Summer. A season that we place our designer handbags in dust bags and swap them out for the new lust-worthy it-bags that inundate our Instagram feeds. The quirky, seasonal styles become a reflection of youthful and carefree spirits, warmer temperatures, and upcoming seaside travels. Gone are the days when summer bags only took form in wicker and straw as emerging designers from all over the world are playing with quirky shapes and prints to fuse style and function.
Below, we share summer’s best cult bags from emerging designers.
Milan-based designer, Emily Levine uses a variety of block printed cotton and silk saris from India to create her coveted dumpling bags. The soft, lightweight material makes it perfect for packing and can be worn day-to-night.
Dumpling bag, $145, available at Net-a-Porter
What better way to explore the French Riviera than with this toile-printed bag by Miami-based brand, NST Studio?
Toile bag, $258, available at NST Studio
The Fefi bag is a playful style from Rio-based brand, Wai Wai. The beads come in a variety of colors from pink, to red, to green, to multi-colored. While the bag has been the it-big among Brazilian-natives for a few seasons now, we anticipate its popularity worldwide this summer.
Fefi bag, $560, available at Wai Wai
Bag brand Mizele teamed up with our favorite new jewelry brand, Timeless Pearly to give us an elevated alternative to wearing seashells this summer. The bag is made of crocheted cotton so it’s soft and durable and the cowrie shell details make it the perfect fit for seaside travels.
Shell bag, $322, available at Net-a-Porter
Aside from the fact that this bag by Barcelona-based brand, Gabriel for Sach is tiny and weightless (making it perfect for travel), it’s also completely versatile. Carry it in your hand or crossbody using the additional pearl strap.
Flower bag, $188, available at Gabriel for Sach
This acetate bag by London-based brand, Montunas is the perfect evening bag for warmer nights. Take the removable pink satin-faille drawstring pouch out and use it to store your jewelry while traveling.
Montunas vanda bag, $354, available at Matches Fashion
Coming of Age bags are the adult-version of our lunch boxes from childhood—and they represent the name and brand ethos flawlessly as they are ideal for all ages. The bags are lightweight and made from iridescent silk taffeta sourced from New York’s garment district.
Gingham bag, $220, available at COA
