Last summer, tired from months and months of reporting on the quiet luxury trend, I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands and steer us all back towards the more fun side of fashion.
Gone were the bright, bold colors and the opulent dressing that fashion favored in the post-pandemic world. Suddenly, it was all about if you know, you know brands like Khaite, The Row, Toteme, and more.
While I believe there is a time and a place for a more understated bag, I often want one that brings me joy, feels more fun, and can speak for itself. You know what I mean? Nothing sparks up a conversation between fashion lovers like a really good statement bag.
That, my friends, is what keeps me coming back to the Dries Van Noten Crisp bag time and time again.
A Fashion Great Introduces a Hot New Handbag
Belgian designer Dries Van Noten got his start in the late 1980s, quickly building a name for himself in the world of menswear and later expanding into womenswear. The designer’s quirky, bold designs won him many accolades over the years, and he remained at the label’s helm until his departure in June 2024.
Julian Klausner, who had worked alongside Van Noten since 2018, was appointed his successor late last year. Before his departure, Van Noten introduced the Crisp bag for Spring 2024, and while the brand was never quite on my radar for its bags, the Crisp bag was love at first sight, making it onto my list as a statement-making must.
Later, I came back to the bag in both burgundy and olive green, falling in love time and time again with its clean silhouette but unique, statement-making handle. The Crisp bag, defined by its structured, rigid shape, is instantly recognizable by its resin handle. It’s chic and makes a statement, but it is also designed with function in mind. A detachable leather strap allows for shoulder wear, too.
This season, the Dries Van Noten Crisp bag drops in metallic lilac, with a burgundy handle, and it is this exact bag that has me once again coming back for a second (ok fourth) look. If you want to up the ante on this show stopper, there are embellsihed novelty versions too which would make a great night out or event bag.
What do you think?
I would describe these bags as “quiet luxury.” They have no logos, no loud branding, and aren’t ubiquitous on the streets.
Dries is part of the Antwerp Six, so IMHO it might give some quiet luxury vibes.
IIRC the Olsen Twins really lifted a lot of their inspo from Dries and the rest of the Six.
Yes, it’s under the radar, but I wouldn’t necessarily categorize it as quiet luxury. IMO, quiet luxury is more understated and minimal, possibly the neutral versions, but still a stretch as it doesn’t align with Dries Van Noten as a brand, which has always been known for its boldness, leaning more towards audacious dressing, almost an antidote to quiet luxury if you will.
I saw one of these bags in the window of a Zurich store located a block off Bahnhofstrasse. I wondered what brand it was and what the price was. Glad to read this article and find out!
It’s so unique! I keep coming back to it each time I see it.