Once a ubiquitous status symbol, the designer handbag seems to be falling out of favor among celebrities. Figures like Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss, and Sienna Miller have recently been photographed opting for a bag-free aesthetic, a notable departure from their previous fashion choices.
Beckham, who was once rarely seen without an oversized Hermes Birkin, was observed with a pared-back style at recent events. Similarly, Kardashian attended the Monaco Grand Prix carrying only her phone. Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, both known for their extensive designer bag collections in the past, have also been seen without them, with Miller at Wimbledon opting for an outfit with roomy pockets.
Even celebrities with bags named after them, such as Alexa Chung with her Mulberry satchel, are now foregoing the accessory. This trend aligns with a reported 10% slump in luxury handbag sales since 2023. Some speculate that the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a prominent lover of handbags, in 2022 may have coincided with the decline of the accessory's prominence.
Several factors may be contributing to this shift. The increasing prevalence of technology, such as Apple Pay, reduces the need to carry physical payment methods. Furthermore, fashion trends are leaning towards garments with larger, more functional pockets, capable of holding essentials like smartphones. The viral success of affordable, smaller bags, like Uniqlo's sling bag, has also made consumers question the value of expensive luxury handbags.
Practicality is also playing a role. Many women report preferring lighter, more manageable alternatives like backpacks or canvas totes for daily use. The rise of accessories like phone lanyards and slim water bottle bags offers convenient ways to carry essentials without a traditional handbag. This move towards a bag-free lifestyle may also represent a newfound sense of freedom, allowing women to move about without the burden of carrying items for others.
While celebrities often have the convenience of assistants or vehicles to carry their belongings, the trend suggests a broader societal shift away from the necessity of designer handbags as a fashion staple.