And Now, The It-Bag That Will Be Everywhere Next Month
If I asked my fellow editors to weigh in here, they’d probably tell you that I can't quit my obsession with all things ‘90s. And it’s true. From loose, ripped jeans to the shoe trends taking over right now to my latest finds, there's no doubt that throwback fashion from the decade is inspiring me.
Perhaps my favorite take on ‘90s-inspired fashion today? Prada’s Cleo bag. While the bag—a reinterpretation of the brand's iconic styles from the decade—is relatively new, it’s already soared to It-status. Carried on the arms of celebs like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, there’s no doubt that it will be one of the most in-demand accessories in the coming months. But for me, the bag has even more significance.
My very first big fashion purchase ever was a nylon Prada messenger bag in the late ‘90s. It was a proud moment to spread years of savings on the counter at Neiman Marcus and an even prouder moment to carry the bag around. In fact, the timeless bag is still one I use on the regular to this day. So, when I saw that Prada gave a new spin to their classic ‘90s styles that won me over the first time around, it immediately caught my eye.
My ‘90s nylon messenger may be a forever staple in my closet, but now I’m looking to the next iteration of the accessory. The Cleo bag is one that has equal staying power and will no doubt be a smart investment piece to last in your closet for the next 20 years ahead.
On the runway:
First debuted in Prada's S/S 21 'Multiple Views' menswear show and then again in the S/S 21 womenswear collection, the Cleo is a modern rethinking of the brand's iconic bags from the '90s that's finished with sleek, clean lines and the signature Prada logo. Styled on the runway with everything from cashmere outerwear to slip dresses to nylon pants, it goes to show just how versatile the bag is.
Pictured: Prada S/S 21 menswear
Pictured: Prada S/S 21 menswear
Pictured: Prada S/S 21 menswear
Pictured: Prada S/S 21 womenswear
Pictured: Prada S/S 21 womenswear
On the street:
The Prada Cleo bag has already been a go-to style spotted on celebrities including Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Worn tucked underneath their arms with '90s staples like tailored button-down tops and ripped jeans, they have throwback style mastered.
Who: Kendall Jenner
Wearing: Musier Becky Pants ($191); Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag ($2350); Skims Seamless Face Mask ($8)
Who: Hailey Bieber
Wearing: Éterne Cropped Thermal ($115); Vetements Anarchy Jeans ($930); Nike Dunk Sneakers; Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag ($1990); Kat by Karrueche Knocker Earrings ($32); Emi Jay Sweet Dreams Scrunchie ($32); Anita Ko Zoe Necklace ($15500); Fallon Herringbone Chain Necklace
On Instagram
Prediction: the Prada Cleo will be one of the most popular bags among fashion insiders in the coming year. We're already seeing it pop up on Instagram and it's only a matter of time before it's the most in-demand It-bag of the season.
Shop the Prada Cleo bag:
The Prada Cleo comes in two shapes (a sloping snap top and a flap top silhouette) and four colors. They're all so good and I just can't get enough of this perfect bag.
Shop more Prada finds:
Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I’m obsessing over right now.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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