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AW23: THE NEW BAG SHAPES TO KNOW

AW23: THE NEW BAG SHAPES TO KNOW

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AW23:

THE NEW BAG SHAPES TO KNOW

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WORDS: MARNI ROSE MCFALL

AW23? It’s shaping up to be an interesting season. And as far as your bags are concerned, there’s only one thing you need to think about: the shape. Boxes, barrels, triangles; this season, bags have had a makeover. Sharp edges, soft curves and slouchy shapes, designers have upped to ante on their AW23 bag collections. From Coperni to Prada, these are the new-gen bag shapes to have on your radar.

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1. IN THE BARREL

A barrel of fashion fun, for AW23 the cylindrical-style bag is back in a big way. This time around, they’re more micro than maxi. Prada’s take is (naturally) a key pick. Part of their Re-edition series, the bag comes in a softly crinkled nylon, ft. their signature triangle emblem and top handle detailing (also a hot topic for AW23). Marc Jacobs and Gucci have delivered blacked-out iterations of the barrel bag, while Saint Laurent have entered the chat with the Cassandre bag, which makes the case for year-round Rafia – it’s not just beach.

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2. SQUASH IT UP

One of the hottest accessories trends du jour? A squashed-up bag that’ll make you say, ‘oh my god, she’s fashion roadkill’. Loewe’s Flamenco Dual Clutch Bag goes big, with scrunched-up effect leather that cinches at the middle to give a crumpled look, while Givenchy’s baby pink iteration features supple, draped leather and is complete with gold-toned hardware. Meanwhile, Dries Van Noten and Marc Jacobs have delivered a pair of party-ready, heavy-metal hitters (aka, one of the biggest trends of the season) c/o the Van Bag and Metallic Clutch, in iridescent hits of silver and gold. To add to its appeal, the squashed-up style works perfectly to carry as a clutch – another big AW23 bag hitter.

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3. ALL ABOUT THE ANGLES

Awkward shapes, sharp edges, big energy. In 2023, we’ve developed an obsession for angled accessories that feel vaguely reminiscent of America’s Next Top Model contestants trying to strike an impossible pose. Saint Laurent’s viral Takeaway Box is one of our favourite iterations. Riffing off the O.G. lunchbox shape, it comes complete with Saint Laurent monogram and a giant gold logo. Following a similar vein, Christian Louboutin have delivered a rectangle box clutch that appears to be made from brown paper (obviously, it’s leather). Meanwhile at Prada and Bottega Veneta, triangles are the shape du jour. Prada have taken their iconic triangle logo to new heights with a whole range of triangle-shaped bags, but top of our list is this jacquard mini version. As for Bottega Veneta? They’ve gone abstract with the Virgule Bag.

1. HOBO 2.0

A staple of the ‘00s, indie sleaze scene, the hobo bag has had a refresh for 2023. The style started picking up steam earlier in the year and is quickly becoming the must-have silhouette for AW23. The styles to note? Bottega Veneta’s Large Hop for one. Taking the classic hobo silhouette and supersizing it (ICYMI, big bags are a big mood this season), the Hop bag is covered in the brand’s signature Intrecciato weave, while it comes in a rich shade of deep, chocolate brown for ultra-chic appeal. While the brand’s Small Drop Bag gives the classic hobo bag a fresh new shape. Looking to switch things up? Tom Ford’s Gradient Hobo bag covers the classic shape in glimmering golden glitter, perfect for the up-coming party season.

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1. AROUND THE WORLD

These bags may not literally be able to take you around the world, but they will take your outfit to the next level, and that’s good enough for us. Hot off the fashion press, circular bags are one of your key picks for AW23. Top of the list? Coperni’s cult Swipe Bag, in icy, Y2K white. Ft. slick metal hardware thanks to the classic Coperni logo and a sleek metal handle, it’s a real must-have. Gucci’s take on the trend goes big on a) Barbie pink and b) logomania, while Chloe have delivered, a low-key, paired back take on the trend with the Arlene Crossbody Bag.


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