Have a strict office attire that requires you to dress formally? While you can’t get out of wearing shirts and pants/skirts, you’ll have more leeway when it comes to giving your nine-to-five outfit a bit of personality with a playful everyday bag.
From quirky messages to street art-inspired prints, these will get you through your workweek, plus double as arm candy on the weekend.
Designed in the 1970s, Celine’s iconic Triomphe motif with its intertwined “Cs” was inspired by the chain links that can still be seen in front of one of Paris’s most famous monuments – the Arc de Triomphe. It was reimagined in 2018 by former creative director Phoebe Philo, who used it as the hardware buckle on the brand’s classic box bag. Hedi Slimane, Celine’s current creative director, continues to reinterpret this motif and present in various avatars including The Classique Triomphe bag in canvas and calfskin, Teen Besace Triomphe Bag in calfskin and Small Bucket Cuir in textile and calfskin. For its latest instalment, the Triomphe is celebrated in its full glory on the Round Triomphe Minaudiere – a unique new shape for the Spring/Summer 2023 season – seen on the body of the canvas bag as well as the hardware clasp.
Inspired by the beach and the sea, the La Vague bag from Jacquemus’ SS22 collection boasts a unique silhouette that’s unlike any other. Modelled after the movements of the ocean, you’ll notice that it comes with a curved silhouette that’s wavy, baby — quite literally.
Another fan favourite from the Jacquemus SS22 collection would have to be the Le Sac Rond handbag. The structured round loop which doubles up as the bag’s handle instantly makes the bag a statement-worthy piece. Pair it with a classic LBD or even with an all-white ensemble to add a splash of colour to your outfit.
When it comes to cute and quirky handbags, Issey Miyake is at the forefront of some of the most sartorial conventions. With an eccentric approach to design, Issey Miyake’s signature style usually comprises geometric patterns, futuristic lines, and a slouchy silhouette to give it a really quirky look. A hot favourite would be the Prism Metallic Tote. Great for everyday use, the bag is spacious enough to keep all your belongings in one place and is surprisingly easy for you to organise your essentials.
If you’re into Bottega’s iconic Intrecciato weave, then you’ll definitely dig this piece. Well-loved by many celebs, the bag oozes that classic Bottega feel but with an updated, modern twist.
Ever seen a mini bag shaped after an egg? Well, now you have. The Micro Egg Perspex Shoulder Bag is a statement piece that’s sure to take the spotlight if you’re carrying it for a night out with the girls. Aside from its oval-shaped silhouette, the bag is enriched by a pearlized effect to give it the bag that extra oomph, and it also comes with a detachable wrist strap and a detachable shoulder strap, so you can switch it up just the way you like it.
Dior’s D-Bubble Bucket bag leaves no room for doubts and is all about that je ne sais quoi. From its bright pink hue to its iconic monogram logo, there are so many things to love about this piece. But what makes it stand out from the rest you might ask? Well, it would have to be the handmade tassels that add movement to the design.
Looking for a new arm candy to splash on? Peep this unique Small Vanity Case from Chanel. Made from beech wood, this piece is the embodiment of the quintessential characteristics of the perfect statement-worthy bag. Great for picnics or even for your weekend brunches, this bag is also not too big or too small, and offers the right amount of room to fit all your essentials.
Sometimes, you just need to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. And if you’re looking for something that’s edgy, stylish and modern, look no further than this eye-catching bag from luxury label, Givenchy.
As seen on many celebs including the likes of Singles Inferno’s Song Ji-A, Alexander McQueen’s Curve bag is quickly gaining popularity for obvious reasons. Made with cerulean blue calf leather, the unique design of the bag is inspired by the harness silhouette and comes finished with the brand’s Seal Signature. Wear it as a crossbody or even over your shoulders to complete your look.
Add more dimension and colour to your look with this piece by Givenchy. Made with smooth calfskin leather, this stylish bag brings texture to your outfit and boasts a timeless and luxurious feel that will instantly elevate any look.
Louis Vuitton recently introduced the Coussin — a comfortable and supple bag that’s very much like a pillow. Featuring multiple quilted compartments, this adorable yet functional piece is perfect to store your essentials and whatnots while you go about your day. The piece arrives in two different sizes — PM and MM — in a variety of incisive shades ranging from metallic tones to radical shades, that goes well with its strong, geometric design. Wear it as a crossbody, over the shoulders or even as a clutch to suit any occasion.
No quirky messages or street art-inspired prints here, but this unique triangle-shaped bag is a great alternative to spruce up your everyday work outfit. As part of the brand’s Summer 2021 collection, Celine recently unveiled its leather triangle unisex bag that echoes the cross-body bag trend that’s been a hit amongst the masses in recent months. Here, you’ll find Celine’s signature logo embossed at the front of this simple, yet chic piece — making it a versatile capsule wardrobe must-have that goes well with any outfit. Besides, it’s also a functional and stylish piece that works perfectly when you’re out on your lunch breaks.
Take your outfit up a notch with this Diana bamboo-handle leather tote bag. Named after Princess Diana, this timeless silhouette is an eye-catching piece on its own thanks to its bamboo top handles, which are a house hallmark from the iconic 1947 collection and are accented by red decorative belt handle shapers.
Featuring a structured silhouette and quality calfskin leather in bright apple green, your co-workers might not even realise there’s an elephant masquerading as your trusty work sidekick – until they take a closer look. And we reckon it’ll be quite the conversation starter at casual lunch meetings.
Similar to the Elephant Mini Bag, LOEWE has also launched other iterations of animal-inspired bags that take after the shape of a rabbit, octopus, and our next favourite, the Whale. Crafted with soft-grained calfskin leather with leather lining and polished silver-tone hardware, this bumbag is a unique piece you’ve never seen before. Not only does it make your outfit pop, but you can also easily sling it over your shoulder and carry it around while you run your errands.
This article was first published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.