The It Bag of 2026 Is Bigger, Bolder, and Back From the 2010s
Once a defining accessory of the early 2010s, the structured, winged-edge handbag is making a notable comeback as the standout silhouette next season
A classic reclaims its place
In a fashion cycle increasingly defined by the ephemeral, certain objects still manage to resist obsolescence. One such item is the structured, winged-edge silhouette first introduced by Phoebe Philo in 2010, which has re-emerged as the dominant accessory of 2026. Sleek, sizable, and instantly recognizable, the Luggage bag is back. This time, it is both a symbol of minimalist chic and a barometer for where fashion and culture are headed next.
The latest iteration, seen most notably on global pop icon V of BTS, arrives in supple, glossy black lambskin. V was photographed with the Large Luggage in Paris, styled with characteristic ease. He wore Wesley jeans in indigo dark stone denim, a heritage silk twill bandana, layered bracelets, and Western zipped boots in Havana suede calfskin.
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Under the direction of Michael Rider, Celine has reissued the iconic Luggage bag, updating it with a unisex sensibility that reflects the evolving priorities of fashion today. While Hedi Slimane once steered the brand toward rock-star narrowness and boyish tailoring, Michael’s approach embraces structure and legacy. The Luggage, with its unmistakable curves and sturdy top handles, now speaks to a broader vision of luxury that values permanence over trend and versatility over category.
Then and now
What sets this revival apart is context. A decade ago, the Luggage bag was a favorite among editors and influencers, serving as a de facto signifier of status in the post–it girl era. This season, the conditions are different. Where the early 2010s emphasized sleek professionalism and social-climbing aspiration, the current moment is shaped by fluidity and self-presentation. The return of the Luggage bag is strategic.
Its size, for one, feels almost defiant. As “quiet luxury” continues to dominate the discourse, with neutral palettes, discreet branding, and a stealth wealth aesthetic now synonymous with old money style, the Luggage presents a more expressive proposition. It is, after all, a bag that wants to be seen. The glossy leather finish, exaggerated gussets, and precise stitching provide a sense of structured confidence.
And while Celine never stopped producing the bag, its renewed relevance stems from a broader cultural shift, influenced in part by stars like V. His choice reflects a wider movement among male celebrities and stylists who are embracing traditionally feminine-coded accessories as a means of elevation. In this context, the Large Luggage becomes not just an “it” bag but an “all” bag, one that carries and reflects evolving identities.
Design that endures
The Luggage bag illustrates what occurs when design possesses enough strength to transcend trend cycles, and when cultural figures hold enough influence to reshape the narrative without ever needing to speak.
The oversized, structured silhouette is back with an edge of quiet glamour. Look for glossy finishes, strong handles, and subtle heritage cues. Carry it not just as a bag, but as a sign that you’re thinking long-term.
Photos courtesy CELINE
