As the ultimate plus one, our handbags come with us practically everywhere. Be it work or the weekend, a carryall is needed for almost every outing in order to house our most-prized possessions, from keys to wallets and, of course, that one perfect shade of lipstick that goes with every outfit.
While the accessory is first and foremost functional in nature, there’s no reason your handbag can’t also be fashionable, which is why every year we see new handbag trends come and go. From designer styles to specific shapes, each season’s trends are debuted on the runway and subsequently seen across retail stores throughout Australia and beyond.
So, what’s in for 2022, we hear you ask? When it comes to silhouettes, crescent-shaped bags have been seen all over the world’s most talked-about catwalks with brands including Louis Vuitton and Fendi creating their own iterations. Unique textures are also having a moment (you can thank Bottega Veneta for that) with clutch bags available in fluffy materials, as well as quilted and woven fabrics. Chain detailing has been super-sized for 2022, with JW Anderson and Stella McCartney showcasing chunky chain bags on their latest runways. And for those who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, never fear, sleek ’90s silhouettes are still as popular as ever.
Keep scrolling for the handbag trends we’re loving for 2022.
Net-a-Porter
JW Anderson Chain Leather Tote
This season, it’s the bigger, the better when it comes to chain detailing. This JW Anderson tote ($1456) features an XXL chain handle, which helps to add an interesting update to an otherwise classic silhouette.
The Iconic
Mimco Luna Mini Crescent Bag
Mimco got the memo. The Australian accessories label has been adding OTT chains to their products, too. This chic Lunar Mini Crescent bag ($279) actually features two of the season’s biggest trends: a chunky chain detail and a crescent-shaped silhouette.
Net-a-Porter
Bottega Veneta The Pouch Intrecciato Leather Clutch
It’s the clutch that launched a million Instagram posts. This Bottega Veneta Pouch ($2850) is undoubtedly one of the most popular bags created in recent years. The famed fashion house updates the style each season with new fabrics and colourways. This mint green, woven version feels very 2022.
M.N.G
M.N.G Textured Faux-Shearling Bag
Bottega Veneta did it first, but now several brands have debuted bags in fluffy fabrics. This M.N.G Textured Faux-Shearling Bag ($50) might be the cosiest one we’ve seen. It’s just perfect for the winter months.
The Iconic
Rubi Lexi Underarm Bag
If you can imagine Rachel Green carrying it, then it probably fits in to the nineties aesthetic trend category. This Underarm Bag ($25) by Rubi, certainly looks like it belongs on the Friends TV set.
The Iconic
Brie Leon The Camille Bag
Speaking of the nineties, this Camille Bag ($189) by Brie Leon also feels very appropriate for the era. The rectangular shape, the shoulder handle and the mock croc material are all hallmark traits of accessories created at the time.
The Iconic
The Horse The Friday Bag
Crescent moon-shaped bags were extremely popular on the 2022 runways, so of course, the trend has trickled into the mainstream. This Friday Bag ($179) by The Horse is a classic take on the trend. Thanks to its neutral colourway, it’s sure to go with so many items in your wardrobe.
The Iconic
Mimco Classico Crescent Cross Body Bag
Mimco’s pale pink iteration is just as stylish. The brand has paired their crescent-shaped style with a thick logo-embellished strap, making the Classico Crescent Cross Body ($279) a perfect, causal everyday bag.
