Fall means back to school, and in the world of luxury handbags, it means back to geometry class. Structured luxury top-handle handbags in the shape of squares, circles, triangles, hexagons and more were all over the runways for fall-winter 2019-20. Here are the geometric luxury handbags you need to see right now.
structured bags take a geometric turn this fall winter
Structured handbags, clutches and totes in every shape imaginable are a hot trend this season. The advantages of a sculptural handbag are many: they’re an easy way to elevate the fashion quotient of what’s already in your wardrobe. Minimalists embrace them because they add a touch of whimsy and humor to an otherwise austere aesthetic. Maximalists love them because they’re such good fun. Everyone can play this trend!
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The geometric shapes run the full spectrum. From round to triangular to the ever-present box, we found gorgeous luxury designer handbags in 8 classic shapes.
the geometric luxury handbags you need to see right now
Here are some of the coolest and most interesting structured bags of the fall winter 2019-20 season. No protractor needed.
1. geometric luxury handbags: Squares
What could be more classic than a simple square? Yet several of the cool “it” bags this season are shaped that way, proving once again that — wait for it — it’s hip to be square.
On our list of favorite luxury handbag options in a square shape? This BOYY Bobby 16 leather tote ($795). And the Bottega Veneta Slip small leather tote ($2,490). Medea‘s founders Camilla and Giulia Venturini say the stylishly square Prima Hanna tote is inspired by German actress Hanna Schygulla’s strong yet feminine style in the ’60’s.
If you want a more Upper East Side vibe in a luxury handbag in a square shape, consider Prada’s boxy shoulder bag ($2,490) or the new FENDI Karligraphy Box leather shoulder bag ($1,980).
2. geometric luxury handbags: Cubes and Boxes
There’s something elegant and impossibly refined about a cube or a box as your accouterments of choice. These bags remind us of Grace Kelly in the Alfred Hitchcock film Rear Window – she’s waltzes into the room impeccably dressed and carrying a chic little box of a handbag. Her look exudes a combination of elegance, playfulness and mischief. Who knows what’s inside her gorgeous bag? Things could get quite interesting.
To channel that vibe, you might consider the grand dame of them all, the Louis Vuitton Bleeker Box handbag. It comes in matte and glossy finishes, and in solid colors and prints. ($3,150).
For a more modern take, the Mark Cross Grace Cube leather shoulder bag ($2,395) is crafted from glossed white leather in a compact box silhouette. The By Far Ball crocodile effect leather clutch ($688) is minimalist and chic. The Oscar de la Renta Alibi Printed Leather Box Clutch ($2,390) has a boxy silhouette and leather top handle, with an interior mirror and signature lock with a charm. It’s available in a floral print, a range of solid colors, and in alligator ($9,990).
The boxy Eden bag first made its debut on Givenchy’s AW19 catwalk ($3,690). We love the pristine elegance of this Hunting Season Gigi lizard leather cross body bag ($1,085). For something more colorful, try the Wandler miniature Yara Box shoulder bag ($610), made in Italy from “Spicy”-orange leather.
For a rich autumnal look, we love this BOXYZ Small tote from Salvatore Ferragamo ($1,750), which features smooth leather in a deep crimson hue. Bottega Veneta’s Cigarette Box bag ($1,839) has crocodile-effect embossed leather.
3. geometric luxury handbags: Rectangles
Yes, we hear you saying it: aren’t most handbags rectangular? True that, dear reader. But some of the season’s new handbags take that highly common shape and make something fresh and new of it.
Loewe’s newest bag design is the Postal tote ($2,450). The rectangular silhouette is outlined by black painted edges and the brand logo is embossed at the top corner. It has both top handles and a removable shoulder strap. And we can’t stop thinking about this Chloe Aby crocodile-embossed leather shoulder bag ($1,757).
Also on our love-it list? Saint Laurent’s Uptown East West tote ($3,550) and this Gucci Sylvie small patent leather shoulder bag ($3,200).
Minimalists will love the new Jil Sander Rectangular Case leather handbag ($1,965). It debuted in Jil Sander’s AW19 runway show and offers a succinct introduction to geometric silhouettes. Its internal mirror is ideal for on-the-go touch-ups. The Medea Ice leather tote ($500) counts Rihanna, Priyanka Chopra and Emily Ratajkowski among its fans.
4. geometric luxury handbags: Wedges and Triangles
We love the new trending handbag shape, the triangle – or pyramid bag. It’s ridiculously impractical, but so very eye-catching. As micro-bags go, this is definitely our favorite.
The Chanel Pyramid bag in gold and black ($3,600) is new for fall-winter 2019-20. The Lambskin, PVC, Glass & Gold-Tone Metal version is just a wee bit more expensive ($9,000).
If you’re looking for an interpretation that’s not quite so literal, check out JW Anderson’s Wedge leather shoulder bag ($1,650). It can be worn cross-body, on the shoulder or carried by the top handle. L’AFSHAR’s Eva tote ($790) is one of the coolest micro-bags ever. It’s handmade from glossy textured-acrylic.
On the other hand, the whole point is to embrace the clean crispness of a geometric bag. Like this stunning Saint Laurent Pyramid metallic leather clutch ($1,550). For an even more literal take on the wedge, how about this Judith Leiber Pepperoni Pizza crystal-embellished clutch ($5,695)?
5. geometric luxury handbags: Hexagons
Ready for higher mathematics? Then its time to hang a hexagon on your arm.
“It” brand Danse Lente draws from the abstract sculptures of Constantin Brâncuși to create its Mini Johnny bucket bag ($430), a totally of-the-moment luxury handbag in a hexagon shape. The hexagonal silhouette is defined by an over-sized D-ring that connects the chunky top handle. Silvia Furmanovich’s Marquetry Cherry Blossom Clutch ($10, 560) is an incredible take on a luxury handbag in a hexagon shape perfect for evenings out.
6. geometric luxury handbags: the Parallelogram
We have no idea if geometry was the intention behind this new bag from Balenciaga. But it fits the bill perfectly as a geometric shape. The Balenciaga Shift leather-trimmed shoulder bag ($1,090) has a slanted silhouette that’s in the shape of a perfect parallelogram.
7. geometric luxury handbags: Circles
The circle game has been going on for a while, and it shows no signs of stopping.
The iconic circular bag, the Louis Vuitton Petite Boite Chapeau ($4,200), comes in a wide range of patterns and prints. But others are taking the shape in new directions.
Jacquemus‘ signature micro-bags appear to get smaller every season. First there was the tiny ‘Chiquito’ bag. Fall winter 2019-20 brings this ‘Le Pitchou’ circular pouch ($230), so small that it will fit in your hand. Staud’s Moon Lizard-effect tote ($325) is reflective of a crescent moon.
The newest in Gucci’s ‘GG Marmont’ series is a circular leather bag quilted with a chevron pattern ($1,290). Cult Gaia’s Lumen bag ($438) has an orb silhouette inspired by the shape of a pearl. Made from tortoiseshell acrylic, it’s trimmed with a gold tassel.
Kayu’s Hollie tote ($240) is hand-crocheted in the Philippines by skilled artisans using locally sourced straw. And Gelareh Mizrahi’s Round Ball bag ($495) is a cool-girl’s take on the geometric trend.
8. geometric luxury handbags: Cones
For something truly new and different, these conical bags are architectural, striking, and highly functional. What more could one ask?
The Romeo bag from Balmain ($2,695) is a study in geometric shapes with its ultra-modern, conical design. Mansur Gavriel takes a strong architectural mindset with this bucket bag ($695) with structured pleats in a pyramid formation. Marni Pannier leather bucket bag ($1,990) has a a sculptural slant, thanks to its gold-tone metal handles.
geometric luxury handbags
Those are some of the most interesting bags we found in our fall winter shopping excursions. It reminds us again that a great accessory can be just pure fun, and an excellent way to elevate your look. Are any of these on your list for the new season?
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.