Personally, a beautifully crafted bag is a better investment than an individual garment. It goes without saying that I adore clothes, but a handbag, carried most days, which stores many of your most valued possessions, is an instant indication of your character. Revisited throughout the year (and potentially over decades), it's a part of your uniform or armour and one of the first things we present of the persona we wish to project. Compact and chic, oversized and ostentatious, practical and minimal, a bag can become an extension of ourselves.
Conversely, if you just see a bag as a playful accessory to switch up constantly and add drama to your look, even more reason for it to be directional and fun as well as functional. If you consider a bag to be purely practical, perhaps look away now...
Ahead, we've rounded up the biggest bag trends for 2017. From the new take on the bucket bag to the statement strap, there's a style out there for you.
The Ring Bag
Whether it's the J.W.Anderson Pierce bag or the Chloé Nile, ring bags are having a major fashion moment. Visually bold, the circular-shaped design detail is the defining feature on 2017's It Bag.
This structured Topshop take on the ring bag is top of our list not only for its vibrant colour but for the elegant circular clasp. At £35, this high street version of the trend is a fraction of the price of its luxury counterparts and could easily be mistaken for a designer piece. Wear cross-body to nail two bag trends in one.
Topshop Shay Ring Shoulder Bag, £35, available at Topshop
Photographed by Ana Cuba.
The New Bucket Bag
Though I love offerings from Mansur Gavriel, Proenza Schouler, Staud and Zara, Simon Miller is the real master of the modern bucket bag in 2017.
This Bonsai 20 bucket bag has been referred to as "The Smallest Ever It Bag" and is a firm favourite of Net-A-Porter fashion director Lisa Aiken. Reimagined in rich tobacco, the cylindrical style is handcrafted from nubuck and finished off with two acrylic tortoiseshell handles. Surprisingly spacious considering its dinky size, there's room for a phone, wallet, Oyster card and makeup compact. Make like a street style star with this Insta-worthy bag.
Simon Miller Bonsai 20 Nubuck Bucket Bag, £585, available at Net-A-Porter
Photographed by Ana Cuba.
Vintage Treasures
The retro metal handbag chain had a resurgence on the catwalks this year but this Jacquemus bag stood out from the crowd, due to its ingenious design and pastel pink colour. Creating a 'halo' from the round top handle through to the gold-tone metal chain detailing, this playful pink beauty is perfect for those who really want to make a statement with their bag.
Jacquemus Le Petit Rond Small Bag With Gold Chain, £595, available at Browns Fashion
Photographed by Ana Cuba.
The Embellished Bag
Whether it’s studs, faux fur, tassels, pearls, sequins or gems, all the best evening bags this season are embellished. For AW17, Shrimps reintroduces the sellout Antonia bag. Inspired by the popular 2016 beaded original, this season the Antonia is reworked with intricate faux pearl beading. Spotted repeatedly on Insta style queen Camille Charrière, the Antonia bag is the finest finishing touch to a party outfit.
Shrimps Antonia Bag, £450, available at Shrimps
Photographed by Ana Cuba.
Statement Straps
If you don't have the time or money to find a new bag, a statement strap is a wonderful way to update your look. From Dior 's thick-strapped cross-body bag to Off-White's logo-emblazoned straps, there's no escaping them this season.
This pink leather warning tape shoulder bag from streetwear brand of the moment, Off-White, features a front flap with magnetic closure, a fuchsia leather handle as well as a detachable, adjustable orange and black woven fabric strap to make a real impact.
Off-White Pink Warning Tape Shoulder Bag, £610, available at Browns Fashion
Photographed by Ana Cuba.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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