I didn’t expect to see the decidedly formal, Hermès Kelly-adjacent top-handled flap bag making a comeback right now, but I guess that’s my fault. In fashion, you should always expect the unexpected when it comes to trends (except for that period a couple years ago where every season was more 70s-inspired than the last). As a concept, trends are fundamentally reactionary phenomena, which means that as soon as we’ve hit one extreme, we should get ready to hurtle toward another. Belt bags and other streetwear-inspired accessories, which are still at their peak popularity, may seen be giving way to a more grown-up style of bag.
The first inkling I had that this might be happening was with the launch of Hedi Slimane’s first handbag in his new role as creative director of Céline, the Céline 16 Bag. It, like many of the bags Prada debuted on its Spring 2019 runway last week, is a straightforward, simple riff on a classic shape, with a narrow vertical closure the provides most of the design’s aesthetic focus. Prada’s runway contained several versions of this idea, with varying closure widths and other details, but the collection’s standouts were trim frame bags with bar closures, which harkened back to the 1960s, when dressing was more formal.
The best of the top handles, meanwhile, were versions that came in brilliant tie dyes, black-based with flashes of pink and neon green. That flourish made the traditional shapes feel more alive and relevant in the current fashion landscape, and I’m hoping buyers will lean heavily on those versions when it comes time to bring the collection to retail. You can check out all the runway bags below.
[Photos via Vogue Runway]
The bigger one that has a top handle looks like the new Céline 16 bag from Hedi. Excuse me, I meant Celine…. Hmmm. I’m becoming very underwhelmed with all these brands. Nothing new and innovative. It’s all repetitive. If you like a certain style bag, such as a Kelly, you have tons of options to choose from. So many brands have the same exact thing in slightly different variations. It’s sad, the way fashion is going…
This is at least something better for Prada… Largely though I agree with you. Most things have turned into a snooze fest.
We have the Prada take on LV’s scrotum bag, an overdose of Balenciaga City Bag studs, and the Prada/Céline 16… Another pass for Prada. Very sad.
And the Senreve bags too. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Unfortunate.
Im sorry but the flap’s shape of this new Prada bag is way too similar to the Hermes Catenina bag or even the Hermes Colorado Bag ………
Also, WTF is 22? That blue thing? What is it? Looks like an eye mask you wear to bed lol
Neck pillow for the plane?
It wasn’t until I got to #10 that I realized, “oh dear, it looks like a lady’s bottom, that’s what it is.” I can’t unsee it now.
At least they got rid of their horrid logo on some of these bags. I felt that logo was a huge mistake at this point in their handbag popularity. I was just at the Prada store last week and the bags are all over the place But better than they were a year or two ago. Hopefully they’ll find their way…sans logo.
I like the studded bags (7, 30, 35, 36, 37, 39). The rest are too little, old lady, and I like the juxtaposition with a classic bag and my casual style. But this is a bit too classic.
The blue dangler in #22 looks like a travel pillow that was born prematurely.
Miuccia, as much of a genius as you are, please hire an accessories designer asap – you are continuously and miserably failing
Love 12. The rest is simply forgettable.
Prada manages to get worse every season…well I guess this is better than that last futuristic/animals whatever collection.
Aside from that big nylon messenger, I wish they have more original idea.
I love these bags, I think they are gorgeous.