In the era dominated by small-sized purses, it seems that large-sized bags are making a comeback. These bags not only make a statement in the world of luxury fashion but also reflect the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.
In the realm of oversized tote bags, celebrities from Bella Hadid to Zoë Kravitz favor products from renowned brands such as Celine, Dior, Saint Laurent, and more. But where did the trend originate?
Influenced by popular culture, especially the hit TV series “Succession,” oversized tote bags gained attention for their association with Quiet Luxury aesthetics. Despite some criticism directed at the 2,000-pound Burberry bag featured in the series, it became a sought-after item in real life. This shift altered the perception of these bags, turning them into a fashion statement rather than just functional accessories.
Fashion pioneers like Marc Jacobs, Saint Laurent, and Dior embraced the trend of ‘oversized allure.’ Marc Jacobs, in particular, elevated the game with “The Tote Bag,” a luxurious collection featuring various sizes and fabric materials introduced in previous seasons. This collection offered a sophisticated alternative to the common delicate bags found in our wardrobes.
This trend also attracted Loewe and Khaite with their “XL Flamenco” and “Amelia Tote,” contributing to the wave of ‘investment-worthy bags.’ Dior’s “Book Tote” underwent several transformations in shape and material due to its long-standing history, but it successfully transformed a traditional and dull item into a standout accessory today.
However, the most favored standout design in the world of oversized bags comes from Saint Laurent, named the “Icare Maxi Shopper.” Often seen alongside A-list celebrities like Bella Hadid, Zoë Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Sydney Sweeney, this large quilted bag has become the hottest product on Lyst, experiencing a 46% increase in searches.
While tote bags may be an essential part of our daily lives, providing ample space for necessities, there’s a challenge and issue to contemplate: are we consuming too many of these bags without utilizing them efficiently?
The New York Times revealed the ‘cotton bag crisis,’ stating that we need to use a cotton bag 20,000 times to offset its negative environmental impact during production. As consumption is challenging to reduce, luxury fashion brands are striving to create alternative options that blend fashion with functionality.
Digging deeper into the wardrobes of celebrities, we find that even the famous ones own a few favorite accessories instead of following fast fashion trends. From crossbody bags to logo-embellished ones, choose accessories you love for long-term investment, facing the temptations and challenges of time and trends. So why buy 30 different bags when just one perfect bag can attract all the attention? Explore the styles below with Style-Republik to upgrade your wardrobe!
Celine – Cabas
When Angelina Jolie needs a bag for work and to carry essentials, it seems like the Celine Cabas is the perfect choice. Decorated with the distinctive Triomphe canvas and calfskin leather, it also features an additional layer of gold plating. With a convenient snap closure, it has a main compartment and a small storage pocket inside, making it both practical and elegant, showcasing Jolie’s simple style.
Loewe – ‘XL Flamenco’
Celebrities like Jessica Alba and Olivia Wilde have chosen this XL bag for their daily work, inspired by Quiet Luxury. Loewe’s Flamenco bag is crafted by leather artisans from Madrid, featuring a suede calfskin with a fishbone-patterned fabric lining. Additionally, the soft accordion-like folds and the tied drawstrings with rolled buttons, a characteristic of Spain, add to its unique charm.
Givenchy – Maxi Antigona
Spotted on the streets of New York was model Gigi Hadid, confidently sporting the Antigona bag on her arm during a work outing. Hadid paired the black leather Givenchy maxi Antigona with a cream-colored round-neck sweater and ripped blue jeans, garnering all the attention. Available in various sizes, from small to medium to large, the bag is crafted from Italian calfskin, with the brand name in silver adding a touch of sophistication to the outfit without compromising the model’s elegance.
Chloé – Marcie Large Grain
Bidding farewell to the era of mini bags, oversized bags are making a comeback, with Katie Holmes leading the trend. In the bustling city of New York, where every centimeter exudes luxury, Holmes was seen donning a large black leather bag with a comfortable sneaker ensemble. The spacious tote bag, crafted from glossy calfskin, stands out and enhances the allure of the ’70s fashion trend.
Dior – Book Tote
Fashion enthusiasts like Rihanna, Priyanka Chopra, Bella Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence, and more have elevated the status of the Dior Book Tote to one of the most favored oversized totes among celebrities. A masterpiece by creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Dior Book Tote is frequently seen at airports and in their wardrobes. The canvas structure contributes to its beautiful design, and the option to personalize by embroidering names on the bag adds a unique touch. It effortlessly accommodates everything from books to travel essentials, cosmetics, and everyday items.
Saint Laurent – Icare Maxi Shopper
Sported by Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, Blackpink’s Rosé, Miley Cyrus, and Sydney Sweeney, the Saint Laurent Icare Maxi Shopper exudes undeniable allure. Produced by the Italian fashion house, crafted from plush lamb shearling, it can carry everything needed for any outing. Bearing the iconic YSL emblem, it undoubtedly makes you the center of attention. With hardware in a copper hue, a flap closure, a main compartment, and a detachable zippered pouch, this accessory is versatile and functional, complementing various styles.
Ferragamo – Hug Bag
Swiftly earning the title of an ‘IT’ bag, the Ferragamo Hug Bag garnered attention when unveiled at the Fall/Winter 2023 show in Milan. Its post-launch fame was easily predictable. Cleverly named for its embracing shape, the XL clutch showcases classic features with two distinct versions: a top handle and a clutch, both in Ferragamo’s signature black and vibrant red. The second version quickly transformed into a tote favored by celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Louis Vuitton – Miroir Alma GM
Two names synonymous with popular culture, Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, once appeared together in shiny outfits with the LV tote in hand. The logo-printed bag, inspired by Marc Jacob’s 2006 catalog, became a quick hit for LV. In 2020, Kardashian once again brought this bag to the streets, instantly reviving its popularity.
