The handbag world remains defined by a distinct cohort of luxury players. Still, there is something enticing and captivating about under-the-radar newness, and it’s that exact appeal that oozes from the brand-new Nina Ricci Le Bal, the first bag under creative director Harris Reed’s tenure at the historic design House.
Nina Ricci was founded in 1932 in Paris by Italian-born couturier Nina Ricci. While the House has undergone many transformations over its nearly century in business, today the brand’s ready-to-wear is beloved for its feminine silhouettes, delicate details, and modern-meets-elegant aesthetic.
Harris Reed Defines a New Era
Designer Harris Reed, the youngest to sit at the brand’s helm, joined the House in 2022 and has been celebrated for his gender-fluid vision and playful yet extravagant collections, helping to define the next chapter for the historic House.
For the Spring 2026 season, that vision is further cemented with Le Bal, a modern take on the classic bowling bag, featuring a structured, rounded silhouette that offers a distinct, bold form.
What makes the Le Bal Bag stand out is not only its shape and form, which are unlike anything else at the moment (it’s not quite a classic bowler and not quite east/west either), but also its under-the-radar appeal. At first glance, it’s not immediately identifiable—small lettering sits at the base of the bag—but it’s unique enough to warrant a closer look.
Introducing the Nina Ricci Le Bal Bag
While there are three sizes in the Le Bal family—mini, medium, and large—the medium size was my goldilocks moment: it’s just right. Its elongated straps sit comfortably on the shoulder, in the crook of the arm, or carried by hand, and while it does come with a longer removable strap, I wouldn’t wear it this way.
The Le Bal is a full-on fashion moment, crafted from smooth calf leather that feels both supple and sturdy. It instantly lends any outfit a contemporary, elegant allure. At the same time, it’s devoid of logos, offering a hint of timelessness, which I appreciated.
How to Style the Nina Ricci Le Bal
While I styled this alongside pieces from Nina Ricci’s Spring 2026 collection, I would also wear it dressed down with jeans, loafers, and a chic turtleneck—and that’s the beauty of a good black bag. If you’re looking for a bit more novelty, the Le Bal also comes in soft suede and printed ponyhair.
The Le Bal Bag Medium offers a spacious interior and an internal pocket—it can even hold a small tablet or a book along with daily essentials like sunglasses and a mid-sized wallet. Discover the full Le Bal Bag family, along with new arrivals from Harris Reed’s Spring 2026 collection, now at NinaRicci.com.
Images by Karya Schanilec for PurseBlog
Did a directive go out this year to all design houses to create bags as follows: East-west, 2 shoulder straps, gold-leaf the name/logo center bottom? Polene/The Row much?
It’s all so boring that everyone is doing their version of the Alaia bag. Not my cup of tea. They look so odd.
The answer is no it will not become the ‘it’ bag LOL