It’s not that I don’t know the name Balmain; it’s a brand that is highly recognizable and has a particular aesthetic. It’s more that Balmain hasn’t been at the forefront of the bag world. Yes, the brand makes bags, but they were far more secondary, or even tertiary, than the clothing. However, that is about to change, with Balmain investing its design talent into the handbag realm.
And the bag that is showing me this significant change is one that we recently covered: the Balmain Anthem. What better way for me to get to know a bag than to be sent a bag, and that is what Balmain did. The brand wanted me to get my hands (literally) on the Anthem bag, so I could see it for myself.
I am glad they did, because while I was already liking the bag from the photos I saw, having it in person gave me a completely different experience. The leather, the hardware, and the overall vibe – this is a great bag. It’s also a bag that you are not being inundated with from every angle, and that makes it even more of an intriguing prospect.
What is it that I like most about this bag? As the kids say, it’s a vibe. But really, it is. There is a modernized nostalgia feeling I had the moment I first unboxed the bag, that kind of excitement that has become harder for me to experience after seeing bags for over 20 years.
Standout Design Elements
First and foremost, it’s the actual aesthetic that lured me in. Between the leather, which is visibly incredibly lush and folds beautifully, and the oversized metal buckle hardware that closes the belt detail, this is a bag that stands out. It’s a bag that makes me feel something, namely, excited to carry it. Excited at the prospect of being able to share details about it with anyone who asks. And mostly, it brings me back to much of the initial joy I first felt when I was drawn to bags.
The bag is relatively easy to carry, thanks to its shoulder strap, which sits nicely over the shoulder due to the leather strip. The strap can also be detached if you prefer. To open the interior, two magnetic closures secure the bag quite nicely, and the interior is well-organized with one zip pocket and one card slot.
The exterior features an adjustable center buckle strap, an unexpected yet welcome touch. Overall dimensions are 10.2″H x 17.3″W x 6″D.
I’ve only had this bag for a few weeks now (thanks to the team at Balmain for sending it), and it’s quickly become a staple in my current rotation. It has also reminded me that there are far more bags that I may love, and I am going into 2026 carrying my new Anthem and opening my bag-horizons!
I feel like every brand does the belt-on-bag. This is tired already.
Maybe so. But it’s nice when someone finally finds the one that speaks to them.
Very pretty! Can the belt be removed and worn as a belt?? Just curious!!
Just what i thought.. too bad
No, but that would be insane!
Yes so many other brands have done the belt bag but this just seems different
I agree, the first time I saw it I thought first that it’s gorgeous and I love it and the second thing I thought is that it looks like Balmain. I find it refreshing in a world of obvious logo’s with no heritage behind them ruining bags which could otherwise be lovely.
I can still get behind a historic logo or even a monogram but love the more subtle nods to a brand’s DNA like this way more!