Known for his dreamy, romantic aesthetic, often full of color and vibrance, Pierpaolo Piccioli brings his attention to detail and distinct understanding of what a woman wants to wear to Balenciaga.
Piccioli, whose debut collection for Balenciaga was unveiled at Paris Fashion Week last fall, melds past eras of Balenciaga, returning to its core ethos and brand DNA in a way that feels fresh and modern. This includes new bags, and today, we have a closer look at Pierpaolo Piccioli’s first bag designs for Balenciaga, fresh from the Spring 2026 runway.
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Vision for Balenciaga
Debuted on the runway alongside refreshed icons like the iconic Le City, the new Bolero bag is Balenciaga’s take on the classic bowler. The Bolero bag’s simple shape and curved lines accentuate its quality and craftsmanship, which nod to the Balenciaga archives and its heritage in leathercraft.
Lovingly named Bolero for a design by Cristóbal Balenciaga himself (the designer often referenced his home country of Spain’s traditional dress), the Balenciaga Bolero Bag debuts in medium and mini sizes and is defined by its unmistakable silhouette and distinct B-logo handles.
The Bolero Bag: A Modern Classic
The incredibly flattering silhouette is designed with versatility in mind—it can be handheld like a clutch, carried more traditionally by the bag’s top handles, or worn in the crook of the arm. Bold colors like saffron yellow and baby pink sit alongside neutral tones. Prices are $3,290 for the mini and $3,950 for the medium. Discover more via Balenciaga.
Also appearing on the runway this season was a relaxed, edgy shoulder bag that remains sleek and chic. The Le 7 Shoulder bag, which is named for a historic French neighborhood, reflects the versatility and style of Balenciaga’s Couture codes.
The Le 7 Shoulder Bag: Sleek, Edgy, and Functional
Compact and unfussy, the Le 7 is practical yet stylish. Designed as the perfect day-to-night carry, it feels true to Balenciaga’s core DNA, an effortlessly cool grab-and-go carry for the girl on the go. Soft yet sturdy, the Le 7 melds innovation with practicality, offering a zippered middle compartment as well as two outer compartments with a flap closure that seamlessly blurs the lines between flap bag and pochette.
Extremely versatile with its multiple compartments and pockets, the Le 7’s unique construction gives it an elegant, clean finish. The Le 7 Medium Shoulder bag arrives in black, saffron yellow (called curry), or biscuit-colored smooth leather, plus beautiful suede iterations lined in lambskin. Price is $3,350 via Balenciaga.
Celebrities with the New Balenciaga Bags
Unsurprisingly, the Bolero and Le 7 have already begun appearing on a range of celebrities, a familiar way Balenciaga introduces its newest designs to the wider fashion conversation. Even so, the bags feel genuinely well-suited to the varied personal styles of those who carry them, and they offer a great way to see them in the wild. Seeing the bags worn by such a wide range of people underscores their versatility and hints at their potential staying power beyond a single season or moment.
I like the shoulder bag a lot, especially the deep chocolate suede version. It looks well made and is not an easy target for pickpockets — unlike too many open bags that don’t have zipped compartments big enough to hold your wallet. Would I spend 2700 francs on it? Maybe not. I would have to check it out in the store. And do an in-person comparison between this bag and a couple of suede bags from Gucci: the B Medium Shoulder Bag and the Half Horsebit Medium Shoulder Bag. (Both of which are several hundred francs cheaper than the Balenciaga bag)
I’m beginning to appreciate Pierpaolo Piccioli’s designs, especially Le 7!
The Bolero bag is beautiful.
A true stunner, isn’t it?!
Yes!
The zipper compartment across the bottom of the Bolero, I’m fascinated and confused…
If I were to guess I would say it’s a quick access for phone compartment.
Exactly! I don’t understand its purpose.
This looks like the Toteme t lock bag
Been eying le 7 since sneak previews came out and still obsessed
I’m getting a double-B all right…. For Boring and Boring….nothing about these two are exciting or gave me any sensation of ‘I want’.
I love PP and this pains me to say this but these are the most unattractive bags I’ve seen from a brilliant designer!
Balenciaga is forever canceled for me. References to kiddie porn and child abuse are inexcusable.
When will the designs from his first show come out? I am loving the First and City in those beautiful colors!