The 2020 Cult Bag Labels That Should Be On Your Radar
Things are just about to look up. With going out slowly becoming the norm again (with appropriate safety distancing measures in mind, of course), it’s time to refresh your current wardrobe -- and what better way to do so then with a cute bag in tow?
Enter the cult designer bag, which you might’ve seen all over instagram, and perhaps the perfect item to jolt you out of an outfit lull.
Functional and stylish, without breaking the bank, there’s a whole lot to love about these bags. Ahead, we list the top bag brands that have been at the top of our radar this year.
Telfar
The Telfar shopping bag, a simple, boxy carryall bearing the brand’s logo, has risen to be one of the year’s most definitive bag, carried by the likes of Solange, Selena Gomez, and more. Affectionately dubbed the “Bushwick Birken,” Telfar’s bags come with a strong statement of inclusivity. Founded by designer Telfar Clemens, the label won top price at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards, an establishment nod for the young, queer Liberian American.
BY FAR
Taking inspiration from the retro bags of the early aughts - with one even being appropriately named Rachel (from Friends), Bulgarian label BY FAR’s range of sleek and trendy, yet affordably priced items combine a cool girl nonchalance with elevated glamour. It’s been a hit amongst the fashion set, donning the arms of the likes Blackpink’s Jennie, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber, to name a few. What’s more, each piece is handmade in a family-run factory, made with a mix of sustainable and premium Italian leather and suede.
Yuzefi
This cult instagram sensation was founded in 2015 by Naza Yousefi. With no previous training in handbag design, the designer uses experimental, modernist and unusual designs as part of her DNA - and its working. Along with its mix of bright and neutral colours in modern shapes, the bags have been a hit amongst the fashion set, with fresh designs emerging each season.
Vanina
Handcrafted using up-cycling and zero-waste methods, the intricately designed beaded handbags of Beirut-based label Vanina mixes bold, innovative styles with unique materials, from fringe to satin, that makes for the perfect standout evening accessory. It counts Net-A-Porter, Farfetch, Luisaviaroma as just a few of its stockists.
Staud
The ruched, croissant bag looks to be the top handbag trend of the moment and Staud is one of the cult brands leading it with their Soft Moon bags. Named one of the top three brands to wear by Moda Operandi’s fashion buying director Lisa Aiken, the LA cool-girl brand has caught the attention of various fashion tastemakers, from Elsa Hosk, to the Haim sisters, and more.
Wandler
Clean, elegant and feminine are just about a few words used to describe Dutch luxury accessories label Wandler, which carries a range of geometric-shaped bags in a series of vibrant colours. Already spotted on a bevy of fashion influencers, the bags are handmade in Italy with retail partners that range from Net-A-Porter, Browns, to Matches Fashion.
