One of the easiest ways to instantly update your wardrobe is by investing in a new designer handbag – and the latest crop of It bags for summer 2023 are more covetable than ever. From Ganni’s eco-conscious Bou bag and Loewe’s already-cult Paseo to Dior’s updated ‘90s classic, there’s a new handbag for every style and outfit. Here, we’ve rounded up the must-have It bags to invest in this summer.
It bags for summer 2023
Loewe Paseo Bag
It’s just one viral hit after another for Loewe right now. Following on from the success of their Spring/Summer 2023 collection, where the anthurium fashion flower of-the-moment took centre stage, the Spanish fashion brand has launched one of the new It bags of the summer. Modelled by Loewe ambassador Taylor Russell in the label’s chic new fashion campaign, the Paseo bag is crafted from the finest Nappa calfskin leather and lined with suede. Featuring the house’s signature Flamenco knots at the end of its adjustable straps, the versatile bag can be carried by hand or as a clutch style, while a detachable leather strap means it can also be worn as a shoulder bag. Available in three sizes – small, medium and XL – it’s guaranteed to be an instant classic.
Loewe
Paseo Bag in Dark Butter
£2,300
Marni Prisma Bag
The latest piece of statement arm candy from Marni, the Prisma bag is likely to turn heads wherever you go, particularly if you invest in the supersized maxi version. Inspired by the intricacy of origami, the three-dimensional padded bag is made from butter-soft leather and available in three sizes: small, large and the aforementioned maxi. The simple design features minimal hardware aside from its hidden brass closure, and its detachable shoulder strap means it can be carried in multiple ways. Available in a range of summer-ready brights including zingy orange, lemon yellow and electric blue, as well as more muted black and white, expect it to be everywhere as soon as the sun comes out.
Marni
Prisma Large Bag in Orange
£1,895
Prada Re-Edition 1995 Carolyn Bag
This season the ‘90s are ruling the catwalks, and that nostalgic aesthetic is filtering down to our accessories too, as proven by the resurgence of this iconic Prada bag from 1995. The timeless tote became the bag du jour back in the day, after the supremely stylish New York socialite Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy adopted it as her favourite accessory. Known for her sleek, pared-back style – Bessette-Kennedy was an early adopter of the quiet luxury movement that’s currently sweeping the fashion world – the bag’s simple boxy silhouette complimented her streamlined look perfectly. The re-edition has kept the same elegant design and minimal lines, and since re-launching has already been seen on the arms of Margot Robbie and Elsa Hosk.
Prada
Re-Edition 1995 Carolyn Bag
£2,800
Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag
There were a few talking points at the Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2023 show – Kate Moss’s surprising catwalk cameo being one of them – but afterwards there was only one question on every fashion editor’s lips: when can I get my hands on the new Andiamo bag? Bottega Veneta’s new hero bag made its debut on the SS23 runway and has flown off the shelves ever since, being snapped up by the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Michelle Yeoh. The Andiamo – which translates as ‘let’s go’ in Italian – offers a playful take on the house’s signature woven intrecciato technique, transforming it into a slouchy leather tote. Available in three sizes and pleasingly versatile thanks to the fact it can worn crossbody or over the shoulder, it’s an investment piece that will last a lifetime.
Bottega Veneta
Medium Andiamo Bag in Travertine
£3,500
Dior The Lady 95.22 Bag
Another ‘90s classic revamped for the modern day, the iconic Lady Dior is being brought up to date with a chic new reissue. The bag made its debut in 1995 and was originally named the Chouchou, but was given its more famous moniker after it was worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, who owned the design in multiple colours. The updated version has added some modern touches to the classic design. Its structured silhouette has been modified with subtle curves, while the bag’s two handles are punctuated with Dior charms, in a nod to Monsieur Dior’s lucky motifs. For the bag’s fashion campaign, the French maison gathered a dizzying array of talented women who embody the bag’s independent spirit, including Celeste, Anya Taylor-Joy, Emma Radacanu and Rosamund Pike.
Dior
The Lady 95.22 Bag
£3,500
Chloé Penelope Bag
The prize for the most versatile It bag of the season goes to Chloé for the launch of its Penelope bag. Drawing inspiration from the maison’s jewellery archive – the bag’s signature details include a metal coin closure and leather braiding – the Penelope comes in three styles: a shoulder bag, flap bag and clutch. The first features a relaxed silhouette and is available in an array of textures, including linen, raffia and a chunky textured knit. The Flap Bag, meanwhile, offers a more structured look, with clean lines crafted from leather. Finally, the Clutch Bag offers up an elegant evening option. All three reflect the brand’s strong commitment to sustainability – for their SS23 collection, over 90% of the leather used comes from Leather Working Group certified sources, and all of its leather has been sourced from European suppliers.
Chloé
Large Penelope Bag in Milky Brown
£2,450
Givenchy Voyou Bag
The Voyou is the latest statement bag from Givenchy, bringing an edgier, more urban aesthetic to the French maison. Translating to ‘bad boy’ in French, creative director Matthew M. Williams has given the bag a bold biker look, with buckled strap detailing on the sides creating a V-shaped design. Crafted from tumbled, subtly-grained calfskin leather giving it a relaxed, slouchy look, the Voyou effortlessly combines Parisian chic with rock chick style, perfectly summed up by their fashion campaign starting a suitably nonchalant Gigi Hadid.
Givenchy
Medium Voyou Bag in Silvery Grey
£1,850
Toteme T-Lock Bag
If there’s one label that epitomises the current stealth wealth fashion movement, it’s Toteme. The Stockholm-based brand has a loyal stable of fans who can’t get enough of their elevated basics, and now they’ve added a luxury handbag to their collection. The minimal Toteme T-Lock bag was first revealed at the end of last year and has already gained serious momentum, with celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Katie Holmes falling for its simple and sophisticated charms. Made from leather in either black or tan and featuring a curved top flap and an understated T-shaped clasp, this is understated luxury at its finest.
Toteme
T-Lock Top Handle Bag in Tan
£1,070
Ganni Bou Bag
Trust the cult Scandi brand to release one of the most covetable new It bags of 2023. The playful design has been created with the future in mind, crafted from recycled leather as part of the B Corp brand’s commitment to phase out virgin leather from all of its products by the end of 2023. If you opt for the black colourway, the bag is also available in their innovative Ohoskin fabric, a bio-based material made from orange and cacti waste. With its hexagonal silhouette and tactile knotted handle, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to looking good and doing good for the planet.
Ganni
Bou Bag in Light Pink
£345
Alaïa Le Coeur Bag
It’s likely you’ve spotted this heart-shaped bag out and about – the playful design was a mainstay at the latest Fashion Weeks and has been spotted on everyone from Dua Lipa to Selena Gomez. Crafted out of calfskin leather, the bag has an almost cartoon-like appearance, making it a fun addition to jazz up any outfit. Since launching, it’s already garnered cult status and is available in a range of different colourways and variations, from the classic lacquer red to shimmering silver and one adorned with gold spikes.
