The Case for the Two Bag Trend

Fashion is one way to measure where we are as a society, and if the last few seasons have proven anything it’s that function is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. The signs are all there–what with the influx in denim at couture houses like Schiaparelli and the likes of Giambatista Valli making embroidered utility jackets. But one of the most blatant signifiers is all the baggage we’ve seen on the runways, specifically the two bag trend.

“Having easy access to a lot of your possessions is practical and allows you to readily adapt to many situations or be on the move at a moment’s notice,” says psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell on the science behind carrying a bunch of bags. “Studies suggest that in times of crisis, consumers seek simplicity and adopt a sociological approach to shopping which favors pragmatism over materialism.”

Recent rumblings of the two bag trend began with the models at Miu Miu’s spring 2024 show clutching slightly disheveled totes that were decorated with tschotskes, unzipped, and noticeably stuffed with smaller bags (along with logo-clad sweaters and shoes) in a way that alludes to the wearer’s busy lifestyle. Per the collection notes, the brand put an emphasis on function and individuality, encouraging its audience to imagine how the leather carryall would fit into their own lives.

For fall 2024, the overflowing tote was replaced by two or three bags intertwined and clipped together—all different by design for an artful juxtaposition. Coach painted a detailed picture of the quintessential city-dweller, sending large patina satchels adorned with quilted ‘Tabby’ bags, Yankees caps, and other NYC-related keychains down the runway. In Milan, Bottega Veneta’s Matthieu Blazy paired Intrecciato leather pouches with netted woven totes, and Fendi stacked clutches in varying sizes, colors, and textures on top of each other for added dimension. Prada offered up a more subtle take by attaching contrasting hardshell card cases to the outside of its belted tote, as an added compartment.