There’s nothing better than a fresh collection of bags to kickstart the Summer and Pre-Fall 2022 fashion season. And it is – quite literally – shaping up to be a good one thanks to the playful experimentation brands are giving to conventional bag silhouettes. Scroll on for our curation.
The brand may be known for its occasion-ready bags, but it’s also a maker of sleek contemporary bags (see its recent sculptural Curve bucket bag for proof). The Bow tote which makes its debut for Pre-Fall is the latest entry into this category. This sizeable bag cinches its two handles horizontally, creating the shape that gives the bag its name, while adding a fun twist to an otherwise classic tote. It is available in both large and small sizes, in a range of colours such as yellow, denim, and an elegant tan calf leather and raffia combination.
New for Fall 2022, the trapezoidal Lindsay bag is an amalgamation of creative director Demna’s vision to produce a ’90s-inspired line with a modern take. As a nod to large-buckled purses from the era, the structured pochette-style Lindsay is fastened with a chunky belt. The Lindsay comes with a short silver chain strap and a longer leather one for crossbody and is available in S, M and L as well as range of colours from bright green to shiny black.
First launched in January 2020, Bottega Veneta’s Mini Jodie bag has just received a punk treatment for Pre-Fall. Metallic round studs – either in reflective silver or the brand’s signature chroma green – have been manually applied all over the bag’s signature intrecciato weave body, demonstrating the brand’s usual impeccable craftsmanship. The resulting effect is a softly-constructed pouch-shaped bag with major tactile appeal.
Celine’s newest addition to their Triomphe bag collection sees the Besace bag (say “buh-sass”) shape instituted into the line. Most closely resembling creative director Hedi Slimane’s Small Besace 16 bag, the Teen Besace Triomphe bag takes after its predecessor’s crescent-shaped silhouette and replacing the turnlock clasp with a gold hardware Triomphe logo clasp instead. Small and dainty (the bag measures 18.5cm by 16cm by 6 cm), the Teen Besace Triomphe comes in a range of classic colours that include a subtle nude and bright crimson.
Chanel has always pushed the envelope with its evening minaudieres that are part novelty bags, part mini sculptures (past designs have included rocket ships, milk cartons and a replica of the Chanel N°5 bottle). Its latest offering comes from the Metiers d’Art collection and features a hard-shell spherical shape measuring 9cm by 9cm by 9cm that makes it slightly larger than a tennis ball. Suffice to say, anybody who loves the mini-bag trend will be the belle of the ball.
Bet you haven’t seen the 30 Montaigne bag quite like this one. This latest version of the practical and boxy shoulder bag is part of the house’s Dioriviera summer capsule and is the first time the style has been interpreted in wicker that was handcrafted by the brand’s artisans. A fluorescent pink removable strap embroidered with the words “Christian Dior” adds to the charm of the bag.
Launched in July 2021, the Fendi First clutch was Kim Jones’ debut bag for the brand as its new artistic director of womenswear and is known for its asymmetrical shape and witty F-shaped opening. Flash forward to this season and the piece has received a very ’80s glam update as part of the Fendace collaboration with Versace: the bag is swathed in a gold baroque print that the latter uses frequently for its silk shirts.
Givenchy is taking the meaning of thinking out of the box to a new level with the Cut Out. The geometric bag, which normally comes in the form of a shoulder bag, now features a very interesting mini hand-carry iteration for Pre-Fall. The entire bodice of the bag is fitted into a metal frame, with the top part serving as a handle. The Cut Out is available in a pretty powder pink, black, and a multi-coloured look.
Don’t be fooled with a name like the Attache – which in French most often refers to a hard-shell briefcase. Gucci’s Attache, which launches in stores in July, takes the brand’s iconic monogram canvas design that originally appeared on men’s briefcases and places it on a newfangled hobo-style bag. Calling to mind a fortune-cookie shape, the bag’s two ends are taken in and fastened with a silver “GG” hardware that preserves the bag’s unique shape while also serving as an extra safety measure.
The Maximors is a graceful, cylindrical silhouette, made of shiny calfskin whose sheen switches from a dark brown to black in the sunlight, with a minimalist magnetic flap. The best part? The gold-coloured metal handle, almost sculptural in nature and interlocking at the centre. For a hands-free look, a thin leather strap is also attached to the bag to be worn crossbody.
For years, Kate Spade has been churning out uniquely-shaped bags for its seasonal collections, like heart-shaped purses and fruit-shaped bags. But the standout of its Pre-Fall collection is the Meringue small crossbody bag. Crafted in shiny smooth nappa leather, the bag is cinched at the top like a drawstring and attached with a braided top handle. The Meringue gets even sweeter with pleasing colours like pale blue, garden rose pink and an off-white.
Like its name suggests, the Loewe Luna bag is a crescent-shaped bag, sturdily crafted with a curved double lip closure. It also comes with a concealed sliding eyelet which lets you customise its length straps for a different look each day. Some Pre-Fall colour options include a striking orange and forest green.
The Miu Wander is re-interpreted each season for a new look and the latest edition is the miniature hobo-shaped bag in leather, as opposed to the regenerated nylon material that was launched in Spring/Summer 2022. Miu Miu’s matelasse quilt, a technique that’s taken the brand years to perfect, is re-designed onto the new Miu Wander from handle to body, creating a three-dimensional pillowy feel.
Known for its sleek and simple soft leather bags, Saint Laurent’s new Astro shoulder bag is its quirkiest bag design yet. Shaped like a five-point star adorned with small dangling gold hardware tassels, the Astro is a playful, geometrically-designed bag that adds a funky factor your outfit.
Tod’s T Timeless line which is known for its clean cut and classic designs has just debuted a saddle-shaped silhouette style bag to the line. Pre-Fall colours range from simple white to darker autumn colours like violet and brown.
Text: Yasmine Loh/Female