With the endless stream of virtual shows and presentations [1] of Fashion Month still in progress, designers across the globe are gearing up to showcase their finest work for the upcoming autumn/winter season (during a global pandemic, no less). And we have to say, we love what we see.
Amidst the most challenging times and peculiar circumstances, Fashion Month is a breath of fresh air — each show serves as a brief, visually captivating escape from the monotony of our WFH lives. Whether it's New York, London, Milan, or Paris, we always look forward to seeing what the fashion world has in store for brighter times ahead, and this year is no different — even from the glare of our laptop screens. And when it comes to fantasising about everything we wish so badly we could be wearing right now, nothing hits quite like a handbag. From distressed leather hobo bags to oversize pouches [2] and the on-trend bum bag, here are the top seven handbag trends you'll be seeing everywhere come autumn.
Autumn 2021 Bag Trend: Supersize Bags
Bigger isn't always better, but this autumn, it absolutely is. And designers from Jil Sander to Stella McCartney are making sure that you have an array of options to choose from.
From left: Jil Sander, Ulla Johnson, Stella McCartney
A bag from the Jil Sander pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Ulla Johnson autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Stella McCartney pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Fear of God pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Brunello Cucinelli autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Balmain pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Ulla Johnson autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Jil Sander autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Gabriela Hearst autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Fendi autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Max Mara pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Nanushka autumn 2021 collection.
Autumn 2021 Bag Trend: Texture Play
Sumptuous textures are the easiest way to add an interesting, 3D element to any look. From woven knit totes to lightly distressed linens, texture will be all the rage this autumn. You heard it here first.
From left: Gabriela Hearst, Krizia, Brunello Cucinelli
A bag from the Gabriela Hearst autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Krizia autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Brunello Cucinelli autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Burberry autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the A.W.A.K.E. Mode autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Stella McCartney pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Stella McCartney pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Givenchy pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Burberry pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Nanushka autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Marina Moscone autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the 3.1 Phillip Lim autumn 2021 collection.
Autumn 2021 Bag Trend: Criss Cross It Out
Crossbody bags are a way of life (who wouldn't want to go hands-free?). Fortunately, there's no shortage of options to choose from for the upcoming season.
From left: Vivienne Westwood, Coach, Colville
A bag from the Vivienne Westwood autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Coach autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Colville autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the A.W.A.K.E. MODE autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Molly Goddard autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Lemaire autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Vivienne Westwood pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Alberta Ferretti pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Coach autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Fendi autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the A.W.A.K.E Mode autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Nanushka autumn 2021 collection.
Autumn 2021 Bag Trend: Go Hobo
Hobo bags are nothing new, we're just seeing them done differently. Think: neutral tones, intriguing textures, and the occasional pop of colour.
From left: Alberta Ferretti, A.W.A.K.E Mode, Alberta Ferretti
A bag from the Alberta Ferretti autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the A.W.A.K.E Mode autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Budapest Select autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Alberta Ferretti pre-autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the Coach autumn 2021 collection.
A bag from the 3.1 Phillip Lim autumn 2021 collection.