Big Bag Energy: How the 'ludicrously capacious' bag became the bag we need

Don’t believe what that guy on ‘Succession’ said about toting a jumbo bag

Max Mara
Max Mara
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One thing’s for certain: jumbo tote bags are having a moment now, both on the runways and on our television screens. Larger-than-large bags come woven at Bottega Veneta; with creased leather at Prada; and searingly bright at Ferragamo. And on the premiere of Season 4 of the HBO show Succession, the character Tom Wambsgans pettily derides a woman for carrying a “ludicrously capacious” tote bag by Burberry to an opera. That launched a slew of memes and reportedly sent Google searches for ‘Burberry tote bag’ soaring by more than 310 per cent and ‘Burberry handbag’ to jump by 180 per cent. Guess everyone wants a bit of that big-bag energy.

Frances medium leather bag, $4,950, Burberry

Credit: Burberry
1/17

Size: 29cm x 41cm wide

We say: Structured, polished and minimalist – save for a monogram that punctuates the front – meet your next favourite “go-to-work” bag.

Jumbo large canvas tote, $1,690, Balenciaga

Credit: Balenciaga
2/17

Size: 65.7cm tall x 34.8cm wide

We say: The reverse logo printed on sturdy cotton canvas will command its share of double-takes from passers-by.

Andiamo large leather tote, $10,960, Bottega Veneta

Credit: Bottega Veneta
3/17

Size: 35cm tall x 42cm wide

We say: The name of this bag refers to an Italian expression that loosely translates to “let’s go”, which seems apt because it offers plenty of room for your daily essentials so you’re never short of anything when you’re out and about.

Musubi Midi leather tote, $2,300, Acne Studios

Credit: Acne Studios
4/17

Size: 26cm tall x 34.5cm wide

We say: Flanked by obi-inspired knots on each side, this camel-coloured tote easily checks off the “quiet luxury” trend.

Diana large leather tote, $7,560, Gucci

Credit: Gucci
5/17

Size: 37cm tall x 38cm wide

We say: Large enough to store your laptop, folders and essentials comfortably. Scratch that, it’ll hold everything and the kitchen sink, and all while looking chic.

Canvas tote, $2,150, Celine

Credit: Celine
6/17

Size: 26cm tall x 34.5cm wide

We say: Perfect for a yoga-brunch-groceries run on the weekend.

Denim tote, $8,240, Chanel

Credit: Chanel
7/17

Size: 24cm tall x 41cm wide

We say: Washed denim and Chanel’s classic chain accents come together to create a grunge-inspired beauty.

Available in Chanel boutiques.

Book Tote large shearling tote, $6,700, Dior

Credit: Dior
8/17

Size: 35cm tall x 42cm wide

We say: We wouldn’t blame you if you couldn’t resist hugging this cosy bag.

Available in Dior boutiques.

Paseo nappa leather hobo bag, $5,300, Loewe

Credit: Loewe
9/17

Size: 60cm tall x 46cm wide

We say: The Paseo collection, which makes its debut this season, is marked by horizontal and elongated bags with subtle origami folds and knot details. This other variation – designed as a large hobo bag – is another lovely option for casual getups.

Symbole embroidered canvas tote, $6,200, Prada

Credit: Prada
10/17

Size: 34cm tall x 45cm wide

We say: The cult favourite motif makes a geometric appearance on Prada’s fabric tote.

Calfskin tote, $5,290, Ferragamo

Credit: Ferragamo
11/17

Size: 30cm tall x 40cm wide

We say: An updated riff on the brand’s timeless Wanda style, this spacious tote from Maximilian Davis’ debut collection at the Italian house comes with a zipped pocket and a detachable shoulder strap to go hands-free.

Available in Ferragamo boutiques.

Leather tote, price unavailable, Max Mara

Credit: Max Mara
12/17

Size: 35cm tall x 68cm wide

We say: Taking its cue from the woven straw bags often seen dotting the Italian coasts every summer, Max Mara remixes it to gargantuan effect as this bag measures more than half a meter from point to point.

Available in Max Mara boutiques.

Di large leather tote, $4,320, Tod’s

Credit: Tod’s
13/17

Size: 42cm tall x 30cm wide

We say: Whether you’re catching a flight or headed to the workplace, you can always count on this timeless tote to get you there in style.

Garden Party Voyage canvas bag, $7,000, Hermes

Credit: Hermes
14/17

Size: 36cm tall x 46cm wide

We say: You’ll find any excuse to throw a picnic, just so you can take this beauty out for a stroll.

Available in Hermes boutiques.

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Es giant leather bag, $6,560, Saint Laurent

Credit: Saint Laurent
15/17

Size: 50cm tall x 56cm wide

We say: Toted by everyone from Blackpink’s Rosé to Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Devon Carlson, this celeb-approved tote bag marries statement style and practicality seamlessly.

Le Pliage Green large recycled canvas tote, $235, Longchamp

Credit: Longchamp
16/17

Size: 35cm tall x 45cm wide

We say: You can’t think of jumbo tote bags without immediately thinking of Longchamp’s crowd-favourite Le Pliage bags. This line of eco-friendly bags employs recycled polyamide canvas.

Opportunity large raffia tote, $700, Furla

Credit: Furla
17/17

Size: 29cm tall x 37cm wide

We say: The tactile, AstroTurf-resembling surface ensures this tote bag is anything but boring.



This article was originally published in Female.

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