It’s officially the year of the lady bag—and who better to push the trend forward than a lady herself? The past few months, Lady Gaga, who turns 33 today, has been spotted on multiple occasions carrying the accessory of the season: an elegant, structured handbag. The movement started when she debuted Hedi Slimane’s first design for Celine, a black satchel that Gaga hasn’t been able to stop carrying. Since then, she’s continued her love for these shapely purses, also taking Gabriela Hearst’s globe-shaped Nina bag out for a spin, among others.
These ladylike designs—in unadorned leather, squared or rectangular—recall bags found as far back as the 1940s, especially during Hollywood’s Golden Era, when stars such as Vivien Leigh and Audrey Hepburn would carry the most discreetly chic carryalls. Though they nod to the past, these bags are anything but dated: They feel refreshingly current. Consider them a reaction to all the flashy It bags and jumbo hobos that dominated the 2000s and came back over the last year or so. The lady bag’s feeling falls in line with fashion’s more understated mood, and, as so aptly shown by the A Star Is Born actress, its unfussy designs happen to go well with virtually any ensemble.
Luckily, the market has plenty of options that are well-suited to any wardrobe. A croc-effect tote by Staud has the versatility to be worn from the office to drinks, while a satin style by Neely & Chloe, covered in pretty florals, is begging to appear at your next spring garden party. And, to channel Gaga herself, Celine’s Medium 16 bag in understated navy is roomy enough to fit all of one’s pens, planners, and more for that important morning meeting—because if you’re going to hoard office supplies, why not do it like a lady?
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