FT NEWS

Accessory-addicts simply couldn’t do much last year, since no handbags or high heels were getting the spotlight in the dress code of the lockdown life. Yet we couldn’t neglect the ultimate post pandemic awakening to taking place this year. Even if we are still in the 2020 phase, how could we use that as an excuse not to have a sneak peek to new trends in bags . Moving forward from the house arrest due to lockdown, it’s not a bad idea to line up our next shopping lists of handbags and go for a fun rebound of fashion preps. It’s about time to get those credit cards out and pull up multiple tabs on your phone screen. If you are not a person who goes for glitzed-up trends these pieces will surely have something destined for you. Perhaps a large carry-all like Mini or a micro purse strung up on a camera chain from coach could be your comfort choice. Chanel chains are trending on our face masks as well. With adorable choices available, there is a style list destined to fit in your life to fill the void. Brands have danced on the thin line gracefully balancing practical and fun, being exclusive and creating unique purses.

‘Pet me’ purses

The biggest revolutionary transition in many brands is notably going fur-free. Also at the same time, they are innovating with their line of vegan fur and animal inspired forms. It’s an exquisite idea to match your boots this winter season with furry little pet me purses which brands are offering with different crystals and pearls embellishments. Matching accessories and creating a unique look has become a key for fashion forward people this year. It surely looks like furry, huggable bags are trending back in 2022. Naturally Chanel and Miu Miu created some matching pair of bags and shoes this year. But if it’s crossing lines for your taste in the Petable fashion realm, then one can always check some furry choices at Fendi and Prada. After Prada mastering their skills in recycling plastic and adopting sustainable approach their sales have shined through. 41% jump in the profits this year has made Prada the most powerful brand. The furry crossbody bag options given by Marni’s pre fall collection also tops up the fuzzy foray fantasy of trending purses.

Micro-mini going hands-free

Designer strings were first in use for spectacles. From there the strings found their use in sunglasses and this year fashionistas started using those designer strings for their face masks. But the new hype is branded strings with micro-mini bags. Going for completely opposite look with oversized totes, many brands opted to find hands-free options for their accessory lovers this year. Bag necklaces are being glamorised by young brands like Marine Serre, Simone Rocha as well as classic brands like Balmain and Valentino, where the trend took multiple twists. Zimmerman may have opted for an animal print and Coach for the classic leather. With definite certainty, these pieces are being more valued by doubling the statement of jewellery along with the string look of a mini bag.

Slouchy clutches

If your style is leaning more towards comfort and tucking in your favourite bag on your elbow while walking, then collecting some cool slouchy clutches this season. It will be totally worth your investment. Some coolest brands have dropped their best in the version of slouchy clutches to give you that carefree comfort and flexibility of a bag. The look is reminiscent of the Bottega Veneta bag that Lauren Hutton carried in American gigolo. Whichever iconic choice of style inspires you; this effortless look can be pulled off at night. It can make you look cool in day light. Both Gabriella Hearst and Fendi honed in on the style in neutral tones to play up the silhouette. Valentino lovers can pick their pre fall collection from last year in knitted fabric for same style pick.

Outside wallets please

Remembering our mothers and grandmothers making clear specifications about how they prefer bags with sleekness and organization for reasons practicality made perfect sense. Let’s not forget their love for big pockets. Guess what? Some brands said sure to that this season. They dropped bags which will store your valuables inside the bag, but lipsticks, face masks and mint spray can be right where it’s needed. Versace used this style in their collection with both square and circle-shaped pockets in multiple colours. Balmain got boxy bags with outside pockets; Chloe used thick knitted material. Louis Vuitton further progressed it in to the covetable multi bags which were designed by Virgil Abloh to play a tribute to his last collection this season.

Asymmetry of all kinds

Asymmetrical angles in leather, metallics, electrical awakening or tiny details embellished on it is fun to add on the classic elements of design. For this season asymmetrical bags with unusual silhouettes are must to get in your new collection. This sleek and timeless look one can be picked from, Acne studio, Nanushka and Jonathan Simkhai. Along with metallics in choices from playful Paco Rabanne, there is a chaotic fit of new Dolce Gabbana collection. However, if you need something more down played, then we can glance over Schiaparelli playing metallic accessories in purses as a move towards extra chic details

Whether it’s animal prints, or a glittering glam of bags, the embroidery and woven crochet with peculiar details and even the half-moon structured hobo bags are doing a good round around this year’s fashion kick-start. 2022 bringing in upcoming styles in bags will be transitioning and influencing towards small or medium sized bags. To get you all covered for fitting in and standing out at the same time, you can be picking up some good unique pieces which one can preserve for lifetime.