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I’ll admit, I spend an embarrassing amount of time keeping tabs on what’s happening in fashion. So needless to say, every season, there’s a few key pieces that I can’t seem to get out of my mind. And what usually takes my eye? Handbags, of course.
First, it’s simply a gorgeous bag spotted on the runway. Then it appears on the arm of someone whose style I admire. Then, before long, it’s all over my Instagram and TikTok, which is when I know that it has officially been crowned an “it-bag”.
But just because I love something, doesn’t immediately make it a must-have item. Which is why I went straight to the fashion source for a little extra guidance. Australian luxury sourcing expert Gab Waller, to be specific.
Waller has built a global business tracking down fashion’s most elusive pieces for everyone from Hollywood’s biggest names to collectors around the world. If there’s any hard to find fashion item, Waller and her team are responsible for finding the almost impossible.
So, what does she have to say about the most popular bags this year?
The ELLE Edit Of The Best It-Bags
What Is The It-Bag Of 2026?
According to Waller, there is one clear winner this year: the Chanel 25 Mini Handbag in spotted pony hair.
“The Chanel 25 Mini Handbag in this spotted pony hair is a clear frontrunner for the bag of the season in 2026,” Waller says. “I have been inundated with sourcing requests for it, it is currently my most requested handbag style.”
And while every season produces a handful of viral accessories, it’s rare for one style to dominate quite this quickly. In this case, it’s not just the silhouette that’s driving demand.
“To go even further, all handbags in this spotted pony hair fabric are highly coveted at present. I’m predicting that will continue throughout the remainder of the year.”
What Handbag Styles Are Trending Right Now?
If you’ve been holding onto a micro bag that barely fits your phone, it might be time to make some room in your wardrobe. According to Waller, shoppers are now gravitating towards handbags that balance style with practicality.
“Shoulder bags and classic styles are leading as the most requested this year,” explains Waller. “We have waved goodbye to the super mini, and now it’s all about versatility. Clients are opting for styles that are as functional as they are stylish.”
It’s a noticeable shift away from novelty purchases and towards investment pieces that can genuinely become part of an everyday wardrobe — albeit with a hint of personality.
“They want to wear them every day, from the office to the evening. Additionally, there is currently an element of ‘fun’ that clients are gravitating toward for their handbag purchases. Animal print, pony hair specifically, is trending heavily, and so is colour.”
Read: An Honest Review Of The Coach Tabby Bag: Style, Capacity, And Long-Term Wear
How Do Experts Know If A Bag Is Going To Become An It-Bag?
While there’s no exact formula on what exactly defines the rise of an it-bag, Waller says the earliest indicators are surprisingly consistent.
“Social media certainly plays a huge part here, in addition to being worn and spotted on particular celebrities,” Waller tells us. “Hailey Bieber has massive influence on the increasing demand for certain handbag styles. If she is spotted wearing it, I am certain I will begin to receive sourcing requests for it. The same applies to both Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa. Once a key celebrity wears an item, that trend trickles over to social media. After it appears several times on social media and with influencers, it’s bound to create demand.”
“Lastly and perhaps most importantly,” continues Waller, “The elements of the bag itself are equally important. Is it versatile? Can it be worn daily? Is it easy to style? Is it a collector’s piece that can be treasured for years to come? These questions all relate to what we will see for the it-bag of the season.”
Are Heritage Brands Making A Comeback?
In 2026, it feels as though heritage houses are reclaiming their place at the centre of fashion, thanks to a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and longevity.
According to Waller, fashion houses like Chanel are leading the charge. “Chanel is dominating and demand has exploded since Matthieu Blazy took over. His first collection for the house, Spring Summer 2026, was the most requested collection in my total eight years of sourcing. The Chanel mania is real, it won’t be slowing down.”
Honestly, it’s all the confirmation we needed to know that heritage handbag brands are firmly back in the spotlight. Chanel may be leading Waller’s sourcing requests, but it’s part of a broader movement that has also seen brands like Coach enjoy a remarkable resurgence.
Read: The Top Handbag Shapes And Silhouettes Dominating Street Style
Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
The Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag is proof that classic shoulder bags remain one of the strongest handbag trends of 2026. Inspired by an archival Coach silhouette, it combines the timeless appeal of a structured shoulder bag with polished hardware and a detachable leather strap, making it just as suitable for everyday wear as it is for evening events.
It’s exactly the kind of versatile investment piece Waller describes as dominating sourcing requests this year. Spacious enough for your daily essentials yet refined enough for dinner or events, it transitions effortlessly from the office to after-dark plans. For anyone looking to invest in a heritage brand experiencing a major resurgence, the Chain Tabby is one of the smartest handbag buys of the season.
CHANEL 25 Mini Handbag
If there’s one handbag defining 2026, it’s the Chanel 25 Mini Handbag. Waller describes it as the clear “it-bag of the season”, with demand continuing to accelerate following Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection for the house.
While the classic lambskin version offers a timeless take on the silhouette, the Chanel 25’s relaxed shape, signature chain strap and practical interior explain why it’s become such a coveted everyday luxury bag. It works beautifully as a shoulder bag for day-to-day wear, while retaining the elevated finish expected from one of fashion’s most iconic heritage houses. Whether you opt for classic leather or one of the season’s highly sought-after pony hair versions, the Chanel 25 represents exactly where luxury handbag trends are heading in 2026.
Freja NYC Hudson Bag
The Freya NYC Hudson Bag taps directly into one of this year’s biggest handbag movements: softly structured shoulder bags that feel practical but still retain an element of fun. The curved silhouette sits comfortably on the shoulder, while the minimalist design makes it easy to style with everything from relaxed tailoring to weekend denim.
For shoppers looking beyond traditional logos, this is the kind of contemporary handbag that’s gaining momentum thanks to its versatility. It has enough room for everyday essentials without feeling oversized, making it an ideal work-to-weekend companion.
TOTEME T-Lock Pony Hair Top Handle
Few bags capture 2026’s biggest handbag trends quite like the Toteme T-Lock Pony Hair Top Handle. Combining one of the year’s most coveted silhouettes with rich wine-coloured pony hair, it speaks directly to the growing demand for tactile textures and statement finishes.
Although compact enough to feel elegant, it’s practical enough for everyday essentials and can easily move between daytime dressing and evening occasions. The deep burgundy tone also reflects another major trend Waller highlights: shoppers embracing colour without sacrificing longevity. If you’re looking to incorporate pony hair into your wardrobe in a refined, investment-worthy way, this Toteme design offers one of the strongest interpretations of the trend.
LOEWE Flamenco Leather Clutch
The Loewe Flamenco Leather Clutch has become one of luxury fashion’s modern icons thanks to its distinctive drawstring construction and exceptionally soft leather. While originally celebrated as an evening bag, its generous size and removable strap make it surprisingly versatile for everyday wear.
Carried as a shoulder bag or tucked under the arm as a clutch, it easily adapts to different occasions, making it the kind of multifunctional investment shoppers are increasingly prioritising in 2026. The pop of colour also allows the bag to work with a variety of outfits — from everyday workwear to elevated evening ensembles.
St. Agni Fawn Slim Bateau Tote
The St. Agni Fawn Slim Bateau Tote perfectly captures two of the defining handbag trends of 2026: elevated shoulder bags and the growing obsession with pony hair. Crafted with a slim, elongated silhouette, contrasting leather straps and a textured pony hair finish, it’s a design that feels both refined and effortlessly practical.
Designed to sit comfortably over the shoulder, it’s ideal for everything from work meetings to long lunches and weekend outings. While animal print and pony hair are having a major moment, the Fawn Slim Bateau Tote takes a more understated approach. The soft, tonal pattern feels subtle rather than overt, making it an easy way to embrace one of the season’s biggest trends without sacrificing versatility.
STAUD Tommy Beaded Bag
The STAUD Tommy Beaded Bag reflects the playful side of 2026’s handbag trends, where personality, colour and texture are becoming just as desirable as classic neutrals.
Perfect for weddings, parties, holidays or evening events, the intricate beaded finish transforms even the simplest outfit into something memorable. Waller notes that shoppers are embracing handbags with an element of fun this year, and this design delivers exactly that without compromising on sophistication.
DeMellier The Stockholm Shoulder
The DeMellier The Stockholm Shoulder embodies everything shoppers are currently looking for in an everyday luxury handbag. Its relaxed shoulder bag silhouette feels effortlessly contemporary, while the suede introduces another texture that’s becoming increasingly popular alongside pony hair.
Designed with functionality in mind, it comfortably fits daily essentials while maintaining a polished profile that works from morning meetings through to evening plans. As consumers continue gravitating towards versatile investment handbags that can be worn repeatedly rather than reserved for special occasions, The Stockholm Shoulder stands out as a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
The post Beyond The Logo: The It-Bags Of The Season appeared first on ELLE.
