Words by Nerys d’Esclercs
A trend you’re likely to have seen across your social feeds — thanks, in part, to last season’s resurgence of Y2K design tropes, an era where high-shine finishes reigned supreme — metallic bags are on the upward trajectory as we move into spring/summer 2023. And it’s not just the fashion world that’s taken to the trend. Celebrities are also embracing the self-expressive appeal of gold and silver bags. Jennifer Lopez was recently seen wearing Jimmy Choo's silver bucket bag to elevate all-white suiting, while Kendall Jenner styled a body-con dress with Prada’s modern classic: the Cleo. Here, our senior womenswear editor, Celenie Seidel, talks through the key designers and shapes driving the trend, plus all the need-to-know sizing details so you can make the perfect choice.
A preppy classic: Miu Miu’s matelassé bag
‘When Miuccia Prada launched Miu Miu in 1993, it began as an accessories-focused line — a modern, more youthful differentiation from Prada’s predominantly ready-to-wear offering. Today, Miu Miu's bags are key to the label each and every season, with the now-iconic matelassé style — defined by three-dimensional gathered leather — being a firm crowd favorite. The top-handle design went small for the house’s fall/winter 2022 collection, and this spring sees it updated in high-shine, attention-grabbing silver. It’s fun and impactful yet modern and refined enough for day-to-day styling. A brand synonymous with experimental uniform dressing, Miu Miu’s matelassé bag is best styled with the label’s most-loved cropped shirts and pleated skirts. And in terms of sizing, it comfortably fits a phone, purse, keys and makeup essentials.’
SIZING:
DIMENSIONS: Height 13cm x Width 19cm x Depth 6cm
CARE: Maintain its high-shine metallic finish with a strong waterproof spray and store in the dust bag provided to keep its pristine condition.
A new cult style: JW Anderson’s Bumper bag
‘Launched as part of JW Anderson’s spring/summer 2022 collection, the Bumper bag has quickly established itself as a cult-worthy staple. Its distinctive tubular edging gives the trending shoulder bag shape — driven by the desire for all-things Y2K — the designer’s signature twist. For spring/summer 2023, JW Anderson delivers a gold iteration that taps into the season's metallic trend. It’s a set-to-sell-out style that’s accompanied by matching Bumper sandals too, also available to shop on FARFETCH. When it comes to sizing, the interior is roomy enough to fit a phone, wallet, passport, keys and some of your go-to beauty products, lending itself to daytime styling as well as evening.’
SIZING:
DIMENSIONS: Height 15cm x Width 27.5cm x Depth 9cm
CARE: We recommend using a waterproof spray to keep the color intact and store your Bumper bag in its original dust bag to keep it looking pristine for longer.
For the glamour icon: Versace’s La Medusa bag
‘An iconic Versace detail since it was originally designed by Gianni Versace in 1992, the Medusa head is a statement loved by fans of the Italian powerhouse’s maximalist glamour. Donatella Versace’s infamous ‘more is more’ philosophy is central to the label’s aesthetic and the mini La Medusa bag celebrates the brand’s design DNA. This new silver style is designed with all-over crystal embellishments cast across the leather, Medusa head and top handle. Taking into account its micro size, it has enough space for evening essentials and will make the perfect companion to a classic LBD or tailored suiting look.’
SIZING:
DIMENSIONS: Height 13cm x Width 16cm x Depth 6cm
CARE: Do not use cleaning products that contain alcohol as this may remove the glue from the crystals.
The editor’s favorite: Prada’s Cleo bag
‘Debuted in Prada’s spring/summer 2021 collection, the Cleo bag has already reached icon status. One of the first accessories to come out of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’ highly anticipated design partnership, its elegant yet distinct shape — available in a range of sizes and colorways — is perennial. For spring/summer 2023, the unmistakable design is released in a statement finish, fully embellished with gold crystals. It’s an update fit for elevating both day and evening looks. From a styling perspective, more neutral pieces in white, black and nude tones will maximize its high-impact appeal. As the Cleo is quite streamlined in terms of its width, it’s worth noting that it holds enough space for just the essentials, such as a phone, cardholder and your small beauty must-have.’
SIZING:
DIMENSIONS: Height 18.5cm x Width 22cm x Depth 4.5cm
CARE: Store it in its original dust bag to maintain its pristine finish. Note: don’t hang your Cleo bag using the shoulder strap to store, as the leather may stretch.
A timeless classic: Valentino Garavani’s VLogo Signature bag
‘Combining Valentino Garavani’s couture savoir-faire with a contemporary design ethos, the VLogo Signature serves up an understated touch of luxury. Released in a soft champagne-toned leather for spring/summer 2023, this more muted take on the metallic bag trend is a versatile option that lends itself to the classic closet. Such discerning dressers may consider an all-black look — a minimalist dress or timeless relaxed tailoring. Plus, its lengthened shape allows storage for your handbag staples.’
SIZING:
DIMENSIONS: Height 11cm x Width 27cm x Depth 6cm
CARE: Use warm soapy water to remove light marks and store in its original dust bag.
The retro favorite: Paco Rabanne’s 1969 Moon bag
‘A trailblazer in metallic design long before it was trending, Paco Rabanne's signature chain mail constructions are a key callout in terms of gold and silver bags. The 1969 Moon shape is made up of lightweight aluminum pastilles which are assembled by hand, symbolizing the innovative spirit of the world-renowned brand. 50 years after its creation, the bag remains a bold must-have accessory today. Thanks to its malleable design, it’s roomy enough to carry more than just the essentials — it can even hold a hairbrush and larger beauty products if you wanted to take these with you. With its silver construction, the 1969 Moon bag will go with a myriad of colors and textures when it comes to clothing, making it a hard-working closet cornerstone.’
SIZING:
DIMENSIONS: Height 38cm x Width 21cm x Depth 2.5cm
CARE: Due to its metal construction, it’s recommended not to wear Paco Rabanne’s chain mail bags in the rain.