Let's face it: fashion weeks are no longer just about the runway shows. They have become a showcase for the fashion-forward street style of attendees, which often serves as a barometer for upcoming trends. And when it comes to street-style accessories, handbags are the talk of the town. From the latest cult-favorite designs to the next "It" bag, fashion insiders are always on the lookout for the hottest hand-held accessories.
With Fall/Winter 2023 fashion weeks now behind us, it's time to compare the street-style handbag game in the so-called Big Four: New York, London, Milan, and Paris. So, let's dive in!
NYFW
New York Fashion Week is a beloved event that attracts celebrity trendsetters and creative visionaries from all over the world. For Fall/Winter 2023, show attendees flaunted handbags featuring bold colors and monogrammed patterns. They showcased a mix of vintage-inspired Coach designs and vegan leather Fréja styles, paying homage to the Big Apple's love for locally made brands. Mid-range labels like Strathberry and Self-Portrait also made an appearance with their supple leather bags seen on the arms of fashion's elite.
One standout handbag that caught our attention was the Ganni Knot Baguette made from recycled nylon, showcasing the city's affinity for understated chic. The handbag trends in New York also included larger-than-life heart-shaped cross-body bags from Alaïa and Saint Laurent, as well as retro designs such as the YSL Mombasa and exotic leather Hermès styles. The key takeaway? New York's street-style handbags were just as loud and attention-grabbing as the outfits themselves.
LFW
London has always been a hub for emerging designers and innovative creators, so it's no surprise that the street-style handbags this season were full of striking silhouettes and playful textures. Guests paid homage to brands based in the capital city of Britain, carrying styles like the JW Anderson Bumper Baguette and Mulberry's soft and slouchy M Zipped Pouch.
The retro trend was also evident, with standout vintage styles like Louis Vuitton's Denim Monogram and 1990s-era Chanel top-handle bags stealing the show. Slouchy leather designs in bold colors like scarlet red, Egyptian blue, and parakeet green were paired with statement outerwear, and color blocking was a prevalent theme.
MFW
Milan Fashion Week wouldn't be complete without a parade of classic Gucci bags, as was evident during this season's shows in Italy's most stylish city. From the Gucci Bamboo to multiple size options of the famous Jackie, Milan paid homage to one of Italy's most well-known heritage labels. Also on the list of home-grown handbags carried by the city's fashion elite were the Ferragamo Wanda and Prada's Supernova, newly released for Fall/Winter 2022 and already touted as a potential 'It' bag.
Thanks to Diesel's successful rebrand, the Italian label's cult-worthy bags have become firm favorites at MFW. This season, in particular, saw the masters of street style sporting the 1DR bag in full-size and micro variations, as well as a series of brightly colored and metallic hues.
PFW
For Fall/Winter 2023, Paris Fashion Week showcased a vibrant array of bold and colorful looks, accompanied by an equally stunning collection of handbags. Hermès, one of the most iconic Parisian labels, dominated the street-style scene with their Birkin and Kelly bags. Vintage and rare Hermès finds like the Picnic Kelly also made a notable appearance, alongside other icons from top labels such as the Lady Dior, Chanel Classic Flap, and Jacquemus Le Bambino.
Luxury bags with a touch of irony were also spotted, such as the large Louis Vuitton bags modeled after luggage tags, the Micro Hermès Kelly bags worn as hair accessories, and limited-edition Chanel 2.55 Flap styles. The Y2K mania made a comeback with Prada’s 2000s-inspired Moon bag, featuring padding and buckle detailing, becoming a favorite among editors and influencers. Meanwhile, the Balenciaga Le Cagole reclaimed its spot on the street-style hot list. Overall, the bags at Paris Fashion Week were a mix of classic, limited edition, and fun luxury designs, making the street style just as thrilling as the runway looks in the City of Light.
The Verdict
After reviewing the street-style bags from New York, London, Milan, and Paris, it's safe to say that Paris Fashion Week takes the crown for the top spot this season. With its mix of classic favorites, rare luxury finds, and quirky novelties, Paris stood out with its bold colors, prints, and interesting textures. The Birkin, Kelly, and vintage Hermès bags, along with limited-edition releases, were among the most coveted. Y2K mania made a comeback with designs like Prada's Moon bag and Balenciaga's Le Cagole. The street-style bags in Paris were just as exciting as the runway looks, and we can't wait to see what's in store for next season. Au revoir!