As nostalgia for the Y2K era continues, the popularity of East-West style bags re-emerges as fresh new iterations flood the shelves of boutiques.

Defined by its wider-than-tall dimensions— the shape spans from east to west, giving the style its name.

Image courtesy: @itscassiethorpe

Back in 2004, Hermès propelled the trend with Jean Paul Gaultier’s Shoulder Birkin, perfectly capturing the essence of the Y2K aesthetic. Retaining Birkin’s iconic features, Gaultier introduced an elongated silhouette and top handles, offering a chic shoulder carry option – a favored style of the Y2K era. Now, as Hermès reintroduces the Shoulder Birkin, contemporary icons like Alaïa’s much-coveted Le Teckel and Celine’s chic Lola follow suit, marking the resurgence of the East-West trend in contemporary fashion.

We’ve curated a selection of the top 7 East-West bags, ensuring there’s something for every budget and style.

Alaïa

This season, Alaïa emerges as a trendsetter, capturing hearts with its diverse style – from the edgy mesh ballet flats to the understated sophistication of its handbags. Alaïa is certainly a brand to keep an eye on.

Le Teckel

A favorite among influencers and handbag enthusiasts alike, Alaïa’s Le Teckel bag boasts a sleek East-West silhouette accentuated by elongated tubular top handles adorned with two decorative ties. Beyond its minimalist exterior, Le Teckel features thoughtful design details, including a small removable mirror within its interior pocket.

Image courtesy: @ohn_mintyfresh

Secured with a double zip fastening, Le Teckel is designed for comfortable shoulder wear, making for a chic statement. Available in two sizes – small, measuring 10 x 3.5 x 3.1 inches, and medium, measuring 12.9 x 4.3 x 3.9 inches. Choose from classic black, vibrant red, or two shades of nude – in either goatskin or calfskin. The small variant is priced at $2,250, while the medium option is available for $2,490.

Image courtesy: @leoniehanne

Bottega Veneta

Bottega’s woven wonders remain at the forefront this season. Renowned for its signature Intrecciato leather technique, the brand consistently enhances even the most classic silhouettes, including the East-West style.

East-West Andiamo

Unveiled during Bottega’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, the Andiamo was an instant hit. The latest addition to this collection introduces the East-West Andiamo, featuring a subtly elongated silhouette measuring 11.4 x 7.1 x 3.9 inches. Showcasing Bottega’s iconic Intrecciato craftsmanship, the bag is adorned with a minimal metal knot that serves both as a decorative element and a functional fastener for its sliding braided straps.

Image courtesy: @tamara

Designed for versatility, the East-West Andiamo effortlessly transitions from a single-handled tote to a convenient crossbody, with a simple adjustment of the straps through the bag’s four eyelets. Reflecting Bottega Veneta’s aesthetic, the East-West Andiamo is offered in a variety of neutral tones, as well as the vibrant Sherbert and Fresh Mint shades – ideal for springtime. Priced at $4,650, the East-West Andiamo makes for a great everyday companion.

Image courtesy: @modeetchien

Image courtesy: @modeetchien

Celine

Celine remains a favorite for 2024, showcasing its enduring charm, while wholeheartedly embracing the Y2K-inspired aesthetic. While the beloved Triomphe continues to shine, the Tilly and Claude exude East-West appeal. However, stealing the spotlight is the newest addition to the Celine family. . .

Lola

For those seeking a contemporary twist on the iconic Celine Triomphe, meet the Lola. Unveiled in Celine’s Summer 2024 ‘Tomboy’ Collection, this newcomer promises a fresh perspective on timeless elegance.

The Lola’s baguette-like design sits comfortably under the arm, boasting a carefree attitude that effortlessly transitions from day to night. The bag is available in a medium size, measuring 11 x 5 x 2 inches. Currently offered in Black or Blanc de Blanc shiny calfskin, both iterations feature silver-tone hardware, and retail for $3,300. The Lola features one inner flat pocket and one main compartment, accompanied by an adjustable shoulder strap with a minimum drop of 8 inches and a maximum drop of 11 inches for versatile styling.

Image courtesy: @celine

If a statement bag is more your vibe, the Lola is offered in laminated calfskin with a ‘Celine All-Over’ design, finished with gold-tone hardware, which retails for $3,550. Another bold offering is the two-tone Triomphe canvas design, priced at $3,100.

Image courtesy: Celine

Image courtesy: Celine

Dior

Dior stands among one of the first brands to embrace the return of the East-West silhouette with the launch of the D-Joy bag in 2021. Since then, the East-West influence has sparked a wave of style revamps across designs like the Bobby, Montaigne, and Miss Dior.

D-Joy

The D-Joy presents a contemporary twist to the classic ladylike charm of the original Lady Dior handbag, offering a fresh take on its iconic silhouette. Crafted with the iconic Cannage stitching detail, and finished with the iconic D.I.O.R charms, the D-Joy is available in a range of sizes – from micro to medium.

Image courtesy: @itscassiethorpe

What truly distinguishes the D-Joy is its versatility, thanks to the removable straps. Equipped with both a short chain shoulder strap and an adjustable leather strap, this bag offers a multitude of styling options, from shoulder to crossbody wear. Available in luxurious lambskin in classic shades such as black, Biscuit, and Latte, as well as texture options like embroidered fabric, studded leather, and denim.

D-Joy Size	Measurements (Inches)	Price USD
Micro	6.5 x 3.5 x 2	$3,400
Small	8.5 x 4.5 x 2. 5	$4,900
Medium	10.5 x 5.5 x 2	$5,600

Hermès

Hermès has long been a leader in the East-West game. From the reintroduced Constance Elan and Shoulder Birkin to the highly coveted Kelly Elan and the all-new Faubourg Express, Hermès exemplifies horizontal sophistication across various styles, from crossbody to shoulder bags.

Faubourg Express

The Faubourg Express emerges as a sleek addition to the Hermès Fall-Winter 2024 lineup, offering a contemporary twist that blends elements from Hermès’ iconic Plume and Victoria designs.

With its streamlined silhouette and elongated shoulder strap, this shoulder bag is set to be released in two versatile sizes – small and medium. Featuring a zip top closure and hardware detailing along the sides, the Faubourg Express was presented in Evergrain leather. The all-new Faubourg Express is anticipated to be a hit.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton has been diligently expanding its collection of East-West bags, revamping several beloved styles such as the Pochette Métis, the OnTheGo Tote, and the Capucines with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Yet, our anticipation peaks for an upcoming addition – so fresh that it’s yet to be released.

LV Goes East-West

Presenting Louis Vuitton’s latest East-West offering, showcased during the Fall 2024 runway show. This refined bag exudes sophistication with a design reminiscent of the Hermès Plume. Boasting convenient top handles for hand carry and a detachable shoulder strap for added versatility, this bag combines style and functionality.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Breaking away from the traditional LV Monogram canvas, the bag is assembled in full leather, showcased in black, burgundy, cream, and tan. Enhanced with shiny gold-tone hardware, a zip-top closure, and clochette detailing – could this be an alternative to Hermès’ Faubourg Express?

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Magda Butrym

Renowned for her exquisite floral detailing spanning from elegant dresses to delicate evening bags, Magda Butrym has firmly established herself as a master of feminine Ready-to-Wear fashion. But that’s not all, Magda Butrym handbags are gaining traction as an influencer favorite for 2024.

Brigitte

The Brigitte bag stands as a delightful blend of 90s nostalgia and Magda Butrym’s iconic design. Measuring 12.9 x 7.4 x 5.1 inches, the Brigitte bag exudes East-West appeal. The finishing touch is a delicate leather flower embellishment adoring the bag’s handle.

Image courtesy: @darjabarannik

For an even sleeker aesthetic, opt for the Brigitte Trapeze bag, available in black and cream. With a trapezoid shape measuring 13.7 x 3.9 x 3.1 inches, this iteration features the same iconic floral detailing and retails for $2,405. Perhaps the embodiment of understated cool-girl chic, contrasting with the more hardware-heavy designs of Hermès and Louis Vuitton.