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.

New Fendi First Pouch 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.

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Adele
Adele
1 year ago

The BV Pouch does not excite me. This one does 100%!

ILP
ILP
1 year ago
Reply to  Adele

Completely agree.

Aspen
Aspen
1 year ago

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.

Ed B
Ed B
1 year ago

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.

SegoIrm
SegoIrm
1 year ago

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.

Amy
Amy
1 year ago

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.

pinksky777
pinksky777
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy

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?…

ZandLove
ZandLove
1 year ago
Reply to  pinksky777

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.

Chandana
Chandana
1 year ago
Reply to  pinksky777

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.

Amy
Amy
1 year ago
Reply to  pinksky777

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.

Chandana
Chandana
1 year ago

Ordered this as soon as I saw it on the runway and LOVED wearing it to dinner last night. Got tons of compliments ?

Chandana
Chandana
1 year ago

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?! ?

Lara
Lara
1 year ago
Reply to  Chandana

Never crazy!

Ciarra
Ciarra
1 year ago

I have the shoes and have preordered the small in the chocolate. I love this bag!

sunny
sunny
1 year ago

lovedddd it!

Nyp1217
Nyp1217
1 year ago

These bags are beautiful ????

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