The Padded, Puffy And Pillow-Like Bags That We're Obsessed With This Fall/Winter 2022

Padded, puffy, plush, and as pillow-like as possible. This Fall/Winter season, we’re absolutely smitten by soft silhouettes and bags that go squish. Mind you, these aren’t just your regular quilted designs; think comfy arm candy that can double up as a headrest in the middle of an exhausting work day. Loewe’s Puffer Goya certainly caught our attention with its elevated bouncy-castle aesthetic, while Mulberry and Coach give us cosy pillows that also double up as cute bags. Then, there’s the very-sold-out COS bag worn by Jennie, and softly-structured styles from Prada and Saint Laurent that nail edgy-minimalism with a touch of extra. Definitely, don’t sleep on this trend — though the bags don’t mind if you do.

1. LOEWE PUFFER GOYA

Fans of puffy down jackets can attest, there’s something comforting and cosy about this one, almost as if you can feel its soft texture from across the screen. That, or the feel of confidently diving into a bouncy house castle. Either way, the Loewe Puffer Goya calls out to your senses. Knowing Loewe though, there are just enough elevated details to make this a worthy trophy bag.

The Puffer Goya is an extension of the (very different) Goya bag, and eschews the former’s structure in favour of a rounded, bloated aesthetic — in line with the balloon theme the house is exploring for Fall/Winter. Then again, the bag features shiny nappa lambskin over goose feathers padding, which gathers elegantly about a gold-toned Anagram fastening that’s then matched with a detachable metal donut chain. The result is a clean aesthetic, while the colours of dark chocolate, camel, plumrose and dark khaki green also keep the line chic and covetable.

USD3,600, available at LOEWE stores.

2. MULBERRY SOFTIE

The Softie bag feels like a warm hug, and surely beckons for one thanks to a thick, feathery down that re-inflates even after multiple squeezes. After all, Mulberry states that “the Softie collection was created to be touched”, so, you know, don’t mind if we do. We most associate Mulberry bags, especially the famous Alexa, with casual-chic style topped off with a touch of English countryside, and the Softie echoes these in subtle ways.

Just take a look at its pillowy quilted design, done deliberately as a reference to the beloved braid pattern on the Alexa bag handle; the postman’s lock closure and paper clip chain recall the brand’s heritage and signature design codes as well. Conscious shoppers would be pleased to note that the nappa leather used across the range has been sourced from environmentally-accredited tanneries, while even the down feathers are responsibly-sourced too.

USD1,770 for the Little Softie, and USD2,345 for the Softie. Available at Mulberry stores and online.

3. PRADA PADDED RE-NYLON

Prada’s design codes are so strong that even a bag as puffy as this padded shoulder bag can embody the house’s sleek, unfussy minimalism. This one’s for those who are curious about the “pillow for a bag” trend, without having to sacrifice their typical cool-girl, almost apocalyptic-chic style. As a more responsible take on their long-beloved Nylon range, the fashion house has also opted for Re-Nylon fabric, a technologically innovative material made of recycled plastic collected in the ocean.

Here, the choice of a flap bag keeps things minimal, while not-overdone padding gives this accessory a soft yet contemporary look, especially when paired with matching leather shoulder straps, and that iconic metal triangle logo. Those straps are adjustable as well, so you can have the bag tucked under your arm, or worn longer and crossbody, almost like a grown-up satchel.

$3,350, available at Prada stores and online.

4. SAINT LAURENT LE 57 HOBO

While Saint Laurent is better known for their angular structured styles — see the recently-viral Manhattan style — we’ve still got space in our hearts for their quilted designs. The Le 57 Hobo Bag though pushes ‘quilted’ to the extreme. Far more voluminous than, say, the Loulou and its metal chain strap, this latest bag features carré-quilted overstitching on lambskin instead, which gives a more exaggerated effect thanks to its slightly rounder and softer silhouette.

Its strap also seamlessly connects to the bag, whether in black, white or hot pink, making this a more versatile design that can take you from fancy errands to a rooftop bar party. As always, the iconic YSL logo is placed right in the centre, in bronze-toned metal hardware that stands out from its surroundings.

$2,850, available at Saint Laurent stores and online.

5. COS QUILTED OVERSIZED SHOULDER BAG

Run, don’t walk — especially if you spot this bag on the shelf. An overnight sensation since Jennie of BLACKPINK casually wore the off-white shoulder bag in a mirror selfie, fans and non-fans alike are swept up by how oversized, and thus functional, the COS Quilted Oversized Shoulder Bag is. It may look overwhelming on small frames, but that isn’t about to stop us from coveting for COS’ interpretation of a cloud.

Composed of a single shoulder strap and zip closure, what makes this design appealing is its soft construction crafted from recycled polyester yarn, and probably that roomy, soft-girl look when paired with casual sweats. And of course, the fact that you don’t have to fork out big bucks to own a piece of It-girl Jennie’s wardrobe!

$130, available at COS stores.

6. COACH PILLOW TABBY

The Coach Tabby is itself an icon, most notable for that “C” hardware in the centre of the bag that snugly secures its front flap. And while there are more structured or slouchy interpretations of the archival 1970s design, you can say that we’ve got a soft spot for the Coach Pillow Tabby.

Plush and lush, and all kinds of cute, the shoulder bag is made from ultra-soft nappa leather that holds its shape while still allowing for movement and that padded feel — even its accompanying hangtag is done in a similar style. As functional as always, Coach has ensured that the Tabby includes two detachable straps so you may carry it by hand, style as a shoulder bag, or wear crossbody. There are plenty of fun shades and finishes to choose from too, whether it’s a Barbiecore candy pink, festive silver, or wintery shearling.