As far as bag launches go, there’s always new arrivals to look forward to every month. With that said, it’s not often that a luxury house adds a brand new line to its range of bags. More often than not, it’s a reinterpretation of an existing signature bag in new colours, sizes or finishes.
Not so for the first month of 2021, which sees a number of fresh creations from the likes of Bottega Veneta, Coach, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Cartier. We can’t think of a better time for a bag hunt than the new year (not to mention Chinese New Year) and if you are of the same mind, discover our top picks below.
Bottega Veneta Wardrobe 01 – The Tote
The Pouch and The Cassette were some of the it-bags of 2020 and Daniel Lee intends to deliver for 2021 as well, starting with the launch of The Tote for its Wardrobe 01 essentials collection. Designed as a men’s tote (but we don’t see why women can’t carry it too), The Tote is crafted in buoyant unlined Rubber Intreccio for a soft, subverted silhouette that’s ideal for daily use. Characterised by an emblematic V on the exterior, it comes with adjustable straps and a detachable rubber pouch to offer versatility, functionality and convenience. W bottegaveneta.com
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Coach Beat Saddle Bag
Ahead of the Spring 2021 season, Coach has presented a collection of saddle bags with a bold attitude. Designed for “going places and doing things”, the Beat Saddle bag is inspired by the heartbeat of New York City. It is crafted from soft glovetanned leather and features an exterior pocket and interior compartments secured by a snap closure accented with an upside down C buckle. Coach ambassador Jennifer Lopez stars as the face of the bag campaign, embodying a chic city vibe with the utmost sophistication. W coach.com
Related: 5 reasons we’re excited for Coach’s Keith Haring X Mickey Mouse collection
Dior Caro Bag
After the success of the new Dior Bobby saddle last year, the Maison has kicked off the new year with another novelty: the Dior Caro. First introduced in the Cruise 2021 show, the bag has been reinvented for SS21 in a range of enchanting, summery gradient shades. Made of supple leather featuring the signature cannage motif and distinguished by a chain strap with links echoing the “CD” logo clasp, the bag is available in two sizes and comes with interchangeable straps for mixing and matching. There’s also exclusive models launching with a reinterpreted denim canvas or Tie & Dior motif for a splash of fun. W dior.com
Louis Vuiton Scala Mini Mahina Pouch
New to Louis Vuitton’s comprehensive bag range is the Scala Mini Pouch, a multi-functional bag that can be held as a clutch or worn as a crossbody with the detachable strap. Painstakingly crafted from supple Mahina leather, its soft, petite design draws inspiration from the folds and pleats of drapery. The bag is available in three colours at launch: Magnolia, Noir and Vert Lagon. W louisvuitton.com
Cartier Double C de Cartier
Whilst the rest on this list favour softer silhouettes, Cartier’s new Double C de Cartier bag takes on a timeless, boxy form. Modern and minimal, it is defined by the two stylized letter Cs making up a jeweled clasp that pays homage to the initials of the Parisian house’s founding family. Accompanied with an adjustable strap, it can be worn over the shoulder or crossbody. It comes in two sizes – mini or nano – and four colours with matching small leather goods accessories: Deep Black, Intense Red, Powdered Pink and Fuchsia Pink. W cartier.com