Having been a big bag-lover for the majority of my life, I’ve found that it is really tough for a handbag to catch my eye and feel exciting and new. Don’t get me wrong… I see bags that I love and admire all of the time, but a bag can only take so many forms. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it just means it is harder to stand out as memorable. So when I saw my first round bag (or circle bag, if you prefer), I was completely dazzled. In all my years of handbag obsessing, I have never seen something as unexpected, yet still lovely, as the round bag. The first time I happened to see a circle bag was when Kaitlin featured Mansur Gavriel’s here on PurseBlog last fall. Of course there has been a lot of buzz around Mansur Gavriel since the brand launched in 2012, but bucket bags aren’t really my thing so I wasn’t caught up in the hype. After seeing the brand’s take on the circle bag, I can say with certainty that they caught my attention and haven’t left my mind since.
There is something so obscure about the round bag trend that I absolutely love, because it manages to be minimalistic yet still pack a punch of style. The silhouette was inspired by structured hat boxes, which gives it a vintage vibe while still presenting as sleek and contemporary. I’ve seen many versions of the round bag and a lot of them are embellished with tassels or have zipped pockets on the front, and I adore the pretty embossed versions. Circle bags come in many different sizes, prints, and materials and while there’s only one shape to be had, there are many different options, so there’s a style for everybody. I’m a sucker for detailed, embellished designs on many handbags but I’m gravitating towards the sleek, simple styles for the circle bag. My favorite version of this style has a cross body strap as well as a top handle, providing dual functionality, which is key for me these days.
I’m so glad that the round bag trend has exploded since I love this style so much! The best part is that there are exquisite round bags at every price point, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy this trend. I haven’t purchased a round bag yet, but since it seems like they are here to stay for a while, that Mansur Gavriel needs to find its way into my closet soon.
Mansur Gavriel Circle Crossbody
Gucci Marmont Mini Round Crossbody
Saint Laurent Mica Top-Handle Hat Box
Nino Giani Tunilla Mini Circle Bag
Parisa Wang Addicted Circle Bag
Alice McCall Adeline Bag
Welden Mini Meridian Crossbody
As much as I love this trend, I always find that once I put my phone in the bag, not much else fits. Such wasted space and not functional.
Funny, I had the opposite feeling about this trend. I had this type of round bag when I was a child, so it didn’t feel new and exciting…
Agree
I just bought an amazing circle bag before Christmas from an independent brand! I love it, it feels fresh and new and unique!
I have the Nino Giani one in fuchsia and I loooooove it. Holds a good amount of stuff (phone, small wallet, keys, makeup, the basics), comfortable to wear, big hit.
I didn’t know this brand, but their bags are beautiful!
Nope
I can’t get on board with this
CUYANA!!! I love their round bag – I’ve been wearing the small/fanny pack sized one all fall. Reasonably priced and fun!
Parisa Wang: looks like fussiest opening experience ever. Appears to be NO WAY to hold bag by handle while opening the zip. A non-bag-wearer must have designed this. Like these in general — have been watching trend and been tempted to start looking more seriously.
I guess they think it’ll only be work on the shoulder or crossbody. Louis Vuitton’s hat box has the same concept which is a main reason why I haven’t looked into getting it.