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Oct 16, 2024

Satin Bags Are Spring’s Biggest Bag Trend – Shop Vogue's Favourites Now | British Vogue

Trends might have erred towards the essential over the last year, but fashion’s transportive quality means there’s always a dose of the fantastical within arm’s reach. Take our recent handbag shopping

Trends might have erred towards the essential over the last year, but fashion’s transportive quality means there’s always a dose of the fantastical within arm’s reach. Take our recent handbag shopping habits. Searches for practical totes and shopper bags are up 86 per cent since January, according to the global fashion shopping platform Lyst. Conversely, demand for impossibly pretty, yet plainly impractical satin bags is up 104 per cent. If you feel like your wish-list veers between Amina Muaddi’s princessy party heels and Crocs; fabulous Simone Rocha x H&M pearl-laden trench coats and classic Burberry macs, you are not alone. Fashion’s current dichotomy is real, as we slowly thaw ourselves out after a year of on-and-off lockdown.

The most coveted silky bag is Ganni’s sweet knotted top-handle version, which comes in an array of chocolate-box hues for £95. Crafted from recycled polyester, committed Ganni girls can match their mini drawstring pouch with scalloped frill edge with the brand’s satin-look headbands.

Ganni’s affordable wristlets are leading the trend.

The rise of Simone Rocha, currently riding high on her H&M collab (Lyst reports a search spike of 262 per cent to the brand itself on the launch date), can also be linked to the cute bag trend. The pretty-tough womenswear designer’s accessories are more akin to objets than handbags: all pearly trinkets and crystal-choked spheres. The glossy satin pouches shrouded in beaded latticework have made their way into the virtual shopping baskets of more than a few Vogue editors weighing up whether shimmering hand-held bags also double up as jewellery (there’s nothing like the two-for-one argument to justify a purchase).

Simone Rocha’s pearlescent pouches.

Molly Goddard’s delightfully ruffled shoulder bags have been a hit, too. Made in a lustrous coated cotton that emulates the sheeny finish of satin, the Ginza – a modern take on the Baguette bag shape – will be joined by more frilly styles as Goddard gets into her stride as an accessories designer. Prada’s take on string totes: colour-pop satin pouches cradled inside contrasting black macramé netting, are still chic summer investments. And Amina Muaddi’s micro briefcase-style bags with diamanté straps are gaining traction owing to the popularity of the designer’s sass-laden sandals, which are beloved by Rihanna and the Kardashian-Jenners.

Indeed, Net-a-porter.com senior fashion market editor Libby Page confirms that Muaddi’s playful top-handle styes have been the most popular satin bags on the e-tail platform, alongside Serena Uziyel’s exquisite clutches. “Our customers want pieces that are timeless, unique and beautifully crafted – items they envisage they will be able to wear once socialising opens up again,” asserts Page.

Molly Goddard’s satin-look ruffled shoulder bags are best worn with platforms and whimsical dresses.

For a more classic take on the trend that will see you through wedding seasons for years to come, take a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge’s book and look to Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo for luxuriously pale purses. After a year of cancelled events, parties and engagements, the best pandemic fashion lesson to take forward is not loungewear, but to save nothing for best.

Amina Muaddi’s micro carry-cases come with rainbow straps.

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