We saw them on the catwalk, we boggled, we saw a few celebs toting them and we boggled some more. But now the new generation, bold and colourful bags from Louis Vuitton are starting to appear on the shelves, the look is growing on us. Who couldn't love the candy-coloured accessories with their soft styling and sunny hues? It certainly makes a welcome change from a brand that until this year has been almost exclusively...brown.
There's plenty to love about this new selection, and I'm happy to say there isn't a racoon's tail in sight. Instead, we've got warm, burnt orange satchels, pastel-coloured bucket bags with printed panels contrasting on block colour and over-sized tassels that are crying out to be touched. Who could resist?
Well it had to happen, I suppose: Jimmy Choo has succumbed to the allure of woven chic for the spring, with this large-weave handbag just landed at Net-a-Porter. This bleached-out look feels like a bit change for the designer, whose styles have been vibrantly colourful almost without exception in the past twelve months or so.
About the size of a small clutch but with a substantial gold-toned double chain strap, this is a real gem of a bag to be worn just beneath the arm. It's quite a delicate take on what most designers have interpreted as a large scale style.
£925 at Net-a-Porter
I didn't have a clue how to pronounce their name at the time (I've since learned that it's "ax-en-tee-oo"), but I fell a little bit in love with Afxentiou when I spotted their handmade washbags and other accessories at Clothes Show Live at the end of last year. You know those times when you see something that would make a great present for a friend, buy it as a completely altruistic gesture then realise when you come to wrap it that there's no way you could bear to give it away? That was me with my Afxentiou cosmetic bag in December. We just couldn't be parted.
It may look like nothing more than a simple sponge bag with a basic polkadot print, but these bags are beautifully well made, and need to be seen 'irl' to be appreciated, and appreciate I did. If you like something a bit more sophisticated in your bathroom, there's a lovely rainforest print version here, and they also make a series of laminated handbags that could soon be putting Cath Kidston to shame.
Wash bags: £10 at Afxentiou
We may not all have the supreme confidence required to pull off Rihanna's 'bandaged' look, as worn by the singer at the recent American Music Awards, but we can admire it from afar in our choice of accessories.
Lot of pieces I've seen recently are clearly inspired by the look, which is characterised by simple strips of white fabric. What could be simpler? This elasticated bodycon belt, £15 at ASOS, is an affordable and speedy way to get the look, while Maison Martin Margiela's take on the style has a $500 price tag, for their multi-strip white clutch bag at Saks. Keep an eye out for more hospital chic!
We've been falling for Wrenline's vintagey-looking accessories ever since they first appeared in Oliver Bonas' boutiques, and we'd expect nothing less of them than a crop of sweet, romantic new styles in time for Valentine's.
Available to buy direct from the website are these old-fashioned and oh-so-feminine clasp purses come in shades of pink and blue, featuring lovehearts, love birds and chains. There's also a range of round coin purses with romantic motifs.
Find the full range here.
So our bags are getting smaller and lighter, but that's only when they're not multiplying 50-fold in size, which is also bang on trend. Have we got that right? The message I'm getting is as long as it's too small to be of use or fits in everything including the kitchen sink (and any passing pets) then it'll probably pass muster at Fashion Week.
Then again, pets in the fashion world also seem to be shrinking. Fallen down any rabbit-holes lately!? This particular 'oversized tote' is by Oak, and they weren't exaggerating with the name there. Great for slimmers, campers and those who live apart from their partners, it's a bag with a big personality and many roles.Personally, I'd just love to take that bad boy with my on my next 'big shop' at Waitrose....
$128 at OAK
Related: Yay or Nay: absolutely massive handbags | Are women's handbags getting lighter?
Reiss have done a lovely job here of interpreting the woven style that's dominating the spring/summer look. Whether you prefer a highly matchable black bag or want to go for the more fashion-forward dual colour weave, you'll end up with a highly versatile, very current accessory that I think looks much like a designer buy.
Aside from its obvious high fashion influences, this bag just seems super useful with it's slouchy shape and room interior. Definitely a good investment for the spring/summer period and beyond.
£245 at ASOS
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