by Matt von Holtz.
What a year it’s been for us handbag enthusiasts! 2024 handbag trends have taken us on a journey through creativity, sustainability, and, let’s be honest, more than a little handbag envy. As we wrap up this incredible year, let’s look into the top handbag trends, colours, and designs that have shaped the style landscape and defined women’s fashion for 2024.
A Kaleidoscope of Handbag Colours
This year, we’ve seen colours define our moods and our moments. Butter yellow has been the subtle star, bringing a hint of sunshine with bags like Nanushka’s The Square Bag and Polène’s Numéro Dix. These pieces have added a dash of serenity to our hectic lives. Meanwhile, burgundy stole our hearts for its depth and richness, as seen in JW Pei’s Joy Shoulder Bag and Loewe’s Paseo, proving that some colours are immortal.
Nanushka
The Square Bag
Polène
Numéro Dix
JW Pei
Joy Shoulder Bag
Loewe
Paseo
Red was the year’s bold statement, from Alexander McQueen’s Peak Mini to Jacquemus Le Vanito, showing that nothing screams confidence like this fiery hue. These red handbags have been conversation starters, making every woman feel like she could conquer the world. Purple charmed us with its regal discernment, notably with Christian Louboutin’s Loubi54 Clutch in Parme, adding a touch of extravagance to every outfit. And, of course, black remains the perennial favourite, with Anya Hindmarch’s Waverly Shoulder Bag and Radley’s Pockets Icon Tote proving why it’s the ultimate go-to for any occasion.
Alexander McQueen
Peak Mini Red
Jacquemus
Le Vanito
Christian Louboutin
Loubi54 Clutch in Blush
Anya Hindmarch
Waverly Shoulder Bag
Radley
Pockets Icon Tote
Shapes That Spoke Volumes
2024 was all about the narrative of shapes. Oversized bags made a grand return, with Prada and Bottega Veneta leading the parade, catering to our need to carry everything but the kitchen sink. These bags have been travel companions, work essentials, and life organisers. At the opposite end, Alaïa’s Le Teckel showed us the magnetism of the compact handbag, perfect for those of us who thrive on minimalism, proving that sometimes less is indeed more!
Alaïa
Le Teckel
Chloé’s Bracelet Hobo and Gucci’s B Medium Shoulder Bag embraced a free-spirited revival with a contemporary twist, invoking memories of past fashion eras while feeling fresh for today. Strathberry’s Lana Hobo and DeMellier’s New York Tote offered a mature structure that we couldn’t help but admire.
Chloé
Bracelet Hobo Bag
Gucci
B Medium Shoulder Bag
Strathberry
Lana Hobo
DeMellier
New York Tote
Textures That Touched Us
From suede to woven and raffia, textures have been this year’s love language. Dragon Diffusion’s Nantucket Basket and Loewe’s Raffia Font Tote have woven their way into our hearts, showcasing artisanal craftsmanship that feels luxurious and pragmatic. Khaite’s Lotus Mini Bag and Jigsaw’s Heckfield Suede Tote added that unconventional swagger we’ve all been craving, making us feel like we’re part of something bigger.
Dragon Diffusion
Nantucket Basket
Loewe
Raffia Font Tote
Khaite
Lotus Mini Bag
Jigsaw
Heckfield Suede Tote
Sustainability at the Heart
Sustainability has moved from trend to ethos, with Stella McCartney leading the sustainable fashion charge. Her Logo Mini Bag is a staple of eco-conscious luxury, demonstrating that you can be fabulous and responsible. Indie brand Mashu have also made significant impacts, bringing forward designs that look and feel good about their environmental footprint, with Mashu’s lifetime repair guarantee being a game-changer, encouraging us to cherish our purchases for longer.
Stella McCartney
Logo Mini Bag
Festival Fashion
Glastonbury was a highlight, where Coach’s Tabby 20 in tie-dye and Uniqlo’s Mini Crochet Bag proved that festival fashion can sensible and trendy. They’ve become festival essentials, allowing us to dance and enjoy with our hands free and our essentials safe.
Coach
Tabby 20 in tie-dye
Uniqlo
Mini Crochet Bag
Indie Handbag Brands Making Waves
Independent designers have had their moment in 2024, with Manu Atelier, Little Liffner, and Wandler offering pieces that felt like they were made just for us. These brands have reminded us that fashion can be personal, sustainable, and beautifully crafted, challenging the iconic fashion houses with their unique vision and dedication to quality.
High Street’s Finest
High street brands like COS, Arket, and Mango have shown that luxury doesn’t always need a designer label. COS’s Swing Crossbody and Mango’s Crossbody Bag have been the archetype of affordable in-vogue handbags, offering styles that could easily pass for luxury at a fraction of the cost.
COS
Swing Crossbody
Mango
Crossbody Bag
The Year in Fashion Accessories
From the vibrant hues to the practical shapes, from sustainable practices to indie innovations, 2024 has been a year where handbags have carried our narratives, our ethics, and our very style. We’ve seen a blend of nostalgia with innovation, where each accessory tell you where we’ve been and where fashion is heading.
Reflecting on 2024
As we close the chapter on this year, we do so with a collection of handbags that have been through the adventures of life. Whether it was the oversized tote that held our world or the tiny clutch that held our keys and makeup, each bag has been a part of our story. Here’s to the bags that have been with us through another year of fashion adventures, and to the exciting trends and innovations that await us. Here’s to making more memories, one handbag at a time!
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
Check out the following articles, “Colours, Shapes, and Textures” and “14 Handbags for Your Collection“
