From an inverted handbag to a hand-painted trunk, the bags making headlines from the 2025 collections are ones you might have seen before, but with a twist…
If you’re a fan of coveted designer handbags, you may be wondering what will be hanging from every elbow next season. Summer 2025 is already set, with some of the biggest brands in the world combining elegance and sophistication with a touch of nostalgia and whimsy.
Fashion influencer Lívia Gueissaz weighed in on the bags to watch….
“Handbags are now more than just an accessory. They symbolize the individuality and personality of those who carry them. Each season, the major brands surprise us with new interpretations of their iconic pieces, and Summer 2025 was no exception. Creativity and boldness were the stars of the runway, and each maison brought something unique and innovative to the fashion stage…”
1. Prada
This season, Prada introduced their minimalist, shiny black Hobo Bag, which perfectly reflects the needs of the contemporary woman. It’s simple, with a chic and flawless finish that blends futuristic with functional in all the right ways.
2. Valentino
Fashion is supposed to be fun, and while brands can make a serious statement, Valentino has embraced their more exuberant side with playful clutches featuring dolls. This idea makes for a memorable piece that’s highly collectible. One just won’t be enough.
3. Dior
Reinventing the classics is one of the big themes for next year, and the iconic Lady Dior bag has been revived with this textured leather iteration. It brings back the understated distinction of Dior, while pulling in the modern touches that make it an ideal fit for the 2025 season.
4. Hermès
The most famous Hermès piece is undoubtedly the Birkin, known the world over as one of history’s most recognisable handbags. For 2025, they have–quite literally–turned this definitive design on its head by releasing an inverted version. This look celebrates the internal workings of the Birkin by exposing its pockets and closures, and for such a simple idea, we predict this one will have a big impact.
Lívia Gueissaz is very much on board: “Hermès continues to challenge the status quo, maintaining functionality and elegance, but with a disruptive twist that draws attention to the impeccable craftsmanship of the piece.”
5. Roberto Cavalli
Just as Valentino leaned into the fun and playful aspects of the summer season, so too did Roberto Cavalli, who introduced tiger-shaped handles on their handbags. Functional, fun, and fierce.
6. Gucci
The reinvention theme continues with Gucci as they bring their classic bamboo-handle bag to the table, this time with a sprinkle of reminiscence. As a modern retelling of some of the brand’s most iconic pieces, and with retro-chic very much on trend, we’ll likely be seeing a lot of this soon.
7. Fendi
Fendi introduced its latest bag, complete with intricate embroidery and bejewelled features which show a real focus on artistic, detail-oriented craftsmanship mixed with elements of luxury.
8. Louis Vuitton
Another much-coveted brand on the runway is of course Louis Vuitton, who had a new take on some of their best known bags. Their hand-painted trunk was a favourite, which certainly celebrated the creativity involved in the design process.
“What Louis Vuitton has done is reimagine its traditions in leather goods. By transforming classic accessories into almost museum-like pieces, the brand continues to set the standard for blending tradition with modernity.” Lívia Gueissaz comments.
Lívia Gueissaz says, “Each of these brands has managed, in its own unique way, to innovate while honoring its heritage. Summer 2025 will be remembered as a season of experimentation and celebration of the classic identities of the world’s greatest fashion houses, with luxury remaining the key element.”
