Objects Disguised as Bags

Novelty bags… but the chic ones.

With Matthieu Blazy ushering in a more playful era at Chanel, bags are starting to loosen up again. After years of quiet luxury and very serious totes, designers are rediscovering the joy of accessories that don't take themselves too seriously. The result? Bags shaped like cherries, mushrooms, elephants, lobsters, lemons, palm trees, and occasionally things that look like they belong on a dinner table rather than your shoulder. Of course, novelty bags can go very wrong, very quickly. But every now and then a designer gets it exactly right, when the craftsmanship is exceptional, the materials feel luxurious, and the silhouette lands somewhere between playful object and wearable sculpture. Cult Gaia continues to master the category with the Dee Dee Clutch and Florence Clutch, while Puppets and Puppets leans into surrealism with the Phone Hobo and Spoon Hobo. Jacquemus' The Poireau Embossed Clutch Bag proves even a leek can somehow look chic, and Staud's Limona Bag, Palm Leather Bag, and Shroom Beaded Bag are exactly the kind of conversation starters the brand does best. JW Pei's Elephant Shaped Handbag, Serpui's Crab Chain Clutch Bag and Tropical Banana Clutch, ALLE Handbags' Handwoven Lobster Bag, Polène's Button Bow Sphere, and the Caviar Metal Tin Clutch round out an edit that's equal parts playful and beautifully made. These aren't gimmicks. They're the bags that remind us fashion is supposed to be fun.