Small Bags, Big Impact
Little in size, but large in impact, these small bags from the likes of Dries Van Noten, Simone Rocha, Rick Owens, and others prove that size is not equal to power.
- Photography: Nik Mirus
Despite the countless adages that teach us to look beyond the surface—“don’t judge a book by its cover,” “the best things come in small packages,” et cetera—we continue to equate size with impact. Big is better, some say, but if we’ve learnt anything in recent seasons, it’s that when it comes to fashion, it’s the subtle gesture that outweighs big statements. From quiet luxury to the resurgence of prep and the insistence at FW24 shows that regular, wearable clothing is the new indulgence, there’s a growing number of reasons to trust in the small things.
Nowhere is the imbalance in the size-to-impact ratio more obvious than accessories. Diamond jewelry, brooches, watches, and small bags have long been the conclusive feature of great outfits, outshining the garments that surround them. A new season of small bags from the likes of Dries Van Noten, Simone Rocha, Rick Owens, and others cement the view that less is more.
Featured In This Image: XLIM bag, Rick Owens bag and Simone Rocha bag. Featured In Top Image: Simone Rocha bag.
Featured In This Image: Dries Van Noten bag.
A tortoiseshell resin handle is the star of this show directed by Dries Van Noten. Buffed leather forms the body of the bag, which measures 9 inches by 8 inches, making it super easy to carry by hand or sling over the shoulder using the detachable leather strap.
Featured In This Image: Vivienne Westwood bag.
Vivienne Westwood’s signature orb logo details this grained leather shoulder bag with an accompanying silver-tone zip fastening. Cut to the shape of a mini backpack, it caters to function as well as being a refined finishing touch.
Featured In This Image: Simone Rocha bag.
Although famed for elegant detailing, Simone Rocha’s Beaded Frosting Cake Shoulder Bag is a highlight even by her standards. Made from Perspex, the hard-shell design is a sculptural main character in any outfit and ideal for any upcoming weddings.
Featured In This Image: Rick Owens bag.
Rick Owens’s clean, geometric accessories are the perfect complement to the label’s gothic aesthetic. This red calfskin clutch features a defining logo-engraved plaque on the front flap that echoes the brand’s monolithic jewelry.
Featured In This Image: KASSL Editions bag.
Founded with the goal of creating the ultimate unisex raincoat—a mission completed in the brand’s first season—KASSL Editions has since branched out into accessories. Still anchored in the functional world of waterproofing, the Pouch Clutch is cut from oil-coated twill.
Featured In This Image: AMOMENTO bag.
Blending technical fabrics with classically minded tailoring, Seoul-based brand AMOMENTO offers collections that are versatile and high-quality. This denim messenger bag has a stud-fastened shoulder strap for the perfect fit.
Featured In This Image: BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE bag.
With one of the most recognizable aesthetics of any bag brand, BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE’s geometric finishes offer a protective shell but also a fluid shape. Much like the designer’s iconic pleated designs, the Lucent Pouch puts usability on equal footing with beauty.
Featured In This Image: XLIM bag.
Brands like XLIM should be on all radars as we regale a new era in the gorp lifecycle which sees a heavier focus on tailoring and incongruous fabrics. The EP.4 01 Bag slings effortlessly around the shoulder with its crescent shape and has an eye-catching, elegantly crinkled texture to add a refreshing angle to the utilitarian design.
- Photography: Nik Mirus
- Photography Assistant: Mitchell Wright
- Digi tech & Retouching: Marc-André Dumas
- Art Direction: Jasmine Lebel
- Date: March 13, 2024
