As the new season begins, seven bags stand out for their balance of craftsmanship, versatility and the kind of instant appeal that makes an accessory an object of desire
The clock ticks toward fall, bringing new excitement and unexpected shifts that add energy and nuance to the way we dress. In fashion, a change of season sets a new direction. For the next six months, that direction is being shaped by handbags.
Leading the pack is the Hermès Boombox, a newcomer that already feels destined to transcend Fall/Winter 2026. On the runway, it appeared again and again, carried by different personalities and styled in different contexts. What makes it stand out is the way the maison has reimagined it, from the playful, sculptural Boombox iteration to the refined, classic canvas style.
Next is the Dior Médaillon Messenger bag. Slouchy in knit and stamped with the house’s signature Cannage motif, it reinterprets Dior’s codes with contemporary ease. At its center sits the returning Médaillon emblem, a nod to heritage reimagined through Jonathan Anderson’s creative vision.
Taking a different approach from womenswear, men’s handbags this season are centered on functionality rather than ornament. The Thom Browne Bolton Weekender defines Fall/Winter 2026 with supple leather in a rich tobacco brown. It is a bag built to travel, age well and outlast trends, the kind of timeless piece that anchors a wardrobe rather than chases it.
In contrast, Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bandoulière leans into heritage. Marking the 130th anniversary of Monogram canvas, the bag is reissued with a contemporary twist. Echoing Pharrell Williams’ dandyism, it arrives in a sleek silver hue, giving gentlemen a more modern and elevated way to wear an icon.
For a more polished approach, there is the Lanvin Compagnon Clutch. A direct counterpart to the women’s style, it is cut in an envelope form with one key twist: the interior. Finished in Lanvin’s iconic blue, it transforms a quiet exterior into a statement detail.
Alongside the Lanvin Compagnon, the Berluti F088 briefcase offers another polished companion for the modern gentleman. Drawing from the house’s iconic Deux Jours silhouette, the F088 scales it up with a more generous proportion. It pairs that added flexibility with an optimized interior designed specifically for the pace of urban life.
Last but not least, Tod’s shopping bag makes the case for quiet sophistication in a daily carry. Crafted in supple leather with a spacious interior, it has all the hallmarks of an ideal working bag: refined, effortless and made to last.