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 Wide Leg Organic Cotton Jeans 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 and Cult Gaia.
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.
Fauré Le Page Gucci Spring/Summer 2023, slanted silhouettes from newcomer Luis De Javier and more, striking triangular designs spotted on Prada’s Spring/Summer 2023 Miu Miu climbed to the top.
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 Get In Touch 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.
Miu Miu climbed to the top 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.
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