There isn’t much point treating yourself to a new season wardrobe right now, since we don’t know when this lockdown will end. However, the best designer handbags are always an investment worth making.
And I mean that literally in some cases. Some brands like Chanel are literally a better financial investment than gold. It is a big purchase yes, but one you won’t regret.
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Pick the right style, and not only will it instantly elevate any outfit, but it’ll transcend seasonal trends so that you’ll find yourself reaching for it in years to come. While many designers are on-trend with their spring/summer 2021 offering, there are also some classic styles – like the baguette – that never go out of fashion.
The best arm candy for SS21 ranges from revamped everyday bags (90s-inspired shoulder bags are everywhere right now, from Prada to Manu Atelier and The Row) to the coolest totes in heritage prints and fabrics (look to Gucci and Loewe for those) and the most lust-worthy pochette bags, an upgrade on your classic clutch (hello Bottega and Chloé).
To celebrate the new season, there is a slew of new styles hitting the virtual shelves of our favourite designers, including the Dior Caro bag, the McQueen curve bag and the already sold-out Prada Cleo bag.
If you’re something of a collector, then Fendi’s new ‘hand in hand’ project might just be for you. It features a limited edition run of its iconic Baguettes, designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in collaboration with Italian Artisans. Each Baguette is an edition of 20 and completely unique, a veritable work of art. The inside pocket of every bag is stamped with the atelier’s name and location, and the gold ‘FENDI Hand in Hand’ logo.
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch, there are so many cool contemporary brands offering handbags for around £300. I’m personally a massive fan of Manu Atelier, By Far and Elleme. Keep scrolling to shop even more fabulous designer handbags.
FENDI Peekaboo ISeeU Small, £3,100
The Maison’s Peekaboo family welcomes the new ISeeU Small, following the launch of the ISeeU Medium last year, the FENDI ultimate Icon debuts in a smaller size with a powerful attitude and proportions.
The Peekaboo ISeeU Small is available in beautiful timeless colours, honouring FENDI’s savoir-faire of sophisticated smooth leather and Selleria.
NORDIC SPRING LIMITED EDITION RASPBERRY EAST/WEST MINI, £455 at STRATHBERRY
The exclusive and eco-friendly Nordic Spring capsule collection features Strathberry's signature East/West Mini in three gorgeous colourways and handcrafted with sustainably-sourced Fish Skin instead of leather. Central to the Strathberry DNA is the brand’s commitment to incorporating principles of sustainability across every aspect of the business. From sourcing materials with ethical and sustainable suppliers, to minimizing wastage through innovative design and production tactics, as well as utilizing recyclable packaging for the end consumer - the brand is intricately aware of the impact that the industry has on the environment, and is actively working to improve processes and innovate through sustainable practices.
Zipped Weekender Multicolour Scotchgrain, £995 at Mulberry
Mulberry's Typography Capsule loudly reinforces its Made to Last commitments and plays to its brand DNA. The collection offers iconic silhouettes, with a contemporary graphic treatment, in the newly launched Eco-Scotchgrain.
NUMÉRO dix bag in cognac, £330 at POLÈNE
Inspired by the equestrian world and saddlery know-how, the design includes high-end details such as a curved strap, foam padding and hand-stitching.
Mini Alexa Cloud Tweed & Silky Calf, £1,095 at Mulberry
The iconic Alexa, inspired by Alexa Chung, was reimagined to celebrate Mulberry's 10th anniversary this year. This baby blue style with pastel tweed detailing is perfect for summer.
SHELL Beige crochet cotton pochette, £2,690 at FENDI
Say hello to your new holiday must-have: the beige cotton pochette bag, hand-woven with traditional crochet techniques.
DIOR Saddle cloth handbag, £999, Vestiaire Collective
Shop the best pre-owned fashion, at Vestiaire Collective from Dior bags to Hermes belts and Chanel sandals there’s never been a better time to invest in your new season wardrobe. Save £25 when you spend £170 (or more) with our exclusive code ‘FLASHSALE_MC’ (ends 30/04/2021)
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BURBERRY, Mini Two-tone Canvas and Leather Pocket Bag, £950
Our Editor’s love Burberry’s archive-inspired tote. Crafted from canvas and smooth leather it’s stamped with the house’s signature Horseferry print. Carry yours by the reinforced top handles or go hands free with the detachable shoulder strap.
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ASPINAL OF LONDON, Henley Tote, £295
Handcrafted using upcycled canvas from the Aspinal archives the Henley tote combines style with practicality. With each tote boasting a limited edition number and the option of complimentary embroidery - it’ll be the bag you reach for year after year.
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CAPUCINES MM, £3,950 at LOUIS VUITTON
Thoughtfully designed, the bag contains a multitude of crafted elements assembled in hundreds of steps and brings together the House’s unparalleled traditional savoir-faire. The unique leathers used for Capucines bags are soft and rich and only the most noble are selected. It is not simply a timeless handbag – it is a life-long companion.
MICRO RIVIERA IN CARAMEL TROPICAL PRINT, €780 at MARINA RAPHAEL
'This season was inspired by the adventurous nature of summers spent in Greece, my home. More than ever today, in this new reality, we should aim to carry less and opt for practical accessories that will allow us to enjoy the warmer months carefree. With the aim of painting a picture filled with optimism and hope for the future, I opted for vibrant colors that are also timeless. Rich caramel tones, crisp whites and a light blue all shape this season's collection. I wanted energy, light and the brightness I draws from my own country to fill this collection.' - Marina Raphael, Founder & Designer
TRIOMPHE SHOULDER BAG IN SHINY CALFSKIN BLACK, £1,550 at CELINE
Straight off the SS21 runway, this beautiful new style is both classic and modern.
GUCCI 1955 Horsebit mini leather-trimmed printed coated-canvas tote, £1,400 at Net-A-Porter
As you might have guessed from its name, this bag is inspired by a 1955 design found in the archives, and we love how modern it still feels.
FENDI MOONLIGHT BAG, £1,450 at FENDI
Following the success of the iconic Shopper, the FENDI Sunshine welcomes a new shape in the family, the Moonlight bag, launched for the first time on the FENDI Spring/Summer 2021 catwalk. Named after its half-moon shape, this compact satchel bag with a clean top-line stays true to the Sunshine Shopper by featuring all its distinctive codes.
Kiss small bag in small grain calfskin, £1,090 at Chloé
Making its debut as part of the Spring Summer 2021 runway show, the Kiss bag stands out for its distinctive style – an alluring fusion of leather and jewellery to clasp in hand. The Kiss draws inspiration from Chloé jewellery pieces that have complemented Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s recent collections.
MEDIUM TINA BAG IN LILAC SUEDE, £280 at THE KOOPLES
Like the muse who inspired it, model Tina Tunakey (who is the brand ambassador alongside her husband Vincent Kassel), the Tina bag knows how to be elegant and racy but also relaxed and playful. Tina by The Kooples is a sophisticated yet rock and roll leather goods line, designed by women, for women.
BALLY Baily bag, £790
Part of Bally's Elemental Balance collection, the Baily is crafted from embossed python-print leather and detailed with the house's signature B-Chain hardware.
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Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, £495 at COACH
The Pillow Tabby reimagines the structured silhouette of an archival 1970s Coach design with plush, ultra-soft leather and wrapped Signature hardware.
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BY FAR BABY CUSH FLAT LEATHER TOP HANDLE BAG, £356 at LUISAVIAROMA
BY FAR’s new covetable bag for SS21, available in an array of colours.
BOTTEGA VENETA The Pouch large gathered leather clutch, £2,090 at Net-A-Porter
The label’s iconic pouch gets a spring makeover in this covetable green hue.
kate spade The Knott satchel, £375
Introducing kate spade’s new spring hero, the Knott. A softly structured, pebble leather satchel with a subtle knot detail on the side, this season's offering is inspired by the lure of the ocean, never-ending beaches and endless possibilities.
BALLY B-Echo Ekyra bag, £560
BALLY’s B-echo range consists of multi-functional bags and accessories made from environmentally friendly fabrics, including regenerated leather and 100% recycled nylon. Nylon fibres and factory leather offcuts are made into 100% recycled, water-resistant materials and certified by the Global Recycle Standard.
LOEWE Nano Puzzle Bag (Apple), £950 at Dover Street Market
DSM has pre-launched the brand new Loewe Puzzle Nano in five amazingly cute colourways, perfect for spring/summer.
THEMOIRè BIOS FAUX LEATHER CLUTCH, £252 at LUISAVIAROMA
THEMOIRè is a sustainable accessory brand born in Milan. For SS21, it has created a collection of luxurious handbags made from vegan leather, paper, cork, recycled organic cotton and for the first time, raffia. The collection includes classic, trendy prints and natural colours inspired by elements such as earth, water and fire.
MANU ATELIER Jackie bag, £395, LUISAVIAROMA
Use code 'WEB10' to save 10% on the new season at LUISAVIAROMA - expires 31/01/21
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CHOCOLATE LIP TURNLOCK QUEENIE MINI BAG, £225 at LULU GUINNESS
A timeless design you'll find yourself grabbing for years to come.
Matilda Tote, £550 at Aspinal
Aspinal's new tote is a classic in the making.
LV X UF ONTHEGO GM TOTE BAG, £2,610 at LOUIS VUITTON
If you're looking for that hold-everything bag with a fashion twist, Louis Vuitton's new tote is for you.
Vintage Check Cotton Olympia Pouch, £490 at Burberry
Our love of baguette bags shows no sign of abating, and this vintage check Burberry is the perfect nod to the 90s.
SAINT LAURENT Solferino medium leather shoulder bag, £2,090 at Net-A-Porter
SAINT LAURENT's new Solferino shoulder bag is a great addition to your everyday wardrobe.
PRADA Cleo Small leather shoulder bag, £1,440 at MYTHERESA
The Cleo is a new addition to the Prada family and already a sell-out everywhere. Get yours before it's gone.
DIOR SMALL DIOR CARO BAG, £2,750 at DIOR
The Dior Caro bag is perfect if you want a younger take on the iconic Lady Dior bag.
Mini Flap Bag with Top Handle, £3,160 at CHANEL
The beaded handle adds a fun twist to this otherwise classic Chanel quilted bag.
The Small Curve, £1,090 at Alexander McQueen
A new style for the SS21 season, Alexander McQueen's bucket bag is super versatile.
JIL SANDER Tangle small braided-strap leather cross-body bag, £560 at MATCHESFASHION
You won't be able to fit much into this braided bag, but it's too beautiful to care.
LOEWE Flamenco drawstring leather shoulder bag, £1,850 at MATCHESFASHION
LOEWE is king when it comes to designing sell-out handbags, and the Flamenco is no exception.
CHLOÉ Darryl braided textured-leather clutch, £980 at Net-A-Porter
Clutch bags are having a moment, even though we aren't going out. Invest in this Chloé for a clutch that will see you through many a wedding season.
GU_DE Bonnie reversible gathered leather and velvet tote, £343 at Net-A-Porter
Gu_de's versatile 'Bonnie' tote has a fully reversible design, so you can wear it on either the leather side or switch it to reveal soft velvet, depending on your mood.
OROTON Frida mini leather shoulder bag, £320 at Selfridges
A white or cream shoulder bag is an essential in every wardrobe, so well worth the investment.
Elleme Pink Swing Leather Shoulder Bag, £355 at Browns
Elleme is loved by fashion editors and influencers alike, especially for its baguette designs.
Manu Atelier Green Mini Cylinder Ruched Leather Shoulder Bag, £330 at Browns
This hue couldn't be more on trend for the new season.
