One of the biggest handbag trends of the 2020s has been a return to the elongated bags of yesterday. Yes, we’re talking about the east/west bag. The Many Bags Of I never thought I’d be an east/west girlie, Real Talk: Not Every Bag Needs to Have a Longer Strap Alaïa Le Teckel Bag.
The more I saw the shape, the more I really liked it. A year and a half later, the silhouette has quickly become one of the trendiest in the handbag world, and it is here to stay.
The Rise of the East/West Bag in the 2020s
Upon investigation, it’s easy to see why the east/west trend took off. For starters, it quickly stands out amongst a sea of other bags thanks to its distinct, elongated silhouette—it is truly a statement-maker. Plus, it’s undeniably chic, immediately taking your outfit to the next level.
While the shape took off thanks to of-the-moment shoulder bags like the Khaite Simona along with Alaïa’s Le Teckel, to make things even more, this season chic designers have taken it to the next with the east/west clutch being one of fall 2025’s biggest trends—but is it really a trend, or can it stand the test of time?
East/west bags tend to ebb and flow in popularity, but there are a few iconic east/west bags that stand the test of time. The Hermès JPG Birkin (it’s having a renaissance), Chanel’s Chocolate Bar bag, and the Hermès Kelly Cut are all good examples. Pair the silhouette with the classic shape of a clutch, and you’ve got a timeless version of the trend that will be worn time and time again.
Is the East/West Clutch Timeless or Trendy?
While an east/west shoulder bag may appear more trend-driven, a clutch, worn for dressier occasions or events, leans more timeless. Let’s take a look at some of the options below! What do you think?
Were clutches not east west before the 2020s?If the clutch isn’t east west, how does it fit your phone? If it doesn’t fit your phone, why buy oy?
Thx for this! It actually made me lol.
Alaïa Le Teckel Canvas Clutch
Not for me but each to their own.
Can’t it be both? Like some of the examples shown in your photos lean trendy and others lean classic. Just like some would be vastly improved if they came with an optional strap, and others look like long wallets. Also, the rise of the east-west silhouette’s popularity is not limited to just the clutch form. East-West totes, shoulder bags, top handles and satchels have all been part of this rising tide. I’d hesitate to call it a trend, because that just feels like such a yucky word when speaking it outloud, and intuitevely strikes me as an oversimplification of so many interconnected factors.
I like the look, but not sure I’d get any real world use out of this shape. Kaitlin, I believe you have the Savette bag shown above, yes? How often do you reach for it? Is it mostly just for evenings out, or do you use it day to day, as well?
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