5 Chic East-West Barrel Bags to Elevate Your Style

Transform your style with the latest twist on the East-West trend: the cylindrical barrel bag. Elongated, sleek, and undeniably chic, this Y2K-inspired look is evolving in exciting new ways. While the classic East-West silhouette has always been about width over height, the silhouette has evolved to cylindrical barrel-shaped designs that take this trend to a whole new level.

Read also: 7 East-West Bags That Are Better than the Y2K Version

Image courtesy: Hermès

We’ve handpicked the best examples of this innovative silhouette from top luxury brands.

Hermès - Sac Maximors

There’s a world of great Hermès handbags beyond the Birkin and Kelly. And if you’re looking to go cylindrical, Hermès has one of the best options – the chic Sac Maximors. First introduced in the Spring-Summer 2022 collection, this style shows no signs of decline. It was a featured bag in the recent Spring-Summer 2025 runway and Re-see. 

Read also: Hermès Introduces 11 New Bags for Spring-Summer 2025 

The Sac Maximors has quickly become a minimalist essential in the brand’s lineup. Its elongated cylindrical East-West silhouette, measuring 7.5 x 6.1 x 4.5 inches, redefines the classic bucket shape.

Read also: Hermès Sac Maximors: A Subtle Masterpiece

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

With its sleek, fuss-free design and unique reimagined horse bit motif top handle, the Sac Maximors stands out. Crafted from supple leather, it features a flap closure secured by a discreet magnetic fastening. To maintain its distinctive cylindrical shape, metal rings frame each end, adding both structure and style. While it can be used as a chic hand-held bag or clutch, it also includes a slim, adjustable leather shoulder strap. Although the strap is not detachable, it can be tucked inside the bag for evening events.

Most commonly available in Evercolor and Swift Calfskin, the Sac Maximors comes in a variety of colorways, from classic neutrals like Noir and Blanc to vibrant shades such as Vert Vertigo and Rouge Duchesse. It is finished with either gold-plated or palladium hardware and retails for $6,900.

Louis Vuitton - Papillon Trunk

Although Louis Vuitton’s iconic Papillon bag was discontinued in 2009, Nicolas Ghesquière reimagined it with a modern twist in the form of the Papillon Trunk bag. Launched in 2021, this new design elevates the classic shape to contemporary heights.

Read also: 6 Must-Have Louis Vuitton Bags for Fall-Winter 2024

Image courtesy: @merfy.sg_

The Papillon Trunk bag transforms the familiar cylindrical duffle into a structured mini-trunk. While it retains its cylindrical shape, the bag features a hard-shell Monogram coated canvas, adding extra structure. Measuring a sleek 7.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches, it includes two detachable straps for versatile styling: a gold-tone chain for evening events and a wide, adjustable Monogram canvas strap for casual crossbody wear.

Image courtesy: @miyaaa_h

Image courtesy: @miyaaa_h

Adding a touch of heritage, the Papillon Trunk bag is secured with the iconic S-lock and features LV-embossed trimmings and studs, nodding to Louis Vuitton’s trunk-making origins.

Image courtesy: Louis Vuitton

The Louis Vuitton Papillon Trunk bag is priced at $2,970.

Image courtesy: @moniquelvoes1968

Bottega Veneta - Mini Intrecciato Barrel

Renowned for its iconic Intrecciato woven leather, Bottega Veneta presents a range of chic, timeless options. One standout piece is the Mini Intrecciato Barrel bag. Although it’s part of the menswear collection, this versatile bag knows no boundaries and can be effortlessly styled by anyone.

Read also: Bottega Veneta Showcases Many Bags for Fall 2024

Image courtesy: Bottega Veneta

Measuring 4.1 x 8.1 x 4.1 inches, the Mini Intrecciato Barrel bag may not be your everyday carry-all, but it’s perfect for transitioning from city breaks to evening outings. Its east-west cylindrical silhouette is crafted entirely from Intrecciato woven calfskin, featuring a single compartment secured with a zip closure.

Image courtesy: mytheresa

Image courtesy: mytheresa

Versatile in design, the Mini Intrecciato Barrel bag includes an adjustable shoulder strap for crossbody wear, which can also be removed to use the bag as a clutch.

Image courtesy: Bottega Veneta

Available in three colorways—Black, Emerald Green, and Deep Blue—the Mini Intrecciato Barrel bag retails for $2,400.

Image courtesy: Bottega Veneta

Image courtesy: Bottega Veneta

Loewe - Bracelet Pouch

Introduced in Loewe’s Autumn/Winter 2021 collection, the Bracelet Pouch remains a standout for its versatile and timeless design.

Image courtesy: @loewe

Crafted from luxurious pleated nappa lambskin leather, the Bracelet Pouch features a soft, slouchy texture and a distinctive tubular shape, measuring 3.9 x 9.8 x 3.9 inches. The bag is supported by two Anagram-embossed lambskin plaques at each end, which contribute to its unique, adaptable shape, while the zip-top-fastening secures your belongings.

True to its name, the Loewe Bracelet Pouch offers multiple styling options. With its removable and adjustable shoulder strap, it can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder. For a more unique look, remove the strap and fasten the two D-rings to transform the pouch into a contemporary bracelet—perfect for a hands-free clutch option.

Available in six colorways, from classic Black to vibrant shades like Fuchsia, Spring Green, Warm Desert, Rosemary, and Clay Green, the Loewe Bracelet Pouch is priced at $1,600.

The Row - 90s Bag

As the excitement around The Row’s Margaux begins to wane, a new minimalist accessory is set to take its place. While large bags are currently trending, mini bags are proving to be a lasting staple, and The Row’s 90’s Bag is a prime example of this trend, combining minimalist design with a chic barrel-shaped silhouette. 

Read also: Has Quiet Luxury’s Whisper Become a Scream?

Image courtesy: The Row

The 90’s Bag features a delicate adjustable top handle and is crafted from finely-grained calfskin leather. Its softly rounded edges and leather piping accentuate its sleek, compact shape, measuring 7.8 x 5 x 4 inches. The bag is secured with a zip-top fastening, revealing a main compartment spacious enough for essentials like your phone, cards, keys, and lipstick.

Image courtesy: Selfridges & Co.

Although the top handle is adjustable, it is designed primarily for hand-held use and does not extend for shoulder wear. However, it can be comfortably carried in the crook of your arm for a hands-free option.

The 90’s Bag is available in Black, Ivory, Sahara, and Red, priced at $1,090. 

For those seeking a more structured cylindrical silhouette, The Row also offers the Round 90’s Bag. Similar to the Hermès Sac Maximors, this version measures 7.8 x 5 x 4 inches and is available in Black, Ivory, and Chocolate, retailing for $1,300.

Image courtesy: The Row

Image courtesy: The Row

Are you a fan of this new East-West style? Which of these bags is making it onto your fall wishlist?

Published: December 19th, 2024
Updated: December 19th, 2024

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