Handbags continue to reign as fashion’s ultimate status symbol—the perfect blend of function and style capable of elevating even the simplest outfit into a statement. This season, a fascinating interplay of nostalgia and innovation is shaping the handbag landscape, with celebrities turning sidewalks into runways and sparking global sell-outs in the process.
From structured silhouettes to bohemian revivals, the bags defining 2025 aren’t just accessories—they’re emotional investments that reveal as much about their carriers as their clothes do. Here’s our definitive guide to the five designs capturing the hearts of celebrities, editors, and fashion lovers alike.
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The Coach Brooklyn Bag: Oversized Minimalism Meets Practical Luxury
The Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag has quickly become the must-have accessory for urbanites who value style and practicality. Bella Hadid has been spotted multiple times with the oversized yet sleek silhouette, while Camila Morrone carries it on coffee runs and at airports.
“I’ve never received so many compliments on a bag,” says one Cosmopolitan fashion editor, noting its clean lines and generous capacity make it feel both put-together and effortlessly cool.
Its chameleon-like quality is what makes the Brooklyn remarkable—paired with vintage denim and an oversized blazer, it exudes downtown ease; with tailored pieces, it becomes polished and urban. This versatility has fashion directors predicting its longevity beyond the usual trend cycle.
Street Style Tip: For maximum impact, contrast its structured silhouette with relaxed pieces—slouchy jeans, an understated blazer, and minimal jewellery. Let the bag’s architectural presence stand out.
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Valentino Garavani Panthea: Quiet Luxury with Bold Intentions
In an era obsessed with “quiet luxury,” the Valentino Garavani Panthea emerges as the perfect embodiment of restrained opulence. Spotted on Anne Hathaway during Paris Fashion Week and lovingly cradled by Tyla on multiple red carpets, this structured leather masterpiece speaks volumes without shouting.
The Panthea’s allure lies in its contradictions—the silhouette is bold and unmistakable, yet the overall effect remains subtle enough to complement rather than compete with its carrier’s style. Among the luxury fashion bags dominating the high-end market in 2025, industry experts consistently rank the Panthea as one of the most versatile investments. Fashion insiders describe feeling an almost reverent attachment to the bag, with its impeccable craftsmanship inspiring a deep emotional connection.
“It’s the kind of bag that makes you stand a little taller,” confesses one Harper’s BAZAAR editor who invested in the caramel colourway. “There’s something deeply satisfying about how it maintains its structure while softening beautifully with use—like it’s evolving alongside you.”
Street Style Tip: The Panthea shines brightest when paired with tonal neutrals or crisp tailoring. Let it add architectural interest to minimalist outfits by keeping the rest of your accessories understated.
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Valentino Nellcôte Bag: Rebellion in Leather Form
If the Panthea is Valentino’s composed sophistication, the Nellcôte is its rebellious younger sibling. With its edge-loaded silhouette and distinctive grommet detailing, this bag has become the unexpected favourite of celebrities known for their unique personal style.
Rosalía has been photographed carrying the black version across European capitals. At the same time, Sha’Carri Richardson caused a social media sensation when she paired the burgundy colourway with athletic wear at a high-profile event. The most unexpected champion of the style has been Colman Domingo, whose fearless approach to accessorising has cemented the bag’s status as a genuine gender-fluid icon.
Street Style Tip: The Nellcôte works best as the star of your ensemble. Let it shine against understated backdrops like leather pants or premium denim, and resist the urge to compete with other statement pieces.
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Chloé Paddington Revival: Y2K Nostalgia Reborn
Fashion’s love affair with the early 2000s continues as Chloé resurrects one of the most iconic It-bags of all time. The reimagined Paddington has sent waves of emotional nostalgia through the industry while captivating a new generation of fashion enthusiasts who missed its first incarnation.
Katie Holmes, forever associated with impeccable off-duty style, has embraced the revival with visible delight, often pairing it with her signature casual-luxe aesthetic. The bag’s distinctive lock and slouchy silhouette trigger an almost visceral response from millennial fashion lovers who remember its original heyday.
Street Style Tip: Embrace the bag’s boho heritage by pairing it with flowing dresses and relaxed separates. The Paddington brings instant character to weekend brunches and casual city strolls.
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Fendi Spy Bag: Artisanal Details for the Modern Collector
Completing our lineup of iconic revivals, the Fendi Spy Bag returns with its distinctive woven handle and hidden compartments that once made it the ultimate insider status symbol. Aubrey Plaza has been photographed multiple times with the black version tucked under her arm, while Poppy Delevingne has embraced the more vibrant colourways for European getaways.
What sets the 2025 iteration apart is Fendi’s commitment to showcasing exceptional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary colourways. The result is a bag that feels both timeless and of-the-moment—a rare achievement in accessory design.
Street Style Tip: The Spy’s artisanal details shine against simple backgrounds. Pair with flowing dresses or relaxed separates to channel effortless boho elegance with a distinctly elevated edge.
Conclusion
As these five bags demonstrate, 2025’s handbag landscape celebrates both innovation and heritage, with celebrities embracing designs that offer emotional connection alongside undeniable style. Whether you’re drawn to Coach’s modern minimalism or Fendi’s artisanal craftsmanship, this season’s standout bags promise to be companions rather than mere accessories—cherished pieces that will evolve beautifully with each wear.
For those ready to invest, platforms like therealluxury make it easier than ever to access these coveted designs online, bringing the latest in high-fashion handbags straight to your wardrobe.
