Fashion has flirted with bag shapes both spectacularly sizable and ludicrously Lilliputian. But if recent lifestyle changes have taught us anything, it’s that our accessories should be easy to use. As a result, we’re banishing styles that have Mary Poppins-inspired dimensions or surface areas too miniscule to contain a credit card, and embracing chandbag brands that propose classic silhouettes proportioned to perfection.
We’re sizing up handbag brands creating styles with a streamlined persuasion, which nestle ergonomically under the shoulder. Some, like the Chanel ‘11.12’ bag and the Gucci ‘Jackie’, are updated brand signatures, while others, including the U-shaped Prada ‘Cleo’ and the boxy Hermès ‘Mors de Brides’ are new silhouettes. The ‘Cleo’ nods to minimalist 1990s silhouettes in the Milan label’s archive, while the horsebit-inspired closure of the ‘Mors de Brides’ nods to the Parisian maison’s equestrian heritage.
Classic bags: Cleo bag, by Prada
Top, £810; trousers, £845; ‘Cleo’ bag, £1,520, all by Prada. Bracelet, £700, by Alighieri
Nineties fans rejoice! Prada's ‘Cleo’ bag reinterprets a curved shape style from the decade of style that keeps on giving.
prada.com (opens in new tab)
Mors de Brides bag, by Hermès
Bodysuit, £1,950; skirt, £3,800; ‘Mors de Bride’ bag, £4,500, all by Hermès
The striking hardware clasp of the Parisian brand’s ‘Mors de Bride’ bag draws on its iconic equestrian heritage.
hermes.com (opens in new tab)
Caro bag, by Dior
Jumpsuit, £1,600; bralette, £650; knickers, £670; earring, £390; ‘Caro’ bag, £3,300, all by Dior
The French label’s signature Cannage quilting complements its iconic ‘CD’ clasp in this tactile and classic creation.
dior.com (opens in new tab)
Le 5 A 7 Hobo bag, by Saint Laurent
Jacket, £2,175; ‘Le 5 A 7’ Hobo bag, £1,285, both by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
The Parisian label’s ‘YSL’ logo is an iconic motif designed in 1961 by Cassandre. Let it nestle snugly under your shoulder.
ysl.com (opens in new tab)
Triomphe bag, by Celine
Jacket, £1,950; roll-neck, £365; ‘Triomphe’ bag, £1,550, all by Celine by Hedi Slimane. Necklace, £1,150, by Alighieri
The Parisian maison’s label draws on bourgeois motifs, incorporating its signature Triomphe logo within its striking clasp.
celine.com (opens in new tab)
Roman Stud bag, by Valentino Garavani
Roman label Valentino Garavani has sized up the stud details synonymous with its accessories to striking effect.
valentino.com (opens in new tab)
Moonlight bag, by Fendi
Jacket, £2,390; skirt, £920; ‘Moonlight’ bag, £1,450, all by Fendi. Earrings, £585, by Completedworks
There’s a bohemian leaning behind Fendi’s crescent-shaped shoulder bag, accentuated with tortoiseshell details and striking stitching.
fendi.com (opens in new tab)
Shoulder bag, by Salvatore Ferragamo
Dress, £3,045; bag, £1,830, both by Salvatore Ferragamo. Earrings, £280, by Alighieri
All hail the pared-back classic shoulder bag silhouette, demonstrated sublimely here by Florentine brand Salvatore Ferragamo.
ferragamo.com (opens in new tab)
Curve bag, by Alexander McQueen
Jacket, £1,940; ‘Curve’ bag, £1,090, both by Alexander McQueen. Earrings, £350, by Alighieri
The London brand’s curvaceous bucket bag style features an eye-catching debossed seal detail. §
alexandermcqueen.com (opens in new tab)