By Christopher Prince
From (L-R) Costume National, Akris, No.21, Chloé, Gucci, 3.1 Phillip Lim, J.W. Anderson Resort 2015^
The signature bag shape for resort 2015 was the trapeze. Revived by Phoebe Philo at Céline for AW13, the trapeze bag has since made a reappearance cropping up in the collections of J. W. Anderson, Chloé, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Whilst Philo’s design featured a minimal boxy interior with an opposing curved exterior, designers this season recalled more traditional trapeze shapes. Akris offered versions with space saving folded corners. At J.W.Anderson the trapeze bag was pieced in chocolate suede with a single triangular enclosure. Costume National edged out their designs with slouchy trapeze bags cut from leather, complete with studded handles. Meanwhile Louis Vuitton’s emblem was ingeniously incorporated into a trapeze number with contrast tan and white leather.
Miniatures
From (L-R) Alberta Ferretti, Valentino, Lanvin, Akris, Marni, Missoni, Marc Jacobs Resort 2015^
Perhaps not the most practical accessory for bag hoarders, designers showcased an entire array of miniature handbags for resort 2015. Tiny proportions aside, these miniature masterpieces were a common thread throughout the collections, whether dressed up for evening or worn across the shoulder for daytime ease. Alexis Mabille styled miniature bags featuring delicate gold chains with denim and lace. At Chanel, Lagerfeld riffed on the classic quilted bag in lacquered shades of gold, coral and lilac, complete with signature interlocking c trinkets. At Lanvin meanwhile the vibe was luxe for evening in miniature bags pieced from python and finished with fringe key chains.
From (L-R) Mulberry, Gucci, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Agnona, Jason Wu, Fendi, Versace Resort 2015^
Reworked from classic school bags, the satchel arrived updated for resort 2015 in a vibrant selection of colours, print and material. Typically pieced from tanned leather with a single strap, the satchel this season was defined in practicality and wearability. Fendi’s take saw graphic colour blocking with attached nametag keychain. At Gucci treated leather was given a vibrant pop of colour with the handle and interior in shades of lime. Louis Vuitton’s archetypal design featured an updated house emblem indented within leather in primary red, blue and yellow hues. Meanwhile Versace offered a mix of lacquered python versions patch worked with graphic tapestry prints.
