The Return of the Box Bag, as Predicted
Novelty, archives, and interpretation of the Train Case. That's in season.
As so eloquently said by Jack Savoie of @thesavoiedaily, the “ozempic trunk” is trending now. As an adjacent handbag historian, the one key detail I notice is when large-scale brands pull from an earlier era. We saw it with Armani Privè, with the throwback bags that were straight out of the 1920s flapper era, and now we have Victoria Beckham and Hermes. Ironically, Gucci was part of the travel box-bag trunk travel era with H.J. Cave, epitomizing the “money people who can afford travel.”
So why this not-so-sudden appeal now to super structured bags that can barely hold anything, let alone your phone? Well, let’s dive in.
Since it has been established that “quiet luxury” is gone (which, in all honesty, I would have called it passive-aggressive luxury) - people have long associated this structured silhouette with an aspirational lifestyle. In other words, you don’t need to carry anything since someone else will pay for you, or you would invest in the entire set of matching pieces.
I would even go so far as to predict larger versions coming after these mini bags that will easily go for the thousands, and will soon have a larger version at retail, have limited bags made, or in the available next season.
Another point to consider is the collectible nature of archival-inspired bags has fueled demand for nostalgic, well-constructed handbags. A mini train case embodies exclusivity and craftsmanship, appealing to collectors and luxury consumers.
Consumers are craving unique, historical pieces over mass-produced contemporary designs. By reviving archival pieces, fashion houses can offer something exclusive and steeped in history. These travel cases' rigid, boxy shape aligns with the current trend of structured handbags, which exude polish and sophistication.
More reviews to come and catch up on our most recent podcast episodes - they have been really good. Listen below.
From Waitress to Handbag Innovator with Bogg Bag Founder, Kim Vaccarella: Kim Vaccarella shares her journey from hospitality to creating the Bogg Bag, highlighting her resilience and innovation in the fashion industry.
40+ Years of Handbag Mastery with Frank LaMendola: Frank LaMendola reflects over four decades in handbag design, discussing fashion's cyclical nature and the current shift toward understated luxury and quality.
Navigating Global Fashion: Oleg Chebotarev’s Creative Journey from Russia to China: Oleg Chebotarev, Creative Director of Jump From Paper, shares his unconventional path through the fashion world, from post-communist Russia to China's creative hubs.
From Hollywood to Entrepreneurship: Reinventing Your Brand with Dana Bowling: Dana Bowling discusses her transition from Hollywood casting director to entrepreneur, revealing the realities of Hollywood and her pivot to coaching creatives and entrepreneurs.
Navigating Creative Burnout and Embracing New Beginnings with Ginna Christensen: Creative recovery expert Ginna Christensen talks about helping individuals reclaim their creative spark amid the threat of burnout.
