An It-bag serves as the secret weapon in every fashion editor's arsenal. Even on those days when your outfit doesn't quite hit the mark, the perfect bag can effortlessly pull your look together. As we bid farewell to summer and embrace the transition into fall, our focus shifts to essentials like everyday bags (and coats) that not only accessorize but become statement pieces during the colder seasons. Street style stars, celebrities, and fashion insiders are already setting the stage for the arm candy trends of this season. Get ready to grab the must-have pieces fresh off the runways of Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and more for Fall/Winter 2023.
CHANEL Mini Shopping Bag
One bag that's been creating waves this season is Chanel's Mini Shopping Bag, seen on two viral looks from Margot Robbie's Barbie press tour. This iconic top-handled style, originally introduced in the '80s and '90s, has been brought back to life for creative director Virginie Viard's Fall/Winter 2023 collection. It has quickly risen to the top of the must-have list, reportedly selling out almost immediately upon release. Available in both mini and nano sizes, this mini marvel boasts a timeless square silhouette adorned with Chanel's iconic quilting and a modern tab closure. Its versatility is matched only by its sophistication, featuring a top handle and a concealed crossbody strap for dual carrying options that seamlessly blend function with style. With color choices like a delectable candy-colored coral and glossy black calfskin, Chanel's Mini Shopping Bag has firmly established itself as one of the most coveted fashion pieces of the season—if you can get your hands on one.
PRADA Arqué Leather Shoulder Bag
As crescent-shaped handbags continue to steal the spotlight in 2023, Prada introduces the Arqué shoulder bag, a stunning addition to the Italian house's collection of iconic handbags designed to withstand the test of time. As spotted on actor Emma Watson at Prada's Spring/Summer 2024 show during Milan Fashion Week, the Arqué's sleek, curved lines make it the epitome of Prada's understated elegance for the modern woman. Whether carried under the arm, gracefully slung over the shoulder, or draped across the body, the inclusion of a leather extension and detachable crossbody strap ensures versatility as vast as its wearer's style.
GUCCI Horsebit Chain Bag
The Gucci Horsebit Chain shoulder bag is set to become one of the new It-bags of 2023, as seen on celebrities like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner. Twenty years after its debut on Tom Ford's Fall/Winter 2003 runway, the style returns in Gucci's Fall/Winter 2023 collection with a fresh redesign by the Gucci design team. In homage to the creatives who have contributed to Gucci's rich history over its 102-year existence, the team has breathed new life into iconic accessories like the Gucci Horsebit Chain bag. Like its vintage predecessor, the new version of this handbag features a range of finishes, from plush quilted chartreuse leather to fabric adorned with Gucci's ubiquitous double G motif. The bag is distinguished by its dual leather and chain strap and showcases Gucci's signature horsebit emblem on the front, which doubles as a clutch for a third carrying option. Combining everyday functionality with Gucci's innate sensuality in design, the Gucci Horsebit Chain is a must-have for the season.
BOTTEGA VENETA Hop Bag
Each season, Matthieu Blazy consistently demonstrates his mastery in creating an accessory range that translates the house's impeccable craftsmanship into pieces that blend luxury with everyday wear. For Fall/Winter 2023, Blazy introduces the Hop Bag, a pyramidal silhouette inspired by a vintage hobo bag shape introduced by the house in 2002. Crafted over two days, the Hop Bag showcases Bottega Veneta's iconic intreccio weave, ensuring that each bag is unique due to the craftsmanship's inherent individuality. The bag features rich Italian leather in a range of Bottega Veneta's signature calming tones, including "Chamomile," a buttery pale yellow trending this season, and "Oyster," an ethereal lilac hue. Available in small and large sizes, this carry-all bag is designed to accompany you wherever you go.
MIU MIU Arcadie Leather Bag
Following the massive success of its Wanderer bag last year, Miu Miu unveils its new It-bag for the season: the Arcadie. Offered in Miu Miu's iconic three-dimensional matelassé motif or sumptuously smooth leather, the Arcadie's instantly recognizable rectangular shape exudes a delightful retro charm, channeling the timeless allure of 1960s fashion in a modern way. While the bag's shape has become a favorite for the season, it's the little details that truly count: purse feet, a detachable (and adjustable) leather shoulder strap for hands-free convenience, and even a removable leather mirror case, making the Arcadie the perfect companion for the on-the-go Miu Miu It-girl.
LOEWE Small Squeeze Bag
Loewe's newest addition, the Loewe Squeeze bag, offers a delightful twist on the concept of the It-bag, a creation born from the imaginative mind of Jonathan Anderson. Designed to engage our senses through touch, the Loewe Squeeze bag gets its name from its uniquely squishy handle, while the soft nappa lambskin body features whimsical ruched detailing. Adding to its charm, a jewelry-inspired carabiner clip allows for easy length adjustments, providing the flexibility to transform it from a crossbody into a shoulder bag. Available in both small and medium sizes, and offered in a range of sophisticated shades, including Chalk, Chocolate, Oak, Olive, Black, and Seaside Blue. For those seeking a touch of extravagance, Loewe also offers a limited-edition line crafted from Black python and crocodile skin.
Balenciaga Brings Back Big Bags
Balenciaga's Creative Director, Denma, heralds the much-anticipated return of oversized bags with the launch of the Monaco bag line. While the Monaco line encompasses card holders and wallets, the Monaco bags stole the spotlight at Paris Fashion Week, gracing the arms of celebrities like Erykah Badu, Indya Moore, and Charli XCX. These sumptuous bags are available in both white and black leather iterations, featuring a quilted calfskin and arena leather exterior adorned with Balenciaga's BB logo in antique silver and gold finishes. With ample space for daily use and a plush texture for everyday comfort, the Monaco bag effortlessly combines style and functionality.
Fendi's Origami Bag: A Masterpiece of Versatility
Inspired by the ancient Japanese art of folding, Fendi presents the Origami bag—a marvel of complex construction and adaptability. Silvia Venturini Fendi, the Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear, introduces Fendi's latest It-bag, a testament to the brand's commitment to multifunctionality. The Fendi Origami can be worn as an elegant shoulder tote or, when folded, transforms into a chic bucket bag, adapting seamlessly to your ever-changing needs. It comes in three sizes: a spacious carry-all, an everyday medium, and a mini version for evenings and everyday use. The grained leather texture offers a smooth finish and durability. Fendi offers a variety of colors and finishes, from classic black and white to taupe and vibrant "ciclamino" pink, as well as exclusive versions in interlaced leather and shearling.
The Rise of Mesh Bags
As summer gives way to fall, and we trade our mesh ballerina flats for warmer attire, there's a new must-have accessory in town: mesh bags. Following the viral success of Alaïa's mesh ballet flats, the Maison's Hobo Bag in calfskin is now taking center stage as a fresh interpretation of It-bags. What sets the Hobo Bag apart is its interior feature: an extra-flat pouch bag made from glossy leather. This clever blend of textures adds sophistication and redefines bag silhouettes for the season.
Burberry's Knight Bag: A Timeless Emblem
The iconic Burberry Knight emblem, a symbol of the brand's rich 167-year legacy, takes on a prominent role in Burberry's evolving narrative under the creative direction of Daniel Lee. Known for his highly-anticipated accessories, Lee's debut collection for Burberry highlights the iconic Burberry Knight. Crafted from supple leather, the Knight bag pays homage to the house's equestrian heritage, featuring a horse-shaped clip and a signature hoop for adorning with trinkets. The bag's supple silhouette exudes a dynamic, sporty aura and offers versatile wearability with its adjustable strap that allows for multiple styling options. Available in both small and medium sizes, the Knight bag is presented in a range of opulent jewel tones, perfectly in tune with the Fall/Winter 2023 season.
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