Most major trends lack true staying power, and though there are many reasons why that’s the case, the fast fashion industry is largely to blame. Additionally social media is a key factor in the lifespan of a trend now more than ever, as our attention spans have become shorter and shorter and folks are always looking for the next best thing. Last week’s velour bags are this week’s rafia and suddenly it’s all about color over neutrals. By the time things reach stores, customers have already been seeing a trend on their feeds for months, making the want for a particular trend even shorter. That’s why when a trend is able to stick around for more than a few seasons, it’s one worth noting.
One notable trend that was a consistent player in the handbag world for seasons throughout the last decade was color-blocking. There were jackets and pants, wallets and shoes, of course there were also color-blocked handbags galore. And even when it seemed that many people were moving past the bold, eye-catching trend, it remained. We got used to seeing bags in mixed shades, and color-blocking moved from the bold and bright towards the more subtle mixing of neutrals.
Mixing neutrals was a much more functional play on the often glaring pairings of yellows/blues, red/purples and everything else in between. A neutral bag has a much longer lifespan than a non-neutral one, and neutrals, even light ones, aren’t bound to a particular fashion season, making them a perfect choice for year round wear. Additionally, a neutral is more likely to remain a staple in your closet, which is why color-blocking has remained, particularly when it involves a neutral color. But now, years later, it seems that bold, monochromatic bags are the it-trend of the season, meaning color blocking might finally be on its way out.
Though I was never a big proponent of the trend I did appreciate certain designer’s use of the practice, particularly the more neutral versions of Celine’s Luggage Tote. Now I think the trend is far beyond it’s peak and I’m ready to see it go in favor of this season’s latest must-haves. Are You Over Color-Blocked Bags?
Colour blocked bags has a special place in my heart. Though I don’t think they’re necessarily out of style, just not prevalent in a world entrenched in monochrome outfits…
I love color blocking and I don’t see it as a trend.
Colour blocking cannot be out of fashion. It doesn’t fall within the parameters of trends.
No never…I always love a mix of colors…the more colors the better for me
I think color blocking definitely has staying power, but the prevalence of color blocked bags has certainly declined in the last couple years. Maybe this is an austerity thing, when times are tough designers and consumers are less drawn to bold statements and focus more on selecting classic pieces that don’t demand your attention from across the room. I love color blocking on bags but there is a time and a place for them, like any other bold bag. At the same time, the luggage definitely ushered in a era of copycatting in a way that few other bags ever had before and I think the color blocking that accompanied a large number of those bags (and the trapeze at the same time) definitely inspired designers.
The example bag above is bad colour blocking. And just like other comments I agree it is not a trend. It is a style and it will always be stay.
Honestly I thought this look looked dated even when it was in, with the color blocked luggage tote etc.
I have a black, red and white color block from Z & V in the Candide style I bought it pre-loved. Even though the colors aren’t glaring I’m trying to figure what to wear with it other than jeans or black.
I think color blocking is something that will always fall in and out of fashion; it will come back inevitably like a zombie. For now, though, I think it looks dated (or at least not trendy). I’m biased, though: I absolutely hate color blocking on bags and looked askance at it even when it was “in.”
I don’t think its a trend, I think it will always be a mainstay. It just rises and falls in popularity at times. But I wouldn’t ever consider it out of style, especially in neutrals.
I don’t think its a trend, I think it will always be a mainstay. It just rises and falls in popularity at times. But I wouldn’t ever consider it out of style, especially in neutrals.
Depends on the color blocking. If you do white, light brown, and medium brown (or a mix of similar neutral colors) it’s always going to be in style. Something like the picture above has a bold, seasonal color, so it’s not as classic. The various brown color blocked luggage tote is still just as gorgeous as the day it was released.
Depends on the color blocking. If you do white, light brown, and medium brown (or a mix of similar neutral colors) it’s always going to be in style. Something like the picture above has a bold, seasonal color, so it’s not as classic. The various brown color blocked luggage tote is still just as gorgeous as the day it was released.
The downfall of Celine’s luggage looking dated is the robot face, not the colour-block necessarily.