It’s a revival abundance
For the love of nostalgia, luxury brands are breathing new life into archival bag styles this year, and it’s a fueled initiative that knows no bounds. When it comes to fashion, the saying “what goes around comes around” is fitting—if something was to ever go out of style, years later it is bound to make a comeback. One in particular is the New Luggage bag from Celine—a cult favourite piece that stood out for its boxy silhouette and dramatic side wings. Once known as the house’s iconic Phantom Luggage, it now returns as the New Luggage bag.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Celine New Luggage:
First introduced by Phoebe Philo as part of the Celine Pre-Fall 2011 collection, the New Luggage is now having a full-blown revival, all thanks to Michael Rider, the Maison’s newly appointed creative director and former design director under Philo—who has now put his mark on the iconic bag as part of his debut at the Celine Spring/Summer 2026 show. Known as the “smiley” face because of the placement of the handles and zip on the front, which mimics a grin, the New Luggage bag is the essence of Celine.
Bigger, slouchier, more playful and chic, the reimagined bag honours the spirit of the original while giving us a modernised silhouette with rich black, warm brown and electric blue hues and a curved shape zip on the front—a unique zipper with two expressions including the Smile Variation. The Small can be worn crossbody, on the shoulder, or by hand with its removable strap. The Medium is suited for hand or elbow carry, while the Large is structured for both hand and shoulder wear.
The revitalised bag is finally finding its way back into the spotlight—pieces that remind us that some designs are simply timeless and just waiting patiently in the fashion vault for their moment to shine once again.
