Saga Björklund
Welcome to the fashion year 2026 – a season where exclusive fashion houses have shifted focus from “Quiet Luxury” to tactile luxury. Now, extremely soft suede materials, sculptural shapes, and horizontal silhouettes dominate the market.
Here are the season’s absolute biggest icons and most sought-after “It-bags”, complete with direct links to the fashion houses’ official product pages.
1. Chanel Maxi Bowling Bag (by Matthieu Blazy)
The season’s most talked-about status symbol has arrived. Matthieu Blazy’s highly anticipated debut for Chanel offers an oversized, soft bowling bag in rich suede texture that completely breaks away from the traditional, rigid quilted classics. With its spacious XXL format, it delivers a perfect dose of rebellious yet masterfully crafted elegance to this year’s fashion scene.
Direct link: Chanel Maxi Bowling Bag in dark beige suede
Chanel Maxi Bowling Bag in soft, dark brown suede with the iconic CC logo.
2. Balenciaga Le 7 Shoulder Bag
Balenciaga looks back at its tailored history with Le 7 – a modern, slim shoulder bag offering a softer and more sophisticated take on the previously viral Rodeo model. The most coveted version for everyday luxury is in the color Moka (dark chocolate brown), entirely crafted in weather-resistant suede that elevates modern tailoring.
Direct link: Balenciaga Le 7 Medium Shoulder Bag (Moka)
Balenciaga Le 7 with its elegant, elongated shoulder strap silhouette in chocolate brown.
3. Valentino Garavani DeVain Bag
For those seeking structure and character in their wardrobe, the house presents a pure craftsmanship masterpiece. DeVain stands out with its intricate embroidery, unique patterns, and deep textures in gold and green. This luxurious status marker works equally well as a dressed-up day bag or a jewel-like art piece for evening looks.
Direct link: Valentino Garavani DeVain Bag Collection
Valentino Garavani DeVain Bag with unique green embroidery and luxurious gold details.
4. Prada Explore Suede Shoulder Bag
The shape that defines 2026 is best worn snugly under the arm – a slim, elongated, and horizontal silhouette. Prada’s much-discussed model Explore in soft suede and the season’s most coveted, deep burgundy shade is a perfect synthesis of finesse and functionality, delivering an instant “it-girl” look.
Direct link: Prada Explore Medium Suede Bag (Burgundy)
Prada Explore Suede Bag in the season’s coveted burgundy shade.
5. Jacquemus ‘The Small Valérie’
Simon Porte Jacquemus has done it again with the success Valérie, sentimentally named after his grandmother. This structured yet tactile suede bag carries a typical French, sculptural elegance. The warm, earthy tone and unique shape give the bag a deeply personal touch that feels just right for the times.
Direct link: Jacquemus Official Bag Collection
Jacquemus ‘The Small Valérie’ in a warm, camel-colored sculptural design.
