Are Handbags From the 2010s Due For a Comeback?

Fashion is undoubtedly still in the midst of a Y2K revival. And yet, another era of handbags seems to be on the style horizon. Trends from the 2010s are slowly but surely creeping up on today’s fashion scene. Could it be time for a revival of 2010s-era bags? Already?!

From black eyeliner to leather jackets, love for the decade that bore witness to Kylie Jenner’s blue dipped-dyed hair and Instagram’s transformation from a photo-sharing platform to a social networking powerhouse is gaining traction, and fast. This nostalgia-induced adoration extends to bags from the 2010s.

The slouchy oversized totes and sleek all-over black leather top handle styles of the decade seem to be calling out to handbag lovers everywhere. There is a mix of now (technically) vintage designs from the 2010s and styles that draw inspiration from the era popping up in street style shots and wish lists everywhere. In short, you’re sure to find a 2010s-inspired bag on your arm sometime soon. But what’s causing this refound love of 2010s-era handbags? And will it last?

The 2014 Tumblr Girl … And Other Style Heroes Of The 2010s

The revival of 2010s fashion can’t be discussed without first mentioning the 2014 Tumblr Girl? What is the 2014 Tumblr Girl? As the name suggests, it’s a fashion aesthetic linked to the early 2010s and the microblogging and social networking platform Tumblr. The 2014 Tumblr Girl (or any other gender) is cool. They wear eyeliner and biker boots and dress in almost exclusively all-black ensembles. Crucially, they’d look great carrying a Givenchy Antigona in smooth black calfskin leather.

The cool, edgy and androgynous vibe of the 2014 Tumblr Girl goes hand in hand with the unstructured, distressed style of many popular bags from the 2010s. And since the greatest fashion minds have declared that the aesthetic is back, it seems only a matter of time before 2010s-era styles take center stage.

In addition to many great bags, the 2010s also saw the concept of street style explode, thanks to social media and the growing number of fashion blogs. The concept of the influencer was born. Snaps of the Kardashian-Jenners and a slew of other emerging style gurus carrying designer accessories began to circulate online, meaning handbags of the time were being seen by more potential fans than ever before.

Tote Love Is Back

Peplums and statement neon hues, defining styles of the 2010s, are already popping up on runways. Enthusiasm for 2010s style doesn’t stop there. The decade’s signature too-big-they’re-almost-impractical totes have become the maxi-accessory of choice for many designers, with big bags taking up space on the runway at Fendi, Jacquemus, and more. This conjures up images of 2010s-era Kim Kardashian clinging to a humongous tote bag.

After fashion’s devotion to mini and micro styles for what feels like forever, the prospect of re-embracing the previous decade’s roomy designs seems pretty appealing. In short, fashion is yet again ready to size up its accessories.

The Bags Ready For A Revival

Akin to the state of their Y2K predecessors a few years ago, 2010s-era designs have been sleeping in their dust bags, quietly waiting for their grand return. With the luxury resale market bigger than ever and re-issue bags being an increasingly profitable move for fashion houses, the revival of 2010s-era handbags will probably involve a significant number of retro (ish) designs from that time.

Think, Celine’s Luggage Tote and Trapeze styles, Givenchy Antigona, Mulberry Bayswater, and Saint Laurent Sac de Jour. Sleek, care-free carry-alls, equal parts elegant, practical, and soft grunge.

Despite these styles being first released not too long after their Y2K forebears, there are some key differences between these two eras in handbag history. While the Y2K color palette was multi-hued and favored bright, bubblegum shades, handbags of the 2010s were typically all-over black or more neutral colors. Instead of overly branded designs which became a staple of early 2000s bags, 2010s-era styles tended to feature less logos and more subtle nods to their designers.

New 2010s-Inspired Designs

Fashion loves a revival style. But who doesn’t love the reimagining of a retro trend through a fresh fashion lens? A new cohort of designs is emerging which reinterpret the most beloved design elements of 2010s-era bags. With an emphasis on spacious silhouettes completely disparate to the minuscule styles consumers have become accustomed to, these reimagined 2010-inspired designs nod to the time period’s sense of effortless coolness without becoming a mere repackaging of previous styles.

One current favorite is Saint Laurent’s Icare Maxi Shopping bag spotted on the likes of Zoë Kravitz and her assemblage of A-lister pals. Dubbed a summer staple by experts, the design’s maxi-size, slouchy silhouette, and all-over black finish are textbook 2010s handbag.

Other emerging 2010s-esque bags include the Givenchy Kenny bag, designed for Spring/Summer 2022, and the new Dior Vibe bowling bag, available in Y2K-approved small versions, as well as sizable heavy-duty iterations set to excite those of you eager for the comeback of fashion’s yesteryear.