Marni has always been a brand I associate with creativity and sophistication, though I don’t often think of it first when it comes to handbags. That’s starting to change. The brand’s latest silhouette, unveiled on the Milan Fall/Winter 2025 runway, immediately stood out. It feels new, sculptural, and refreshingly understated in a sea of logos and hardware-heavy designs. Plus, it plays off one of my favorite flowers, which further intrigues me.
The Tulipea: Elegant Simplicity, Perfectly Executed
Marni’s new Tulipea bag takes its inspiration from the tulip, a flower associated with grace and enduring love. You can see that influence in the shape itself. The structure feels soft yet intentional, with a structured central body and flexible sides that gather gently with drawstrings, evoking the opening of a tulip flower itself. The lines are clean and fluid, with no visible hardware to distract from the craftsmanship or form.
Materials and Details
Made from supple buffalo leather, the Tulipea has a natural texture and veining that make each piece unique. The finish is glossy yet organic, with an almost hand-touched quality that lends depth and a nearly worn-in feel. Inside, a soft suede lining adds a luxurious touch, while the drawstring closure and curved handles make it practical for everyday wear.
After seeing the bag in person, one design element stood out to me as ideally suited: the length of the top handle drop. Although it’s not adjustable, one of my biggest pet peeves is a bag with too short a drop, leaving it stuck too close to my armpit. The shape of this bag, with its curvature and leather details, lends well to a more casual and spacious appeal. And I love how the leather folds and comes together; it truly feels like an extension of the flower it’s inspired by.
There are three sizes: small (9.45″ H x 9.45″ L x 6.3″ W), original (7.48″ H x 12.6″ L x 5.12″ W), and large (10.24″ H x 15.75″ L x 10.24″ W). The smallest size also comes with an optional shoulder strap, so you can carry it crossbody or over your shoulder if you prefer. Prices are $1,695, $1,950, and $2,300.
Final Thoughts
There’s something quietly confident about the Tulipea. It doesn’t demand attention; it earns it. This is a bag for someone who values design and detail over flash and appreciates the kind of craftsmanship that doesn’t need to announce itself. With its thoughtful balance of structure and softness, this feels like the Marni moment we didn’t know we were waiting for.
Celebrity Fans
I always return to seeing a bag carried by others to further showcase how it may translate to day-to-day wear. After seeing this bag featured with multiple celebrities, it further solidified my adoration. This bag is different. It is unique. It offers a shape and style that doesn’t resemble anything else on the market.
The Citronelle (lime green) colorway is my favorite, as spotted on Katie Holmes and a few others. There are more classic colors, like black and brandy, a deep brown hue with red undertones.
This is a big moment for Marni in the handbag world, and I am here for it!
Styled by Brie Welch. Image Courtesy of MARNI
Styled by Brie Welch. Image Courtesy of MARNI
