Nothing screams new season like a new designer handbag, though make no mistake: this is the kind of accessory that will seamlessly slot into your forever wardrobe.
For Autumn/Winter 23, luxury brands have re-imagined some of their classic styles while introducing new designs guaranteed to get you that fashion fix. I'm currently coveting Prada' re-edition of its 2002 nylon baguette gag, J W Anderson's popcorn tote and Manu Atelier three-zipped baguette, all subtle ways to tick off AW23's top fashion trends.
Magpies will also love this season's love-in with colour (red is in, see Chloe's Marcie and Bottega Veneta's sardine bag in scarlet red) and embellishments, specifically chains, as seen on Loewe's Paseo bag and Givenchy's Moon Cut Out bag.
There's no such thing as playing it safe with this season's designer handbag offering, however if you have a tendency towards the classic style of dressing, then two staples are having a renaissance: the clutch bag and the tote.
The Row's Bourse is the perfect slouchy clutch reminiscent of the 80s, while Amina Muaddi's Yigit bag is a fun take on a 90s handheld baguette.
There's no denying the appeal of a throw-it-all-in tote bag, but why not make it chic? That's certainly what Khaite and Chanel have done with theirs...
If your budget doesn't quite stretch to the latest designer wares, that's not an issue. There is a plethora of contemporary designer brands offering handbags for £500 or under, we even have a specific article dedicated to the topic.
From the practical to the no-so-practical, the new to the re-imagined, here we breakdown the best new designer handbags to invest in this season.
Shop the best new season designer handbags:
Introducing The Peak, inspired by the bold McQueen tailored silhouettes. It is handcrafted in leather and has a curved magnetic frame, and can be worn as a shoulder bag via a chain strap or carried as a clutch bag with the Knuckle-inspired handle.
The Pimlico's sculpted silhouette takes inspiration from the quintessential British satchel and is created in the brand’s new Super Lux Calf leather. It's adorned by Mulberry’s Pimlico Lock, a reimagined version of the brand’s classic Rider’s Lock, in silver or gold.
Turkish label SIEDRÉS's new collection of Mediterranean-inspired includes nine distinctly designed shoulder bags and handbags that harmonize natural earth with vibrant bursts of colour. This is my favourite.
Aspinal's new London tote comes in an array of colours for the new season, but this navy and ivory houndstooth motif stole my heart.
Unveiled on the AW22 runway, Bottega Veneta's sardine bag has now cemented its It Bag status after being snapped up by celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Rosie HW and Chloë Sevigny. Its signature woven body and sculptural gold handle make it a stand-out piece, and I love this scarlet hue for AW23.
THE 1 bag is a chic urban style that can be worn either off the shoulder or as a crossbody bag. It comes in three sizes and colourways.
Introducing The Portman, a sleek new style for AW23 by Smythson.
It is inspired by a writing folder from the Smythson Archive — the 1920s Albemarle — reimagined in the finest leather with a unisex appeal.
If you were a teenager in the 00s, you'll remember how much you wanted the Prada shoulder bag. Its new iteration is just as covetable.
This unique bag is a collaboration between Asprey and Japanese artisan house Kondaya Genbei, led by traditional obi maker Genbei Yamaguchi. It marries British elegance with Japanse tradition. Given the intricate craftsmanship used to produce the bag, it comes in an ultra-limited edition of 15 pieces which will be sold exclusively by appointment at the Asprey London flagship store on 36 Bruton street.
Acne's tote bag is made from distressed denim and we're a bit obsessed. Pair it with a denim maxi skirt for a chic take on double denim.
The Paseo is actually a decade old, however Loewe has re-imagined it this season with a sleek, slouchy new frame and elevated it with a gold chain.
Aspinal of London's Hobo Crescent bag perfectly treads the line between bohemian and minimalist styles.
Few designers create minimalist and timeless designs like The Row and the bourse clutch is just one of these examples. This gray hue is a great alternative to classic black.
Chanel's large tote is stamped with its iconic flagship address, also formerly Gabrielle Chanel's place of residence. Chanel's handbags also famously hold their value so this is a great investment buy.
JW Anderson's popcorn woven cotton basket bag features the designer's signature logo, an anchor intertwined with his initials.
Small in size but mighty in style, this mini suede bucket bag is the perfect way to dip into the red fashion trend. The bag is stamped with Chloe's logo and signature gold harware.
For affordable and cool It-girl bags (though their boots are epic too), I love Manu Atelier. You can't go to a fashion week without seeing their iconic Cylinder bag on the arms of editors and influencers alike, updated this season with zips and different colourways.
The Moon Cut Out bag was first introduced as part of Givenchy's SS22 runway collection and has gone from strength to strength ever since, revisited in various hues and materials every season.
Gucci's playful take on a clutch bag includes a quilted body and an oversized version of its iconic equestrian hardware. You can wear it with or without the strap.