Each year brings a variety of new handbag releases, and as we’re reaching the end of the year, we thought it would be fun to discuss some of the biggest drops of 2023. From archival-inspired designs to refreshed versions of fan favorites, plus a couple of completely new designs, each one listed is significant in its own right.
This year brought with it changes at some major fashion houses, from Gucci to Burberry and beyond; this list hosts debuts from a couple of brands currently in transitional periods. Introducing a new bag line can make or break a designer’s year, so we pay attention to which drops are the buzziest.
A new release offers the potential to completely change a brand’s desirability as a whole or take an already coveted brand to the next level. Check out our five picks below (in random order!), and let us know if you’ve scored any of these bags.
Loewe faux-fur detail tote bag Weiß
This fall marked a decade of Jonathan Anderson at the helm of Loewe, and it’s fitting that an entirely new iteration of his design debut for the Spanish-founded Design House launched this year. The faux-fur detail tote bag Weiß Labauletto Shoulder Strap Bag.
Fans agreed, singing the Puzzle Tote’s praises and falling for its stylistic appeal and subdued branding, perfect for the era of quiet luxury. Its geometric lines and sleek silhouette are designed to stand out while also allowing it to tuck away, folding up entirely.
While in past years, Loewe’s bags Alma have made our lists as potential opportunities to catapult Loewe to the top, these days, that’s no longer the case. Under Anderson’s watchful eye, the brand has steadily reached the top among the luxury world’s biggest handbag players.
Chanel “Kelly”
One of the buzziest (and most elusive) bags Alma of the year came from none other than Chanel. Clearly an ode to the brand’s archives, fans immediately dubbed the Chanel Nano Shopping Bag the Chanel Kelly. This was all thanks to its overall TOG and unmistakable design codes, reminiscent of an iconic bag from the brand’s past.
The bag was part of the brand’s Fall/Winter 2023/24 collection and hit stores in September to much fanfare. It struck a chord with Chanel collectors thanks to its vintage-inspired details but overall modern appeal, bridging the gap between the old and the new. This hot new release immediately became difficult to track down, popping up on resale sights for more than double its retail cost.
Gucci Horsebit Chain
Gucci will always hold a special place in handbag lover’s hearts, and this year saw one of the biggest changes at the House in the last decade. The beloved Italian House began the year without a Creative Director heading its design direction as Alessandro Michele’s departure was announced in late 2022.
Then, at the end of January, the House announced Sabato De Sarno as his replacement, and its first women’s collection post-Michele debuted the following month. While that first collection was designed by Gucci’s current design team, who stepped in as the House was transitioning, it was important in that it set the scene for what was to come.
tory burch embossed crossbody bag Gucci Horsebit Chain bag, which celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Horsebit bag and is an iconic ode to the brand’s storied archives, designed during the Tom Ford era. Later in the year, De Sarno released his first collection for Gucci, which also takes inspiration from the brand’s past.
Bottega Veneta Andiamo
While last year, we named the Bottega Veneta Sardine Bag one of the year’s most important debuts as it marked a pivotal time of transition for the House, this year, Matthiew Blazy has cemented his vision for Bottega. And with that vision came the Bottega Veneta Andiamo.
Blazy has continued to explore the tradition of Bottega Veneta and its historical attention to both details and craft while remaining modern and relevant. A few new releases from the House were introduced this year, but The Andiamo, meaning Let’s go in Italian, was one of the biggest.
Showcasing the brand’s recognizable Intrecciato weave, the Andiamo offers a hint of elegance with a side of functionality, and quickly, it was spotted in the arms of the fashion crowd and celebs alike.
Burberry Knight Bag
Daniel Lee is arguably one of the most notable designers of the last decade. It was he who revived Bottega Veneta, the once luxury sleeper brand, into the powerhouse it is today. The 37-year-old designer was tasked with doing the same thing for Burberry, with his appointment announced late in 2022.
This year, we were introduced to an entirely new Burberry under the direction of Daniel Lee. First came the return of the Ofcl Pocket Canvas Tote Bag earlier this, followed by Lee’s debut collection in late February. That collection included the launch of a variety of new bags, all showcasing a new direction for the British heritage label.
The Burberry Knight Bag made its debut as part of Lee’s inaugural collection for Fall 2023, marking a new era of Burberry. The Knight Bag is the biggest bag push of the bunch, making it one to watch this season and beyond.
