The Handbag Trends to Know for SS25 That Redefined the Runways, According to a Fashion Expert
Photo Credits (L-R): Hermès, Prada, Fendi. Photos via Getty Images.
The Spring/Summer 2025 runways were a masterclass in reinvention, with luxury fashion houses pushing the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. Handbags, long a cornerstone of the fashion world, took center stage, transforming from mere accessories into works of art that epitomized both tradition and innovation.
Luxury fashion influencer and sustainability advocate Lívia Gueissaz weighed in with her insights on the key trends and creations that dominated the season. “Handbags are now more than just an accessory. They symbolize the individuality and personality of those who carry them,” Gueissaz noted. “Each season, the major brands surprise us with new interpretations of their iconic pieces, and Summer 2025 was no exception.”
The Inverted Iconic Birkin: Hermès
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 28: A model walks the runway during the Hermes Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show as part of the Paris Fashion Week on September 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 28: A model walks the runway during the Hermes Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show as part of the Paris Fashion Week on September 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
One of the most talked-about pieces was the inverted Hermès Birkin. This iconic bag, flipped inside out, was a bold statement that showcased the maison’s commitment to pushing boundaries. “It’s a statement of boldness and innovation,” Gueissaz explained. “Hermès continues to challenge the status quo, maintaining functionality and elegance, but with a disruptive twist that draws attention to the impeccable craftsmanship of the piece.”
Artwork as Accessories: Louis Vuitton
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 01: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Louis Vuitton Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 01, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 01: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Louis Vuitton Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 01, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images)
Louis Vuitton also made a significant impact with its artistic approach to handbags. From fan-shaped clutches to hand-painted trunks, the brand transformed traditional accessories into pieces worthy of a museum exhibit. “What Louis Vuitton has done is reimagine its traditions in leather goods. By transforming classic accessories into almost museum-like pieces, the brand continues to set the standard for blending tradition with modernity,” Gueissaz commented.
Fashion of the Future: Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and Balmain
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: A model walks the runway during the Prada Ready to Wear Spring Summer 2025 fashion show as part of the Milan Fashion Week on September 19, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: A model, bag details, walks the runway at the Gucci Women’s Spring Summer 2025 Fashion Show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 at Triennale di Milano on September 20, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Gucci)
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 17: A model, bag detail, walks the runway at the Fendi fashion show during the Milan Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 on September 17, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Pietro D’Aprano/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model , bag detail, walks the runway during the Balmain Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 25, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Other standout designs included Prada’s futuristic hobo bag, Gucci’s revived bamboo-handle model, Fendi’s intricately embroidered creations, and Balmain’s makeup palette-turned-clutch, a playful and unexpected twist on the traditional handbag. Each brand offered a unique perspective on the modern handbag, demonstrating the versatility and artistry of the form.
Tried-and-True Trends: Dior and Tod’s
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 24: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Christian Dior Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 24, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: A model, bag detail, walks the runway at the Tod’s fashion show during the Milan Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 on September 20, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Pietro D’Aprano/Getty Images)
Some luxury fashion houses decided to make their mark on the handbag world by keeping to class and tradition. Dior’s reinvented Lady Dior bag offered a blend of sophistication and modernity, and Tod’s minimalist leather bag was a testament to the power of understated elegance, while both capitalized on the popular east-west bag silhouette trend.
As Gueissaz concluded, “Each of these brands has managed, in its own unique way, to innovate while honoring its heritage. Summer 2025 will be remembered as a season of experimentation and celebration of the classic identities of the world’s greatest fashion houses, with luxury remaining the key element.”