12 statement bags that will make anyone jealous

T Timeless Shopping Bag, fabric and leather, Tod's

Credit: TOD'S

1/11

47cm (when sides are extended) X 29cm X 14cm

This boldly bohemian rendition of the Italian leather expert’s ultra roomy and elegant day bag is crafted from tactile, finely interwoven bands of cotton fabric.

Fendi X FRGMT X Pokemon 3D Marquetry Dragonite Baguette,

Credit: FENDI

2/11

27cm X 15cm X 6cm

The house of double “Fs” keeps on surprising with its Friends of Fendi initiative, which brings on a guest designer to jointly work on a capsule collection with women’s wear artistic director Kim Jones. The second name to have the honour following its debut three months ago? Japanese streetwear legend Hiroshi Fujiwara, who not only – true to the mischievous nature of his cult label FRGMT – has reinterpreted the brand’s signature brown-on-tobacco monogram canvas bags in yellow, but also included a selection of bags ornately embellished with dragon-type Pokemon motifs to usher in the Lunar New Year. Among the most precious: the Baguette handcrafted to recreate the hyper-cute visage of Dragonite using leather marquetry.

Lambskin Sardine, Bottega Veneta

Credit: BOTTEGA VENETA

3/11

33cm X 20cm X 4cm

The most artsy of the label’s It bags distinguished by its sculptural metal handle gets a modern Chinese New Year refresh: an intrecciato finish that forms a red-and-white checked pattern, and handwoven leather fringing along its bottom and grip.

PU Leather EKD Label Pouch, Burberry

4/11

32cm X 20cm X 5.5cm

A clever riff off logo bags that encapsulates wry British wit: Those are fabric swatches printed with the brand’s revived EKD (or Equestrian Knight Device) motif peeking through its all-plastic exterior – conceptual much?

Shearling and leather Arque, Prada

Credit: PRADA

5/11

22cm X 18cm X 6cm

With its minimalist and elegant spin on a trendy 2000s design from the archives, the Arque was destined for It bag status when it debuted last year. Now it gets an unexpected babycore makeover with a cuddly, all-over shearling finish that takes it from It to novelty keepsake.

Dior Leather Book Tote, Dior

Credit: DIOR

6/11

26.5cm X 21cm X 14cm (small), 36.5cm X 28cm X 17.5cm (medium)

One of the most famous designer totes around gets a radically polished new look: Besides its trademark embroidered fabric finish, the Book Tote now also comes in the maison’s equally iconic, quilted Macrocannage leather – a style that’s assembled together by hand. Fans of the original might take some time to get used to it. Fashion connoisseurs would know to get their hands on one as soon as it hits stores on Jan 4.

Braided Raffia and Gold-toned Metal Mini Flap Bag, Chanel

Credit: CHANEL

7/11

17cm X 14.5cm X 6cm

The playfully breezy aesthetic of the bags from Chanel’s Los Angeles-inspired Cruise 2023/2024 collection belies the workmanship that goes into them. This flap bag, for example, was entirely crocheted by hand – a process that took a total of 19 hours to complete and makes every piece unique.

Sequinned Small Flap Bag, Chanel

Credit: CHANEL

8/11

21cm X 14cm X 8cm

Meanwhile this ultra-sparkly rendition opposite sports a cool dégradé effect because a different thread is used for every single sequin.

What’s Popping Embellished 3D Crossbody, Kate Spade

Credit: KATE SPADE

9/11

10.2cm X 21cm X 8.13cm

Warhol would approve of this novelty handbag launched as part of the label’s Holiday collection – especially when he finds out that the puffed up “corn kernels” on top are made of faux pearls and sequins.

The Lil Nas X Drop Penn Shoulder Bag, Coach

10/11

21cm X 12cm X 3cm

Consider the American label’s Lil Nas X Drop collection a wearable time capsule of what Gen Zs are into. The pieces – curated by the rapper, who’s been a brand ambassador since 2022, from the Winter 2023 season – are everyday-friendly staples with a vintage edge (the bags, for example, are among Coach’s most enduring and include the Tabby and Penn pochette pictured here). Punctuating them with plenty of personality inspired by the Montero performer’s unapologetic personal style though is everything from electric colours inspired by rave culture; to patches in the shape of cats (his pets) and the zodiac symbol Aries (his star sign); to even an archival leopard print given an acid-hued Y2K treatment.

Flower Strass Pearl Mini Buckle Jewel Clutch Bag, Roger Vivier

Credit: ROGER VIVIER

11/11

19cm X 13cm X 4cm
Creative director Gherardo Felloni’s inspiration was “Paris in the snow” and, if you ask us, he’s nailed it here in the prettiest and most precious way ever – right down to the spiral chain‑covered top handle entirely embellished with crystals.
This article first appeared in the Jan/Feb 2024 Art Edition of FEMALE