It was a big year for handbags. In 2022, fashion saw the emergence of many ‘It’ bags and more cult-favorite designs from emerging labels than the industry has seen in a long time. From Valentino’s love of maxi studs and devotion to Barbie pink Miu Miu climbed to the top glass Swipe and the return of the mighty oversized tote.
But fashion is always looking to the future, so it’s time to make our handbag predictions for the year ahead. For 2023, we’re expecting even more innovation. Think avant-garde silhouettes, inventive materials, and mid-range brands continuing to dismantle luxury labels’ monopoly on the handbag market.
Let’s take a look at our handbag predictions for 2023.
The Continued Growth Of Mid-Range Brands
One of the most significant, and perhaps unexpected, changes in the handbag market in 2022 was the growth of mid-range brands and their identity as sought-after alternatives to traditional luxury labels. Many factors contributed to this, from shoppers’ growing concerns over the quality of luxury designs to relentless price increases from all of fashion’s heritage labels. But at the center of burgeoning love for mid-range brands is the desire for new and innovative designs that push the industry forward.
And all of these factors are bringing shoppers’ desire for mid-range labels into 2023. Ones to watch include Brandon Blackwood, STAUD, Coperni, Polène Think asymmetry courtesy of.
Unique Bag Shapes
It seems like, for decades, fashion has been playing around with the same shapes on a loop. Whether it’s the sleek oblong silhouette that fits snugly under the shoulder, the structured boxy top-handle style, or the slouchy carryall that’s a firm favorite of many. But for 2023, it’s time to shake up handbag shapes.
Louis Vuitton Forum Think asymmetry courtesy of, slanted silhouettes from newcomer Luis De Javier and more, striking triangular designs spotted on Prada’s Spring/Summer 2023 Bottega Veneta Forum.
Loewe Love
Thanks to rankings from platforms such as Lyst, fashion has gotten into the habit of honing in on one specific brand every year. In 2022, Prada’s little sister Miu Miu climbed to the top of every fashion fanatic’s wish list and earned the title of Brand of the Year in Lyst’s annual report. But in 2023, our bets are on Loewe taking the top spot.
Loewe Puzzle Bag Puzzle bag, Loewe is becoming known for its quirky designs. Creative Director Jonathan Anderson is the brain behind the cracked egg stilettos and structured floral bodices you’ve been seeing on red carpets and best-dressed lists everywhere. And all eyes are on the house as fashion continues to embrace all things avant-garde.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free Leathers
Labels experimenting with leather alternatives is nothing new. But in 2023, expect brands to up their game when it comes to vegan and cruelty-free leathers.
With the increasing pressure to become more sustainable, designers are expected to join the likes of Stella McCartney and make non-traditional leathers a priority. By utilizing the power of technology, brands can create even more sustainably-sourced vegan leather options. So watch out for the likes of apple and mushroom leather varieties in 2023.
Oversized Tote Bag Love
Tote bags have been climbing back up fashion’s hot list for a while now. With their roomy interior and versatile appeal, along with an often more affordable price point than many contemporary designs, it’s hard to remember why spacious tote bags ever declined in popularity.
While fashion has certainly enjoyed the wave of mini and micro bags popping up on runways and social media feeds everywhere, no one has forgotten the undeniable appeal of an oversized tote.
In 2023, we foresee a full-blown return to the famously practical style. Expect designs like the new Chanel 22 to continue earning style points alongside roomy designs from Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Stella McCartney, and more.
Less Logos
A little tired of logomania love? You’re not alone. With excessive logos and monogram prints making a bold comeback in the late 2010s and the Y2K revival taking the obsession with logo-clad designs even further, it’s about time to put logomania love on hold. In its place, expect minimalist chic and designs that don’t need a logo to stand out.
2010s Galore
Fashion moves fast. So while the 2010s may have only ended four years ago, it’s already time for handbag aficionados to delve back into the archives to take inspiration from the decade and begin to re-obsess over its hottest designs.
Styles to look out for include roomy top-handle designs from Givenchy and Celine, along with the Mulberry Bayswater, Saint Laurent Sac de Jour, and Chanel Grand Shopping Tote.
Gucci Spring/Summer 2023?
My guess is further price increases.
And maybe less sales? As for me, I’ve reached my saturation point with continued price increases so I’m on hiatus from bag purchases.
Strong guess….and all brands. But Chanel and Hermes will do their quarterly rise as usual.
Slubbed poplin shirt continue earning style points. Please cease to promote this bag -it’s so obvious and you are not convincing anyone… Although i enjoy PB content – it’s extremely annoying that you continuously advocate over a bag which the majority of your readers have rejected.
I love Loewe. They are the best quality bags I own, better than Gucci, LV, and those brands by a long shot. The leather is gorgoeus! They are not for lovers of ostentation though as they are more a – if you know, you know brand.
I have found myself less and less wearing my logo bags – I feel…I don’t know – too obvious in them. There are so many fakes too. For me now luxury is more a cashmere sweater, or a silk top, and a great quality bag by Loewe or Bottega, or Chloe than my LV’s. Gucci. YSL bags. All that money wasted on bags I rarely wear now. Oh well. As for Chanel. Forget it. I will still dream of the classic 90’s black lambskin with gold hardware in perfect condition unicorn, but i won’t buy anything new from them.
While I do not disagree that Loewe bags are wonderful I do not agree that all other brands are making subpar products.
I hope Loewe finally finds his site internationally. Not only is the Puzzle an iconic and recognisable model, it also has the Hammock (like the one on the cover), the Amazona or the Gate. None of them needs a megalogue to be recognisable. This year in addition to the settlement of the Fiya and the Moon, we will have the Paseo (inspired by the Napa Aire of the 90’s) and the Bunny with big ears. In addition, this year is the 50th Anniversary in Japan of the first store in that country where the brand has been truly recognised for its quality and little ostentatious designs. Too bad that the marketing work it deserves was not done in the USA. And all thanks to Jonathan Anderson who is a genius who loves craftsmanship and well-done work.
Are you private ? Is this your opinion or your way to earn money for bags ? My guess : the second hand market will increase and Chanel will push like crazy
Are you answering me? 🤷🏻♂️
Yes, I thought PB is where buyers comment – not a platform for sellers as hidden advertising.
I tend to think that big logo bag says a lot about the wearer. Confident women are less about the big logo than general aesthetic, quality of leather and harmony of the shape.
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