Last week the Wall Street Journal declared highly identifiable luxury bags to be “out” and “quiet luxury” bags to be “in.” Interestingly, that same article noted that at MatchesFashion, the “big-brand investment-bag” category grew by over 25% last fall — and then summarily dismissed it as a relevant data point.
I’ve written about quiet luxury in the past, and agree it is a thing that is happening, but I dispute the notion that we’re all going to bury our Louis Vuitton Speedys in the back of our closets in favor of logo-less totes from less established brands. Here are my complete predictions for the bags we’ll be coveting and carrying in 2023.
Loud Luxury Will Reign
Now that we can go out again, we want to dress for it. Sequined clothes and high heels are on an upswing and The Washington Post just announced the return of the “going out” top. You know what kind of bags we like to take when we go out? Ones that other people who are also out will notice and recognize.
Big Bags Return
For several seasons bags have been shrinking to increasingly ridiculous sizes. In 2023, they will return to a normal, functional, size — and then some. Yes, the Chanel micro vanity bag and the Jacquemus Chiquito are adorable, but they are hardly practical (at least at this point in time). In a small victory for mankind, the Spring 2023 runway shows featured bags that can actually hold your phone, and I for one am here for it.
Y2K Is Here to Stay
TBD on whether we’re all going to give in and start wearing low-rise jeans (heaven help us), but when it comes to accessories — and bags in particular — Y2K isn’t going anywhere. From the Fendi Baguette to the Prada Nylon Re-Issue to the Dior Saddle bag, luxury styles that rose to fame in the era of Sex and the City will continue to dominate our daily looks.
Pre-Loved Perfection
There are several factors contributing to the rise of the luxury resale market including chunky price increases on new luxury goods at primary retailers, more restrictive quota systems (Chanel I’m talking to you), and a growing interest in sustainability. And while Hermes has always had a robust resale presence thanks to its impossible-to-get Birkins and Kellys, other brands — ranging from Chanel to Polene — are starting to join those ranks.
What bags are you coveting this year? Tell us in the comments!