If one thing was clear from the Fall/Winter 2021 runways, it’s that big bags are back this season. Not to fear – teeny bags haven’t disappeared. However, the cohort of bigger styles on display could not be ignored. And certainly and predominantly because of their enormous scale!
Many fashion critics and consumers are finding these large accessories to be a welcome break. To paraphrase Sir Mixalot: ‘I like big bags and I cannot lie’! Of course, small bags still charm – the covetability, collectability and carefree aura. But who can deny the lure of a big bag?
Photo courtesy of Prada.
Fashion (and the world) experienced a seismic shift over the past year and a half. Now, both consumers and designers are prioritizing fashion that feels good and looks good. There’s a newfound appreciation for functionality. Certainly, the return of big bags is a reflection of this. After 18 (or so) months carrying nothing at all, packing the entire contents of your life into an oversized tote holds a certain appeal!
The likes of Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Prada and more showed their support for the resurrection of roomy bags on the runway. And whilst some brands remain devoutly loyal to smaller styles with their fall handbag offerings, fashion fanatics are also reaching for tried and tested classic spacious designs. In other words, there’s enough big bag love to go around this fall.
Here are the larger than life styles we have our eyes on.
Dior Book Tote in Leopard Print
Photo courtesy of @dior
Fan favorite the Dior Book Tote received a big cat makeover for fall. The popular design is now available in leopard print of varying hues, both those found in the wild and those not so much. Whilst we all love this big bag in the classic Oblique pattern (Dior devotees especially), the new animal-inspired version of the style is set to liven up fall outfit ensembles and make them roar.
Fendi Fluffy Sunshine Shopper
Photo courtesy of Fendi / Tatler Singapore.
As the weather cools we bag lovers need not fear the chill. Reams of fluff and fur (some faux and some not) are in store for our handbags this fall. One of the most standout furry designs from the runway was undoubtedly Kim Jones’ take on Fendi’s classic Sunshine Shopper. Owing to its boxy shape and structure, the fluffy Sunshine Shopper is super practical. The furry trim and prominent Fendi branding makes this big bag hard to miss.
Hermès Cabasellier Bag
Photo courtesy of Hermès.
While Hermès fans may not (yet) be switching out their Birkin 25s for 35s, there is one larger Hermès style catching the attention of the brand’s devotees. The Cabasellier Bag is a sleek, boxy tote. Dubbed one of the best entry-level Hermès bags, the lightweight style includes some ever so subtle Hermès branding. Two small Hs are hand sewn onto the lower corners of the bag’s exterior pocket.
The bag comes in both a portrait style rectangle, named the 46, and a landscape style rectangle, named the 31. The numerical names refer to each style’s length in centimetres.
Louis Vuitton Shoulder Bag
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
It was hard to know where to look during the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2021 show back in March 2021. Everywhere you glanced appeared a new never-before-seen bag. Among the plethora of brand new designs, Nicolas Ghesquière treated us to a new large square shaped shoulder bag. The style features zips along the sides, supposedly to make the bag wider. Available in patent exotic-looking leathers in a series of energetic hues, the new design stood out on the runway and is set to do the same on the streets of fashionable cities soon. The bag is reminiscent of the famous Gucci Jackie. But isn’t imitation the sincerest form of flattery?
Bottega Veneta Tote Bag
Photo courtesy of @lauraegabriele
Bottega Veneta’s Tote Bag incorporates a maxi version of the brand’s signature Intrecciato Weave. The style’s wide opening, dual handles and boxy shape allow for maximum functionality. It’s shaping up to be the tote every fashionista wants to carry this fall.
Chanel Shearling Shopping Bag
Photo courtesy of Chanel.
We’ve all heard of and lusted after Chanel’s popular tote designs at one point. From the Deauville Tote to the discontinued Grand Shopping Tote, ample bags are just another thing the century-old fashion house does expertly. But there’s a checkered shearling design new for Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2021/22 pre-collection which deserves some attention. Fuzz, Check! With shearling one of the season’s hot materials, this bag includes classic Chanel codeslike the chain straps interwoven with leather and famous interlocking CC logo.
Jacquemus Le Cabas Neve
Photo courtesy of Jacquemus.
Jacquemus has become known for both bags so tiny they don’t fit anything as well as larger styles, such as the covetable Le Grand Baci woven straw bag. And now the brand is joining the assemblage of designers championing big bags for fall. Like Fendi, the house has opted to incorporate fluffy finishes into its bigger designs. The new Le Cabas Neve is constructed from shearling with a leather base to create a structured boxlike finish. And if you’re melancholy about the prospect of waving goodbye to sultry summer hues, you needn’t be since this design is available in tangerine orange.
Chanel Maxi Classic Flap
Photo courtesy of Farfetch.
In the spirit of upsizing, why not opt for a Chanel classic in maxi form. Famous for its elegant and structured flap design, the Chanel Classic Flap is the house’s most famous and, arguably, most beloved bag. But the jumbo size gives this house staple a whole new look. This super size is unstructured and boasts all the appeal of the Classic Flap but with oodles more room.
Is bigger better this fall? Any of these on your shopping list? Let us know.
Love, PurseBop
XO
Updated: October 5th, 2021
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