These 9 It Bags Are the Moment, and They're Everywhere I Look
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomIn my experience, you're either a shoe person or a handbag person. Perhaps you have the budget and closet space for both (congrats!), but if you fall into the latter category of seasoned bag pro, then it's highly likely that you'll be one of two types of collectors: You'll enjoy either indulging in the fun, It bag of the moment or investing in timeless classics. Rarely do the two meet, and the opposing camps that divide this world of leather-goods connoisseurs provide inspiration for those who like seasonal switch-ups as well as the shoppers with a longer-term strategy in mind.
This dynamic has played out across the fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris. I've witnessed many a classic come back to the fore. In fact, you can't move through the street style galleries for the Hermès Birkins, nylon Pradas and Chanel Flap bags. They are all quiet, neat and timeless; worthwhile purchases considering how they appreciate in value. However, if it's adrenaline you're after, I've also seen plenty of the season's unique and unusual statement bags toted on the arms of fashion's leaders. There's nothing quite like a new handbag style to totally transform an old outfit, so puffy finishes and Y2K throwback styles—complete with trinkets and all—are what the more experimental dressers are using to pep up their looks.
I combed through thousands of IRL looks from stylists, buyers, editors and influencers to hunt down the new (and old) handbags on the rise for autumn/winter 2022, and these were the results…
1. LOEWE PUFFER GOYA SHOULDER BAG
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: An entirely new style for Loewe, the Puffer Goya takes a classic idea of the shoulder flap bag and turns it into something really spectacular with squidgy leather and a circular-link chain strap.
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: It comes in a host of neutral, autumnal hues like tan, chocolate, rusty red and more.
I've fallen in love with this soft, retro red shade.
2. PRADA SYMBOLE BAGS
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: Any fashion person can spot a Prada triangle plaque logo from a mile off—now it's inspired a repeat pattern called Symbole.
The weave comes in many silhouettes, from shoulder bags to larger totes like this.
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: It's the actual triangle-shaped bag that has been popular with the It-girl set.
3. COPERNI SWIPE BAG
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: For a conceptual, sculptural bag, it's Coperni's egg-shaped Swipe that has been chosen as leader. It comes in everything from classic black leather through to glass—yes, really!
The style in black is still a statement but more likely to turn into a classic bag you can use for many years.
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: For extra A/W 22 trend points, a mini bag covered in crystals ticks a lot of boxes.
4. BOTTEGA VENETA CHAIN POUCH
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: It's not a new style, but I always love to see an It bag with year-after-year mileage—the Bottega Veneta Pouch has now been loved since spring 2020. Both the chain styles and the clutches are still going strong.
This shade of orange will look so good with denim.
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: Red iterations are often the first to sell out and be sold again for a much higher price.
5. BALENCIAGA LE CAGOLE
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: If Y2K is your jam, then you won't be new to the phenomenon of Balenciaga's Le Cagole bags. It's loosely based on the original City styles of the '00s, only with extra bells and whistles and rendered in slightly curvier shapes.
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: Larger styles are great for those who like the carry all the essentials 24/7. However, the bigger versions are very hard to come by.
I don't know what's more authentic to the era: white, baby pink or shiny black?
6. COS CROSSBODY BAG
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: So it's not designer, but boy, is it popular! COS's Leather Crossbody Bag has been flying out of stores for months now.
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Michaela Efford @michaelaefford_photographyStyle Notes: Who What Wear's affiliate editor Emily wears hers with everything from minidresses to trouser suits.
7. DIESEL D-PLAQUE BAGS
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: For another nod to the year 2000, Diesel's logo-plaque styles have a cult following.
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: The shoulder and crossbody styles are roomier but still give a specific aesthetic. You'll find the hyped styles already popping up on pre-loved sites for a higher cost.
8. A.W.A.K.E. MODE MIA BAG
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: A.W.A.K.E. Mode was doing puffy bags before many brands tapped into the idea. This knotted Mia style takes the look forward.
If you prefer vegan leather, this is a great option.
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: The Mia comes in a smaller size as well—great for an evening look.
9. HERMÈS KELLY
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Morgane Maurice @morganemauriceStyle Notes: Birkins and Kellys never fade, but it's been fascinating to see them being quite so prevalent over the past month.
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Szymon Brzóska @thestylestalkercomStyle Notes: Whether larger black totes or baby Kelly like this cream one, it's all about the iconic styles in neutral hues.
A never-used second-hand style.
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