The Old Money Aesthetic Is Behind Fall's Hottest Handbags

In the handbag world, the pendulum tends to swing from micro to macro and hands-free to hands-on construction every few years, yet certain handbag shapes like the satchel have endured as status symbols in the face of countless trends and "It" bags. So although top-handle satchel bags are as timeless as it gets, there's no question that the shape is having another moment in the spotlight right now.

With a rise in what some are calling an "old money" aesthetic or more generally the quiet-luxury look, it makes sense that a symbol of wealth like the satchel would make more appearances on the arms of the style set. Bags like the Birkin and Kelly no doubt set the standard for what an old money handbag looks like, in other words a structured shape with elegant front-clasp hardware, but the shape's influence is reaching farther than ever right now and we're noticing a spike not only in satchel-carriers but also in a new slate of FW23 handbags that reimagine the satchel's classic look for the modern woman.

In their fall 2023 collections, designers introduced their interpretation on the classic bag but reimagined for the modern wardrobe. From Ferragamo's Hug Pouch Bag to The Row's Margaux Tote, continue on to discover the "Old Money"-inspired handbags that pay homage to the inimitable carryall.

There are few bags that achieve It status right away, and the Ferragamo Hug bag is undoubtedly one of them. From the moment it made its debut on the fall/winter 2023 runway in Milan, we knew the XL clutch was destined for fame, and much like the other accessories that creative director Maximillian Davis has put forth since his arrival at the Italian house, we were right. Named the Hug because of the embracing effect of its shape, the bag is a modern-day homage to a classic satchel bag and comes in two distinct iterations: a top-handle and clutch bag that both comes in Ferragamo signatures black and bright scarlet. The latter has already become a celebrity favorite, counting Kylie Jenner and Tracee Ellis Ross among its fans.

Shop the bag:

First introduced in its winter 2023 runway, The Row Margaux bag is probably closest to the Birkin in its shape and size although with a clean, hardware-free silhouette that aligns with The Row's core codes. If Jane Birkin is the poster child for wearing her Birkin with abandon, stuffing in all her essentials and proving how good the satchel looks when its been used, then the Margaux Tote's slouchier look is a modern-day answer to the need for a luxury bag that can (and should) be used rather than preserved. 

Shop the bag:

Speaking of large carryalls, the Khaite Amelia is another fashion-girl favorite pick for carrying anything and everything. Its east-west shape and spacious interior makes it ideal for long commutes, day trips, or as an in-flight carry-on. As handbags continue to trend in the direction of XL sizes to keep up with our ever-busier lives, a sleek and sophisticated carryall like the Amelia has never felt more relevant or more forward. Katie Holmes has been spotted carrying her camel leather one throughout NYC on multiple occasions, proving the bag's usefulness IRL with any one of her low-key cool outfits.

While a Birkin can run you upwards of $10,000, achieving a similarly classic look doesn't have to cost such a fortune. One bag that's well-priced for how much sophistication it delivers is the New York bag from London-based accessory label DeMellier. It's a top-handle satchel with long enough arms that allow you to sling it over your shoulder and be hands-free (a luxury that not all satchels afford) with an understated metal-hardware clasp at the front and barely-there logo lettering.