In the bag world, a new shape becoming a phenomenon seems unlikely – because how many innovative shapes can you truly design when it comes to handbags? But, nevertheless, unique shapes can pop up and take the designer bag world by surprise, leaving all the design houses working to create something similar in the seasons to come.
The hype surrounding oversized Pouch bags took hold with the Bottega Veneta The Pouch, a large leather clutch meant to be held by hand or carried under the shoulder. Quickly, this shape swooped in and had every fashionista scrambling to own a bag of this style. There was an inherent want and need for this design, and many brands have followed with similar bags.
The New ‘It’ Pouch?
Fendi’s latest is the Fendi First, a bag that possesses similar qualities to that oversized pouch design but with Fendi’s own twist. And the twists that Fendi adds to this bag make it stand out in a way that I find myself with a bit of a bag obsession. You see, my eyes locked on this bag the moment I saw a photo of it, it felt both current and timeless all at once. The leather looked divine in photos, and I can now tell you that in person it is even more lovely. And the iconic F clasp? Well, that is just icing on the proverbial handbag cake.
Construction and Materials
While that supple leather pouch-like shape is part of what makes this bag, there is much more to it. The Nappa leather Fendi uses is incredibly durable while remaining as soft and pliable as it appears in photos. The Fendi First is further stylized with the oversized metal F clasp which is bound in tone on tone Nappa leather that runs the length of the top of the bag. While the F clasp does add some weight, there is an optional shoulder strap that makes this bag far more usable – and somehow with and without the strap it feels entirely reinvigorated as a new design. The Fendi First is a bag that has given Fendi a major bag spotlight, and in my opinion, deservedly so.
Sizing and Dimensions
I was able to check out both sizes in person, the Medium version in dark brown Nappa leather as well as the small, in the coziest pink sheepskin. The large size is very spacious, with dimensions of 32.5 cm L x 23.5 cm H x 15 cm D. The bag does weigh 2.3 lbs, and much of this heft comes from the F clasp which I think makes the bag entirely special so you can’t part with this design element. The shoulder strap attaches in a really seamless way, with pull-out attachment points that can make the bag look seamless as a clutch or offer the ease of carrying as a shoulder bag. The interior is spacious and lined in the FF logo print.
While there are plenty of leather options, including black, dark brown, caramel, beige, and pink, Fendi introduced the Fendi First in python, mink and sheepskin as well. I have a soft spot for cozy bags and the light pink sheepskin feels and looks quite magical (it’s currently sold out online, and I’m not surprised!). On top of that, the pink sheepskin small version paired with the large dark brown leather version felt like some sort of dessert combination that I would order for now until the end of time. The small size is 26 cm L x 18 cm H x 9.5 cm D and weighs 1.36 lbs. This version also has pull-out tabs and an optional shoulder strap with a 43 cm drop.
Price and Availability
The pictured dark brown Nappa leather version of the medium Fendi First costs $3,490 and can be purchased via Fendi.com. The small pink sheepskin Fendi first will cost you $3,190 and is also available $3,190 via Fendi.com.
The BV Pouch does not excite me. This one does 100%!
Completely agree.
This bag really feels current and hyper fashionable!
Saw this in person. It’s not as shapeless and soft as the BV pouch. Is actually quite sturdy. The leather is soft and I love the zucca jacquard on the inside.
This bag is really lovely, I don’t really like the BV pouch but this one is much more refined and feminine. Really classy and a bit edgy, beautiful.
Exactly right, it’s more feminine and classy, all things I don’t personally want in a handbag haha. Perhaps this is also why I and a lot of other people haven’t “gotten” this bag. I think this would look lovely on someone perhaps a bit older, as it is more of a elegant bag. My SA said the same thing and she works for Fendi so she gets the clientele. She stated that not one person under 40 came and saw or even noticed the bag, so I thought that was interesting. Also, let us not forget all the younger “influencers” who were GIFTED the bag and had to do that god awful marketing fail where they all post the bag on the same day (almost same time even) along with the matching shoes and hair clips! ? Like how dumb are these luxury brands thinking I’m going to want to buy a freebie bag that you just made look even tackier than it already was?…
I’m 23 and love this, I’m sorry but you have the wrong idea 🥰. I adore this bag. It seems timeless if you carry yourself well with it.
I’m 33 and love this. I liked the BV pouch too but this is so much more versatile and well designed (retractable clasps for the strap etc). I do think you need the chain strap to make this a more fun and edgy style – which I bought. If you don’t love it no biggie – more for the rest of us hahaha 😛
I think this is going to be a really successful line for Fendi.
While I can’t speak to the influencer campaign since I don’t have Instagram I appreciate the beauty of this bag based on the online pictures by Fendi. I tried to see it in person but the bag was sold out within 2 days of launch in store here in Toronto so sadly never got to see it in real life yet. I’m personally not against influencer campaigns since this is just the way of marketing today (LV, Burberry, Bottega, Cha el, Gucci, etc.), if I like something I just do, I don’t care who else has it or how it was marketed. I’m in my 20s and have no problem rocking this bag if it was added to my collection.
I so unexpectedly love this bag despite usually not loving sharp edges. I can see where the Pouch gave it inspiration but to me it seems normal, fashion-affecting-each-other level, it brings more than enough personality and newness to make me love it.
Yes, I think it merely is pouch-like, but it is entirely its own design and I love that!
I saw it in person a few days ago in their NYC flagship-absolutely beautiful. As soon as one pops up on the resale market for a few $$$ less I’m going to snag one. My shopping habits changed since the pandemic and I really can’t justify spending $3000+ on a bag anymore.
Ordered this as soon as I saw it on the runway and LOVED wearing it to dinner last night. Got tons of compliments ?
Which one did you get?!
I got the small black one and added the chain strap ?? it’s so edgy with the chain strap. Now I’m eyeing a medium sheepskin. Is it crazy two own of these?! ?
Not in my eyes 😉
I also love the sheepskin versions!
Never crazy!
The one I posted is sheepskin. Fendi does offer a few mink versions, but that’s not what I covered here
I edited out the link to the video – we don’t allow that on our forum either. I am fine for you to bring up your concerns, and if someone wants to learn more, finding the video is easy.
I have the shoes and have preordered the small in the chocolate. I love this bag!
lovedddd it!
These bags are beautiful ????
So glad you like them as much as me!
Love, love this bag! I’ve been in love with bags made on a “frame” for many, many years and this one definitely fits my style!
It’s a really fun frame bag!
Oh my gosh I am so in love with these! I am still really wanting the BV chain pouch (even though it’s hyper popular, I think it has longevity). But this has such a fashionable design and I’m a sucker for sheepskin!
LOVE
I just saw this in the Dallas Highland Park store last week very beautiful and unique. I ultimately got the peekaboo iseeyou in white. I love Fendi leather!
In a previous post (2021 Fendi Winter Capsule), the bag is shown being carried under the arm with the F peeking out. The asymmetry makes sense when you see it carried this way. So gorgeous!!
I really really like it, but it looks too trendy.
It’s ok, but I wouldn’t buy it due to its lack of symmetry. I like straight lines and this is too imbalanced.
What do you think of the depth, too chunky to wear crossbody? & is strap even long enough? I die over this bag. Which would you choose the dark brown or the camel brown?
You can change out the strap! The smaller bag has a longer drop so you could get it crossbody probably! And I LOVE the camel. The dark brown is really rich and beautiful in person, but I think the camel helps the F frame stand out more 🙂
Bought the one in Python. Best super advanced Christmas gift ever for myself. Hahaha
How do you like it? I’m thinking of ordering.
Ugly
I personally am not a fan. When I first saw pictures months and months ago I thought there would be some appeal, but after seeing irl at the boutique… not so much. 1) The leather wasn’t very soft and you could tell it would scratch easily. 2) I didn’t find the strap really went with the whole aesthetic of the bag, and when worn with the strap on shoulder it looked bizarre to me. I mean, if you don’t want to hold the bag like a giant clutch is meant to be held then maybe just get another style bag, only makes sense. 3) I really despise when luxury brands rip each other off… if your going to have ANY pouch bag in your collection and want it to be a timeless piece, then wouldn’t you want the one that started it all to begin with? AKA the Bottega pouch. 4) The giant F logo is a huge turn off for me. I get that they had to make their pouch different somehow from Bottega’s, but the logo is just so “in your face” that it doesn’t even compete. Maybe the only thing I kinda like about the bag is the slight slant of the frame?… but that’s surely not enough for me to purchase it that’s for sure haha. At the end of the day I’m thankful I invested in my Bottega pouches, as I predict they will be the only oversized clutches that will stand the test of time
I have the Bottega pouch and I prefer it over this one. The fendi one seems a bit awkward to hold. My only beef with the pouch is that there’s no strap, so it’s more of an “outing” bag than an everyday bag.
Yes, BV introduced a new bag shape (although I had something very similar in the 80s). But just because they were the first to (re)introduce this shape, doesn’t mean another brand can’t come along and reimagine it. I happen to like the Mansur Gabriel’s take on the pouch because I think the frame adds some polish to it. And the Fendi First seems well received based on the comments. I’m sure most things you own are updated versions of an original – otherwise, there would be one brand or one style of everything. How boring!
It’s not that bv invented that style of bag BUT it’s more so that they put it on the map, and had they not a few years back guaranteed Fendi would not be debuting this style handbag. I can’t really speak on anything further as I couldn’t disagree more with the Mansur Gabriel pouch comment, and I don’t want to be rude.
So are you saying you like the BV pouch?
does this pouch come in the FF monogram logo
does this bag come in the classic monogram print