Tasteful Dressers Have Carried This Style for 70 Years—Now, It's 2025's Biggest Handbag Trend
Discover and shop the most in-demand east-west handbags for summer 2025.

We've seen a major style shift into a much more elegant and refined mood. Delicate satin shoes, pretty A-line silhouettes, and antique brooches are just some of the items that were omnipresent in the spring/summer 2025 collections. In addition to them is a new rising handbag shape that succinctly wraps up this elegant fashion mood. Everywhere we look, bags are taking on an east-west shape with slim, oblong construction at the forefront of the designs.
Some of the standout bags of the season—the Alaïa Le Teckel, Hermès Shoulder Birkin, and Bottega Veneta Andiamo Clutch—all feature east-west shapes. With fashion going back to the 1950s, designers are looking back at the accessories of the decade to inform modern-day carryalls. Ahead are seven popular east-west bags that everyone is after for 2025.
SHOP THE BEST EAST WEST BAGS:
1. Alaïa Le Teckel
Style Notes: Alaïa is behind the It bag that everyone is buzzing about right now. Named Le Teckel, which is French for "dachshund", it features a slim rectangular shape with long double straps and a double zipper.
Shop the Le Teckel Bag:
With its sculptural silhouette and smooth leather finish, this Alaïa bag adds an effortless elegance to any outfit.
Sleek and understated, this nubuck shoulder bag from Alaïa combines the brand’s signature craftsmanship with a minimalist east-west shape.
The classic black bag offers a sophisticated balance of style and versatility for day-to-night wear.
2. Prada Top-Handle Bag
Style Notes: Prada is also getting in on the east-west idea and introduced a shoulder bag that featured a crinkled-looking leather and micro belt detail.
Shop the Top-Handle Bag:
Featuring clean lines and luxurious leather, this large Prada bag is a timeless investment piece ideal for your daily essentials.
It delivers refined simplicity with its structured silhouette and iconic logo detailing.
The epitome of understated luxury, this leather handbag from Prada is a versatile option in a chic beige tone.
3. Bottega Veneta Long Andiamo Bag
Style Notes: Bottega Veneta's beloved Andiamo bag has most recently been released in two updated shapes: an east-west version of its popular shopper and a petite top-handle clutch.
Shop the Long Andiamo:
In a rich emerald green hue, this Bottega Veneta clutch showcases the brand’s signature intrecciato weave and contemporary design.
This barolo-hued clutch blends Bottega Veneta's heritage craftsmanship with modern sophistication—perfect for elevating your evening look.
An effortless classic, Bottega Veneta's black Andiamo clutch is a sleek accessory you’ll turn to season after season.
4. Hermès Shoulder Birkin Bag
Style Notes: Hermès debuted (or rather, re-debuted) its Shoulder Birkin during Paris Fashion Week last year and it's all anyone could talk about. The bag reimagines the classic Birkin with a smaller, more rectangular body and a long strap that easily goes over the shoulder.
Shop the Shoulder Birkin Bag:
A rare and timeless piece, this Hermès Birkin in brown leather reimagines the iconic design with a functional shoulder strap.
Crafted in supple tan leather, this coveted Hermès Birkin offers a blend of heritage style and modern convenience.
The hue of this Hermès Birkin bag makes a subtle statement, while its practical shape ensures versatility for everyday wear.
5. Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette
Style Notes: Savette's Symmetry Pochette is the epitome of an "IYKYK" handbag. Its logoless design and discreet but recognisable hardware clasp make it an insider favourite. The new slimmer take on the bag is even more elongated to highlight its east-west shape.
Shop the Symmetry Pochette Bag:
Elevate your accessory game with this red suede tote by Savette, featuring elegant leather trims and a compact, structured design.
With a rich red hue and understated design, this Savette tote pairs effortlessly with neutral and bold looks alike.
Minimalist and impeccably crafted, this black leather tote from Savette is a sleek everyday option for the modern wardrobe.
6. Tory Burch T Monogram Bag
Style Notes: Tory Burch's T Monogram Bag brings new life to the brand's monogrammed logo with a retro east-west shape and long double handles that sling easily over the shoulder.
Shop the T Monogram Bag:
Navy never goes out of style—this Tory Burch satchel is a classic piece with timeless appeal, featuring the signature T Monogram.
Compact yet practical, Tory Burch's small satchel in black leather offers a polished finish for any occasion.
Finished with the iconic T Monogram, this bag adds a preppy-chic twist to Tory Burch's signature silhouette.
7. Jil Sander Goji Bag
Style Notes: Jil Sander's Goji Bag is a more under-the-radar silhouette that feels like a genuine vintage find.
Shop the Goji Bag:
With a minimalist design and polished leather finish, Jil Sander's Goji tote embodies a classiness like no other.
The beige version is a refined, versatile addition to any handbag collection, perfect for day or night styling.
If you want something that'll double as an evening clutch, then the red one is your best bet.
Shop More East-West Handbags We Love:
This bag comes in an array of bold shades as well as the classic black and navy hues.
Demellier's best-seller now comes in this chic east-west silhouette.
Mulberry's heritage Bayswater is perfectly primed for this horizontal stretch.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
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