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Fashion

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

If there’s one trend designers could agree upon for spring, it’s the return of the brilliant, bold handbag.

Last season was all about getting reacquainted with handbags after an 18-month hiatus. Crossbody bags reigned supreme in terms of popularity thanks to their hands-free practicality. Micro-bags found favour to carry the bare essentials, while black offered reliability and comfort. But now that handbags have reestablished themselves as a must-have accessory, this season sees a much-welcomed injection of joy in the accessories department.

Rich, bold hues like tangerine and 90s neon pink are superseding delicate pastels as the dominant handbag colours of 2022. There’s also a handful of playful prints, trendy textures and reimagined classics, plus a plethora of statement-making bags for you to carry this season. Ahead, we break down the six major bag trends to covet this season.

LEAFY GREENS

Earth tones have long been a fashion favourite, but it would seem the months spent predominantly outdoors over recent months have incited a penchant for clothing in colourful hues evoking Mother Nature. While umber browns and slate greys still remain popular shades, the fashion set has gravitated towards green. From candy-coloured shades to deeper and darker tones, green evokes fresh grass and leaves, and in turn, gives us a connection with nature and freedom. Essentially, wearing green is the closest you can come to taking a forest bath no matter where the day takes you. Brands like Jacquemus, Loewe and Bottega Veneta have already bet on the colour in all its shades whereas See by Chloé, Valentino and Alexander McQueen are focusing more on its darker side.

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TANGERINE DREAMS

The SS22 runways were awash in citrus shades. While some celebrities and influencers alike have bravely dived straight into the trend for orange in particular, more reserved tastes can enjoy a citrus burst in a more subtle manner i.e. through handbags. JW Anderson has favoured more of a carrot hue while Michael Kors and Stella McCartney have championed tangerine tones. Orange and similar citrus shades are reminiscent of vacation, travel and escape. It's also just a really happy hue - which is the attitude we want to bring into 2022.

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NEON HIGHLIGHTS

Forsaken by fashion for years, neon peaked in the 1980s and is now making its triumphant comeback for spring. However, this revival is slightly different. Influencers are proving that it's more than possible to completely transform even the most basic of ensembles with the help of just one neon accessory. If you have the courage, you can use it in your entire outfit, and match your bag and shoes, something that has become a hit among models and celebrities. Whatever way you choose to wear these highlighter hues, a neon bag is your ultimate starting point. Look to JW Anderson, Marc Jacobs, Jacquemus and Alexander McQueen for blinding bags.

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BASKETS & RAFFIA

Much more than a trend, the basket bag is as essential to spring as florals. The reasons are tenfold: they’re practical and easy, fit seamlessly into a laid-back wardrobe. Plus, as the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors - whether, at park picnics, beach strolls or even a getaway - these roomy handbags make for wonderful companions to all warm-weather adventures. Opt for a statement logo basket bag from Loewe, a raffia crossbody from Isabel Marant or an all-black Saint Laurent wicker tote.

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STATEMENT TOTES

Last year, tote bags were statement-making thanks to their XXL sizing. But, this season, the tote bag might have returned to its regular size but is still gaining all the attention. Undergoing a contemporary makeover, the SS22 tote bags are adorned with statement prints, unique graphics and iconic logo branding. It's not difficult to see why the tote remains so popular – the style is the perfect way to elevate any daytime ensemble. Brands like Chloé, Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs have long been famed for their iconic versions whereas GANNI and Bao Bao Miyake offer new variations of the classic.

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CLASSIC CAMERA

Camera bags are as fashionable as they are functional, and perfect for day-to-day use. Usually square or rectangular in shape, these nifty bags were originally designed to house actual cameras so they can actually hold quite a bit more than meets the eye. Marc Jacobs is largely recognised as the designer behind the style’s recent resurgence with its Snapshot Camera Bag while Coach and Balenciaga have bet on the bag for 2022 with their own unique takes on the silhouette. Perfect for a back-to-office treat.

MORE TO READ

Now you know the bags to covet this season, discover the new brands to know in Labels to Love.