It’s the time of the year once again… where we ponder over which of our latest luxury obsessions are worthy enough to land a spot on our Christmas wish list. Such blithesome musings are a tad challenging this year, with the many charming and covetable festive drops from designer brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton to choose from.
Highlights of the season include Prada’s iconic Cleo bag and the Chanel 22. Other noteworthy trends that have dominated the fashion scene is none other than the crescent-shaped bags. Brands like Loewe, Louis Vuitton and Fendi have released their own iteration of the popular silhouette and has continued to gain popularity amongst the masses for good reason.
Below, browse our top picks of the latest designer handbags, with your Christmas wish list in tow for a little last-minute updating.
It does not take a Valentino superfan to recognise the brand’s iconic pyramidal Rockstuds. Casting a bigger spotlight on the classic golden studs, Valentino Garavani’s new One Stud bag takes the cake as one of the most exciting designer drops this season.
Coperni’s Swipe bag is having a moment and we’re here for it. Inspired by the iPhone’s On/Off feature, the bag sports a compact and cute silhouette that has gained popularity over the past few months for its unique shape and its statement-worthy status.
Fendi’s novelty bags are known to be collector items, often thrilling fans with their thematic designs and whimsical presentations. It’s safe to say that the same goes for this season’s iteration: the classic Fendigraphy.
Adding an exquisite touch (as if it required it in the first place), the circular bag also comes with large Fendi branding on the bottom, and is available in nano sizes and larger options.
Practical and designed for the urban woman, Fendi’s Multipocket Baguette is quickly becoming a fan favourite. Updated this season with a new iteration for the Baguette’s 25th anniversary, the Multipocket Baguette boasts distinctive elements such as the five patch pockets in different sizes that are decorated with the iconic FF clasp.
Thanks to its detachable handle and adjustable shoulder strap, you can easily carry it under your arm, wear it as a crossbody or as a belt bag.
With the widespread popularity of Prada’s Re-edition bag series from the early noughties going strong, it makes good sense why the brand has decided to tap into its iconic styles from the ‘90s for inspiration this season.
The Prada Cleo bag is materialised from the desire to reimagine, with fresh, contemporary updates, the brand’s famous archival bags that reigned with “It-bag” status during the ‘90s. This updated shoulder bag sports sleek curved lines with a rounded construction on the base for a soft, streamlined feel. More recently, the Cleo mini bag rendered in a seductive shade of scarlet looks to be a unique gift to ask for and cherish for life.
Add something a little playful to your list with Miu Miu’s adorable Miu Wander matelassé nappa leather mini hobo bag. Made of matelassé nappa leather, this bag by the luxury label is literally perfect for the holidays. While it may be small in size, the bag is still large enough to carry your essentials like your phone, card case, and AirPods, and is perfect if you’re going on a night out with the girls or even on your next date. Besides its silhouette, we love the sophisticated, three-dimensional effect created by the refined workmanship of the bag that instantly elevates any festive outfit. Wear it as a crossbody or over your shoulder as you make your way into the holiday season.
The crescent bag, otherwise known as the love child of the hobo and shoulder bag, is taking TikTok and Instagram by storm. Due to the resurgence of Y2K trends, which paved the way for the crescent bag to re-enter the scene, bags like the Loewe Luna are picking up pace in the market for its unique design.
Balenciaga’s La Cogole bag was met with much hype after its reveal earlier this year and it has been a popular piece amongst the Y2K crowd. As seen on celebs like Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa, the handbag boasts a versatile appeal that would fit into almost any wardrobe. Arriving in shades of black and white, the bag transcends seasons and can be worn throughout the year, beyond the holidays. Alternatively, there is also another version of the bag that comes embedded with rhinestones in shades of grey and green, if you’re looking for a more festive option to add some sparkle to your holiday look.
Another crescent-shaped bag that’s been trending is Louis Vuitton’s Loop bag. Created by Nicolas Ghesquière for the Cruise 2022 Collection, the bag boasts a half-moon silhouette along with the brand’s signature Monogram printed throughout. Here, the leather strap is also accompanied with a shorter gold chain strap, so you can switch things up – offering you more ways to carry your bag.
If what you desire is an oversized tote bag to conveniently haul almost everything you own, then Chanel’s new receptacle is what you shall seek. Rendered in a striking shade of red that’s equal parts bold and regal, the new tote bag is crafted from calfskin and comes with beautiful gold-tone metal chains.
Aside from the backpack version, the bag also comes as a tote in different sizes, for practicality.
Text: Michelle Yeoh & Shazrina Shamsudin/HerWorld