BAGS FOR EVERY MOOD
THIS SEASON

As we segue from WFH to hot desking and at-home drinks to bar outings, so our AW21 wardrobes are having to flex to suit our new day-to-day – and our moods. Cue, then, this season’s personality-led styles, which speak less to trends and more to how you’re navigating the return to ‘normal’ life. From clutches and pastel satins for carefree nights out (00s, we’re looking at you), to larger-than-life totes that cater to your everyday juggle; we have exciting newness from JACQUEMUS, Bottega Veneta, Amina Muaddi, as well as earth-conscious choices such as Mulberry’s Alexa and Selfridges Rental. There’s only question that remains:

WHAT ARE WE IN THE MOOD FOR…?

…WHEN YOU MEAN BUSINESS

A return to reality left us in search of something roomy to carry all the belongings we’ve had within easy reach during the past 18 months while also offering a sense of comfort and reassurance. Understanding our newfound need for feel-good, functional bags, designers delivered with spacious, practical and ever-so tactile totes. For those days when a show-stopping mini just isn’t enough, we’re reaching for Bottega Veneta’s large (huge, enormous) padded lock bag, the neatly woven Nantucket basket bag by Dragon Diffusion and Stand Studio’s faux-shearling power tote, which is available to rent. Reusable water bottles, laptops, lipsticks, hand sani, hop in.

…A NIGHT OUT​

The AW21 shows confirmed what we’ve suspected for a while: the 00s are back. The return of the decade remembered fondly for its affinity with powdery pastel satins, shoulder bags, crystal-drenched everything and oversized clutches (yes, clutches!) is the sign you’ve been looking for to bring the party to your collection. And this set of carefree clutches delivers on all those fronts – think crystal-embellished, buttery-soft woven leather, glimmering silk, heavy-duty hardware, as well planet-friendly options that look equally as decadent as their counterparts (hello, recycled polyester that looks like satin and recycled silk). In short, autumn is daring us to have a really good time – your plus-one awaits.

…SOMETHING CHEERFUL

The daylight hours may be reducing, but the forecast looks bright on the acessories front. Happy-making bags have taken on a whole new meaning as we reintegrate ourselves into society, bringing some much-needed positivity and escapism to our wardrobes. With dopamine shades ranging from bright acid green and electric hot pink to fiery tomato red, and irresistibly fun fabrics such as this season’s loudly sung hero, shearling, we can’t think of a better way lift your mood. With comfort remaining a very important prerequisite of all our outfit choices, we’re looking forward to snuggling up to the hot-pink cuddle bag by Bottega Veneta.

…ICON MODE

Not all bags are created equal, and when you’re looking for one that you’ll hold onto forever, where better to place your bets than a house classic? For Mulberry, that’s the decade-old Alexa, recently reimagined via environmentally responsible production methods; for YSL it’s Loulou, the padded leather cross-body – we’re yet to find an occasion it cannot rise to; and for Bottega it’s the – you guessed it – Cassette, which is back for AW21 in a dreamy almond gold. You can’t beat a bestseller.

…MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY

More and more, we’re leaning into expressive style, and a bold bag is a one-stop way to show some character. Rarely practical, always fun, Jacquemus’ now-iconic Le Chiquito brings the heat to any outfit but looks particularly appealing in purple. Meanwhile, La Manso’s irreverent Jane Russell bag masquerades as a bikini while dangling unabashedly from your arm. Between doll’s-house proportions, Paris Hilton-worthy chainmail and tongue-in-cheek silhouettes, there’s plenty of room for showing off. Don’t we all long for a bit of that after 18 months in hibernation?