“A handbag is only one item to be worn with a complete outfit. Add a peony pink leather handbag to a charcoal gray suit, for instance, and the impact is chic with a touch of wit.”
-Kate Spade
Call it “hideout”, “treasure trove” or “your best friend”, irrespective of its popularity in women’s world, the term “handbag” gained popularity only in 1900’s as till then it was defined by the pouches and briefcases carried by men. With the introduction of pockets to men’s clothing in 1670’s, men discarded bags. Since then bags have been exclusive prerogative of women’s fashion until recent years again.
Tracing its historical inception, the world’s oldest handbag is a 700 year-old-clutch decorated with court scenes in gold and silver which was discovered in the city of Mosul in Northern Iraq. In the modern millennial era, fashion’s most practical accessory has gone from being a mere piece of utility to being a fashion fad with iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Burberry and Prada making conscious efforts to make this staple modern and practical in aesthetics and design.
From the ones that could barely fit a few coins to the over-sized ones that can carry your home, here are the top handbag trends for Spring/Summer 2020.
- MICRO BAGS
If you are a trend-setter and are willing to make a statement this year, make it a colourful one! In a year where shades of blue are set to dominate the wardrobes, add a micro dose of candy-coloured leather to your over all look. These micro bags may not even fit your cellphones but they can work as coin purses. While the functionality may not define this reigning trend, the exclusivity and colours do make them unique. Available in geometrical shapes and a variety of colours, this trend dominated the Spring/Summer 2020 collections of labels like Chanel, Fendi, Dior, Tory Burch and Prada.
- BAGS IN DISGUISE
Quirky, trendy and totally out of the world, the spring/ summer 2020 runway got a glimpse of handbags in disguise. From bags that literally look like a bucket to the ones that look exactly like a baseball cap, a guitar and a radio, brands like Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Pyer Moss and Nina Ricci are set to give their range of handbags a creative and colourful update.
- OVER-SIZED BAGS
Just when you were getting used to restricting the contents of your bags to bare minimum, came the XXL handbags. Dramatic and way more functional, and a perfect alternative to the teeny-tiny bags and multi-compartment bags, these over-sized bags with elongated straps and cool design details are for sure going to be a hippie’s best friend with brands like Bottega Veneta, Loewe and Prabal Gurung turning every utilitarian item into a fashion statement.
- BAMBOO HANDLES
Created by Gucci way back in 1947, handbags with bamboo handles are back in trend. If sustainability and beach break is on your priority list this year, it’s time to adopt this “all natural” trend. Bamboo handled bags took over the runways of Prada, Gucci and Miu Miu giving out major boho vibes. From spring dates to summer vacations, these eco-friendly bags will accentuate your looks in style.
- ROPE BAGS
Nautical-inspired detailing became the highlight at the Spring/Summer 2020 fashion week. Appropriate for summertime, the design was present in the spring 2020 runway collections of Ulla Johnson, Givenchy and Valentino. From rustic shades to the ones in bright summer hues, from totes to duffels, these handbags with intricate rope detailing speak of craftsmanship, style and sustainability, all at once. If vacation is on your mind, keep up your style game by flaunting these bags with your favourite flip flops and maxi dress.
- MULTI-COMPARTMENT BAGS
Want to stuff too much in your bag? Well, 2020’s multi-bagging trend will help you get over your stuffing woes. With multiple storage units available in different sizes, designer bags by brands like Coach, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Stella McCartney are not only statement making but are also absolutely practical and functional, which means they can fit in everything right from your ear plugs to coins to 1-2 pieces of clothing.
- BIG BUCKLES
Big Buckles may not be the most exciting part about this year’s accessory trends, but it’s hard to disagree that they don’t make a statement. The hardware upgrade comes as a change to the mundane embellishments on the handbags. From Tommy Hilfiger to Michael Kors, these magnificent buckles gave the bags a very tailored and structural look making them too edgy and classy for workwear.
- HAND-HELD BAGS
Seen in the collections of brands like Valentino, Fendi, and Gucci, structured hand-held bags have continued to rule the ramps since last year. From geometric shapes and hoop handles to the ones with embellishments and surface ornamentation, these classy bags were crafted with a tight strap so that they could simply slide over the hand. Before you make an appearance at a party, ace your look this season with these elegant bags.
How are you channeling 2020’s biggest, craziest and statement-making handbag trends?
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