For his sixth and final season at the French luxury house, Alexander Wang delivers his boldest bags yet. Even the friendliest design is high on edge and street style quotient: a classic woven tote reinterpreted in full black or white leather, with floor-sweeping fringing along the base. For evening, there’s a clutch version.

Updated in pop hues, studs and floral applique, this elegant leather tote that debuted in Resort 2016 is full-on Instagram material. What’s hidden on the inside will score it the most “likes”: a clutch in a contrasting colour that’s sold together.

Former creative director Alber Elbaz was not much of a bag guy, but the one he created for his S/S ’16 swansong captures everything he made great at the label: a classic pocketbook handbag made fun yet glamorous with graphic hardware and a child-like scrawl.

The American label turns 75 this year, and this is the first of its archival designs to be relaunched as part of the celebrations: a trendy update of its No. 9170 Classic Pouch satchel from 1972. Like the original, it’s pared down thanks to minimal seams – each panel is made from a continuous piece of leather. Unlike the original, it sports more sinuous curves (read: looks more elegant); comes in 12 shades including hot pink and purple (fun); and can be monogrammed with one’s initials. In the original L size ($1,120) and a smaller, weekend-friendly option ($825).

Departing creative director Raf Simons leaves behind his legacy for balancing timelessness and the ultra modern with this simple, clever and aptly named tote. The classic East-West style is updated with clean lines and unexpected finishes – choose from metallic crinkled lambskin, or pop-hued calfskin or taurillon. It’s also a two-in-one: the flap can be inserted into the bag, transforming it into a more casual open-top.

This two-year-old design ($1,790-$3,990) is a bestseller thanks to its modern lines and functionality (the largest of its four sizes measures a travel-perfect 40 by 30cm). To make it even better, the lining is now made of Alcantara, a polyester-blend fabric that’s stain-resistant, and looks and feels like suede,
yet makes the bag weigh 30 per cent less than before.

The Bespoke is the brand’s office-ready yet ladylike top-handle that launched in F/W ’15. The Bauhaus ($2,999 for small, $3,099 for medium) is the S/S ’16 – and most vibrant – edition: covered in a colourful patchwork of precision-cut suede, boxed calf and embossed leather inspired by the German architectural movement.

Its name is a tribute to the home of the brand’s second maison opening this year: Beverly Hills. And its design – drawn from a 1971 archival piece – is equally laid-back yet sophisticated: a hobo made of buttery soft calf ($4,990), deer skin ($5,250) or croco ($40,450), with an edgy chain strap and utilitarian-looking leather strip down the centre for a closure.

Creative director Alessandro Michele debuted it in his first season last Fall and made it the bag to be seen with: a classic GG monogram shoulder bag anchored by a so-off-it’s-cool horseshoe-shaped buckle with double tiger-head motifs. How he’s making it even more desirable this season: by adding equally irreverent, handcrafted patches made of organza, strass and sequins. $5,500-$6,000

Hands down the Italian label’s most playful design yet: a calfskin shoulder bag in either a rectangular or saddle-like shape; and anchored by interlocking Ts (the brand’s new logo) for a buckle, rock band inspired studs and motifs, and an interchangeable strap reminiscent of those used on guitars. In regular and micro sizes ($1,870-$2,470), the latter even doubles as a belt bag – simply hook it on to an existing belt.

Structured top-handles are a brand speciality. How Miuccia Prada has kept this season’s – made of calf leather – looking fresh? By splashing on broad, graphic stripes in cool browns, nudes, green, red and black. The effect is retro yet eclectic (ie distinctly Prada).

This petite shoulder bag, recognisable by the black Perspex bar along its front, gets increasingly fun with every season. This time, it comes in shiny calfskin, galuchat, lizard or croco (from $3,330) in upbeat hues such as fuchsia, bright yellow, as well as tie-dye.

The only thing this new minaudiere ($2,490) has in common with the brand’s landmark fragrance that shares its name: glamorous sex appeal, with its metallic ridged Plexiglas finish and boudoir-esque leather tassels.

The American designer downsizes the multi-functional Secret Agent tote she debuted in F/W ’15. The result is a more youthful rendition that’s been seen on the likes of Gigi Hadid. Its USP – the convenient zip-off clutch – remains. In cow hide, $500

How much more intellectual looking can the messenger that Vogue.com crowned the #2 It bag of 2015 get? Besides the clever geometric make (it’s made of 44 pieces of leather, can be carried in five different ways, and folds completely flat), it comes in its most experimental finishes so far: see-through plastic and rubber.

In the hands of creative director Riccardo Tisci, the pretty bow motif becomes an edgy geometric shoulder bag with bevel-cut corners and a chunky chain strap. Into its third season, the latest versions (from $3,200 for calf leather to $7,500 for exotic skin) dial up the attitude with graphic monotone stripes and patchwork.

It has all the makings of a classic: frills-free yet sophisticated, with a handsome burnish and celebrity fan base (made up mostly of fashion plates like Cate Blanchett and Rihanna). If that’s not enough to make you hurry, the Marina Bay Sands store is the only one in South-east Asia to carry it, with just one of every colour and size.

Like what glamorous women carried on their travels in the ’50s, except that it’s been shrunk into a shoulder bag in plush alligator or grained calfskin. To go with the fun jet-set look, each comes with a CC padlock, a mirror on the interior, and is available in a wide range of colours – from Bordeaux red to this funky silver.

The brand’s new signature tote is as much retro elegance as it is modern art with its geometric shape, rounded base, neutral colour blocking and sculptural clasp – all crafted by Tuscan artisans.

The British leather goods house has always been a go-to for classic, functional styles. The graphic, minimalist appeal of its latest tote ($1,930-$3,660) raises its fashion cred without losing its practical magic: an extra pair of pivoted handles long enough for the shoulders, and decorative when not in use.

New York’s king of lifestyle dressing streamlines his signature bucket shape to create a new bag for the woman on the go. The shape is cleaner and more relaxed (read: roomier); gone is the metal plaque (so it looks sleeker); and to make it even handier: the addition of a short handle. In French calf leather or exotic skin.

Debuted in S/S ’15, the brand’s answer to a structured box bag is a mix of vintage chic and sleek modernity with its abstract opening (it’s inspired by that of a flower), metal twist lock and – instead of a top handle – a skinny shoulder strap. This season’s variety (from $2,245) comes in shiny embossed calf leather that ups the old-world elegance.

Spot on the recent trend for wristlet minaudieres, this fits an iPhone 6 Plus, cards and whatever you can stash in the internal zip pocket. What it lacks in space, it makes up for in eclectic boho chic with a baroque-esque laser-cut suede pattern and braided leather strap.

Drawstring bags are in and Nicolas Ghesquiere’s leads the pack with its artisanal make (the Monogram canvas leather is pleated so intricately, it’s as supple as fabric) and The Hunger Games sensibilities.

Like a petite briefcase, the label’s signature shoulder handbag has always scored on timeless sophistication. The latest rendition (in leather, $2,890) will appeal to fans of art and chinoiserie chic – covered in a graphic floral motif created to mark the 50th year in which Florence (the brand’s home base) and Kyoto became sister cities.

In 2011, this boxy tote with flared sides debuted and was an instant hit – just like nearly every other bag that Phoebe Philo created. Five years on, it not only remains relevant, but is also a conversation piece with 16 new styles ($2,900-$5,800) including retro-esque colour blocking, and this leather and striped woven cotton number.

Inspired by the idea of the conservative and underground co-existing, the brand dressed models in sheer nightgowns over retro tailoring, complete with glam rock accessories. Its key bag is easier to pull off, yet captures the same rebellious irreverence: a mini handbag (from $3,450) in snakeskin, anchored by an oversized acrylic chain for some clubby ’80s kitsch.   

An adapted version first appeared in Female’s February issue, out on newsstands now. 

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