You might have grand plans to rock that new miniskirt (Miu Miu inspired, of course) or cut-out dress no less than ten times this summer, but neither will be an everyday piece. Purses, however, are meant to be used daily, making 2022’s biggest handbag trends of the utmost shopping interest. Since you’ve undoubtedly experienced the struggle of shuffling your personal belongings from purse to purse, you want to invest in a bag that’s stylish and, more importantly, practical. Fortunately, according to the designers behind the industry’s on-the-rise labels, the 2022 handbag trends fit an array of lifestyles and fashion preferences.
For starters, Merve Manastir, co-founder and co-creative director of Istanbul-based handbag and shoe brand Manu Atelier, says the number one trend for 2022 is bold bags in vibrant and fun colors. “After nearly two years of these stressful times, it’s time to inject some brightness into people’s lives,” she tells TZR. So whether you’re eager to implement a neon green or subtle pastel pink into your repertoire, there’s no shortage of joyful hues to choose from when shopping.
On top of cheerful shades, Valerie Blaise, designer and founder of Vavvoune — a Brooklyn-based handbag and shoe brand known for its one-of-a-kind silhouettes — says one of the biggest bag trends of the year will be modern and distinctive designs. “That’s pretty much a forever trend because people love new shapes and silhouettes on anything,” the expert tells TZR. As for other rising styles you can expect this year, designers share their predictions on the 2022’s top bags trends ahead.
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Over-The-Shoulder
Throwback-inspired bags are here to stay in 2022, says Vanessa Pearce, founder and designer of fashion label The Wolf Gang. “I would say ‘90s-inspired, shoulder bag styles, baguettes, and micro bags [will continue],” she tells TZR. Modern iterations will feature interesting color combinations, accents like chains and metal hardware, and of-the-moment textures like croc and rattan.
Unique Shapes
As Manastir indicated, you can expect an onslaught of striking shapes and silhouettes in 2022. “Unique and eye-catching seems to be the theme this year,” says Daana Diaz Madrid, designer and CEO of handbag brand Daana Saakena to TZR. “Statement bags don’t have to be bright or overly embellished to stand out. Clean lines that create a distinct silhouette can say just as much,” she continues. “We designed our core collection with geometric shape and structure in mind.”
Woven Purses
Jasmin Larian Hekmat, founder and creative director of Cult Gaia, says woven purses will be a hugely sought-after style in 2022. “[They’re] an elevated, nature-inspired, architectural take on the typical straw bags you see every spring and summer,” she tells TZR. In agreement, Elisa Rossi, founder and CEO of bag brand Milaner, adds, “the desire to travel and explore is greater than ever, so a bag that makes that easier, while still looking beautiful, is key.”
The Bigger, The Better
New York-based handbag designer Brandon Blackwood says oversize bags will once again be major. “The mini bag trend is still going strong, but now that people are slowly transitioning back into their normal lives post-Covid, I’ve seen my customer ask for bags with more space,” he tells TZR. “Traveling, going back to work, and being out for longer amounts of time require slightly larger pieces.”
Peju Obasa, the founder of her namesake London label, agrees. “We’re seeing all things chunky,” Obasa tells TZR, signaling the micro fade.
Extra Long Straps
A practical trend you’ll see in 2022: Extra-long straps on handbags. “Short bag straps will keep working, but long, boho crossbody bags will take an important place,” Gabriela Comella, founder of Gabriel For Sach, tells TZR. You can choose a style that features a buckle that allows for adjustments, such as the label’s Flat Pink Bag, elongated hobo bags, or one that has long clip-on straps, like Jaquemus’ beloved Le Chiquito Bag.
Silver Hardware
“I’m a bit biased on this one, but I think silver hardware is the go-to,” Stephanie Sonya Ibbitson, owner and designer of Vancouver-based minimalist label Sonya Lee, tells TZR. In line with 2022’s biggest jewelry trends, she continues, “It’s a bit more subdued, which reminds me of the simplicity we desired after the 2008 recession with brands like Celine.” This trend is ideal for those who prefer more streamlined styles but with a touch of flair.
Unexpected Textures
Blackwood anticipates unusual textures on handbags to be a theme in 2022. “My collections have included puffer materials, shearlings, mirror leathers, wools, and beads,” the designer says, noting new materials in his repertoire for spring, including shells, knits, and mesh. “People are much more experimental with their handbags [these days] and want them to have [some] character on their own,” he adds
Sade Mims, founder of New York-based accessories label Edas, also anticipates more tactile bags in 2022. “When I think about texture, I see more prints, more embossed bags, and more quilted styles having a huge moment,” she tells TZR. “We want to make a soft statement, and texture does just that.”
Ethically Sourced Materials
Lara Jean Elias, creative studio manager at the trendy London-based label Home of Hai, says ethically sourced materials will be a growing priority for shoppers in 2022. “Customers want to know that their bags have been made in a responsible way and, as a brand, this is something we will continuously be working on,” she tells TZR. According to the expert, ethically sourced lace and suede are two key materials, both of which Home Of Hai is interested hopes to use in new designs.
Mireia Llusia-Lindh, founder of luxury handbag and clothing brand DeMellier London, notes an increased demand for natural materials that are good for the planet, which she hopes is a trend that’s here to stay. “We’ve just introduced a new knitwear collection made with sustainable cashmere, and we will have touches of raffia and natural straw in our bag collection for the summer,” she tells TZR.
Party Bags
According to Larian Hekmat, the party bag trend will be just as big in 2022. “Joyful, statement-making bags will continue to be huge in 2022 — think feathers, sequins, embellishments, and rhinestones,” she says.
Moya Annece, co-founder and creative director of New York-based minimalist handbag label Ashya, is also predicting an uptick in these exhilarating bags. “With the resurgence of social gatherings and parties, we anticipate small and playful accessories will make a strong comeback as a trend for the new year,” she tells TZR.
Ultimate Organization
“The busier we become, the more important organization becomes, too, so handbags constructed with this in mind are proving to be quite popular,” says Tina Lutz, founder of Lutz Morris. The brand’s Maya bag is an exemplary option, featuring an exterior pocket with seven card slots for stowing credit cards, cash, subway tickets, and most importantly, a cell phone. “Always best to be prepared, with an elevated and elegant handbag, no less.”
On the same note, Annece says travel bags will be big again in 2022, changing travel restrictions. “As our environment begins to re-open gradually, more people are traveling and exploring again and are looking for seamless functional designs, whether big or small,” she tells TZR. Look to the label’s Anjuna Utility Belt Bag, which features five(!) pockets for those who love a hands-free style.
Unusual Color
This year, Mims believes in the power of slightly unusual color. “[Instead of] your standard tan bag, something more taupe will replace it,” she explains. Similarly, Yvonne Koné, founder of her namesake luxury Italian-made leather goods label, says, “I see people wanting to add a little color to their everyday life. No matter if it is on the way to work, or if you’re working remotely and feel like spicing up the daily grocery shopping tour.”
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