From new hobos to hearts to #Barbiecore.
Words by Kerry Pieri
So what does the story in bags for the upcoming season reflect about our current cultural moment? It seems designers are feeling like lightening up a bit and leaning into overtly femme aspects. It's all coming up hearts, glitter, and #Barbiecore. Whether you go pink, sequined, or heart shaped, the takeaway is the same: There's a desire for a lightness and femininity we haven't seen since the early 2000s. "Post the Y2K revival, it seems crystals have become something of a new neutral," Tatiana Hambro, editorial director of Moda Operandi, tells BAZAAR.com. And in other Y2K news, the hobo is making a triumphant return.
Culturally, similar to the early 2000s, the collective is feeling a shift toward a desire for optimism after so much cynicism. Soothe all of that anxiety with tactile, furry bags. There's also a bijoux-inspired vibe with impactful hardware that speaks to femininity without falling into girly territory. On the other end of the spectrum, utility reigns with soft totes and military-inspired bags that send you packing. "Though it's hard to resist a diminutive handbag, I'm not sorry to see fashion's pendulum swing in the other direction. … Long live the oversized bag!" Hambro continues. "I'm coveting styles in timeless neutrals: rich gradients of brown, near-black, or cream. Bottega Veneta's fold-over shoulder bag is the ultimate roomy day bag for fall. Slouchy suede and gusseted leather versions from The Row are favorites—so elegant while still holding a laptop."
See the fall 2022 runway bags that set the tone for the season ahead and shop nine trends in bags that define fall 2022.
Photo by Estrop / Getty Images
Utility Chic
On the other side of pink and pretty lives cool and utility driven. Dior’s fall runway showcased this pragmatic chic perfectly, as does a new design exclusive to New York City boutique T.A.”T.A. has teamed up with ASHYA and, as always, heritage, Black expression, and dedication to self are at the forefront of this beautiful collaboration,” founder Telsha Anderson explains to BAZAAR. “Aside from the bag being beautiful, it’s also adjustable, large enough to fit an iPad, and a perfect daily go-to.” In other words, a multi-hyphenate bag that does more than one thing is a must, just like the ladies who carry them.
