This season’s line-up of new It-Bags certainly vary in style and attitude, not that we’re complaining though; more choices are always welcome. The pillowy cushion bag trend won’t be put to sleep any time soon, not when Louis Vuitton presents such a delectable trendy version fresh off its Spring-Summer 2021 runway.
Then, we’ve got the sharp flair of the Givenchy Cut-Out, the modern-vintage appeal of Celine, Saint Laurent, and Coach, alongside updated LOEWE classics and a new jewellery-inspired silhouette by Chloé, which leaves us to brazenly conclude: there’s no defining “It” — style is what you decide looks best.
Givenchy Cut-Out
You always want to look sharp when dressing up, and Givenchy’s new unisex bag gives us plenty of reasons to up our game. With its angular corners and sculptural silhouette, the Givenchy Cut-Out aces sleek modern style with a bag that bears the house’s V-shaped signature, though its rigid structure’s then balanced with a supple crescent-shaped shoulder strap.
This one also happens to be an original piece by new creative director Matthew M. Williams, who opts for distinctive hardware choices of a bold silver 4G logo chain that goes effortlessly well across varying finishes, whether you’re into understated mattes, metallics, or vintage croc-effect leather. Without any obvious logomania, the Cut-Out leads with just its edgy silhouette alone — and we’re already impressed.
The givenchy Cut-Out is available in two sizes, at Givenchy stores and GIVENCHY.COM. priced at: $1,790 to $2,490 for the small style; $3,890 for the large.
Celine Triomphe Shoulder Bag
New Celine? Yes, please. Hedi Slimane’s reign at the French luxury house has been well-received since the initial furore, judging by the keen enthusiasm we’ve seen for his revitalised Triomphe line.
The 70s house emblem comes inspired by the iconic Parisian landmark, the Arc de Triomphe, or more accurately, the motifs on the chain links in front of the monument, which makes for a vintage-looking motif that now appears across various bag styles.
The latest in line is the Celine Triomphe Shoulder Bag, which made its debut at the Summer 21 Monaco show, featuring a smaller size and shorter strap. The slimmer silhouette also comes in shiny calfskin, tan natural calfskin, and triomphe canvas. Clean and already a classic, whether dangling from its strap or oh-so-casually carried under the arm, this is an understated beauty that’ll stand the test of time.
THE CELINE TRIOMPHE SHOULDER BAG is AVAILABLE IN CELINE STORES AND CELINE.COM. PRICED AT: $2,950 for TRIOMPHE CANVAS; $3,250 for calfskin.
Louis Vuitton Coussin
If you managed to catch Louis Vuitton’s SS21 Spin-Off Show in Singapore last week, chances are that this soft number would’ve caught your discerning eye: the Coussin. Resembling a puffy pillow — obviously, the high-fashion kind — the Nicolas Ghesquière masterpiece looks supremely comfortable, and feels so too, since the quilted design is made from soft lambskin.
It also sports a Monogram-embossed details on a surprisingly roomy trio pouch design, complemented by a chunky chain that complements the oversized feel of the bag, while still being removable if you’d like to switch the look up to a clutch.
Despite its comfy shape, this one still belongs to the streets more than your sheets — smartly so, Louis Vuitton debuts bright green, metallic silver, and red colourways alongside its safer black and white options, and a removable canvas strap, which makes the Coussin feel more edgy and contemporary. Still, it’s a style we definitely want to snuggle up to.
The Louis Vuitton Coussin is available in two sizes, MM and PM, at Louis Vuitton Takashimaya Shopping Centre Ngee Ann City and Marina Bay Sands Island Maison and LOUISVUITTON.COM. priced at: $4,850 for the PM in Noir, Argent, Rouge, LV Motion Green and Crème; $5,400 for the MM, in Noir and Khaki.
Coach Ergo
This season’s Coach Forever collection was created by creative director Stuart Vevers during the pandemic, and yet there’s nothing to gloomy about it at all. In fact, the optimistic take on Spring sees plenty of vintage vibes, nature-inspired details, and responsible materials, starting with the standout bag, the Ergo.
The relaxed hobo shape reminds us of the 90s, though this one’s actually a 60s design taken from the archives, complete with a slim tapered gusset and leather binding, an artisanal technique that enhances the durability of the bag.
Furthering a responsible approach towards fashion, Coach also uses vegetable-tanned leather made using plant-based dyes that give the bags their fresh shades — tumeric wood gives a stunning mustard shade; nutshell, a warm brown; while chlorophyll is of a muted green, where the naturally uneven dye gives the leather a nice vintage patina.
The Coach Ergo, available in two sizes, at Coach stores and COACH.COM. Priced at: $750 for ivory, natural, or signature jacquard; $950 for plant green, carrot, or upwoven leather; and $1,100 with embroidery or weaving. $950 for the ergo shoulder bag 33.
LOEWE Anagram Jacquard
LOEWE’s Hammock, Balloon and Horseshoe styles are recognisable silhouettes in the Spanish house’s flight of iconic styles, and this season, they’re dressed up with an all-over print of the Anagram logo, on soft canvas jacquard.
Jonathan Anderson seizes the opportunity to show off some of the house’s expert techniques — on top of their fine leather craftsmanship, the new canvas fabric also has a 3D effect created with a special double-warp structure, making it extra tactile when you run your fingers over the bags. When creamy ecru is then paired with tan calfskin, the result is a look that’s charming, soothing and classic.
On top of the classic silhouettes, LOEWE also introduces two new designs — the Anagram tote, where the house emblem stands on its own; and the Cubi, a soft yet boxy shoulder bag that’s exclusive to the series.
The LOEWE anagram jacquard series, available in two colourways of ecru/tan or anthracite/black, at LOEWE stores and loewe.com. priced at: $1,500 (small) and $1,900 for the cubi; $2,250 (small) for the horseshoe; $2,700 (small) and $3,100 for the anagram tote bag; $3,550 (small) and $4,250 for the balloon; and $3,450 (small) for the hammock.
Saint Laurent Le Maillon
Trust Saint Laurent to make a practical crossbody bag effortlessly chic. The Le Maillon — French for “the link — is a French-girl staple, a classic leather bag with a sleek boxy silhouette, where its front flap is decorated with a simple gold chain closure.
Anthony Vaccarello’s understated design is modelled after vintage leather satchels, while that clean angular appeal also sees a buckled adjustable strap and roomy compartments within its calfskin leather confines, making this one of the most timeless designs we’ve come across. It comes in classic shades such as black, dark green, deep brown, navy, brick, red eros, mustard, vintage white.
The Saint Laurent Le Maillon, available in 8 colours at saint laurent stores and ysl.com. priced at: $3,650.
Chloé Kiss
For those who like their hardware, you’ll fall in love with the romantic Chloé Kiss, which marries jewellery and bag design into one distinctive silhouette. Key to the rounded hobo bag is a sleek metal piece as its top handle, in an organic cuff-like shape that takes after the curves of luscious lips — which acts as either as an accent piece when the bag is set down, or a functional handle for you to wrap your fingers around when on the go.
Creative director Natacha Ramsay-Levi seems to have imbued a modern women’s everyday aesthetic to the brand’s bohemian vibe, as seamless closures add to the appeal of the smooth design. While the Kiss is available in three different styles — the Small Purse, the Hobo and the Minaudière — we’re most drawn to the relaxed style of the small bag, in seasonal hues of vibrant green, warm Arizona brown, full blue, sandy beige, and soon, Chloé motty grey.
The Chloé Kiss Small Purse, available in 4 colours at Chloé stores and chloe.com. Priced at: USD1,541.
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