Ben’s Bag Edit: 7 Designer Bags to Pack for Your Summer Escape
Bag it like it's hot!
Packing for a holiday can feel like assembling a puzzle. Outfits, shoes, jewellery—each piece needs to complement the next. The most important piece? The bag that holds it all together. From slouchy silhouettes to roomy carryalls, here are seven designer bags to take along for the ride.
Valentino Garavani Nellcôte Suede Shopping Bag
“Studs and eyelets have been trending lately, and while they can be hit or miss, they work beautifully on the right accessory. Case in point: the Valentino Garavani Nellcôte shopping bag. I had a closer look when our July cover star, Bay Doucet, arrived on set with the suede version. Amid racks of clothes and accessories, the bag quietly stole the scene. It delivers on function too, doubling as a chic, travel-ready tote.”
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Longchamp Le Roseau M shoulder bag
“Longchamp’s recent pop-up at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur spotlighted its signature blue and white bags, but it was the light yellow Le Roseau, carried by Mimi Lana, that stood out to me. The east-west silhouette still feels relevant, and the concealed zip beneath a clean leather flap keeps the look streamlined while securing the essentials.”
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Alaïa East West M
“If you’re keeping score on rectangular bags, the Alaïa East West M deserves a spot on the list. I like how the hinge opening is wrapped in leather, and when it closes, a gentle curve softens the form. And of course, it comes in my favourite colour, black, making it an easy choice for any trip.”
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Saint Laurent Y Top-handle bucket
“I think I’ve finally found the bucket bag that gets it right: Saint Laurent’s Y Top-Handle Bucket. When I first saw it online, I wasn’t entirely convinced. But after watching a few reviews, I started to understand the appeal. It has a taller, more upright silhouette than most bucket bags, offering extra room—even when you’re packing generously. What also drew me in was the signature ‘Y’ detail, a subtle archival touch that adds depth to the design.”
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Ralph Lauren Polo Play Leather tote
“The Play tote by Ralph Lauren caught my eye when the campaign with Aespa’s Winter dropped earlier this year, and summer feels like the perfect time to bring it out. It comes in several sizes and colours, but if I had to pick one, I’d go with the large green. It’s roomy enough for a full day out, and the colour works with almost everything in my wardrobe.”
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Chloé Summer Banana Hobo bag
“If raffia bags are on the agenda this season, the Chloé Banana bag would be my pick. The curved hobo silhouette feels updated, while the calfskin handles add just the right contrast. The beige tone also stands out—softer and more versatile than the usual light brown.”
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Loewe Ola bag
“Another raffia bag that’s been on my radar is the Ola bag by Loewe. Its silhouette reminds me of a sunhat, especially with that flowing flap. And like the Flamenco, it comes with that doughnut chain I’m completely into. I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes the next big thing.”
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