Fashion

The Top Bag Trends From AW20 Runways

Another fashion month has wrapped up, leaving us spoilt for choice with all the new trends, runway looks and street style shots to swoon over. As more and more brands move into new realms, more shows began to feature accessories to accompany their collections, making us bag lovers very happy. The vibes were super varied, from classic structural leather to fun new textures and sizes, set to make AW20 an exciting time for your wardrobe. Giving you the need-to-know from the month, here are the top bag trends from the AW20 runways.

Max Mara | Dior | Molly Goddard – All images via Vogue Runway

#1 Textures

Always levelling up, this season we saw some classic styles getting a revamp in new materials and combinations we’ve never seen before. Dior kept it luxe with big top-handle tote bags in rich jewel-toned velvet, inspiring us to add some extravagance to our weekly shop. Similarly, Max Mara brought a street style favourite to the runway with matchy-matchy fluffy fur coats and bags, letting you add extra cosy vibes through your accessories. We’ll be carrying ours as a clutch no matter how big the size is, tucking them under our arms to cradle our new bag babies.

In keeping with their cool-girl brand, Molly Goddard opted for a more toned-down style when she sent models down the catwalk with seersucker bags. A take on the classically chic french string shopping bags, the new season will be providing us with low-key shapes in high-key materials.

Prada | Bottega Veneta | Erdem – All images via Vogue Runway

#2 Fringing

Is fringing a texture, or a way of life?

One of the most obvious bag trend was fringing as so many designers showed us fringed jackets, boots and bags, oh my. Amongst our favourites was Prada’s beautiful jellyfish-like clutch, made of white leather with gentle blue fringing made of fine strands of string rather than the classic leather. This trend translates well for wedding season or an event where you wanted a clutch with a twist.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Bottega Veneta displayed long draping leather fringing reaching all the way down to the model’s calf. Merging perfectly with the weaved texture of the bag, the contrast between the heavy black leather and the delicate design has us swooning. If neither of them are dramatic enough for you, or if you’re looking for inspiration for a formal event, look to Erdem and their tear-drop beaded fringe draping down from vintage-inspired bags. Giving us 1920’s Great Gatsby vibes, a bag that beautiful deserves a spot in our rundown of the top bag trends for AW20.

Moncler 8 Richard Quinn | Coach – All images via Vogue Runway

#3 Shapes & Structures

You might think there’s nothing new to invent, then the Moncler show starts. The Moncler 8 Richard Quinn show was highly talked about for their psychedelic 60’s prints and mad headpieces, but we had our eyes on the prize staring at the beautiful bags. Levelling up the classic hat box, the collection featured spherical bags in prints to match the clothes, making for a bag that was reminiscent of a Christmas tree bauble or the beads you used to make jewellery with as a kid. With pearl top handled, we’re definitely adding this to our formal dressing inspo albums, giving us a fresh take on a statement grab bag.

For something more wearable, Coach’s bags were a lesson in structure and design, creating bags with sharp edges and architectural shapes. Triangles, cylinders, perfect cubes; there’s a lot to choose from here, making this one of the most exciting bag trends in a while. Who knows what shape it’ll be next.

Prada | Versace | Fendi – All images via Vogue Runway

#4 Teeny Tiny Bags

You know your mini bag that you can’t fit your phone in? Yeah, make it smaller.

Micro bags were everywhere this season, both on the runway and the streets as the Jacquemus effect continues to grow, proving to be one of the bag trends that’s sticking around. However, this season saw a new trend as micro bags were worn as an added accessory rather than carried, with tiny bags being carried alongside big totes or strapped to models wrist. Prada repurposed their bags into necklaces as the models wore teeny tiny bags around their necks, while Fendi attached golden micro bags to their belts. A more wearable option came from Versace as models carried micro bags alongside big totes and overnight bags, a trick that we think could be super helpful for always being able to locate your keys and headphones.

Bottega Veneta | LaQuan Smith | Toga – All images via Vogue Runway

#5 Macro Bags

The antithesis of the micro bag trend, enter the macro bag, finally allowing you to carry your phone, purse and whole kitchen sink. One of the most shared of the AW20 bags was the iconic LaQuan Smith bag, proclaiming ‘I’m moving out’ in black and white fur and being big enough to carry the majority of your belongings. Similarly, Bottega and Toga displayed exaggerated overnight bags, designed as a push back against mini bag trend and over-the-top return to function. We can finally carry our big totes in peace.

Khaite | Marc Jacobs – All images via Vogue Runway

#6 Added Scarves

It’s not all about bags, but also scarves as several shows saw their purses being embellished with swinging scarves attached to the handle. Khaite opted for a romantic vibe pairing their draping dresses with doctors bags adorned with silk scarves in vintage prints. Wrapped around the top of the handle, the beautiful light silk paired with the traditional black leather, this was one of our favourite AW20 bag trends, and definitely something we’ll be recreating at home with our silky scarves and neckties.

For a more autumn/winter appropriate take, Marc Jacobs’ models carried bags wrapped in classic knitted scarves, making for a quirky take on seasonal dressing.