BAGS of style
KATIE WRIGHT SELECTS THE BEST CATWALK-INSPIRED PIECES ON THE HIGH STREET
IT MAY not be warm enough to ditch the tights and bust out the strappy sandals just yet but there’s one way to tap into the spring trends right now, and that’s with bags.
Designers delivered an impressive array of arm candy at the SS19 shows – and it was all about extremes, from teeny tiny grab bags to humongous totes. Now the high street collections are landing, so we can get our hands on handbags inspired by the catwalks (but, thankfully, a whole lot cheaper).
Here’s our pick of spring’s best...
1. MINI BAGS
YOU won’t be able to fit much in these sweet little bags but they sure are cute – just make sure yours has a cross body strap so you don’t lose it.
Boohoo circle trim mini grab bag, left, currently reduced to £14.40 from £18
2. PYRAMID BAGS
THE pyramid bag trend started with Saint Laurent and Jil Sander, but at up to £1,000 a pop, these luxury leather beauties don’t come cheap.
Luckily, there are lots of lookalikes on the high street under £20 – a chic black version with a metal loop handle is the perfect party accessory. PrettyLittleThing black pyramid metal handle grab bag, currently reduced to £15 from £25
3. GOLD CLASP BAGS
AS the logomania trend continues, we’re seeing a return to the traditional ‘It’ bag style, with shiny padlock, buckle and logo clasps on leather handbags.
Mid-sized and with minimal detailing, the gold clasp cross body bag is your ideal day-to-night companion.
Lipsy metal turnlock saddle bag, £39, Next
4. TRANSPARENT BAGS
IF the primary purpose of your handbag is to haul around all manner of junk, look away now: The see-through bags on show at Versace, Mary Katrantzou and Brandon Maxwell leave nothing to the imagination, so you’re going to need to do some serious decluttering if you want to carry one.
The high street versions are far more forgiving, however. Perspex totes often come with a draw string insert, to hide your possessions from prying eyes.
Dune Derspex natural small transparent grab bag, £68
5. NATURAL BAGS
ONE of spring’s overarching fashion themes is a return to nature, with crochet, raffia, macrame and other natural materials offering an alternative to leather at Isabel Marant, Loewe and Jacquemus. Zara braided tote bag with bamboo handles, £29.99
6. XXL TOTES
THE bigger the better was the mantra at Tom
Ford, Valentino and Jil Sander, where models were laden with huge totes in neutral hues. In matte leather with subtle detailing, this is the kind of timeless bag it’s worth investing in because you’ll use it for years to come.