WORDS BY AMELIA BELL
What do all cult bags have in common right now? Ironically, it’s individuality. A wave of niche bag brands is getting some serious fanfare thanks to a unique formula: innovation plus Insta-fame, a dash of diversity, all tied up in a super cool accessible handbag. It doesn’t stop there. AW18 is white hot: new shapes, mash-ups of colour and unlike anything you’ve seen before. Get to know this season’s cream of the crop. #trendingnow
The Staud Shirley Leather PVC tote
Californian ease mixed up with retro flair made Staud an instant hit. First came the Moreau bucket bag, now Staud’s Shirley PVC and leather is having a moment. That’s the clever thing about Sarah Staudinger’s quirky LA-based label; each design is disparate to its last season predecessor, and yet, you can spot a Staud from a mile off.
Shop the look: Staud Pink Shirley Tote, Staud Alice Stripe Dress, Horisaki Hat, Fendi Sunglasses
The Cult Gaia Angelou Bag
What’s the recipe to Cult Gaia’s success? Create a design (i.e the Ark bag) that is so distinctive, so special, that everyone wants one in a heartbeat. Then, create an even more extraordinary design (the Angelou), so naturally you have to have both. Like little works of art, Jasmine Larian’s designs are made to make you look twice; but the real attraction is that, like art, they’re designed to be kept forever.
Shop the look: Cult Gaia Angelou Bag, Jacquemus Mini Dress, Casadei Boots, Cult Gaia Geometric Bracelet
The Wandler Belt Bag
It’s the balance between clean, architectural shapes and wacky colour combinations that sets Ezla Wandler’s namesake brand, Wandler, apart. Inspiration comes in the form of German artist Imi Knoebel’s layering up of similar tones, like subtle hues of mint and olive. Expect even bigger colour drops this season with a range of hands-free belt bags in primary yellow and bright orange.
Shop the look: Wandler Belt Bag, Ellery Blazer, P.A.R.O.S.H Black Cropped Trousers, Aquazurra Black Sandals
The Yuzefi Biggy Tote
A subversive technique that rebels against conventional craftsmanship (such as exposed gussets and polished hardware), makes Yuzefi’s USP all the more intriguing. Then there’s designer Naza Yousefi’s sources of inspiration: interiors, old artefacts and even vintage camera holders, the inspo behind her famous box bag. Please welcome AW18’s newest arrival, the Biggy tote: bigger in size, the same deconstructed effect.
Shop the look: Yuzefi Biggy Tote, Jacquemus Ruched Shirt, Gucci Print Skirt, Tibi Felix Boots
The Danse Lente Bucket Bag
It’s all in the name really. French for ‘’slow dance’’, designer Youngwon Kim’s aim is to create bags that make you feel uplifted (the same way dancing makes you feel), and with that, create an impression that’s a little different. Unexpected details, unusual shapes and unique colour variations are all part of the brand’s DNA. For AW18 that means a new cylindrical bucket bag to feast your eyes on – and in shearling, no less.
Shop the look: Danse Lente Shearling Bag, Rokh Turtleneck, Rokh Tartan Mini Skirt, Burberry Trench Coat
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