Novelty bags of the season: Chanel's gondola, Gucci's crystal seashell and Lanvin's brass pear

Ornamental arm candy

1/11

Envisaging our everyday objects as ornate evening minaudieres, luxury brands are prepositioning quirky collector’s pieces for Fall 2019. Whether it’s Chanel’s ski apres-inspired  gondola, Christopher Kane’s pill capsule of psychedelic gel, or Moschino’s unassuming can of hairspray, the season’s most whimsical offerings deserve an extra special spot on your display shelves. 

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the most unusual, tongue-in-cheek bag styles that are amusingly delightful yet at the same time, entirely desirable (looking at you, Lanvin’s brass pear clutch). Go ahead and shop our edit on the best conversational bags to invest in right this instant.

 

ALSO READ: THE BEST DESIGNER CLUTCH BAGS THAT CAN ACTUALLY STORE MORE THAN YOUR CARDS, CASH AND COINS

Oscar de la Renta Juice The Sheep shoulder bag, S$2,275 from Mytheresa

2/11

Loving introduced in the brand’s Fall 2019 collection, Juice the Sheep is an endearing character inspired by a “handsome Hebridean sheep” the House personally knows and adores.

Crafted from shearling, another highlight trend of the season, and lined in nappa leather, this adorable mini shoulder bag features details of the Scottish sheep such as mini legs and a sculpted head crafted from black leather peeking out from a cloud of plush shearling.

A charming addition to your evening ensemble, this bag will send plenty of oohs and ahhs your way.

Photo: Mytheresa

ALSO READ: 7 GRAPHIC BAGS FOR A BOLD FASHION STATEMENT

JW Anderson Cap Bag, S$1,079 from Farfetch

3/11

Encapsulating JW Anderson’s design aesthetic that nails the perfect balance between head-in-the-clouds creativity and down-to-earth relevance, this cap bag is a much-anticipated release from the brand’s Fall ‘19 collection.

Made from calf leather, this unconventional bag boasts of the silhouette of a sporty cap. Team this with an oversized suit to bring a novel twist to sophisticated tailoring.

Photo: Farfetch

ALSO READ: THE BEST DESIGNER CLUTCH BAGS THAT CAN ACTUALLY STORE MORE THAN YOUR CARDS, CASH AND COINS

Gucci Broadway crystal-embellished seashell bag, S$4,885 from Matches Fashion

4/11

Seen in translucent gold-hued plexiglass, Gucci’s Broadway seashell purse is embellished with blue and clear crystals, and splits open from the top just as a precious clamshell would.

Affixed with a magnetic closure and finished with gold-tone metal hardware, this stunning number will be the piece de resistance of your party ensemble.

Photo: Matches Fashion

ALSO READ: 7 GRAPHIC BAGS FOR A BOLD FASHION STATEMENT

“Lettere” Dolce box bag in inlaid wood, S$9,100 from Dolce & Gabbana

5/11

Oozing with charm and sentimentality, Dolce & Gabbana’s box bag resembles a letter crafted from the heart. Down to the tiniest of details – such as being coiled by a rustic knotted string, light gold padlock embellished with an enamel flower, stamp from Italy, and a personalised compact mirror compartment found in the interior, this bag nails the romanticism of letter writing.

The back is designed to look like a letter sealed with red wax and the word “Love” written on it. With all its sweet and intimate details, we think the “Lettere” bag makes for the perfect gift for someone special this holiday season. 

Photo: Dolce & Gabbana

ALSO READ: THE BEST DESIGNER CLUTCH BAGS THAT CAN ACTUALLY STORE MORE THAN YOUR CARDS, CASH AND COINS

Le sac Espelho, €500 (S$757.82) from Jacquemus

6/11

Jacquemus, one of the original propagators of the micro-bag trend, delivers yet another spectacular receptacle that changes the entire game of It-bags.

Handcrafted and woven from black raffia, the Le sac Espelho (which translates from French and Portuguese to “the mirror bag”) features ultra-long fringing detail interlaced with dainty white seashells. Carry this as a statement number to your next big party and watch as compliments ensue.

Photo: Jacquemus

ALSO READ: 7 GRAPHIC BAGS FOR A BOLD FASHION STATEMENT

Beads shell clutch turquoise, US$1,690 (S$2,293.45) from Balenciaga

7/11

This number brings us back to the good ol’ days of playing dress up. Made from bright blue satin, this shell-inspired clutch features a detachable crossbody chain strap made from faux pearls.

Playful, with an elevated sophistication, this clutch will stand out whether it’s the centerpiece of mantle display, or schlepped by your side at a classy gala.

Photo: Balenciaga

ALSO READ: THE BEST DESIGNER CLUTCH BAGS THAT CAN ACTUALLY STORE MORE THAN YOUR CARDS, CASH AND COINS

Christopher Kane gel and crystal clutch, S$980 from Farfetch

8/11

Christopher Kane’s crystal-trimmed PVC clutch bag is filled with translucent green gel that moves around and creates psychedelic patterns. An adventurous, quirky addition to your arsenal, this statement piece captures the nostalgic elements of a lava lamp.

Perfect for an everyday casual outfit due to its street style vibes, we can picture it being worn across the body while styled with a band tee, straight-leg jeans, and a pair of sneakers.

Photo: Farfetch

ALSO READ: 7 GRAPHIC BAGS FOR A BOLD FASHION STATEMENT

Pear minaudiere, US$3,500 from Lanvin

9/11

An art piece by itself, Lanvin’s exquisite pear-shaped minaudiere is crafted from brass in a gorgeous reddish-orange hue that looks as if it has masterfully painted in strokes on.

Featuring a slim leather strap which allows it to be carried on the wrist or by hand, this bag is engraved with the brand’s logo on the gold-plated leaf. Our obsession with this luxurious number places it right at the top of our wishlist this holiday season.

Photo: Lanvin

ALSO READ: THE BEST DESIGNER CLUTCH BAGS THAT CAN ACTUALLY STORE MORE THAN YOUR CARDS, CASH AND COINS

Evening bag, S$31,530 at Chanel

10/11

Debuted during Karl Lagerfeld’s last presentation at Chanel, the ski apres-inspired F/W ‘19 show, the ski gondola evening bag is made to resemble cable car lifts.

A closer look at the bag reveals many subtle details that can only be conceived by the genius that is the kaiser himself. The frosted windows showcase the interlocking Cs and the word “coco” with a heart drawn up on to mimic the foggy-effect you’d see on an actual ski lift.

The body of the limited edition bag features the House’s signature quilted design, and it is decorated with sparkling strass all over. 

Photo: Chanel

ALSO READ: THE BEST DESIGNER CLUTCH BAGS THAT CAN ACTUALLY STORE MORE THAN YOUR CARDS, CASH AND COINS

Hairspray bag, US$750 from Moschino

11/11

Known for its tongue-in-cheek accessories that aren’t meant to be taken too seriously, Moschino once again delivers on top-notch design with this aerostyle-style hairspray can-inspired crossbody bag.

Bringing the ‘60s back to live with the use of vivid colours and imagery, this unsuspecting receptacle is sure to strum up various conversations when you have it on hand.

Photo: Moschino

ALSO READ: THE BEST DESIGNER CLUTCH BAGS THAT CAN ACTUALLY STORE MORE THAN YOUR CARDS, CASH AND COINS