Credit: Farfetch and Net-a-Porter
Nabbing a chic new bag usually comes as an afterthought when it comes to outfit shopping for CNY. We trust that you’ve already secured chic new threads for the new year celebrations (and if you haven’t, you can check out our CNY-related stories here to find our curated shopping edits), so now we’re recommending our favourite mini bags and pouches to ensure that you absolutely nail your CNY ensemble – down to every detail.
Not only will these bags be super useful for keeping your ang paos neatly stashed throughout visiting, they’re also sprinkled with subtle designs that attribute to the CNY festivities. From Chloé’s watercolour-printed Aby Lock bag which features an adorable print of a rat to Marni’s special edition red leather phone bag from its Chinese New Year capsule collection, these bags and pouches are certainly unique.
P.s. They’ll also come in handy for stowing all your mahjong winnings throughout the celebrations (wink wink).
Below, check out our 10 favourite mini bags and pouches to carry this CNY.
Created exclusively for Luisaviaroma, this special edition Prada bag takes after the silhouette of the brand’s famed Sidonnie shoulder bag. Featuring the classic sinuous shape and front flap strap, this version of the Sidonie sports contrasting colour tabs in glossy candy pink and dark red. With its retro charm and sleek sophistication, this number is a must-own for designer bag collectors and Prada fans alike.
Loewe’s bunny bag gets a new eclectic raspberry pink makeover this season – just in time for CNY. Seen in the classic shape of a bunny and sporting a fuzzy tail, the instantly recognisable receptacle is now officially Chinese New Year ready. Those of you who were born in the year of the rabbit would be particularly thrilled – haul this symbolic token of your zodiac year with confidence!
Featuring a triple compartment design, Fendi’s crossbody bag combines function and style. Crafted from sweet soft pink calf leather and the brand’s hallmark brown FF-print, this bag will keep all your ang paos organised and separated from all your other essentials like your phone and lipstick. We love the utilitarian design, and the fact that it comes with a detachable cross-body strap, allowing you the option of carrying it as a bag or using it as a compartmental pouch to stash in your larger carryall.
A classic envelope clutch design elevated by an elegant box-shaped silhouette and a contemporary curved top handle with a marbled effect to resemble a precious jade bangle, this charming mint leather mini bag is an absolute stunner. Not only will it serve you well this CNY, but also for any gala or dinner party in the future. To add, the mint green shade will also look striking next to a bright red or orange dress if you’re planning to wear one this CNY.
Crafted from butter-soft leather in tangerine orange, this mini bag from Bottega Veneta can be worn around the neck as a necklace. Admittedly, this mini pouch borderlines as a micro bag with it’s uber-petite size; it might not be big enough to store your ang paos (unless you’ve got tiny-sized red packets to match). But we had to include it in our edit – it’s too adorable to resist. Almost like a wallet or coin purse, this pouch features an elasticated top to keep your essentials stored securely.
Featuring a rat artfully presented in watercolour, Chloe’s Aby Lock bag celebrates the Year of The Rat with this adorable collection. The back of the bag sees the watercolour illustration of the brand’s logo “Chloe”. It also carries the bag’s signature elements, such as the curved gold handle the lacquered chain and key – this time rendered in glossy red – decorating the side of the bag. Carry it as a shoulder bag next to a spring-perfect floral dress and pink mules.
Known for their bevy of Instagram-approved accessories and bags, Loeffler Randall presents a new bag that’s sure to rise in the ranks of popularity just like its predecessors. Crafted from tactile calf hair that’s printed with tiger stripes, this slim and handy number can be carried as a shoulder bag or cross-body bag. Team this with matching gold statement earrings and a white dress this CNY.
This shoulder bag from Jacquemus is seen in a zingy orange hue and crafted from butter-soft leather. The shoulder strap is detailed with gold letter charms that spell out the brand’s name. The envelope clutch silhouette is sleek and slim, but don’t let the facade deceive you. The interior of the bag is spacious enough to store all your ang paos, phone and other essentials.
Whimsical and playful, as with all other Marni designs, this leather pouch from Marni’s Chinese New Year capsule collection is crafted to be big enough to store your phone – but we think it’ll work as a compartment for your red packets as well. Made from smooth leather in red, this chic number will team well with a pastel pink or yellow dress.
This limited edition Dior Saddle bag is extremely exclusive. Why? It’s a vintage number that’s been well-maintained since the 2000s. Rendered in a beautiful shade of orange and sporting intricate cutouts that inform a floral pattern, this rendition of the Saddle bag is covetable and perfect for CNY. The shoulder strap also features detailed craftwork, with cutouts and beading details adding to the bag’s invaluable dearness.