The first week of May in NYC always carries a certain energy to it. The Met Gala has the city buzzing, editors and stylists are darting between meetings and fittings, and suddenly every sidewalk feels a little more like a runway than usual. It also happens to be one of those in-between moments weather-wise, where New Yorkers are still clinging to layers while simultaneously trying to manifest summer.
That transitional mood showed up in the bags, too.
We spent time around the city photographing what people were actually carrying, and while there was plenty of variety, a few themes emerged almost immediately. Functional totes were everywhere, proving once again that practicality and style continue to coexist beautifully in New York. And, unsurprisingly, Hermès had a very strong presence. Apparently, the people of NYC are not too worried about waitlists, as they already have ample orange boxes sitting at home.
We also spotted plenty of suede, rich pops of color, classic monograms, slouchy shoulder bags, and polished top handles mixed in between. Some looks leaned timeless and understated, others embraced a more playful energy, but that’s always part of the charm of New York style: it rarely feels overly calculated. The best looks still feel lived in.
More than anything, this gallery became a reminder that NYC remains one of the best places in the world for people-watching, and, naturally, bag-watching, too.
A Closer Look at NYC’s Bag Scene
Images by Julia Spicer for PurseBlog
These bag photography street style shots are my favorite. They’re always so beautifully composed!
Love the lady’s outfit.
Am I overthinking it, or does the red Birkin JPG read a little differently in this lighting?
It looks fake tbh. The scales are off
I bet that Kelly has a lot of stories to tell!
The stories: “I was born in a life of privilege and inherited wealth.”
Maybe. But, that bag looks like it’s been through the wringer. Not everyone with an Hermes bag has that story.
That COAT with the Fendi!
The shoulder strap is too short for that Hermes 24/24 to be worn cross body.
I like to wear cross-body bags with shorter straps. I sometimes think that longer straps on cross-body bags looks a little frumpy, but it depends very much on the overall style. Each to their own!
Agreed. I still cannot see why bags are worn cross-body above waistline, sometimes all the way up to the chest… (slings are not what I am referring to). I noticed this maybe 2018-ish, that just… not complimenting to any type of body…
The only bags that were of interest to me were the python hobo and what looked like a plum vintage Bottega
We thought vintage Bottega too – but couldn’t find the exact style and there are so many dupes doing woven leather we didn’t want to name it in case it wasn’t BV! If anyone remembers this exact style let us know!
Wonder why that plum Bottega wasn’t named. It is beautiful. Too many old Birkins for me. I love the street style concept but I know New Yorkers are wearing other bags.
Heavy coats worn with sandals? Puffy coat with floral dress? I don’t get the style.
You don’t have to get it. That’s fashion. It’s unique to each person and their individual style and needs, and thats the joy of it.
It’s a mix of wearing the outfit you want even if the season hasn’t quite arrived, and utilitarianism in fashion. You wear the coat that speaks to you and/or matches the comfort you want to experience while wearing the inconvenient outfit. It’s honestly the amount of IDGAF that makes it cool to me.
The python bag is beautiful. Is it a Gucci Jackie or am I mistaken?