The coolest new-season designer handbags

There’s nothing like starting a new season with a new designer handbag, and for spring/summer 2024, there are plenty of gorgeous fashion-forward bags that will also seamlessly slot into your forever wardrobe.

Trends-wise, we are seeing plenty of tales of opposites. Where the quiet luxury aesthetic is still going strong – Toteme, Lemaire and Loewe are all backing this – embellishments are also making a comeback this season, with chains, patterns and quirky details seen everywhere from Bottega to Prada (I’m still thinking about that tiny head acting as a clasp at Prada).

Where tiny bags and clutches are a worthy investment for spring, especially if you’re thinking of envelope bags, XXL totes, preferably slouchy and stuffed to the gills, also reign supreme. Look to The Row, Khaite and Saint Laurent for practical, roomy bags.

While the colour-averse will welcome SS24’s monochrome trend, others will be happy to hear that our love-in with red is showing no sign of abetting.

Another new(ish) trend for the season: woven and basket bags, perhaps an ode to Jane Birkin, who sadly passed away last summer.

Other new styles you’ll be tempted to add to your shopping list: top handle bags for a ladylike take (Dolce & Gabbana, JW Anderson), and bucket bags for something altogether boho (Mulberry’s new Islington bucket is a must).

Onto the more trend-led piece: the cargo bag, riddled with pockets in the perfect (and practical) throwback to the 00s trend. Look to Balenciaga and Miu Miu for this particular style.

From the practical to the no-so-practical, the new to the re-imagined, here we breakdown the best new designer handbags to invest in this season.