Classic black and brown will always be the most timeless—and practical—handbag shades, but pristine white bags are on the rise. After arm candy’s 2020 hiatus, A-listers are pulling out all the stops with accessories that command attention.
It takes a fearless (and carefree) attitude to carry a white bag. Like wearing light jeans, a Wite-Out-colored purse can have its downfalls: upkeep is tricky and the shelf-life is inevitably shorter (unless you call upon a specialist to repair your cherished goods). But for some, the pros outweigh the cons. White bags can elevate any outfit and offer an eye-catching, contemporary element to looks.
Hailey Bieber swears by colorful Bottega Veneta Pouches, but has recently dabbled in the white bag trend. Saint Laurent’s “blanc vintage” Le 5 à 7 Hobo bag accompanied her on a recent trip to Vegas, while chalky styles from Advene, Prada, and JW Pei are in steady rotation in Bieber’s wardrobe.
Prada’s glaring white brushed leather Cleo shoulder bag has been a resounding favorite among influencers, including Kendall Jenner and EmRata. The Cleo looks similar to its Prada contemporary, the Re-Nylon—a coveted Noughties It-bag that has since been reissued—but its brushed leather outer adds a lustrous edge. The brand described the shape as the “synthesis of classicism and futurism” upon its debut at the spring/summer 2021 show last year.
Rihanna’s distinguished bag collection features cult white clutches and holdalls: a cloudy Bottega Veneta Pouch and a cachet Prada x Adidas bowling bag are both in her arsenal. The latter is a highly sought-after style from a collaboration in 2019, which saw the release of a sporty revamp of Prada’s iconic bowling bag – originally from the spring 2000 season—and some reworked low-top Superstars. The items were released in a limited-run of 700 bundles, making them a rare score.
Elsewhere, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s accessories collection comprises several white bags—most of which are from Daniel Lee’s Bottega. BV’s homespun crochet shoulder bag, its new Mount purse, the Pouch, and the intrecciato Cassette all feature in her daily #OOTD mirror selfies. The Row’s cushiony Bourse pillow-bag hybrid is another recent favorite.
On the more structured end of the white handbag scale, Irina Shayk has been wearing a flashy white Hermès Birkin, while Rosalía and Beyoncé have welcomed Telfar’s sturdy shopping bag – otherwise known as the “Bushwick Birkin” into their summer wardrobes.
If the white handbag hype is anything to go by, it’s time to invest.
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