The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space to explore everything from craftsmanship deep dives to the little-known details to consider when buying fine jewelry.
There are plenty of cool designer bags that hit the market each season, but which ones are actually worth the investment? Here, I’m diving into the new bags that have caught this editor’s eye. Ranging from trend-forward and directional to classic and timeless, there is a whole new set of designer bags that are worth paying attention to and will no doubt end up in the wardrobes of celebs and fashion insiders alike.
From buzzy It bags that have already risen to cult status on the fashion scene to exciting new drops that we can’t stop talking about and expect to be absolutely everywhere, these are the cool designer bags to know about right now. Here, let’s chat more about the most covetable bags of 2021, including styles that tap into the 2D bag trend, fresh logo styles, reimagined takes on iconic designs, and more.
The bag: Givenchy Cut Out. Our editors can’t stop talking about the 2D bag trend and Givenchy was one of the brands that really put them on the map for spring. Part of Matthew M. Williams’ stunning debut collection, this bag is guaranteed to be on celeb arms everywhere.
The bag: Louis Vuitton Coussin. The Louis Vuitton Coussin bag has already made a splashy debut on the Instagram fashion scene and will no doubt be popular among celebs as well. Finished with a logo-stamped pouch, utility strap, and heavy chain, there are so many reasons to love it.
The bag: Celine Triomphe. Sleek and timeless, the Celine Triomphe is a new, reimagined take on the brand’s signature box bag that features the house motif and a range of cool neutral shades. This is the versatile piece that will simply never go out of style.
The bag: Versace Medusa. You’ll instantly know that this is a Versace bag because it’s adorned with the brand’s Medusa plaque. You can find anything from versatile neutrals to candy-colored hues. Spotted on the S/S 21 runways and campaign, this is set to be a celeb favorite.
The bag: Prada Cleo. Launched late in 2020, the Prada Cleo has already reached cult status and we only expect to see the fanfare continue. With its sleek, clean lines and triangle Prada logo, it’s a cool take on the brand’s iconic shape from the ’90s.
The bag: Bottega Veneta The Triangle. The Triangle is destined to be Bottega Veneta’s next It-bag. Finished with a “V” silhouette and finishes including buttery or quilted leather, this shape is a cool new take on the everyday clutch.
The bag: Gucci Ken Scott. Rather than a specific silhouette, Gucci’s buzziest bags this season are their Ken Scott capsule collection, which utilizes the Milanese designer’s iconic floral prints from the ’60s and 70s. If you want to add a fun pop of color to your outfit, look no further.
The bag: Chanel 11.12 Chanel’s iconic 11.12 bag silhouette was revisited for spring 2021. You’ll still find the classic flap shape and quilted finish, but it’s been updated with bold hues and XXL woven leather and chain straps.
The bag: The Row Everyday. 2021 marks the return of the leather hobo bag, with The Row putting the style back on the map. Their interpretation: slouchy, oversize, and in an array of beautiful neutrals. Consider this the chicest version of a carryall.
The bag: Saint Laurent Le Maillon. Saint Laurent’s buzzy new Le Maillon bag is a sophisticated take on cool ’70s silhouettes, finished with a chain plaque and boxy shape. Already a huge hit among celebs and fashion insiders, this is one to watch.
The bag: Balenciaga Hourglass. With its unique curved shape, the Balenciaga Hourglass bag is designed to mirror the house’s iconic silhouettes. It’s so popular that it keeps landing on the sellout list.
The bag: Dior Caro. A tribute to Christian Dior’s sister, nicknamed “Caro”, the Dior Caro bag is an elegant, quilted leather bag. The twist we’re loving? Cool shades like avocado green and blue ombré.
The bag: Fendi Moonlight. A sleek take on the saddle bag, the Fendi Moonlight incorporates luxe finishes like a suede-lined interior, FF clasp, and tortoiseshell details. If you’re looking for a polished go-anywhere bag, this is it.
The bag: Staud Enzo. A favorite among celebs and the fashion set, Staud always seems to have a buzzy bag each season. This time around, our eyes are on the Enzo leather shoulder bag which was just released. Oh, and the $450 price point can’t be beat.
The bag: Salvatore Ferragamo Trifolio. Known for their timeless designs, Ferragamo has introduced a new minimalist take on their classic styles with the Trifolio. The structured top handle bag has sleek lines, goldtone hardware, and a roomy interior, making it the perfect sophisticated carryall.
The bag: Coach Pillow Tabby. Plush and puffy, the Coach Pillow Tabby looks like it has been inflated, giving it a cool cloudlike effect. While all of the colors are cool, my money is on the bubblegum pink shade.
The bag: Hermès Kelly. While it isn’t new, the iconic Hermès Kelly bag has been making a huge resurgence recently as shoppers are buying more investment pieces in the last year—and this is the ultimate investment bag buy.
