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Puffer Bags Are This Season's Most Pleasingly Practical Accessory Trend
Introducing the comfiest arm candy ever
The show seasons in London, New York, Paris and Milan are an aesthetic feast for every accessories obsessive: and for SS24, there were new statement-makers at every turn. But the new-season trending bag style we're jumping on right away? It has to be the rise of the cosy, quilted puffer bag.
Soft, pillowy silhouettes were spotted on the shoulders of the street-style set, and on the runways at Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Miu Miu: the latter of which has brought its beloved Matelassé quilting back out of the archives. (Got a vintage relik? You're quids in).
But the puffer bag's popularity precedes this recent redux: Chanel's lambskin Bubble Quilt debuted back in 2007, certifying the playful style as a high-luxury proposition. Since then, the progenitor of the quilted handbag has inspired other major designs, including Maison Margiela's Glam Slam pillow bag and Saint Laurent's Loulou quilted bag, both launched in 2017. But it wasn't until Daniel Lee released a puffed-up version of Bottega Veneta's signature intrecciato weave – the Cassette bag – in Autumn/Winter 2019 that an 'It' bag (and an 'It' designer) was born.
Much like the cocooning puffer coat, the appeal of a puffy bag rests in its ability to evoke comfort and ease. The satisfyingly squishy design provides an antithesis to fashion's modus operandi of a sleek and svelte silhouette, and proves that style is not limited to how we look, but is also heavily influenced by how we feel: and sometimes, we just want to indulge our softer side.
Ahead, we've scoured the shops to bring you the fashion insider's edit of the very best quilted, padded, and puffer bags to buy right now: from Bottega Veneta's trend-birthing shoulder bag to the latest puffy styles from the likes of Jacquemus, Miu Miu and Prada. And on the high street? There are heroes to be had there too: just look to Jw Pei and Cos.
The Puffer Bags To Satisfy Your Softer Side This Spring
If anyone knows about making padding chic, it's Jacquemus.
This sculptural silver creation from one of our favourite affordable bag brands looks like a work of art and transitions from day to night with ease.
The perfect mix of squishy and stylish, Cos's version is responsibly made with the Leather Working Group and large enough to house your every daily essential.
Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski are already fans of Miu Miu's latest viral hit, so we think we'll have to follow suit.
Charles & Keith's tasteful take on the puffy bag also comes with an irresistible price tag. We love that it can be worn as a crossbody or adjusted to a shoulder bag style.
A flawless example of Maison Margiela's trompe-l'œil tendencies, the Glam Slam is designed to look like a reworked puffer jacket, with a voluminous body and belt-style strap.
Scandi brand Mads Nørgaard's puffy maxi-tote is set to be one of the hottest picks of the season. This style comes with different length straps for shoulder bag or top-handle styling, the inner comes with a slip pocket, and snap button closure – plus, it fits a laptop.
Need the perfect tote for work, the gym, a city break and beyond? Look no further than Adanola's quilted carryall.
Saint Laurent's Lou Lou blends heritage hardware with satisfying, squishy lambskin.
Cute, puffy and pink. Prada's mini bag is the ideal pop of colour for enlivening spring and summer looks.
Cherry red – the colour of the season – looks better than ever in the form of a cloud-like quilted bag.
A forever classic that makes you feel cosy just by looking at it.
Bottega Veneta. Puffy. Silver. Enough said.
This sumptuous, leather shoulder bag comes in a versatile, inky black hue that's perfect for day-to-night styling.
Kara Kia is Hearst UK’s Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor, working across ELLE, Red, Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, and Esquire to create shopping content, style advice, and beauty reviews on skincare, makeup, and curly hair. Kara’s most popular guides include ‘Affordable Jewellery Brands to Know’, ‘The Best Lingerie Brands’, and ‘How to Build a Holiday Capsule Wardrobe’, while she also covers deals events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Since starting her career as a journalist in 2018, she has held the role of Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER’s Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and written for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine, where she reported on fashion and beauty news, trends, and features. An experienced interviewer, Kara has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles, and Tyla about life, work, and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kara lived in Toronto, Canada before moving to London.
Follow Kara on Instagram at @kara.kia
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