I don’t know if you can already feel it, but the shift from the practicalities of winter dressing to the delightful ridiculousness of spring and summer is upon us. We’re shedding our heavy layers, puffy coats, and laptop-carrying tote bags for something much less convenient but much more statement-making (my preference, always).
When it comes to bags, the spring/summer 2026 runways have dictated that we ditch our serviceable, everyday purses for ones with exaggerated shapes, flowing fringe, gorgeous beaded details and heavy metals, or a clutch that must be gripped for dear life. According to designers, our evenings out are about to require something so eye-catching, I’m not sure we’ll be ready for all the compliments that’ll go with it.
A sneak peek for you: sumptuous beaded florals from Valentino and Giambattista Valli, weighted metal hardware from MM6 Maison Margiela and Balmain, silky Prada pouches, pretty, exaggerated fringe highlighted by Sportmax and Giorgio Armani, quirky one-handle bags from Dior and Loewe, and East-West silhouettes favoured by Mugler and Moschino.
Immerse yourself in the excitement of dialling it all the way up for spring with visuals of all the trends that will be everywhere below (ready to be cherry-picked for inspo RN).
Fringe Movement
Boho’s favourite detail is moving beyond the music festival world, but in spring 2026, it has clearly grown up. What used to feel casual or costumey now reads as bold and sophisticated. Whether it shows up as a more subtle detail among others, like at Sportmax, or goes all out, macrame-style, like this purple example from Giorgio Armani, fringe in leather, suede, or even yarn will add an instant depth to your spring wardrobe, taking any piece from simple to statement without trying too hard.
Inconvenient Clutches (Complimentary)
Yes, there’s an impracticality thread running through all the bag trends of spring 2026. Is it the easiest thing to hold onto your bag with one hand (or elbow crook) for the entire night? Or to remember a bag that’s not strapped to you for safekeeping after an impeccable dinner out? No, but the best things in life are worth working for. Case in point: clutches. Designers showed many an elevated drawstring bag on the spring ’26 runways, like the silk Prada example above, as well as big, textured pieces meant to be held under the arm à la AJE. Might also be worth investing in some AirTags for peace of mind, though.
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Heavy Metals
It’s amazing how a little hardware can completely shift the vibe of a bag and make it feel that much more polished. Exaggerated metal details — whether in a chain strap, weighted handle, or other hardware accents throughout the design — add edge and character, turning an otherwise basic bag into something that really grabs attention. Just take a look at these head-turners from Balmain and MM6 Maison Margiela to see what I mean.
Beaded Florals
I know, I know — groundbreaking, etc. But it does truly feel like these florals for spring are worth highlighting and celebrating, given how drop-dead gorgeous they are. And while I concede that the design concept of flowers in spring is indeed nothing new, it does feel like this version of a bag has already had an outsized impact on the zeitgeist. Margot Robbie wore two separate versions of Valentino’s take on the beaded bag during her show-stopping Wuthering Heights press tour, which has inspired an entire gothic romance aesthetic renaissance in the public. The Giambattista Valli design above fits right in, too, don’t you think?
One-Handle Bags
The intentional peekaboo bag, with its slightly quirky, off-kilter vibe, feels distinctly 2026. Dior showed a very delicate version of this bag, designed to permanently feel somewhat open, complete with a sweet little bow detail. Loewe’s take on the same one-handle style had a slightly more practical structure and feel.
East-West
The slim, rectangular East-West bag started gaining traction last year, so if it looks familiar, you’re not imagining it. But in 2026? Expect it to go even harder — and honestly, fully take over — in a range of materials, textures, sizes, and even styles. Iterations on the spring/summer ’26 runways were both sleek and minimal, like from Mugler above, and structured and detailed, seen at Moschino.
Lead Image: On Xiaorui: All clothing Chloé, earrings Saulė, bag Michael Kors Collection, belt Nour Hammour. On Lexi: Dress Christian Cowan, earrings Saulė, bag Stella McCartney. On Roo: Dress and bag Willy Chavarria, earrings Swarovski.
Styled by Brandon Tan. Hair by Rei Kawauchi for Oribe. Makeup by Sena Murahashi for Make Up For Ever. Manicure by Ada Yeung for Chanel Beauty. Models: Roo at Supreme Management, Lexi at Supreme Management, Xiaorui at the Industry Model Mgmt, and Delphine at Muse Management. Set design by Caz Slattery. Produced by Mini Title.
