6 runway bags of the season that will work for your everyday.
I like to think of the runway as a parade of possibilities. The designers present their vision and we translate aspiration into actuality into our personal stylebook. For many of us, that stylebook has undergone a makeover with us spending more time at home, and less time out and about. Yet, the physical distance brings us closer to knowing what we want and need as we spend more time with ourselves.
Now, more than ever, we are welcome to dress as ourselves – whoever we feel we are; however we may see ourselves. Suddenly, we are all seated in the front row of the runway shows, connected to the runway in an unprecedented manner, rediscovering an experience that we thought we were already adequately acquainted with. You could be in the woods of Riccardo Tisci’s Burberry today, and travel to the future of fashion pictured by Nicolas Ghesquière’s Louis Vuitton the next, then swept into the bohemian rhapsody of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior.
Wherever you might be, in this new world we are navigating, you are invited to look beyond the layers of style inspiration that made it to the fashion highway, take them off it and run with it. Let’s begin with 6 bags of the season off the runway.
With the forest as the backdrop, Burberry’s Spring-Summer runway opens a dialogue about the meeting of different worlds – the natural and the fashioned; the utility with romance. Think a mix of strong and delicate fabrics, functional outfits with elegant details of tulle and chiffon, and crystal-embellished fishnets. The collection is a reaffirmation of Burberry’s DNA, a creative process of regrowth, generation and recreating, not unlike that of Nature.
The new icon that is the Olympia bag takes on that characteristic. It first took the stage for Fall 2020 in its brilliant simplicity, and is carried through to the latest Spring-Summer narrative in new colours and fabrications. The curve of the Olympia’s crescent silhouette balances the defined lines and textured cuts of the paired outfits.
Now in sizes ranging from an adorable Mini to a roomy Messenger, my heart still belongs to the Small size that works different occasions with ease. As a shoulder bag, it tucks easily under the arm but still works comfortably handheld, or as a crossbody bag. The zipper detail adds visual interest while providing convenience – you could slip a card in or some loose change on the go without having to open the flap.
Form and function meet in the Small Olympia bag, seen here in the shade Light Biscuit, worn with Burberry SS21 Look #9.
Our clothes reflect our lifestyle and that has changed dramatically in the year past. As we settle into the new normal, Dior’s Spring-Summer lineup seeks to free us from conventional constrictions and instead, tailor what we wear to fit the new lifestyle we find ourselves in. The Dior silhouette of the season captures the moment we live in, with airy, flowy designs, and fabrics that liberate movement and embrace our natural curves and lines.
This design philosophy flows into the seasonal rendition of the timeless Lady D-Lite bag. The versatile boxy silhouette is softened with a neutral colour scheme and full embroidery of beige tonal stripes. The look is completed with D.I.O.R. charms in a pale gold metal finish. The tone-on-tone colour story complements the textural details, while the wide shoulder strap – reversible and removable – completes the look. Perfect with a neutral-toned get-up, and interesting against a more colourful one.
The wildly versatile Medium Lady D-Lite bag in Beige Stripes Embroidery is paired here with the equally textural Dior SS21 runway look #57.
Texture, cut and fit matter, not just for clothes but also for bags. As we grow more discerning with the curation of our wardrobe, these factors come into play more prominently than ever. Impeccable tailoring has always been at the heart of Hermès’ creations and we see that in their latest Spring-Summer collection with relaxed-fit suits and luscious leather outfits that look effortlessly stylish.
The lineup projects the concept of “decluttering”, and going back to what matters most. The sleek and subtle Perspective Cavalière crossbody bag embodies all that as it catches the eye on the Hermes runway this season. True to the spirit of the collection – of being calm and confident in your own skin, the lines are simple but the key is in the details.
Available in two sizes, the open-top asymmetrical shoulder bag is constructed from Barénia calfskin and Hunter cowhide, in fawn, with a beautiful finish. There is ease of style and use at the same time, with an adjustable strap seamlessly worked into the concept of asymmetry, and two main compartments which are easily accessible and allow ample space for all your necessities. Even when it’s empty of its contents, the bag retains its structure, and thus character.
The uniquely covetable Perspective Cavalière bag is paired here with Hermès SS21 runway look #23.
Last year, larger circumstances forced us to rethink our boundaries between work and home, and our definition of time and space. Louis Vuitton’s latest Spring-Summer collection challenges the boundaries we set for ourselves and how we define our style as we look to the future. The likes of a fully-sequined tailored suit over a basic T-shirt, an oversized knitted vest cinched with a leather strap, and graphic print sweatshirts tucked into pleated trousers are part of a futuristic lineup.
Particularly eye-catching is the silver handbag we come to know as the Louis Vuitton Coussin. Its generous volume is a welcome deviation from the small bag trend, with a roomy interior that features three distinct compartments to help you get organized. Its ample size is crafted in supple and lightweight lambskin, and has a pillowy feel to it. Paired with a very current textile strap that allows any weight, when it’s filled, to be distributed evenly on the shoulder, and a visually interesting aluminum Edge Chain that lets you carry the bag under your arm, its functionality on par with its style factor.
Offered in two sizes, the smaller PM comes in Noir, Crème, Rouge and Caramel, while the MM size is available in Noir, Kaki, the signature green of the WSS21 show Vert LV Motion, and the futuristic shiny metallic Argent featured here with the Louis Vuitton runway look #15.
Shiny, new things catch our fancy easily but good ol’ beloved objects can be seen with new eyes once they are dressed in new coats. Spring’s arrival promises new beginnings with bursts of colour. The Studio Bag, a mainstay in the lineup of iconic bags at the House of Ferragamo, is looking fresh this season in brilliant new shades like Technicolor Yellow, reminiscent of the rich colours seen in classic Alfred Hitchcock films.
The Studio Bag was designed as an everyday bag, and rightly so. Crafted from soft yet durable natural-grain calfskin, the bag features a spacious main compartment with a practical removable pouch. A hidden front zip pocket adds convenience while the main compartment is secured with the iconic Gancini buckle. You can choose to carry it by its top handle or wear it crossbody with a removable shoulder strap.
The Small Ferragamo Studio Bag in Technicolor Yellow is seen here with runway look #19.
A breakthrough is sometimes about seeing the familiar with new perspectives, freeing ourselves of set boundaries but not tearing it apart beyond recognition. In line with Spring, the season of rebirth and renewal, Valentino reinvents the codes of the House. The result is the outstanding Roman Stud collection crafted in a selection of distinctive colours and rich materials such as tactile knit or soft nappa leather.
Among the collection, a top handle bag that graced the runway stands out. The feminine silhouette juxtaposes the macro-sized, antique brass-finish hardware and maxi quilting, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship while projecting potent street attitude. The style comes in two sizes, with a leather strap and sliding chain in antique brass finishing – both detachable, for ease of use on different occasions. The bag is separated into two compartments and secured with the Maison’s signature turn lock closure.
The Small Roman Stud Top Handle in Flamingo Pink is worn here with Valentino SS21’s runway look #6.
Related links:
Top 5 Spring/Summer 2021 Trends You Can Wear Everywhere
