with the focus much more geared towards other seasonal colours. Not this time though, I’ve seen emeralds all the way to emerald green.
Maximalism
This season’s bags have slanted towards more and more. This encompasses classic handbag styles with oversized proportions, so don’t think of a tote bag, it’s more like a carry-all with larger proportions to carry all your day-to-night needs.
Textured Bags
Watching the runway shows I had to curb the urge to run my hand through the soft textures I saw on all the models. These bags are covered in shearling, fibre, velvet, you name it. I don’t think these bags are as practical as a carry-all, but they’re intended to make a statement, just don’t get caught in the rain!
Metal Embellishment
For this upcoming season, the designers are making evening wear purses sleeker and shinier than ever. Gold was a popular look for more minimal designs, but there was also an emphasis on coloured metal too.
Astro-Chic Bags
The moon bag is now a favourite on the runway, it’s a top handle bag with a crescent body that is unique and practical all at once. You’d be surprised how much these bags can actually carry due to their soft round shape.
Plush Pillowy Bags
Squishy, plush bags were all over the runways for this coming season. This was something I expected from pillowy, quilted-look-loving brands like Chanel, but they popped up everywhere else as well. If you want to offset a sharp look, a plush bag is great.
Stylish Work Bags
This is something we see each year, but I wasn’t expecting top-handle bags all over the runways. These super-structured bags are like a cross between a briefcase and a handbag and are perfect for gripping from the top or slinging over your arm. These sleek bags are also full of pockets, making them perfect for the commuting worker, or the busy woman on the go.
Now that you know what’s coming for the season, you can start shopping around. Just remember, a designer investment always pays off, even if you go for a more out-there bag. So take a look around, and happy bag hunting!
