There’s something particularly memorable when it comes to a beautifully reimagined archival accessory. The luxury fashion circuit has made an unprecedented return to looking through a brand’s archive, and a glance at the spring/summer 2025 runways only drives this point further home. A host of emblematic bags from decades past have made their way back to the drawing board, ranging from kittenish mini top handles to delightfully lived-in soft bowling bags. Watching a fashion show today can feel like an exciting and novel uncovering of a treasure trove as glimpses of the building blocks that have shaped a brand’s design language are playfully revealed.
Nostalgia, it’s clear, is far from losing its appeal. Italian brand Ferragamo is one of many that are bringing both heavy hitters and forgotten favourites back to the spotlight. Since Maximilian Davis was appointed as creative director in March 2022, his signature style—defined by a certain thoughtful subtlety and softness—has come alive in all the minute details of the Ferragamo world, from the carefully curated front row of his Milan shows (think Solange Knowles and Marina Abramović) to the designs themselves. It’s only fitting, then, that for spring/summer 2025, Davis turned to a lesser-known archival piece: the Soft-Bag, inspired by a style from the brand’s past.
The collection, which looks to the elegant classicism essential to Ferragamo’s one-of-a-kind story and heritage, was brought to life through a campaign lensed by Juergen Teller. Here, he highlighted the anchors of the past in a playful, and as Davis describes it, slightly perverse manner. Faces like Liu Wen and Naoki Sumiya brought the brand’s exploration of the world of ballet to life (a key tenet of its spring/summer 2025 offering)—polished, stoic, but ultimately poetic. A luxurious expansion of balletcore, featuring ballet pumps with bows and powdery pink asymmetric dresses, such as the one worn by Alex Consani on the runway, felt right at home within the narrative.
Complementing this vision was the fitting debut of the Soft-Bag. Made from luxurious, buttery-soft Nappa leather, the covetable carryall is decorated with both a shoulder strap and double handles, allowing it to transform into a roomy pouch. The Soft-Bag is epitomised by the brand’s iconic Gancio pin, which sits on either side of its folds, adding a sense of volume and softness, while subtly contorting shadows and reflections. Its round silhouette makes a case for its ease-of-wear, making it a sophisticated yet unfussy option for everyday use. And while a glossy leather variation makes for a statement addition, suede is making the rounds this season too. Available in black, grey, pink, mustard and a vibrant rust, choose from an assortment of three sizes, from small to large. If you’re in the market for a statement bag with a heaping of history, we’d say this is an option to consider.
Vogue Singapore’s May ‘Sonder’ issue is out on newsstands and available to order online.
