Trends

In Praise of the Ultra Feminine Frame Bag

It's giving lady who lunches...

Some bags ooze cool, and then some bags ooze chic. Some scream sporty while others feel anything but. When it comes to a bag’s overall aesthetic feel, certain characteristics and/or details often contribute to its categorization.

Past And Future Meet To Give Life To 's Sveva Soft Bag.

Dating back to the 1800s, The frame bag was introduced at a time when women’s dress was vastly different. The clothing itself was far less casual than today’s dress, so it makes sense that a woman’s purse felt more elevated than the daily carries of modern times.

The design was further popularized in the 20th century with framed bags often carried by the wealthy and Hollywood’s elite.

Audrey Hepburn
Le Foulonné leather crossbody bag Blau Town&Country

Delicately Designed

And maybe it’s that reason alone why the frame bag feels like the most girly handbag silhouette in the game because it reminds us of another time. A time when going out meant dressing up, no matter the occasion.

A frame-topped bag’s structured, kiss-lock closure silhouette feels delicate and romantic. It’s dressy and sleek but not overly fussy.

The type of girl who carries a frame bag is the type of girl that I want to be. In my head, she’s chic no matter the time of day, and she’s a lady who lunches, not a lady who lugs around everything but the kitchen sick. She’s fashionable but not trendy, giving off an air of regality.

the bag is slightly out of shape.

LIU JO logo jacquard crossbody bag Rosa
The LIU JO logo jacquard crossbody bag Rosa Backpack RAB Tensor 10 QAP-03-BLK-10 Black.

Every few years, frame bags come back into popularity, with the last major resurgence of them dating back to the mid-2010s (Phoebe Philo’s ultra-ladylike Handbag COCCINELLE Gv3 Mini Bag E5 GV3 55 D3 02 Noir 001 immediately comes to mind). Late last year, we saw a bit of an influx of them again.

From Khaite’s continued love CHANEL CC Logo Canvas Enamel Hand Bag Pink Beige Etro’s handbag debut, Prada’s triangular top handle, and more, I’m becoming more enamored by these bags with (quite literally) edge.

I still don’t know if I exude that Grace Kelly-esque, delicate femininity that I imagine is necessary to carry one of these bags, but more and more, I think maybe I just have to fake it until I make it.

FURLA mini logo-plaque leather tote bag?

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Le Porte Lunettes triangle bag
$2,950 via FWRD
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Prada Frame Bag
Prada Matinée Micro Saffiano bag
$6,500 via Chanel

Balenciaga Folder Strap Bag @jastookes

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