In the last few resort seasons, designers have accessorized their looks with a greater variety of handbags than ever before. It makes economic sense, as according to a recent report by Fashion United, the global handbag market is projected to reach 68.31 dollars billion this year.
Post-pandemic, there has been an aggressive approach by luxury fashion houses to lure wealthy consumers, particularly those from China, back to their stores. Brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci are staging elaborate celebrity-filled events to create excitement among their VICs (very important clients). The latest handbag styles are a key element to any retail assortment.
For Resort 2025, brands big and small focused on providing their customers with a variety of handbags of all shapes and sizes. Here are some highlights.
Body Talk
There are several stories floating around about the genesis of the type of bag worn on the body, referred to in The USA as a ‘fanny pack’ and in the UK as a ‘bum bag.’ One of the most compelling is that in 1962, an Australian woman, Melba Stone, was inspired by the kangaroo pouch to create the first one.
Pre-smart phones, enthusiastic picture-takers needed a practical solution for carrying around their photo equipment and hence the camera bag, with its shoulder strap, top zip and rounded shape was invented. The shoulder bag (often carried across the body) is still enormously popular.
For working women, the endless uses of a roomy tote bag make it a must-have item season after season. For Resort 25, designers showed them in all shapes and sizes.
During the Pandemic, many women chose to leave their designer handbags in the closet in favor of a variety of cloth bags and other utility items. Although consumers have now mostly reverted back to the materials they preferred pre-COVID, the sack shape has remained a favorite.
Originally known as the ‘Express’ and launched in 1930, the Louis Vuitton ‘Speedy’ bag has, season after season, inspired many similar silhouettes. Resort 2025 was no exception.
Coperni: designer, Arnaud Vaillant and Sébastien Meyer
Designers were perhaps inspired by the ‘Jolene’ bag Marc Ozias created for Beyoncé this season. Several of them showed similar small bags with a hard shell.
