New Season AW 2025/26: The Bag Edit — Materials, Shapes & Colors Across the Houses

From Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Hermès, Longchamp, Prada, Gucci, Guess, and Coach — here’s what’s new, what’s next, and how to make it work in real life.

The Big Picture: Practical Glamour

Across Fall/Winter 2025–26, handbags lean wearable, roomier, and quietly luxurious. Expect a confident mix of structured top‑handles, boxier silhouettes, and early‑’00s revivals that feel polished rather than nostalgic.

Materials to Know Now

• Suede & brushed finishes for a luxe, lived‑in feel that works from desk to dinner.
• Plush/fuzzy textures and seasonal shearling‑like details that add depth and coziness.
• High‑gloss & embossed effects for a refined statement without loud logos.
• Technical & recycled canvases that keep utility chic and travel‑friendly.

Care tip: Rain + suede or untreated leathers may cause water marks. Slip on our lightweight Waterproof Bag Raincoat before you head out.

Shapes: Structured, Boxy, and Travel‑Coded

• Top‑handles with clean lines and ladylike proportions.
• Vanity & box bags — compact, camera‑case and train‑case vibes for day‑to‑evening.
• Travel‑coded carryalls influenced by trunks and weekenders; look for multi‑carry options.

Color Story: Deep Neutrals with Confident Pops

Rich browns (think hot chocolate and bronze), wine‑leaning purples, teal‑tinted blues, and warm orange‑spice notes headline the palette — grounded by seasonless neutrals for longevity.

Match your insert to the season: Browse our full Color Chart for dark browns, wines, teals, and neutrals — available in 2 mm (space‑saving) and 3 mm (extra structure) felts.

House‑by‑House Highlights

Chanel

Classic codes styled with flourish: expect timeless flaps, polished top‑handles, and size play (micro to maxi) that keeps icons fresh.

Louis Vuitton

Travel heritage re‑imagined for city life. The season’s standout is the Express — a Keepall‑adjacent everyday carry with multiple ways to wear and sizes to match your routine.

Hermès

Craft‑forward and minimalist‑precise. Alongside Birkins and Bolides, expect slim shoulders and box‑leaning shapes that emphasize material and line.

Prada

Suede sets the mood. Tactile finishes on pared‑back shapes deliver quiet impact and all‑day versatility.

Gucci

Playful hardware, fringe, and witty proportions — polished enough for tailoring, bold enough for a statement.

Longchamp

Utility meets elegance: earthy palettes across Le Pliage, Roseau, and more — with recycled canvases and travel‑ready practicality.

Coach

Compact, zip‑top styles with smart pockets and straps that shift between hand and shoulder — built for everyday movement.

Micro‑Trends You’ll Actually Wear

• Doctor/bowling silhouettes and vanity cases — boxy, zip‑top, and easy to organize.
• Archival revivals with modern tweaks — lighter hardware, improved drops, and practical closures.
• Chain details — oversized links or sleek add‑ons deliver instant polish.

Style it your way: Clip a slim chain as a charm or convert your carry — explore Accessories for chains, handle covers, and more.

Real‑Life Kit: Protect, Organize, Personalize

• Weatherproofing: Keep water spots off suede and vachetta with our Waterproof Bag Raincoat.
• Inside structure: Stop the “black‑hole” effect and preserve shape with a custom insert — browse Bag Organizers.
• Finishing touches: Swap straps, add charms, and personalize hardware via Accessories.

TL;DR — The AW 2025/26 Handbag Checklist

• Materials: Suede and brushed finishes; plush textures; high‑gloss/embossed; technical & recycled canvases.
• Shapes: Top‑handles, vanity/box bags, travel‑coded carryalls.
• Colors: Dark brown, damson wine, teal‑blue, spice‑orange + seasonless neutrals.

Sources / Further Reading

• Vogue — Fall 2025 Handbag Trends
• Pantone — NYFW AW 2025/26 Color Trend Report (overview)
• Fashion Trendsetter — Pantone AW 2025/26 palette summary
• Chanel — Fall 2025 (Vogue Runway)
• Louis Vuitton — Fall 2025 (Vogue Runway)
• Louis Vuitton — Express PM product page
• Louis Vuitton — Express MM product page
• Hermès — Fall 2025 (Vogue Runway)
• Prada — Fall 2025 (Vogue Runway)
• Longchamp — FW25 Highlights
• Coach — Fall 2025 (Vogue Runway)
• Marie Claire — Chloé Paddington returns
• The Impression — Gucci Fall 2025 review (fringe, hardware)