Trends come and go, but every so often a few fashion items reign supreme, reflecting the zeitgeist of the time. As for designer "it" bags, the most popular for 2022 is undoubtedly Balenciaga’s Le Cagole. Coupled with a slew of other contenders, this year’s hottest crop of arm candy points to fashion’s movement towards a more playful aesthetic with magnified details, extreme proportions, and exaggerated shapes. Fun accessories to go with dressy outfits as mobility eased throughout the year.
Below, we round up the top "it" bags of 2022 that everyone had their hands on as they started to become adventurous with fashion again.
Best Designer Bags That Defined 2022
1. Balenciaga Le Cagole
XS Le Cagole shoulder bag, $2350 (approximately P130,848), BALENCIAGA, farfetch.com
A mini version inspired by the brand’s popular motorcycle bag, Balenciaga’s Le Cagole dominated the streets and our screens this year since celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Bella Hadid popularized it. Its crescent shape, oversized studs, and dangling heart-shaped mirror make it a youthful addition to any outfit.
2. Chanel 22
Chanel 22 Large Handbag, $5800 (approximately P322,944), CHANEL, chanel.com
First released in the Spring/Summer 2022 runway, the slouchy tote bag by Virginie Viard was named after this year and simultaneously inspired by the house’s No. 22 perfume. The Chanel 22 is a drawstring type with a snap closure that makes it an easy-to-use everyday bag. There’s even a backpack option for those who like to keep it hands-free.
3. Fendi Fendigraphy
Fendigraphy Small, $2590 (approximately P144,211), FENDI, fendi.com
Hobo bags in well-defined moonlike shapes were inarguably trendy, and one hero piece was Fendi’s Fendigraphy. Featuring a flashy logo on the bottom, the piece is a subtle take on logomania as fashion focuses on impactful silhouettes instead. Comes in micro and large sizes depending on one’s mood and needs.
4. Prada Cleo
Cleo Brushed Leather Bag, $2900 (approximately P161,472), PRADA, prada.com
Prada’s Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 was named Bag of 2022 by Lyst but the Cleo turned out to be another fan favorite. It’s not surprising though, given the design’s clean lines and spacious interior. A versatile purse loved by Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and more.
5. Valentino One Stud
Mini One Stud Handbag in Nappa, $3385 (approximately P188,476), VALENTINO, valentino.com
Under the direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino has been reinventing its Rockstud motif on shoes and handbags, with the One Stud emerging as the must-have. Featuring a singular stud front and center, the handbag is a statement piece that even comes in an all-pink iteration perfect for Viva Magenta year.
6. Saint Laurent Icare
Icare Maxi Shopping Bag, $4900 (approximately P272,832), SAINT LAURENT, ysl.com
Seen on countless celebrities, Saint Laurent’s Icare was inarguably the tote of the year. With its quilted lambskin and large straps, it's almost like the lovechild of your favorite party purse and go-to tote. Just like Fendi’s Fendigraphy, what’s hot about this ‘it’ bag is the blown-up logo in flashy hardware for glamorous lugging.
7. Miu Miu Wander Matelassé Hobo
Miu Wander matelassé nappa leather hobo bag, $3000 (approximately P167,040), MIU MIU, miumiu.com
Miu Miu was crowned Brand of the Year by Lyst and rightfully so. The brand spawned a number of viral items from its mini skirt to ballet flats, including the Wander hobo bag. Featuring the brand’s iconic matelassé texture, the Wander was most popular in its mini form as seen on Chiara Ferragni and Emily Ratajkowski.
8. Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie
Mini Jodie, $2650 (approximately P147,552), BOTTEGA VENETA, bottegaveneta.com
Another star that captures fashion’s continuous love affair with microscopic proportions is Bottega Veneta’s Mini Jodie. As compared to the brand’s previous hits like the Cassette and Pouch, the Jodie is compact and can be worn on the crook of the arm or held by the handle. Comes in various colors that pack a punch in any look.
9. Diesel 1DR Shoulder Bag
Crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag, $912 (approximately P50,780), DIESEL, farfetch.com
2022 was the year Diesel began to establish itself as a luxury brand to watch, and it’s off to a good start. The label launched highly hyped items such as the B-1DR belt and the 1DR Shoulder Bag, which both incorporate the plaque logo. From Miley Cyrus, Kylie Jenner, to Megan Thee Stallion, celebrities everywhere are obsessed with its edgy vibe.
10. Coperni Swipe
Crossbody Swipe Bag, price, €595 (approximately P35,536), COPERNI, coperniparis.com
Coperni released its Swipe bag in 2019 and continues to be a covetable item, popularized by Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Megan Fox, and more. Its easily identifiable loop design makes it fun to swing around and take photographs in for the ‘gram. 2022 saw the release of completely glass versions—a toy-like (and fragile) purse to complete those Barbiecore outfits.
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