One of Nicolas Ghesquiere’s earliest smash hits when he first joined the maison is the much-loved Petite Malle handbag. Now, meet its laid-back cousin with a soft – not structured – body and an unexpected leather zip tab fastened with the brand’s iconic S-lock for a closure. Details such as metallic corners remain as a homage to Louis Vuitton’s origins as a trunkmaker.

Creative director Matthieu Blazy continues his intellectual-meets-artisanal streak at the Italian label with this head-turning number that can be slung over the shoulder or gripped in hand. Its spherical shape is inspired by the nubby buttons typically found on the caban coats worn by sailors. And if it looks invitingly plush, that’s because it is: It’s crafted from oversized, puffy fettucce – or ribbons – of the same buttery soft leather used for gloves

Debuted as part of the label’s Cosmogonie Cruise 2023 collection, this understated and roomy, archive-inspired hobo lives up to its name with its sinuous, crescent-shaped curves and supple leather make. Enlivened by the brand’s double G emblem, it’s sold with an additional strap that allows one to wear it longer or crossbody.

The French luxury maison has been on a streak expanding its leather goods family, particularly that of the Panthere de Cartier collection. Distinguished by a bejewelled clasp in varying forms of a panther’s head (the one here is shaped like a slick “C”), the line welcomes a party-ready addition with a dinky, structured shape and fun finishes such as golden metallic calfskin or all-over black sequins. Available in S or mini (the one pictured here), it can be carried crossbody on its chain shoulder strap or as a clutch.

The American powerhouse’s spin on the dome-shaped top handle easily makes for one of its most sophisticated bags yet. Keeping things youthful are its compact size (it measures 26 X 20 X 12cm) and playful finishes such as glovetanned leather in pop colours or a red plaid print.

Toile Iconographe essentially refers to canvas with a natural finish, and the maison’s ’70s-inspired V-logo embroidered all-over to a cool hypnotic effect. With pieces punctuating the brand’s Spring Summer 2023 showcase in Oct, the capsule collection revolving around this new signature fabric covers Mod-chic ready-to-wear pieces and a concise yet fashion-forward series of bags. Among them are the small La Cinquieme bucket bag with a moulded goatskin shell; its shoulder bag of a cousin, the Le Grand Deuxieme; and what we’re predicting to be the hottest seller: this hyper-chic, XL shopping tote.

This article first appeared in the Dec 2022 Love Edition of FEMALE