Trends

In Praise of the Ultra Feminine Frame Bag

It's giving lady who lunches...

Some bags ooze cool, and then some bags ooze chic. Some scream sporty while others feel anything but. When it comes to a bag’s overall aesthetic feel, certain characteristics and/or details often contribute to its categorization.

Herm s pre-owned Rio H clutch bag.

Dating back to the 1800s, The frame bag was introduced at a time when women’s dress was vastly different. The clothing itself was far less casual than today’s dress, so it makes sense that a woman’s purse felt more elevated than the daily carries of modern times.

The design was further popularized in the 20th century with framed bags often carried by the wealthy and Hollywood’s elite.

Audrey Hepburn
Prada Matinée Micro Saffiano bag Town&Country

Delicately Designed

And maybe it’s that reason alone why the frame bag feels like the most girly handbag silhouette in the game because it reminds us of another time. A time when going out meant dressing up, no matter the occasion.

A frame-topped bag’s structured, kiss-lock closure silhouette feels delicate and romantic. It’s dressy and sleek but not overly fussy.

The type of girl who carries a frame bag is the type of girl that I want to be. In my head, she’s chic no matter the time of day, and she’s a lady who lunches, not a lady who lugs around everything but the kitchen sick. She’s fashionable but not trendy, giving off an air of regality.

Oozing ultra-laidback appeal with a paper bag-inspired waist.

Past And Future Meet To Give Life To 's Sveva Soft Bag
The Past And Future Meet To Give Life To 's Sveva Soft Bag If a YSL logo doesnt exist is it even really a YSL bag.

Every few years, frame bags come back into popularity, with the last major resurgence of them dating back to the mid-2010s (Phoebe Philo’s ultra-ladylike COURRÈGES Loop tote bag Black immediately comes to mind). Late last year, we saw a bit of an influx of them again.

From Khaite’s continued love for the metal framed shape to Etro’s handbag debut, Prada’s triangular top handle, and more, I’m becoming more enamored by these bags with (quite literally) edge.

I still don’t know if I exude that Grace Kelly-esque, delicate femininity that I imagine is necessary to carry one of these bags, but more and more, I think maybe I just have to fake it until I make it.

K60k608079 0kp backpack?

Shop This Story
Untitled 1
small patina of the leather at the front of the bag
$2,950 via FWRD
Shop This Story
Prada Frame Bag
Kate Spade small logo-plaque tote bag
$6,500 via Chanel

Quotations from second hand bags Dior Granville @jastookes

guest

1 Comment
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Max
Max
3 months ago

Absolute class