Suddenly, Every Stylish Person Is Wearing One of These Two Designer Bags
Every year, I treat myself to a luxury purchase, often opting for a designer bag. To ensure I make the best decision, I spend a lot—I mean a lot—of time keeping up with new launches and perusing Instagram to see which bags are making waves so I can pick the right one to buy. After 11 months of research this year, I've narrowed it down to two investment-worthy styles making waves between NYC and London: the Khaite Simona bag and the Alaïa Le Teckel bag.
What’s fascinating is that these two bags, while hailing from distinct design philosophies, share a striking similarity. The Simona and the Le Teckel are east-west bags, characterized by their sleek, elongated forms. The Alaïa Le Teckel—a nod to the beloved dachshund in French—boasts a slim rectangular silhouette enhanced by its long, structured double straps and functional double zipper. Crafted from supple calfskin leather and lined with a sumptuous suede lambskin, it is available in various colors and textures, from chic black leather to warm tan suede. Though it debuted in the brand's S/S 24 collection, the design initially flew under the radar. However, the moment celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Julianne Moore were spotted with it, the bag catapulted into the spotlight.
Sofia Richie Grainge wears the Khaite Simona bag.
Conversely, the Khaite Simona bag was acclaimed almost immediately after the designer's F/W 24 show. Fashion enthusiasts eagerly refreshed the brand’s website, desperate to secure their own. While it has quickly risen to fame, the Simona transcends mere trendiness with its timeless silhouette that promises longevity within Khaite's repertoire. This piece embodies Khaite's ethos of quiet luxury and minimalist sophistication.
Sara Walker wears the Khaite Simona bag.
Much like the Le Teckel, the Simona showcases an elegantly elongated shape accompanied by two straps and a practical top zipper, all while maintaining a non-logo aesthetic. However, overall it is a larger bag with notably shorter and less structured straps.
Annabel Rosendahl wears the Alaïa Le Teckel bag.
Regardless of their distinctive features, both buzzy bags are incredibly versatile, seamlessly enhancing any ensemble—whether it’s an elevated dress paired with heels or casual jeans and a sweater
Géraldine Boublil wears the Alaïa Le Teckel bag.
These two bags have an undeniably chic quality that has made it hard for me to choose which one I want to invest in. So while I continue to decide, keep reading to shop the Simona and Le Teckel and discover some of my other favorite designer east-west silhouettes.
Shop the Khaite Simona and Alaïa Le Teckel Bags
Shop More East-West Bags
Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joined Who What Wear in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself. When she's not writing, you can find her taking a Pilates class, reading a powerful romance novel, or exploring a new wellness spot in Manhattan.
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