If you’ve been paging through various retailers’ spring arrivals in the past couple weeks (and if you’re a PB reader, you probably have been), then you’ve probably noticed at least one thing: a lot of brands are really going for it, if you know what I mean. Bright, embellished, in-your-face statement bags are popping up left and right. And why not? After all, the idea seems to be working for Gucci so far.
Although Gucci is likely not responsible in total for so many brands deciding to take their creative impulses to their logical extremes, the brand’s signature mix of piled-on prints, studs, jewels, embroidery and other embellishments have been hugely successful with consumers. Those shoppers are looking for bags that feel suited to their personalities without necessarily being personalized with their initials or some other customization, and this spring, they’ll have more options than ever. Check out over two dozen of the best below and let us know whether this trend appeals to you or you’d rather stick with something more traditional.
3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli Bag
$795 via Net-a-Porter
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Balenciaga Bazar Shopper S Bag
$1,495 via Balenciaga
Burberry Buckle Tote
$1,895 via Neiman Marcus
Coach Western Rivets Page Crossbody Bag
$495 via Coach
Dolce & Gabbana Leather Trim Tote
$2,175 via Net-a-Porter
Elizabeth and James Eloise Embroidered Tote
$595 via Net-a-Porter
Fendi Kan I Bag
$2,600 via Neiman Marcus
Gucci Dionysus Hobo
$3,300 via Gucci
Jerome Dreyfuss Maurice Tie Dye Tote
$1,035 via Net-a-Porter
Kate Spade Whimsies T-Rex Bag
$378 via Bloomingdale’s
Loewe Hammock Tapestry Bag
$3,490 via Neiman Marcus
Longchamp Roseau Sakura Tote
$735 via Bloomingdale’s
Louis Vuitton Alma BB Bag
$2,000 via Louis Vuitton
Mayra Fedane Lily Trunk Bag
$1,320 via Shopbop
MCM Milla Faux Pearl Studded Tote
$1,450 via Bloomingdale’s
MICHAEL Michael Kors Flower Applique Jet Set Crossbody Bag
$248 via Net-a-Porter
Miu Miu Dahlia Bag
$3,100 via Nordstrom
Moschino Embroidered Bomber Jacket Bag
$1,525 via Nordstrom
Prada Pilgrim Tote
$2,710 via Neiman Marcus
Proenza Schouler Hava Bag
$1,950 via Nordstrom
Sophia Webster Romy Mini Bucket Bag
$750 via Net-a-Porter
Sophie Hulme Albion Mini Stripe Tote
$975 via Neiman Marcus
The Row Croissant Shoulder Bag
$6,750 via Neiman Marcus
Tory Burch Embroidered Floral Hobo
$495 via Tory Burch
Valentino Glam Lock Bag
$3,995 via Neiman Marcus
Sorry, but I can’t find a redeeming quality in any of these…
I just love that Burberry bag.
Agreed! The Burberry is my favorite!
Loewe Hammock Tapestry B
Loewe hammock tapestry is my favorite. Also like The Row Croissant, it looks like an old vintage bag in a good way
There is a fine line between the statement bag and the ugly, novelty bag and many of these bags cross that line. But, I do like the Gucci bag but not enough to spend $3,300 on it.
Nope.
Some – if not most – of these bags are completely AWFUL. when this fad dies away – and it will – these bags will be on E
Bay.
Love the Longchamp and the LV ones. But, some of the others are awful, like the Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Elizabeth & James and D&G.
I don’t like the Fendi/slide 7 at all and it reminds me of the circus. It looks like a gag toy or something.
LOOOOVE the Burberry!!! The D&G tote is refreshing and fun. The Longchamps pretty and understated.
Sadly the Loewe is hideous. What IS that??? The Miu Miu is having an identity crisis.
Love the name of the Loewe bag, suits it very well.
It looks like Burberry is doing something very similar to what Lanvin did last year.
That Fendi though…
ETA: After looking at the Fendi, it screams Valentino to me. Anyone else?
Agree,
That’s my favorite as well and probably the only one of these bags that I would realistically carry
The Loewe Hammock Tapestry is made in suede with a tapestry draw. This is Handcraft!!!!! Wonderful!!!
I love the Loewe, but is it not just their version of the Hermès Lindy? A little bit too on the nose for me.
I like the glam lock but this trend isn’t for me.
The Sophia Webster is so Côte d’Azur! The colours in it are fab! I’d buy nail varnish to match it in all those colours. It would look fab with a pristine white outfit.
All too trendy for me.
Just hate this Balenciaga bag. The DG one is beautiful, but it could be made in coated canvas. Capri beach vibe
so tacky, look to be designed by and appropriate for an 8 year old
I would use the D&G tote on vacation, and the Gucci Dionysus hobo isn’t bad. These aren’t really for me, but I’m all for letting your personality shine through in your accessories. If you can afford to participate in such an ephemeral trend and don’t care that your bag probably won’t have much resale value in a year or two, go for it. A little whimsy can be a good thing.
Where is the innovation ? Maybe Loewe a little bit in shape, but everything else is re-hashed existing styles with a bit of embellishment… The only thing that is interesting is some of the bags moving away from being so hardware dependent, like The Row and Balenciaga, but if not immaculately executed they run the risk of looking cheap or vintage…. Not enthralled by any of these looks… 🙁
I’ll take Longchamp, Michael Kors, and The Row please!