From supersized silhouettes to pint-sized mini styles, Darpan looks at the hottest handbag trends that are currently topping the fashion charts.
There is no denying that a statement-inducing handbag is a wardrobe essential, which can instantly amp up your style quotient and command the attention of the fashion set. Now, after being stacked in a corner for nearly two years of the pandemic, ‘the handbag’ has returned to its full glory as one of our most precious possessions. And the good news is, while there are the good ol’ trusty silhouettes that one can never go wrong with, there are also a plethora of newcomers that cannot be ignored. So, if you are contemplating making some handbag investments, here are our top picks from the hottest handbag trends that are currently topping the fashion charts.
The Must-Have On Your Bucket-list
If there is one bag that must be there on your bucket list, it has to be the Bucket bag. Originally crafted by Gaston-Louis Vuitton as a sturdy bag for carrying champagne bottles, the classic bucket handbag has been around since the early forties and ever since has seen several adaptations. This season, the buckets are back in the fashion cycle and are striking a perfect balance between pragmatic and chic. Though compact in appearance, most bucket handbags are quite spacious and have enough room for all your important belongings. Crafted with leather, and smooth finishes, in a variety of colours and silhouettes brands like Michael Kors, Chloé, Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, and others have found exciting new ways to give a modern update to bucket bags. A good bucket bag is a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe – ensuring all your essentials fit in at the same time being the perfect transitional bag from daywear to eveningwear.
Chic Metal
Nothing defines style and substance better than bags adorned with metallic hardware. Yeah, while handbags crafted with metal chains have been around for quite some time now, the latest trending handbags have got chunkier and tougher. Bold and chunky hardware for handles or sculptural accents and chunkier chains are the dominating feature of these latest must-haves. Grab one of the trending styles from popular brands like Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Sonya Lee, Versace, Stella McCartney and Blumarine, and look cooler than ever.
The Classic Top-Handle
If you thought top-handle bags were a thing of the past, think again. The case-style handbag with a top handle is never going out of trend and 2022 is all about these stylish top handle bags. With creative handles in various shapes — circular, straight, rectangle, and often embellished with designs, these versatile bags can instantly spice up your look. Grab this classic style with contemporary twists from your favourite brands such as Balenciaga, Gucci, Ted Baker, and Prada and walk like a showstopper.
The Micro Fever
Another minimalistic bag trend that is still pretty much hot on the fashion radar is the pint-sized micro handbag. If functionality is not one of your concerns and all you usually need to carry is lipstick and a couple of credit cards then these bite-sized bags are certainly for you. A rage among celebrities, these mini bags which have gathered a lot of attention on runways across the globe in the last few years and are the perfect minimal accessory to amp up your look. Designed for party animals, micro bags are easy to carry, a lot of fun, and effortlessly ace at making fashion statements. Even luxury fashion houses like Valentino, Hermès, Dior, and others are also captivated by this micro trend and are continuously dropping hot pint-sized silhouettes.
Clutch It
If embracing minimalism is your new mantra, then the clutch bag is your perfect go-to bag. The never-out-of-style clutch bags are more in style than ever and are a timeless investment. With modern updates from brands like Bottega Veneta, Hermes, Chanel, and Fendi, in a variety of fabrication and silhouettes — this must-have fashion accessory is all about chic sophistication. Aiming for a classy chic look, we’d say — Just clutch it!
The Art Therapy
On the other side of all the solid, tan-hued handbag trend lies the eclectic, bold, pop art handbag trend which is not just colourful but also chicer than ever. Handbags with a bold pattern, pop art, spray-painted graffiti, embroidered art motifs and other artful touches are claiming their dominion this season on the fashion radar. Designers like Givenchy, Fendi, and Prada have all got their creative juices flowing and have curated some museum-worthy pieces. Just think of your style and grab the one that suits you the best.
Dream Big
While on one end of the spectrum we have fashionistas and luxury brands embracing the minimalistic trend of micro bags, at the other end of the scale supersized, XXL handbags are becoming a rage and commanding the attention. A perfect accessory for the ones who do not like to travel light, these oversized bags are ideal to stash not just your everyday makeup essentials, but also your jackets, laptops, and everything else that you trot around with. Quilted oversized totes, woven XXL, giant slouchy bags, and supersized hobo bags are all a big thing on the fashion agenda and are also endorsed by lux brands like Chanel, LV, Peter Do, Balmain, Khaite and others.
Glitter All The Way
After two years of lockdown, it is time to party. And if you are one of those party animals who say yes to all the parties then a glittering statement party handbag is a definite must-have in your wardrobe. This season all fashion runways too shimmered in the glory of these shiny handbags from brands like Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Paco Rabanne and Fendace. From shimmery silhouettes to styles embellished in rhinestones and sequins there are plenty of options for you to sparkle and shine with these beauties as your arm candies.
Moon-Struck
We truly never moved past the crescent moon-shaped handbag trend and brands like Miu Miu, Anthropologie, Staud, Kate Spade, and Balenciaga definitely kept our love for them alive by dropping some updated versions of this staple silhouette. Functionality coupled with sophistication has always kept this classic silhouette a constant in the fashion trend cycle. The roomy interiors fit in all your essentials and make the handbag ideal to go with your office wear or casual looks.
