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What can we say about the black bag - its versatility, its ability to go casual or go chic, its total integration in a club night out or, hate to say it, funeral. The black bag is a go to item that every woman should own and there are just so many choices it’s really really hard to choose just one! I feel about black bags the way I do when I’m hungry and looking for the perfect restaurant to dine at. I walk past dining options galore when I’m very hungry and always manage to pick the wrong one or end up with pure food envy, but the beauty of having so many options with the black handbag is that I don’t have to have bag envy - I can eat all I want (well buy)!
So where to start when considering what to wear when it comes to the black handbag - it goes hand in hand like any famous pair with the little black dress - it’s the peanut butter to its jelly, it’s the Tom to his Jerry, it’s the Bonnie to her Clyde. Well, for me, because of the nature of a little black dress, the outfit really lends itself towards making the handbag the star of the show and no bag does that better, in my eyes, than the Anya Hindmarch Waverly Shoulder Bag. This mini bag immediately draws attention with its dual gold tone chain shoulder straps and its demure classic twist lock. Sure, you can rock this bag during the day just as easily, but pair it with a little black number and all eyes go to the handbag, crafted in soft, supple, slouchy suede. It’s a little on the pricey side at £1695, but Anya Hindmarch bags are known for their durability and this bag is a classic addition to any collection. Sign up to the Anya Hindmarch newsletter for 10% off your first order.
In a world where trends come and go, the black handbag remains a steadfast symbol of enduring style. Unlike trendy accessories that quickly lose their appeal, a well-crafted black handbag is the best thing to hang on the back of your chair or take out with you on a whim and that will never go out of fashion. That’s why a black bag is always my go-to choice for business wear and nothing does business better than the Radley Pockets Icon Large Ziptop Tote crafted in hard wearing leather. This bag is super economic, coming in at an affordable £259, and it offers the wearer a sleek design with its curved front pocket, while the double grab and shoulder straps make it a versatile option for every day - fitting an iPad or small laptop with ease, this bag can go from meeting to meeting with practicality and style at the forefront. 25% off full-priced items when you spend £125 with code RAD25
2024 is nothing if not loving the Beyonce-inspired Western trend and the black bag does not fail us here either. I’m not partial to tassels or frayed edges myself, so when looking for something to play into this revamped style, I’ve come across the Montalcino Stitch Black Leather Mini Handbag and it really ticks all the boxes. Petite in size, but bold in stature, this handbag gives a subtle nod to the Western trend without being too in-your-face; its thick stitching across the lapel of the bag is done to perfection and the Italian quality craftsmanship is clear in calf leather construction (also available in cotton canvas or vegetable tanned leather). I like being able to carry it as a mini with just the hand straps, but if you’d like to wear it as a cross-body, it has a detachable slim strap. Sign up to the ATP Atelier newsletter for 10% off your next order.
Now without being morbid, a black bag is definitely the bag of choice for any solemn affair - whether it be a memorial or a funeral, there’s nothing that says “I’m here to be serious” than the classic black bag. For me, the obvious choice is the East West Pimlico by Mulberry. This bag is truly elegant and speaks eloquently to the gravity of an affair. Not too attention seeking, it’s compact, sophisticated and it knows its place in an outfit. Imbued with the sleek design codes of East West silhouette, the modish Pimlico is the chicest of shoulder bags. Elegantly crafted from smooth, firm leather, the East West Pimlico’s slim, elongated shape is finished with its namesake Pimlico Lock. It’s just the right size to carry your sunglasses and ample tissues for you and a companion, should they be needed.
But with all this practicality and subtlety, let us not forget that, really, the black handbag can be just as much fun as its colourful compadres. Take the Noel Crossbody Drawstring Bag for example. Handcrafted from super soft deadstock luxury nappa leather, these discarded skins have been given new life as the ultimate party bag. Perfectly sized for carrying your essentials, Noel is a soft leather drawstring bag that can be worn day and night thanks to its crossbody strap. Understated, compact and chic, Noel elevates any outfit. With a super slim price tag of only £220, not only will you be gearing up for a great night out, but you’ll still be able to afford London priced cocktails well into the night (not that I’d expect to be buying them if I was dressed with this little number to accessorise my night out). Sign up to the BEEN London newsletter for 10% off your first order.
So when it comes to black handbags, the rule is that you can never have too many, if you’ve got bag envy, go and buy another one and in the spirit of having your cake and eating it too, a lady’s collection of black bags can never be too extensive. Whether you're headed to the office, out for a night on the town, or simply running errands, a black handbag is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. No matter what the occasion, the black handbag remains a staple piece of my wardrobe and, I’ve no doubt, yours.
Mini version of the newest Boomerang family.
Signature Elleme shape featuring a 18k gold plated metal handle.
Removable and adjustable shoulder strap.
Magnetic closure.
Made in Italy.
Named after Aphrodite - the goddess of beauty, a name has never felt more appropriate for a bag.
The Aphrodite 2 is a smaller version of our original Aphrodite design, with a cute baguette silhouette featuring a signature Mashu wave and hammered hardware t-bar fastening.
Includes an internal pocket.
Signup to the Mashu newsletter for 10% off your first order.
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