Let’s talk about tote bags. The undisputed staple of most working women’s wardrobes, the tried-and-tested silhouette has been replaced with mini bags and crossbodies on the runways in recent years; but the ‘fashion tote’ is officially back.
It was a subtle turn of events, but a significant one. It was back in 2022 when XXL tote bags started to make their return to favour – Saint Laurent launched its super-sized quilted Icare tote, while Ferragamo introduced jumbo totes on its AW22 runway. Since then, countless fashion houses have jumped on board. Fast-forward to the most recent collections (a.k.a. Spring/Summer 2025), and we’ve seen hero carry-alls at the likes of Dries Van Noten, Bottega Veneta, Chloé and Prada.
L to R: Bottega Veneta, Dries Van Noten, Chloé and Prada.
One also can’t deny the influence of The Row’s roomy Margaux bag, dubbed a ‘future heirloom’ by British Vogue and flooding social media feeds and resale sites as demand grows for the somehow slouchy-yet-structured top-handle bag. Since Jennifer Lawrence, Harry Styles, Kendall Jenner and Zoe Kravitz have only added to the noise around the £5k accessory, similar styles are also popping up amongst high street and high end launches, too.
So if you make one handbag investment this season, get your money’s worth with a style that will not only carry you through to 2025 – but carry every essential, too. Here’s our edit of the best leather tote bags to shop this season.
DeMellier’s Midi New York in mocha suede, £445
Since suede is set to be the textile of Autumn/Winter ‘24, we’re predicting that DeMellier’s ‘New York’ tote bag in this rich chocolate colourway will be a seasonal hit. Sling it over your shoulder or even tuck it under your arm for the nonchalant look all the street style stars are touting.
If The Row’s broadly sold-out Margaux bag has your heart, then Metier’s ultra-smooth Private Eye tote might also take your fancy – since it has a similar wide-based silhouette. Available in tactile suede or soft lambskin in various tones, it’s an if-you-know-you-know kind of bag; ideal for the trend-avoiders out there.
You can’t deny the chic simplicity of Marks & Spencer’s soft leather tote. Elegant and easy-to-wear, its shape is reminiscent of the likes of Dragon Diffusion. A savvy high street choice that will stand the test of time.
Get your hands on your own slice of the runways with Miu Miu’s Aventure bag, which is regularly styled stuffed with essentials to prove its practical prowess as well as its ability to carry multiple bag charms – another trend the Italian fashion house has influenced the fashion set to indulge in this season.
You’ll find countless brands that try to emulate the classic simplicity of Bottega’s Hop bag, but its famous Intrecciato weave can be perfected nowhere else. Based on a hobo bag from 2002, Mathieu Blazy’s version has a chunky shoulder strap for ease of wear, and is available in a delicious ‘olive oil’ shade for AW24.
Josslyn Shi from California College of Art has been crowned Overall Winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition at a glittering final event held at the U.S. Embassy in London.
Real people, real style. Direct from the streets.
The results are finally in for this year’s International Student Design Competition, and the 2022 People’s Choice Category Winner, receiving 2,490 votes out of a total of 37,000 from the public, is Lior Weinberg, with her entry Paradox of Fashion.
Meet this year’s People’s Choice Category Winner for the inaugural Nordic Region Student Design Competition, Maria Julia Echarte Pascual – with her entry Sukeban.
Ethiopian designer Ruth Girmay was awarded the title of ‘Most Commendable Designer’ at The Real Leather. Stay Different. African Talent Leather Design showcase in December.
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