INTRODUCING:

THE BAGS OF 2023

WORDS: MARNI ROSE MCFALL

Drum roll, please. It’s time to meet the men’s It bags of 2023. There are few items as iconic as the It bag and every year a new selection of bags takes over, competing like they’re in The Hunger Games to be named supreme. To be named It. And this year was like no other. Because ICYMI, men’s bags have been a hot, hot topic in the fashion world. Thanks to the likes of A$AP Rocky, Jacob Elordi and Kit Connor (aka, the most powerful male dressers in the world) we’ve evolved beyond the man bags of yesteryear to the era of the “murse” where It boys need an It bag. Basically, in 2023, it’s essential to be packing some arm candy, and the hottest prospects are coming from Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and more. So, what are you waiting for? These are the luxury It bags of the year. And it’s time to cop them, quick.

1. BOTTEGA VENETA – BORSA BAG

When it comes to creating an ‘It’ bag, Bottega Veneta are seasoned professionals. Their latest entry to the handbag hall of fame? The Borsa tote. Oversized, simple and expertly crafted tote bags were a hot topic this year, thanks to the rise of quiet luxury, and Bottega Veneta’s tote bags specifically were up 11% in popularity for 2023 (according to Databutmakeitfashion) so it’s hardly surprising the Borsa Tote has achieved It status. In a rich shade of jet black, super oversized and covered with brand’s signature Intrecciato weave, it more than lives up to the hype.

2. GUCCI – DIONYSUS SATCHEL

It wouldn’t be a year in fashion without a Gucci It bag. The Italian fashion giants have had a big year, with the arrival of Sabato De Sarno as creative director. But the product that cut through the noise was the Dionysus Satchel. Slouchy and oversized it is a) really quite practical for your everyday and b) eternally stylish thanks to the simple black colourway and the cult metal tiger head closure. Trust us, it will never go out of style.

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3. SAINT LAURENT – SOLFERINO BAG

Searching for a stone cold classic? Allow Saint Laurent to show you how it’s done. If you thought a bag needed to be OTT to achieve It status, you thought wrong, and Saint Laurent have entered the chat to show you why. Featuring an elongated strap, all-over deepest, darkest black colouring, and finished with chunky silver hardware that bears the YSL logo, the Solferino Bag is simple but stylish. Which is the recipe for an It bag if ever we saw one.

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4. VALENTINO GARAVANI – CHENILLE CROSSBODY BAG

Question: what’s your favourite letter in the alphabet? Answer: it has to be V. While a huge part of this year in fashion was dominated with discourse about quiet luxury, our love for a loud, logo-heavy statement piece has not dwindled. And that’s where Valentino comes in. The Chenille Crossbody Bag is small, features all-over monogram detailing and is finished with a big, bad metal V. Pair with matching monogram pieces for ultimate impact.

5.AMIRI – RECORD BAG

Consider yourself something of an Amiri groupie? Us too. The cult L.A. streetwear brand took the fashion world by storm this year, delivering hit after hit. And high on the list of our most wanted, was their Record Bag. Crafted from buttery soft leather, the bag has a unique square silhouette, and in the centre the design spins out like an old-school vinyl, with the finishing touch being a custom label in bold, blood red bearing the Amiri logo. DJ smack that track.

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