There are certain bag trends that when they first entered the scene I wasn’t set on, but over time, as they found their footing in the designer bag realm, I found myself intrigued. Many would proclaim that Prada brought the designer crystal bag trend to the forefront of the luxury world, and I’d fully agree with you. Since then, the crystal bag phenomenon is still going strong and new bags have popped up and found a piece of the bag trend.
I know many of you aren’t into this trend, and rightfully so because many of us are not trend shoppers. It’s one thing to pick the more practical version of a newer bag design, one that even if your liking of the bag itself fades, you know you still have a solid color leather and more wearable design. But the rhinestone and crystal movement falls into the more trendy category, yet brands continue to introduce new options to their offerings.
The Prada Bags that Started It
Prada found immediate success with its crystal renditions of already highly popular bags and continues to expand on this offering with new colors and a range of styles adorned with crystals. The Prada Cleo, a newer design that was embraced as a sleek and modern bag, was updated with crystals to great success – in fact, you couldn’t do one full-finger scroll of your timeline without seeing someone carrying that bag.
There’s now a crystal covered Prada bag for nearly every major Prada shape, including the Cleo, Re-Edition, Triangle Bag, Re-Edition 2005, and the Mini Tote.
Contemporary Crystals
While we’ve shared other designer crystal bag options, I found an entire crop of more contemporary bags that I keep seeing. Namely, the Cult Gaia Hera Nano Crystal Shoulder Bag. This bag sells out quickly, much like past successful Cult Gaia bags, and if I am to decide on a more of-the-moment design, many times I prefer it to be from a contemporary brand.
The Cult Gaia Hera Nano Crystal Shoulder Bag is available in different colors, though you’ve probably seen the silver most often (and that one will be able to get the most wear if you are considering that for your trendy bag needs). This bag features a slouchy silhouette crafted from crystal mesh which is topped off with a stylish knotted double-strap top handle. If you are like me, let your bag be the ultimate accessory of the night with a bag like this.
A few things to note: a bag like this can easily lead to snags in your clothing, so you’ll want to be mindful of that. And on the flip side, but equally an issue, you may wind up with single crystals falling out. There are a few other Cult Gaia crystal designs in different colorways as well as this fun green bag by Kara designs, most importantly all are under $500. Check out some of my favorite crystal bags that keep this trend going strong!
I’ve got 2 Prada crystal bags. I love them. I’d add a 3rd but can’t stomach the new prices. My first was the purple and then over the summer I got the black crossbody. The new blue is so dreamy.
I wear them regularly and with casual outfits. They’re my fav bags for trips to target 😂
…still loving mine ❣️
I recently purchased a Judith Lieber Couture bag. It stopped me in my tracks; it was that beautiful!
I have the prada hobo in black. I love how the light reflects on the crystals and creates a multicolor effect. I doubt if it will be the same with the other colors. Didnt buy the pink one cuz it looks so teenagerish although its my fave color. Planning to get the cleo. Still waiting and wondering why they havent released it in the pink color yet.
Oh and until now i havent used it yet. I dont know where to wear it and what to pair it with haha. Should i just wear it with a casual dress?
I have a Whiting & Davis hobo. I may need to pull it out.
I wish I could afford the Prada crystal re edition. I bought a Shein bag which was obviously inspired by the Alexander Wang heiress bag. I love the Wang bag but wouldn’t want to give my money to him even if I could afford to pay that much (he has SA allegations).
They are fun for younger people but I dare would not buy one – I feel like once your are 30 these gimmicks should be over
I carry my great grandmother’s bag whenever this ‘trend’ rolls back around and it’s from the Art Nouveau period. It’s very contemporary looking and I get a ton of compliments whenever I carry it (sometimes for evening but mostly with jeans and a t-shirt). There’s nothing new or gimmicky about crystal bags, they come in and go out of style on a fairly regular basis, just like most of the other styles do (e.g. hobo bags).
if you’re looking for night clutches made with Swarovski crystals check this IG account: @vintivuit_