Picking a single perfect handbag is where friendships tend to fracture: some swear by spacious totes big enough to swallow a book or two, while others won't budge from compact silhouettes, preferably fitted with a shoulder strap so the hands stay free. A handbag mirrors more than fleeting fancies or personal taste — it broadcasts your lifestyle and the way you curate the objects you live with every day. Beyond its undeniable usefulness, the piece typically functions as the focal point that draws every passing glance. That is exactly why the word "invest" gets attached to handbags so often: the goal is not to grab the first thing in sight, but to commit to a companion that will stand by you season after season. Once that elusive piece is found, peace of mind follows, and if you are still hunting, allow us to point you toward one particular design that has been the breakout hit of the year.
Certain handbag silhouettes resurface every few seasons, settling into a hall of fame of classic shapes that remain a safe bet. In 2019, that role was filled by Carrie Bradshaw's iconic "baguette," which Fendi revived and prompted a wave of imitations from both luxury houses and smaller labels. The Row and Loewe, for instance, produced bags that echo the original Fendi baguette in outline, though each stamped its own signature on the result to dodge accusations of forgery: The Row introduced an asymmetric profile, while Loewe leaned into architectural geometry. Such borrowing carries no real stigma — back in the early 2000s, this petite yet surprisingly practical bag triggered a quiet revolution and set the benchmark for what a small-to-medium everyday handbag should look like.
Handbag Stealing the Spotlight This Season
The crown for the most coveted bag of the season passed in 2020 to a design carrying a delectable, almost edible name: the "croissant." The label belongs to Bottega Veneta, an Italian house that has spent the last three years consistently rewriting the rulebook. True to its name, the bag evokes French viennoiserie, crafted from supple folded leather and offered in a hue reminiscent of freshly baked pastry — alongside cream, scarlet, chocolate, and cherry. In the brand's timeline, the croissant is essentially a grown-up, polished iteration of another Bottega Veneta favorite known colloquially as the "dumpling" — a tiny pouch fashioned from the same soft, gathered leather. The newer release swallows considerably more belongings, and mercifully swaps out the impractical leather-thong strap and the unfortunate gold-leaf and neon-blue colorways.
Bottega Veneta, spring–summer 2020
Spin-offs surfaced almost overnight — Bottega Veneta has grown accustomed to serving as the template for labels both accessible and otherwise. The Staud and Nanushka brands, sitting at friendlier price points, debuted bags that mirror the puff-pastry silhouette and color story almost identically. Apart from obvious practicality, this particular cut brings a hidden perk: the slouchy structure feels considerably more inviting against the body than the rigid, boxy totes built from stiff leather. And let's face it, texture plays a massive role at the moment of purchase.
THE DEFINITIVE FASHION CHEAT SHEET FOR 2020: EVERYTHING WORTH WEARING NOW
Nanushka, spring–summer 2020; Staud, spring–summer 2020
The conceptual labels were soon joined by high-street giants rolling out their own takes on the soft-touch handbag. Locating versions in decent real leather proved a challenge, yet the price tags were a pleasant surprise. Mango, for example, attempts to capture that appetizing dark-beige croissant tone, whereas Zara and & Other Stories swap leather for a glossy satin in refined, jewel-like shades. For those loyal to the earlier Bottega Veneta miniature — the "dumpling" — H&M has readied an all-black rendition for the summer months.
Oversized slouchy bag by Mango
The Handbag the World Cannot Stop Talking About
Wooden-handle bag from ASOS
Satin bag by Zara
Featured image courtesy of asos.com
