It all started innocently enough with fashion’s most-wanted bag, the adorably elongated Alaïa Le Teckel. Bursting onto the scene in early 2024, it quickly gained traction, and just as quickly enough, it spawned an east/west revolution of sorts.
By early spring, nearly every major luxury and indie bag brand was releasing its take on the east/west trend, and once Spring 2025 fashion month hit late last year, it was abundantly clear: east/west would continue to rule throughout 2025.
The shape is undeniably chic, with its distinct elongated silhouette; an east/west bag is an immediate statement maker. This season, every designer from Prada and Miu Miu to Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and more is tapping into the trend. While some designers opt to expand their House icons (like the sleek new Gucci Bamboo) others are dropping new takes on the shape.
Below, we’re rounding up the best east/west bags that have hit the internet so far!
The Best of East/West
East/West bags existed long before the author was born.
Most bag shapes existed before the author was born. She’s writing about what’s hot and trendy and featuring current bags? That’s the whole point of PurseBlog.
Like every trending shape, this one has ebbed and flowed. The Alaia Le Teckel helped catapult the ubiquity of the east/west bag, which is what I meant by the statement. The return of the trend started with Alaia, though yes, I am aware that Pieter Mulier was not the creator of the E/W shape!
Exactly! I’m 68, but in 5th grade I had a love of bags, and my first was an east/west bag. It was orange, green & yellow striped, which were hideous colors when I think back, but I loved it. Once I even took it to school filled with candy that I shared with the class. I don’t know why the teacher allowed it, but I remember that day & that bag with fond memories.
I think I’m in the minority but I hate the east/west shape lol. Something about the horizontal shape and thin straps just screams cheap to me. It also doesn’t help that the shape is so y2k coded which is also another trend I hate, but on the bright side saves my wallet and bank account!
You are not alone. I have never purchased one. There is just something about the shape that I have never been able to like so I know that when they are hot, I will not be shopping.
I see Gucci’s answer to the devastating sales is to sell a patent bag (P for 5k USD. The bag is beautiful but not worth that.
One to add for sure is the Mulberry Bayswater east west from last season! I love mine
I know I’m in the minority but I loved Sabato De Sarno’s Gucci and his bags. I’m drooling over the bamboo diva bag. There’s something both retro and classic about it, and it’s glamorous too!