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Words by Aemilia Madden
Straight from the fashion month runways, these bags are finally now in stores.
Can a handbag transform your entire outfit?
Designers think so. They know there’s a subtle power in the purse you carry. That’s why the biggest names across the four major fashion weeks vie to debut the next It-bag every season. An outfit as simple as straight jeans and a baby tee, or even the post-yoga leggings and sweatshirt, go from casual to effortless with the right handbag perched on your arm. This year, the spring 2023 handbag trends that popped up on the runways in New York, London, and beyond, conveyed exactly the type of woman everyone wants to be right now: One with a really good bag.
This season, the biggest spring 2023 bag trends fall into two major categories. First, there are those that represent quiet luxury: Even the humble shopper bag is getting a luxury upgrade this season, thanks to Gabriela Hearst and Maryam Nassir Zadeh. Then, there are the trends that embrace the carefree attitude that parallel the joy so many of us feel getting dressed again in the post-quarantine era. Look-at-me metallics and nods to the absurd (JW Anderson’s dolphin-splashed bag is sure to be a crowd favorite) encourage you to eschew minimalism and to play with your personal style. While designers still explore larger silhouettes—likely aware that women are continuing to spend more and more time back at the office—spring’s lineup doesn’t choose practicality just for practicality’s sake.
See and shop spring 2023’s must-try bag trends ahead.
Let’s Get Whimsical
Victor VIRGILE / Gamma-Rapho / Getty Images)
For spring, think outside of the usual confines of sleek handbags. Brands are opting for playful imagery and quirky silhouettes. Coddle Simone Rocha’s bag that resembles a Faberge egg, or tote around a funny dolphin friend courtesy of JW Anderson.
As seen at: JW Anderson
All The Right Angles
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It’s cool to be square, at least that’s the message being served on fashion’s buzziest runways including Luar and Rejina Pyo. Structured top handle styles were popular both in New York and London, so expect to see them continue their rise over the next six months.
As seen at: Luar
Shopper
EMILIA WICKSTEAD
Whether you’re an avid frequenter of the farmer’s market or not, consider investing in the luxury iteration of the practical market bag next spring. The unstructured silhouette, with two handles or a single long shoulder strap, will work just as well for your daily commute to the office as for a quick trip to the grocery store.
As seen at: Emilia Wickstead
Shine On
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Over this past summer, #Nightluxe rose to popularity on TikTok. Now, the sparkle, shine, and shimmer are getting the runway treatment thanks to designers like Jonathan Simkhai and Tom Ford.
As seen at: Jonathan Simkhai
This article originally appeared in harpersbazaar.com
