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All the trendy handbags for spring-summer ’24 you need to know about now

From envelope clutches to woven bags, here's our selection of haute handbags for your SS’24 wardrobe.

Harper's Bazaar India

Need we sell you on the great investment—mentally, socially, in some cases even financially—a luxury statement bag can be? There's enough and more said about the allure of a beautifully crafted bag, the seams a perfect harmony of ins and outs, the smell that's musky, tanny and sandalwood wrapped in one; the euphoria of clutching it in your arms, letting the handle sit on your shoulder and see the eyes around you settle on it. 

With the spring-summer season upon us, here are all the bags you need to know about if you’re planning to add a fresh eye candy to your wardrobe this summer. From shoulder bags to rollup clutches, pick from our selection of the defining bags from the SS’24 collections.

Burgundy bags

Burgundy Bags
Image Credits (Left to Right): Gucci, Acne Studios, Alaïa, Valentino


With bold hues eclipsing the typical pastels of the season, burgundy bags—tailored in rich tones of red, barolo, or deep wine—have proliferated social media platforms. This colour has quickly become the "it" colour of Spring 2024, emerging as a favourite among designers, where the "pop of red" became a staple to elevate summer ensembles. From the Valentino L’École Spring/Summer 2024 collection that celebrated individual expression, to Gucci's iconic Horsebit Chain Clutches renowned for their rich historical narrative—red remains a prominent fixture in its fresh rendition, asserting its lasting presence.

Redefining essentials with micro bags

Mini Bags
Image Credits (Left to Right): Moschino, Chanel, Fendi, Isabel Marant


The smaller these mini bags become, the more significant the statement they make each year. Securing their place as the pinnacle of fashion trends once again this spring, these dainty bags have not only redefined fun in fashion but also reinvented essentials for us. Whether dressing for a party, dinner, or just an adventure, these tiny bags are sure to elicit smiles with mirthful measures. With Givenchy and Gucci unveiling bags smaller than an iPhone, Chanel outdid the 'mini-competition' with a top-handle purse barely able to accommodate a single pound coin.

Woven bags for a versatile statement 

Woven bags
Image Credits (Left to Right): Tod's, Bottega Veneta, Loewe, Mango

From the classic basket bag of 2018 to the now high-end luxury ones, often emblematic of the beloved Audrey Hepburn and Jane Birkin in the spring of '24, woven bags have left their imprint across all categories, be it purses, clutches, or totes. Their earthy feel combined with pops of colour can be perfectly dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Standing tall in durability, style, and utility, they are poised to maintain their prevalence throughout the season.

The timeless envelope clutches

Envelope Clutches
Image Credits (Left to Right): Altuzarra, Jil Sander, Brunello Cucinelli, Schiaparelli

 

Transcending seasons and trends, this testament of elegance frequently resurfaces with diverse styles and designs. They serve as a canvas for experimentation and innovation, continually emerging as statement pieces. Often embodying intricate detailing, exquisite craftsmanship, and exotic materials, envelope clutches have become coveted accessories on the red carpet season after season. Originating from Tom Ford's influence, envelope clutches have become a trusted essential for all fashion enthusiasts.

The SS '24 rendition of the totes

Giant Totes
Image Credits (Left to Right): Ferragamo, Loewe, Massimo Dutti, Jil Sander


On the runways of spring '24, luxury brands like Coach, Roberto Cavalli, and Sandy Liang redefined the concept of ‘bigger and better,’ seamlessly blending the features of a tote with those of a weekender bag. Alongside the epitomised extremes of micro bags, these larger counterparts garnered attention and undoubtedly sparked curiosity about one's destination. Embodying the essence of versatile contemporary fashion, these spacious totes offer both functionality and style.

The quintessential chains

Chain bags
Image Credits (Left to Right): Bottega Veneta, Loewe, JW Anderson, Givenchy


With its history tracing back to Gabrielle Chanel’s classic 2.55 in 1955, this is another trend that took centre stage at the Spring/Summer showcase of 2024. With chains segmented into metallic hardware and beautiful gold, they were adored and lionised by brands like Loewe, Tom Ford, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton to name a few. These bags are both quintessential and timeless.

Utility meets sophistication

Compartment Bags
Image Credits (Left to Right): Ferragamo, Acne Studios, Miu Miu, Balenciaga


The Spring 2024 runways also catered to the practical needs of busy individuals. Dominating the collections at Fendi, Chanel, and Ferragamo, designers were observed to be oscillating between everyday cargo pieces with zippered pockets and elegant statements that elevated the classic 'pocketbook'. Both styles added a touch of sophistication, albeit making it a bit more challenging to find your keys.

Everyday staples with a twist

Everyday Clutches
Image Credits (Left to Right): Ferragamo, Tod's, The Row, Christopher Esber


Another notable trend that served as a rendition of the mundane was the everyday clutches. These not only presented audiences with bags but also provided a maverick take on how to carry them. Featuring eccentric shapes and a penchant for colour-blocking, these clutches were elegantly hooked onto the elbows of models strutting down the runways at Ferragamo, The Row, and Tod’s. From structured styles to deconstructed designs, this season's clutches possess versatility to complement almost any outfit.

 

Feature image credits: Tod's, Acne Studios, Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta

Also Read: Explore the power of statement belts in elevating your everyday ensembles 

Also Read: Eleven bizarre bags to invest in if you love an eccentric wardrobe 

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