Chanel’s Gabrielle

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While beloved classics like the 2.55 might come across as more of a “special events” kind of bag, the Gabrielle, launched last Spring, is what we’d consider an everyday-friendly model due to its extra-long chain sling + roomier design + structured base (no toppling over, thanks). Now, it’s just been introduced in its most egalitarian fabric ever – denim ($5,960).

Dior’s Lady Dior

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The Lady Dior has always been appreciated for its ladylike design. This season, it comes in a more rugged Canyon grained lambskin ($6,000), a nod to the Resort ’18 collection shown in a Californian desert. Completing the Wild West vibes: Dior’s signature logo charm in a mosaic of turquoise, white howlite and onyx resin stones, while the bag strap ($2,350) comes studded with aged silver medallions.

Tod’s Wave

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That The Wave ($2,130) backpack can be transformed into a cross-body bag and is now updated in pastel hues, makes this a season highlight. Another plus? The straps can be unhooked to become a shoulder sling, adding versatility to this all-rounder.

Coach’s Swagger 27

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This might be one of Coach’s boldest renditions ($1,295) of its popular Swagger 27 range – patches, rivets and cabochons pay tribute to the Wild West, while still retaining a sense of polish, especially with a new strap comprising of C-shaped links.

Longchamp’s 3D Massai

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New for Resort ’18, the 3D Massai tote bag features ethnic-style embroidery that pays tribute to indigenous Kenyan tribes and their cultural adornments. Its bright electric blue hue coupled with its roominess (29 x 38 x 10cm) means it’ll be a staple piece for the weekend.

Chloe’s Faye Day

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The Faye Day bag ($2,680-$2,940) – an update of the popular Faye (the latter was first introduced in S/S ’15) comes with two decorative side zippers that can be pulled down to reveal gussets panelled in suede. It’s also more practical, with two handles and a detachable, adjustable strap, allowing it to be worn in four ways.

Celine’s Bucket & Small Big Bag

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The Big Bag was a hit when it debuted on the Celine runway in F/W ’17, and the brand continues in that same vein with four new styles in the range – two being more comfortable in size (24 x 26cm, compared to the original 41 x 41 cm), while the other two feature the trapezoidal shape turned into a bucket style.

Hermes’ Licol 19stylish bags

Inspired by the art of paper folding, this equestrian-inspired piece features the typical round body of bucket bags, but is grounded with a square-shaped base. Its shoulder strap features the house’s classic Rocabar webbing, which is now updated in leather. Available in two sizes.

Loewe’s Tent

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J.W. Anderson at Loewe continues his winning streak of ingenious bags – the latest is the S/S ’18’s Tent, a slouchy hobo-style model ($3,490-$4,850) that’s reversible. Just remove the dog clips and wear it with the smooth supple calfskin on one side, suede on the other, or vice versa.

Gucci’s Dionysus Bucket

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Launched in Alessandro Michele’s debut season in F/W ’15, the Dionysus shoulder bag and its signature tiger head clasp has become rather synonymous with Gucci in just a few years. The range now includes a bucket bag ($3,060) for the very first time. Its antique-finished hardware is a nod to the inspiration: an archival bucket bag design. The sliding chain strap, however, is all parts modern – it can be worn both as a shoulder bag and a top-handle.

Bally’s Bturn Saddle

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Bally’s new S/S ’18 saddle bag ($1,790) is as functional as it gets. Made of smooth calfskin, it features two compartments, an adjustable sling and a discreet gold plaque with the house’s signature B-shaped turn-lock clasp.

Prada’s Monochrome

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Going tone on tone made a return last season, and Prada’s right on track with a classic tote – the Monochrome ($2,730-$3,000) – that’s been given the white-out treatment. In case you’re thinking an
all-white bag is too pristine, it does come in various colours, and in S and M sizes.

Fendi’s Runaway

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First launched last season, the Runaway bag ($2,990-$4,350) has been, well, a runaway success, thanks to it being remarkably lightweight for such a spacious design (it comes in small and medium, and the latter can fit a laptop). This season, it features the monogram for the first time.

Givenchy’s Sway

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Dubbed the Sway, this new satchel gets its name from its trapezoidal shape, which allows the bag to sit upright. Available in small and medium, it comes in a mix of grained and smooth calf leather that nails Givenchy’s luxe-meets-edgy aesthetic.

Diane Von Furstenburg’s Front Flap

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This Resort ’18 debut nails the colour-blocking trend with its dual-coloured palette. It wins points too for the mixture of textures – patent on matte leather – and can be worn as a top-handle or cross-body.

Mulberry’s Amberley

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Launched in F/W ’17, the Amberley is a relatively new player in the luxury bag scene. Resort ’18 sees the satchel-style model going exotic for the first time with python trimmings around the quilted calf leather body. In four sizes, from a mini to a regular satchel.

YSL’s Bellechasse

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The Bellechasse, launched last season, is decidedly straightforward – it’s a shoulder bag, but this latest iteration in linen with leather piping ($2,840) is refreshingly modern. While leather bags are aplenty, upholstering it in linen and leather comes across as both bucolic and rather ’70s in style.

This story first appeared in Female’s January 2018 issue.

Like this? Check out our cheatsheet on looking stylish on lazy days, the affordable statement bags that’ll last you through 2018 and the coolest bags we’re digging for S/S’18.