The 10 Best Runway Bags of Spring 2013

Now that the dust has settled around the various global fashion weeks and we know what to expect from the most important collections for Spring 2013, well…what can we expect? The handbag trends weren’t quite as clear for the upcoming season as they have been in the recent past, but if nothing else, you should count on things getting a little more modern. Fashion as a whole has decided to pick up and head into the future, and that means that bag design is headed there as well.

After searching all the weird textiles, textures, color combinations and a few (fewer than you’d expect) straight-up leather bags, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 Best Runway Bags of Spring 2013. For this season, you won’t find any of Louis Vuitton’s 70s-hued Damier bags on our list, but you will find the triumphant return of Dior under the leadership of modernist wunderkind Raf Simons. Check out our full list below or take a look back through all of our Fashion Week coverage.

It’s hard to beat Hermes, and this Hermes Leather Backpack is among the most beautiful backpacks you’ll ever see.

It’s been a long time since Dior’s bags have excited me, but this nipped-waist tote oozes both modernity and Dior heritage.

Back when I reviewed the Mulberry Spring 2013 collection, I predicted that the Mulberry Willow Tote would be the best everyday bag of the season. I was right.

Chanel’s collection was full of fantastical pieces (that hula hoop bag!), but this little lego-inspired clutch managed to be more clever than all fo them.

Fendi Spring 2013 was my favorite bag collection of the entire season, and this neoprene and enamel Fendi 2Jours Tote captures the line’s futuristic feel perfectly.

I never expected a yellow crocodile briefcase to be subtle and ladylike, but Bottega Veneta has a way of making these things happen.

Is this a blush crocodile Valentino iPad case? I’m not sure, but even if it wouldn’t fit an iPad, it’s a gorgeous flat clutch.

Proenza Schouler naturally lead the charge toward mixed media. This print-and-metal version of the Proenza Schouler Record Bag is visually challenging, but it’s exactly what fashion needs.

We’re huge 3.1 Phillip Lim fans around here, and the simple, modern black-based floral on this functional satchel is pretty much perfect.

Lanvin promised to expand its presence in the handbag market for Spring 2013, and this wood-accented shoulder bag is a good start. The hard lines mixed with natural details are a Lanvin staple.