I Like Big Totes and I Cannot Lie
What is recent it-bags' common denominator? Think, The Row's insufferably hard-to-find Margaux, Coach's viral Brooklyn and sold out Empire models, or Balenciaga's Rodeo. Alright, here's a hint: They're huge.
After a lengthy period of micro bag supremacy, macro bags have had thee comeback story of 2024; an explosive return, the impact of which is suspected to be felt well into 2025, too.
The popularity of big – if not giant – totes to swallow their carrier whole, almost, is tucked into a handful of related trends, such as the hype around bag charms, and a heightened prioritization of the long term value, functionality, and real world usability of pricey luxury items.
Leather good accessories are an entry point for consumers, and a thus focal point for designers – so, to pay extra attention to the category and its changing markers of desirability makes perfect sense.
Most companies have had to make sobering assessments in terms of their earnings, as spending's gone down on products their target audience deems boring and/or disproportionately expensive.
One might argue then, that the practical everydayness of big totes provides both ends of a sales transaction – vendor and buyer – with a more timely pro-purchase argument.
Neither mysterious, nor wholly pragmatic, the driver behind the big totes trend follows the larger sartorial sentiment of how the finer things mustn't be faddy or special-occasion-oriented, but are best invested in for reasons to do with their purpose, their quality, and aesthetic longevity. It's go big or go home, after all.
Totes to Fit Everything But the Kitchen Sink
Coperni Belt Bag
In a review of Pitti Uomo, Milan and Paris Men's a few months ago, we noticed that belts had found their way onto just about everything but actual pants. This sleek black belt bag by Coperni seems symptomatic of said repurposing.
JW Anderson Maxi Canvas Tote
Upon first glance, the coated canvas material of this humungous tote will have you thinking it's suede – the fabric of the season. Rest assured, however, that this here will be much easier to maintain.
LEMAIRE XL Chevron Tote
Reminiscent of TikTok's favorite webbed bags by Dragon Diffusion, this ginormous Lemaire is intricately woven of bendy buffalo leather, creating the illusion, however, of a giant wicker basket.
KASSL EDITIONS Pillow Tote
If you liked the puffy, fluffy, cushiony texture of COS' infamous quilt bag, you'll love this appropriately – and temptingly – titled pillow tote.
Our Legacy Drip Tote
A near seamless bag, this big tote by Our Legacy is free of form and fits a tonne.
Y/Project Maxi Denim Tote
Falling right in line with what can only be referred to as the denim on denim on denim ... trend, Y/Project's all-consuming jeans tote would fit a lifetime's worth of pants.
The Row Large N/S Tote
You're more than welcome to scour Vestiare for a chance at a Margaux, but you could also just opt for another, more below-radar sibling from the The Row's line of exquisite big totes. The Olsen Twins have always believed in the bigger the better, and I will always believe the Olsen Twins.
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