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A woman’s ardour for her handbag is distinctive. While it’s fun to dabble with the latest arm-candy trends (remember Anya Hindmarch’s Crisp Packet bag, or Charlotte Olympia’s Barbie World perspex clutch?), the iconic greats are the ones to rely on 24/7.
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Think the Chanel 2.55, the Gucci saddle bag, and the Hermès Birkin for eternal elegance. Equally, the designer handbags for 2017 have seen the likes of the Loewe Puzzle take on many different colors and skins, while the Gucci Dionysus has been a magnet for street style photographers. Vogue Arabia investigates who is wearing what (and how) on the international fashion scene.
London Fashion Week Spring 2017. Courtesy of Laura Giardinelli
The trapeze silhouette of the large Fendi 3Jours bag is crafted in an Italian leather workshop, beloved to fashion editors for its versatility and roominess (MacBook, flat shoes, runway notes et al fit inside nicely). Take it to the next level with the addition of a mini bag looped around the handles. Experiment with a more-is-more approach when wearing dialled down colors.
Vogue Shops: Fendi, 3Jours Meduim Leather Tote, US $2550, AED/SAR 9563
Caroline Issa wearing a Céline leather bag outside the Miu Miu show at Paris Fashion Week 2017. Getty
Shortened straps on cross body bags are the breakout street style trend of the moment. From the Spring 2017 runways (as seen at Prada, Céline, Gucci, and Proenza Schouler) to the fashion month attendees, the look is in. Shorten those straps quick.
Vogue Shops: Céline, Small Round Box Bag, US $1962, AED/SAR 7358
The Loewe Joyce bag spotted at London Fashion Week Spring 2017. Courtesy of Laura Giardinelli
Introduced to the fashion fold on the Fall 2016 runway (and still top of the cool barometer), Loewe’s Joyce bag both elevates daywear and relaxes early evening apparel. Don’t overthink it.
Vogue Shops: Loewe, Joyce Leather Shoulder Bag, US $2,690, AED/SAR 10091
Outside the Louis Vuitton Spring 2017 show at Paris Fashion Week. Getty
While the Petite Malle clutch has been a front row favorite for seasons, some LVs never leave the street style wires. Classic silhouettes and uncluttered detailing lends itself to pared back black shift dresses and longline threads. Cue the timeless appeal of Louis Vuitton’s City Steamer MM. Limited edition two-tone detailing scores extra style points.
Vogue Shops: Louis Vuitton, City Steamer MM, US $3190, AED/SAR 11966
Ophelie Guillermand carrying the Gucci Dionysus at Paris Fashion Week Fall 2016. Courtesy of Laura Giardinelli
The Dionysus has been the shoulder bag of 2016 and 2017 resepectively, as seen on Veronika Heilbrunner and Lucy Williams of Fashion Me Now. It comes in multiple manifestations––wear yours across and to the side for instant newness.
Vogue Shops: Gucci, Dionysus Medium Leather Shoulder Bag, US $3190 AED/SAR
Paola Alberdi carries the Chloé Faye at London Fashion Week Spring 2017. Courtesy of Laura Giardinelli
A casual jeans and longline silk shirt combination only needs a two-part approach to lifting it for daytime events: a premium tote and statement boots that lend an urbane edge.
Vogue Shops: Chloé, Faye Medium Leather Handbag, US $1621, AED/SAR 6079
Soraya Bakhtiar at Paris Fashion Week Fall 2016. Courtesy of Laura Giardinelli
Relax your brand blends in one outfit to achieve uniqueness. Head-to-toe runway looks are best reserved for evening events. Bakhtiar showed that the Chanel bag can sit amongst other scene-stealing pieces with ease.
Vogue Shops: Chanel Vintage, Diana Shoulder Bag, US $7715, AED/SAR 28933
Street style in Dubai at FFWD 2016. Getty
The Alma PM is deftly styled with a monochrome look. Simple, understated, but still impactful.
Vogue Shops: Louis Vuitton, Alma PM, US $2025, AED/SAR 7594
Paris Fashion Week Spring 2017. Getty
In 1997 Hermès introduced a limited edition of the Kelly bag in transparent plastic; one year later, the orange version was introduced, a much rarer breed. Ever since, a transparent bag has been an achingly cool accessory to carry. Smart move from J.W.Anderson at the helm of Loewe to introduce the transparent Puzzle bag to its Spring 2017 collection. Wear it with textured knitwear to contrast.
Vogue Shops: Loewe, Large Puzzle Bag, US $2341, AED/SAR 8779
Related Read: 10 artists reimagine the Lady Dior handbag
