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Image: Alexander McQueen

Arm candy: The best new-season designer bags

17 Oct 2024 | Updated on: 18 Dec 2024 | By Zoe Gunn

Level up your AW24 accessories wardrobe with the latest must-have handbags

All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.

Are there any items so prized in a woman’s wardrobe as her favourite designer bags? A trusty companion for work and play, invest wisely and you’ll love it forever (especially if you take advantage of the growing number of luxury restoration services). So, with a slew of new AW24 designer bags finally reaching stores, which should you be buying now? Oversized totes are always a good idea – especially if WFH is a distant memory. And you can never go wrong with a classic quilted crossbody bag or chic backpack and, when it comes to brands, a Gucci shoulder bag or Dior crossbody will never go out of style.

Alternatively, shop with your heart instead of your head and allow yourself to be seduced by AW24’s biggest handbag trends. Nineties shoulder styles are back in a big way this season, as are revivals of archival designs, while there’s a cornucopia of colour and texture to choose from thanks to the likes of Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham and Valentino. And should your tastes move on? Well, that’s what luxury resale sites are for. Here’s our guide to the best new season designer bags to buy now.

Etro Vela bag

A romantic, vintage-inspired style imbued with boho spirit, Etro’s Vela bag was created by Marco De Vincenzo to be the ultimate elegant piece. Offered in an array of autumnal hues, including woven black and brown leather, shimmery metallics and scalloped embroidered versions, this is an out-of-the-ordinary choice that’s guaranteed to be admired.

£2,295
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Ferragamo crossbody bag

Inspired by the lily, the symbol of Ferragamo’s hometown of Florence, the Italian brand’s latest bag silhouette is sculptural, sleek and finds the perfect balance between contemporary and timeless. Offered as a tote or crossbody, buy one in each size to be prepared for every occasion.

£1,640
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Victoria Beckham Dorian bag

Okay, so the Dorian isn’t technically new – in fact it’s one of Victoria Beckham’s signature bag silhouettes – but, for AW24, the brand has shrunk its hero design into a chic bag perfectly sized for everyday use. A removable and adjustable strap means it can be worn as a shoulder or crossbody, or held top handle, with grained leather and croc-embossed varieties on offer.

£1,250
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Valentino VLogo Moon bag

Inspired, says the house, by not onlythe shape of the crescent moon but its whimsical, romantic spirit, the Valentino VLogo Moon bag is carefree and statement making. Offered in sizes ranging from mini to medium, each featuring the design’s signature curvaceous lines and slouchy nonchalance, sling it on crossbody during the day or wrap elegantly around your wrist runway style for an upscale evening look.

£2,250
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Alexander McQueen Peak bag

This season Alexander McQueen offers up refreshed iterations of its classic Peak bag. Instantly recognisable for its knuckle cut-out handle and trapezoid silhouette, the new Mini and Micro sizes can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder and, good news, the Mini is still big enough to fit your phone in. The original, manwhile, now comes in a luxe grained leather and, while there are a roster of seasonal hues on offer, we’re investing in classic black.

£2,300
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Santoni ThePluto bag

If classic isn’t really your style, Santoni’s asymmetric ThePluto bag promises space age design combined with traditional Italian craftsmanship. Graphic lines, luxe materials, and geometric accents combine to create a shoulder bag sure to inspire compliments. Order in this season’s must-have burgundy hue.

£1,685
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Gucci Horsebit 1955 shoulder bag

As the name suggests, Gucci’s Horsebit 1955 bag is an archival design that hails from the 1950s, when it became the first bag to feature the house’s signature horsebit hardware. Its modern iteration was revived a few years ago but returns this season in new colourways and with a fresh campaign featuring girls-of-the-moment Halle Bailey, Julia Garner and Hanni.

£2,650
Buy Now

Ganni Bou Bag

Available in six colourways, including fresh spring hues of pastel pink, lime and caramel, Ganni’s new Bou bag is crafted entirely from recycled leather as part of the brand’s commitment to phase out virgin leather. Featuring a thoroughly modern hexagonal design, it can be worn as both a top-handle or crossbody bag.

£375
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Valentino Loco bag

With its elongated rectangular body and armpit-hugging shoulder strap, this minimalist Valentino design is quintessential Noughties revival. Also boasting a chain that can be worn long or short, it’s finished with the V logo, which is inspired by an archival emblem from the 1960s.

£1,950
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MCM Mode Travia tote

If what you desire most from a bag is the ability to throw in everything plus the kitchen sink and set off for your day, MCM’s Mode Travia tote is the new season style for you. Made in Italy using a fine smooth leather, a roomy trapeze-style interior and detachable shoulder strap make this the ultimate versatile piece.

£1,520
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Alexander McQueen Jewelled Hobo bag

Available in two sizes and five bold colourways – including an all-over embroidered designed inspired by Hieronymus Bosch – Alexander McQueen’s Jewelled Hobo puts a new spin on the house’s signature knuckle closure. Embellished with Swarovski crystals, its dazzling details are reflected in a contemporary faceted silhouette.

£1,480
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Loro Piana Bale bag

Before The Row and Succession brought quiet luxury to a mass audience, there was Loro Piana. The uber-luxe Italian brand has been outfitting Europe’s chicest fashion plates in cashmere capes and buttery suede jackets for decades and its new Bale bag pays homage to this heritage. Inspired by the shape of cashmere bales, its slouchy, minimalist design is the last word in stealth wealth.

£3,070
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Dior Lady Dior 95.22 bag

One for the serious collectors, you’ll have your work cut out getting your hands on Dior’s new Lady Dior 95.22 bag – as it’s only available in select boutiques. Reinventing the classic lines of the original Lady Dior, which was introduced in 1995, we reckon its quilted curves and ‘Dior’ lucky charms make it worth it.

POA
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Lulu Guinness Collectible Fan clutch

Lulu Guiness’ fan clutch has been a staple of the designer’s Collectibles collection since 1998 and, over the years, has been reworked in collaboration with stars including Paloma Faith, Rob Ryan and Sophie Dahl. This season it’s offered in black or ivory satin and embellished with sustainably-grown freshwater pearls; the perfect black tie piece.

£325
Buy Now

Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme shoulder bag

The vogue for logos shows no sign of abating this season – especially when said logos are left in the capable, quirky hands of Gucci. Incorporating one of the house’s favourite emblems, the tiger head, to create an ornate closure, this timeless shoulder bag is made from Gucci’s GG Supreme canvas, which promises durable construction and low environmental impact.

£1,510
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