Explore the latest trends in women’s bags for Spring/Summer 2024. From versatile designs that transition from city to beach, to digital-friendly styles, this article covers the key trends that online retailers need to know.
Table of Contents
1. The minimalist resort shopper
2. The crafted bucket
3. The mini top-handle
4. The phone bag
5. The #SoftVolume shoulder bag
1. The minimalist resort shopper
The minimalist resort shopper is a nod to the fusion of artisanal techniques and vacation travel trends. Prada’s #PradaTropico collection, trending on TikTok with over 15.2 million views, exemplifies this trend with its openwork bags. These bags, sent to key influencers, feature a slouchy silhouette, providing ample storage, and are made from sustainable materials like hemp, jute, GOTS-certified cotton, and recycled nylon and polyester. The design is refreshed with colorful knits, including string-work and crochet, in joyful hues and patterns.
2. The crafted bucket
In line with the appreciation for handcrafted techniques, intricate weaves and structures are updating bucket profiles for refined and detail-driven styling beyond the beach. Natural materials like raffia, wicker, and rattan are prioritized, reflecting a simplified mindset that emphasizes regenerative and renewable resources. Brands like Cesta Collective, collaborating with female artisans in Rwanda, are leading this trend. Decorative details like fringing and healing stones add a personalized touch, as seen in Brazilian brand It Bag Brasil. The use of responsibly sourced leather or leather-alternative trims and recycled hardware ensures a polished finish.
3. The mini top-handle
The mini top-handle bag is capturing the fashion world with its novelty designs and sophisticated aesthetic. This style, highlighted in the S/S 23 Buyers’ Briefing, has seen growth in online retail in early 2022, with mentions of “micro bags” reaching 10 million views on TikTok. Influencers and fashion innovators are driving this trend. Key design details include creating miniature versions of popular core styles, like the top-handle bag seen at Belgian brand Delvaux. Ensuring space for essentials, mono-material constructions are favored to enhance key seasonal tones, such as Fondant Pink. Detachable long straps or chains are added for multi-styling options.
4. The phone bag
Small accessories like the phone bag remain commercially viable due to their practical, modular qualities. This functional style, capable of holding essentials like phones, bank cards, and keys, creates add-on opportunities when styled as a multi-bag set, as seen at Longchamp. Design details focus on just enough space with inner compartments for cards and outer pockets for storage. Reusing leftover materials from larger styles, these items often feature mono-material designs. Lower-impact materials, including leather alternatives in polished or chalked finishes, are used to enhance longevity, while elevated studs add a detailed update.
5. The #SoftVolume shoulder bag
The #SoftVolume shoulder bag is a trendsetting style that combines comfort with sophistication. Emphasizing blown-up proportions and surrealist materials, this trend responds to the demand for innovative and voluminous designs. London-based brand A.W.A.K.E. MODE exemplifies this trend with sculptural strap designs. These bags, typically small to medium in scale, fit comfortably under the arm and are made with responsibly sourced leather or leather alternatives. Sustainable fillings, such as discarded or recycled textiles, are utilized, aligning with the rising eco-conscious consumer demands. Seasonal colors like Green Flare add a playful aesthetic, showcased in JW PEI’s Abacus style. Tubular volume in handles is a key design feature, updating the classic shoulder bag silhouette.
Conclusion
The Spring/Summer 2024 women’s bag trends offer a blend of practicality, artisanal craftsmanship, and innovative design. From the minimalist resort shopper to the #SoftVolume shoulder bag, each trend caters to a specific consumer need while embracing sustainability and digital appeal. These trends present online retailers with diverse options to cater to the evolving preferences of fashion-forward consumers, ensuring they stay ahead in the competitive fashion market.
