Moving away from minimalism, fashion has seen a slew of maximalist and surrealist designs lately, especially in handbags. With the recent launch of Balenciaga’s trash bag bag and JW Anderson’s 3D printed flock of pigeons, we’ve rounded up some of the wildest styles spotted lately. Our list includes Louis Vuitton’s Paint Can bag that comes in six colors, and Thom Browne’s Lobster Backpack, as well as pieces from up-and-coming labels like Solitude Studios and Grace Ling.
Keep scrolling to see some of the wildest fashion bags this season.
PRICE: 1790 USD
EVALUATION: 4/10
Although it may look like a garbage bag, this bag from Balenciaga is made of calf leather (hence its high price). Coming in black, blue, yellow and white options, the design – first revealed on Demna’s apocalyptic Fall/Winter 2022 runway – is complete with subtle logo branding on the front. It’s no surprise for a brand like Balenciaga to release a trash bag-like design for almost $2,000—a pink bag went for $1,490 in 2019. With the recent release of trash bags, there’s no doubt that the style will seen on Instagram and has already been called “a success”. But realistically speaking, would you invest $1,790 in something that could be mistaken for an actual plastic garbage bag?
Grace Ling
PRICE: 890 US dollars
EVALUATION: 7/10
This bag from Grace Ling is probably one of the most practical designs on this list. The shoulder bag features dual zip openings on each side, making it (slightly) easier to find your wallet or phone inside. Quirky skirts add a touch of high fashion to a baggy, everyday bag.
Jw Anderson
PRICE: 890 US dollars
EVALUATION: 3/10
This dove-shaped clutch was first unveiled on JW Anderson’s FW22 runway alongside other surreal designs such as dresses with wire hems and crop tops made from a rubber wristband tied together. The 3D printed bag comes with an opening on the side under the pigeon’s arm and is complete with JW Anderson branding on the inside. While this bag obviously wasn’t made to hold your essentials, it’s certainly a statement piece that will get you some fashion week snaps.
Louis Vuitton
PRICE: 2360 USD
EVALUATION: 6/10
This bag designed by Virgil Abloh resembles an inkwell with Louis Vuitton’s monogram printed all over it. Offered in a variety of colors — purple, yellow, green, orange, red and blue — the crossbody bag first debuted on Louis Vuitton’s FW22 menswear runway, which was a celebration of the late designer. As the product description explains, the Paint Can is “roomy enough to hold two phones and other personal items.” Definitely more practical than a flock of pigeons, this bag adds a playful touch to any look.
Apoc Store
PRICE: £335 (approx. $390 USD) for the essential oil leather bag, £890 (approx. $1,036 USD) for the seaweed bag
EVALUATION: 8/10
Copenhagen-based Solitude Studios creates knitted clothing, handbags and more from local materials. The label’s custom-made essential oil leather and seaweed bags use leftover yarn that is purchased from textile manufacturing companies. The former is waterproof and complete with a silver buckle created in collaboration with artist ZWYRTECH, while the latter is the perfect surreal piece to add to your rotation.
Thom Browne
PRICE: 3290 USD
EVALUATION: 7/10
Lobster backpack, anyone? Thom Browne’s $3,290 bag is crafted from grained leather, which comes in all-black in the shape of a crustacean. Dressed in Thom Browne-esque blue-and-red stripes, the design features adjustable backpack straps. This editor rates this bag 7 out of 10 for its fun shape and design while still being somewhat practical.
