The 15 Most Important It Bags of 2018
Although we have moved past the It-bag obsession that dominated the 2000s, each year still brings with it a new set of instantly identifiable handbags. So which are the bags we'll be on first-name terms with this year? Last year it was Simon Miller's Bonsai bag, Gucci's belt bag and the Staud Bissett bag, which we became well acquainted with, but this year there are some new names to add to your dream handbag list. Keep scrolling to see and shop the bags you're about to see everywhere.
You can't talk about key designer bags without mentioning Gucci, and the next key style is a top-handle maxi bag in suede with Gucci's signature stripe. The bag isn't available to order yet, but Alexa Chung has already been spotted with one, confirming its cult status.
You might have assumed that the basket bag trend was about to die. However, Loewe has ensured it isn't going anywhere for 2018 thanks to this supersized raffia tote with a Loewe tan leather logo.
This season it is Natacha Ramsay-Levi's debut collection with Chloé, and the bag that is causing the most buzz with fashion buyers is her updated Drew Bijou bag.
Wandler only launched its Hortensia bag in November of last year, but it has almost instantly become one of the most recognisable bags of 2018.
This handbag combines two of the year's biggest handbag trends: logos and XXL shapes. The Fendi shopper bag is going to be this season's status item.
Simon Miller re-created a classic paper bag silhouette with a rolled top clutch with the leather treated to look like paper.
J.W.Anderson's answer to the Pierce bag this season is the Disc style—a compact fold-over bag with a statement silver ring fastening detail. The pink suede version is the one that has truly stolen our hearts. Even better, it's now in the sale.
This spring Burberry has launched the new top handle bag the DK88, which is named after the code the house uses for the fabric for its signature trench coats. We are particularly fond of the mini version.
Staud has followed on from the success of its Bissett bag with the Shirley bag—a plastic tote with croc-effect pouch in the centre and handles.
Maison Margiela's new handbag for spring, the Grand Slam, looks a little like a cushioned duvet, and we're into that.
Tara Zadeh's circular bracelet bags keep selling out, and have been a feature in street style pictures for the past year.
The pearl Shrimps Antonia bag has been an Instagram hit this fashion month, carried by influencers such as Camille Charrière and Emili Sindlev, and it keeps selling out on MatchesFashion.com. The Antonia isn't going anywhere anytime soon, as the A/W 18 collection, which previewed at London Fashion Week, saw the bag have a gold makeover and be supersized.
Last year was all about the Gucci belt bag, and it's a look that hasn't fallen off the menu for 2018. Boyy's sleek Deon belt bag has already been spotted around the waist of street stylers from Vanessa Hong to Annabel Rosendahl, to name just two, while the suede version will see you right into autumn.
The origami-inspired Puzzle bag has become a modern icon, so it's little surprise that 2018's new colour iterations are flying off shelves. Chic navy is always a great investment, though there's a bright yellow version if you're feeling bold.
New drops from Mansur Gavriel are always a talking point in our office, and this Triangle leather tote bag is no exception. A minimalist's dream, the pared back tote plenty big enough if you're rarely travelling light, while this versatile shade makes it a great investment piece.
Making its debut on the spring/summer 2018 runway, the Proenza Schouler Frame style is one of those clever handbags that feel both fresh and timeless. We're loving the white leather, though it also comes in classic black.
Next up, see how one editor is bringing that holiday feeling to her London wardrobe this summer.
Opening Image: Alexa Chung