Spring is here. One of the first things to look for this season is a new bag. Something wonderful to have and to hold. Stores are getting new merchandise a little bit later this year due to supply chain issues. But perhaps that might be a good thing, as who wants to wear spring clothing in January? Some of the bags shown are tweaks of brand staples, and some are fun and interesting new bags. New York shopping tours are a way to find the newest pieces. Come on a tour of some of the stores in the New York and enjoy.
One of the most fun drops this season is the Fendi collaboration with the Antonio Archives. The famed illustrator’s image were used on handbags and prints for RTW. The bags are done on the FF logo bags, and other shapes and sizes to have and to hold.
These two Fendi Peekaboos share the same pattern with different sized illustrations. Antonio Lopez was a talented artist, and a wonderful man, who loved life. It shows in his work.
This solid grey Peekaboo has a different illustration. The collection brings Antonio’s work from the Seventies and the Eighties alive.
And this Peekaboo has its handle wrapped with one of the prints created from Anonio’s drawings. Just a touch, but the pastel colors are key to the season.
Speaking of colors, everyone is into color this season. The Valentino Rockstud in orange, a Givenchy bag in red and a yellow Fendi shoulder bag will brighten up your look.
Joseph Altuzurra uses a citrus yellow leather to make an interesting bag with a hand laced handle and edges. Craftsmanship enhances the look of the bag.
And if you want something silly, this bright blue bag with a mop-like look will brighten up any look.
Looking for something happy? Handcrafted totes and clutches covered with images of strawberries to say that spring is here.
Valentino ‘s rainbow tote is a colorful start to the season. The sandals and espadrilles that coordinate are two pairs of shoes I would love to wear this year.
One of the big trends is puffiness. Bags that are soft and squishy are a new look. The pink puffy handle bag from Dries Van Noten is a cool bag to carry.
Bottega Veneta takes the puffy route too with is sky blue clutch. It screams spring.
Proenza Schouler loves puffy bags too. Bags haven’t been cuddly for quite some time. This bag is very reassuring with it’s sunken snap and chain handle.
And Off-White nails it with these clever, softly padded bags. The tie dye version on the left is especially artsy and cool.
Perhaps the most amusing padded bags are the ones done by Miu Miu. Because they are made from nylon, they are cousins of the puffer coats that everyone wears.
One of the bags you have to have, is the Prada triangle bag. It is a jokey take on the Prada logo in metal or fabric that is on almost every piece in the collection. It also comes with a shoulder strap.
Azzedine Alaia has a new bag shape, the Half Moon. His codes, animal prints and studs, are used as embellishments. The chain handle is a new detail for the brand.
Balenciaga adds a heavy chain with a logo soft shoulder strap cover to one of their classic bags.
Gucci’s new trick is to add a contrast color belt-like strap to the classic bamboo handles. Classic with a twist.
But Gucci also has some fun. The brand did a collab with The North Face, This printed backpack is one of the pieces from the collection.
Just as knits are a trend, so are knit bags. Bottega updated it’s handled clutch with both ivory knit and a chocolate malcrame for the bodies of the bags.
Valentino updated the Rockstud by using an aran knit with popcorns instead of leather. I am not sure I would carry this one n the summer, but it is striking.
Schiaparelli has been reinvented. The brand’s jewelry and bags use motifs that recall the surrealistic fun of the original collections back in the 1930’s. The reboot is fun and worth investigating.
Straw bags are starting to show up. Marni offers several styles, decorated with a crafy logo.
And Loewe offers some straw totes decorated with their logo in appliqued leather. Perfect to go with some cool summer sundresses.
The brand also works with woven leather. The effect is very different than the handwork done at Bottega. The multicolor strips of leather make an interesting pattern. And the elephant is punctuation.
If handles are your thing, then this bag of many handles is made for you,
Puppets and Puppets, a contemporary brand, offers bags with an amusing touch. Resin snacks. A black and white, a pretzel and a chocolate chip cooky are among the motifs that you can cheekily carry. You will have to have a sense of humor when you pick one of these bags,
