Great designer bags come and go, but only a handful of silhouettes truly stand the test of time. Among them, the top-handle holds a place as essential as a black blazer, a crisp white T-shirt, a trusted pair of blue jeans, or a pair of white sneakers you reach for without thinking. Making a handbag more than just an accessory, the top-handle in all its shapes, colours, and textures has proven itself to be a wardrobe staple, elevating an outfit with effortless sophistication while carrying a sense of refinement and enduring appeal that few designs can match.
This season’s runways reaffirmed the enduring appeal of the top-handle. At Celine, Michael Rider revived the Phantom, while Fendi reintroduced the iconic Spy. These familiar silhouettes, with their structured handles, carry a soft, archival nostalgia, yet they do more than simply recall the past. They’ve evolved beyond utility to become finishing touches and subtle declarations of individuality. With recalibrated proportions, refreshed hardware and modern materials, the top-handle proves itself to be both timeless and innovative, uncomplicated, versatile, and quietly redefining what it means to be an essential.
Other houses also offered their interpretations this season. Bottega Veneta and Lemaire leaned into soft, supple leathers that invite touch, while Loewe’s Puzzle and Chloé’s camera bag introduced playful, hardware. Louis Vuitton, Acne Studios and Knwls pushed the agenda for curved silhouettes and, mainstays like Saint Laurent, Prada and Givenchy continued to deliver with their signature polish—reminding us that certain names, like certain shapes, never fade from relevance. The resulting lineup spans tactile minimalism to nostalgic statement pieces, offering something for every mood, style and occasion.
Whether it’s through distinctive materials or playful hardware, the top-handle continues to prove its enduring appeal, standing strong as a silhouette that transcends trends. Below, discover Vogue Singapore’s curated lineup of this season’s top-handle bags.
5 / 19
Saint Laurent by Anthony Vacarello sac de jour bauletto bag, $4,900
Available at Saint Laurent.
19 / 19
Knwls razr bag, $1,392
Available at Knwls.
The September issue of Vogue Singapore—themed ‘The Big Fall issue’—is available online and on newsstands.
