Everyone is talking about mini bags, nano bags and handphone bags, but there’s one bag style that’s making a comeback now: the baguette.
We can’t quite pinpoint the exact timeline for the rise of the baguette silhouette – think a pochette meets hobo style that you snugly tuck into your armpit. But the recent resurgence of cult shoulder bag classics like the Fendi Baguette and Dior Saddle has definitely spurred the popularity of the style.
While the O.G. of this style remains the one from Fendi, the numerous contemporary renditions of the baguette shape seem to point to three criteria that define the design: a compact size that can sit high on your shoulder, a minimalist aesthetic, and something hands-free.
It doesn’t hurt either that It brands of the moment like Daniel Lee’s Bottega Veneta and cult brands like Coperni and Yuzefi have all doled out their versions of the baguette. In fact, the London-based Yuzefi has introduced a new silhouette inspired by its popular Loaf bag this season dubbed the Baton with boasts a more elongated dimension.
On the Fall runways, Gucci’s new miniature take on its iconic Jackie hobo – christened the Jackie 1961 – segues nicely into the neo-baguette territory with its rainbow colour palette of lilac, butter, light blue and soft pink. Burberry’s debut of the Olympia also sits within this bag family with its adjustable strap that can be shortened to your shoulder level. The bag’s name and curved silhouette take inspiration from the distinctive barrel roof of London exhibition space Kensington Olympia where the Fall/Winter show 2020 was staged.
Below, some of our favourite picks.