In the handbag world, the pendulum tends to swing from micro to macro and hands-free to hands-on construction every few years, yet certain handbag shapes like the satchel have endured as status symbols in the face of countless trends and “It” bags. So although top-handle satchel bags are as timeless as it gets, there’s no question that the shape is having another moment in the spotlight right now.
With a rise in what some are calling an “old money” aesthetic or more generally the quiet-luxury look, it makes sense that a symbol of wealth like the satchel would make more appearances on the arms of the style set. Bags like the Birkin and Kelly no doubt set the standard for what an old money handbag looks like, in other words a structured shape with elegant front-clasp hardware, but the shape’s influence is reaching farther than ever right now and we’re noticing a spike not only in satchel-carriers but also in a new slate of FW23 handbags that reimagine the satchel’s classic look for the modern woman.
In their fall 2023 collections, designers introduced their interpretation on the classic bag but reimagined for the modern wardrobe. From Ferragamo’s Hug Pouch Bag to The Row’s Margaux Tote, continue on to discover the “Old Money”-inspired handbags that pay homage to the inimitable carryall.