Designer handbags, once a ubiquitous status symbol for celebrities, seem to be losing their prominent place in fashion. High-profile figures such as Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss, and Sienna Miller have recently been observed opting for a more minimalist approach, often foregoing designer bags entirely.
Beckham, who was famously pictured with an oversized Hermes Birkin in 2006, has adopted a more pared-back style, notably during the World Cup. Similarly, Kardashian was seen at the Monaco Grand Prix carrying only her phone. Kate Moss, a former poster child for Balenciaga's Le City bag, also went bagless during Paris Men's Fashion Week. Sienna Miller, known for her extensive collection of designer bags in the 2000s, was seen at Wimbledon with no bag, though her outfit featured roomy pockets.
Alexa Chung, whose namesake Mulberry bag was a bestseller in 2010, has also been photographed with just her smartphone. This trend suggests a move away from the necessity of carrying a handbag, with emphasis shifting to simply holding one's phone or utilizing pockets.
Several factors may be contributing to this shift. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, a noted lover of handbags, has been speculated as a symbolic turning point. Following this, sales of luxury handbags have reportedly declined by 10 percent since 2023. While celebrities often have the convenience of cars and assistants to carry their belongings, the trend appears to be resonating beyond this privileged circle.
On public transport, a growing number of women are reportedly choosing lighter, more practical alternatives to traditional designer handbags, such as backpacks or cotton totes from local businesses, suitable for carrying items like laptops and lunchboxes. The rise of technology, including contactless payment systems like Apple Pay, has reduced the need to carry cash and cards. Furthermore, improvements in garment design have led to more women's clothing featuring larger, more functional pockets, some capable of holding a smartphone.
The popularity of affordable, smaller bags, like Uniqlo's sling bag which became a bestseller in 2022, has also played a role. The ease and affordability of these bags have made investing in expensive luxury handbags less justifiable for many. Even crossbody bags are sometimes being relegated to the interior of larger totes, reflecting a desire for easier access to essentials.
Clever accessories like phone lanyards and slim water bottle bags offer alternatives for carrying necessities without a traditional handbag. Online marketplaces feature affordable, stylish options for these smaller accessories. The move towards a bag-free lifestyle can also be seen as a symbol of freedom, freeing women from the expectation of carrying personal items, and sometimes, those of others, for men or children.