Everything you need to know about this season's red hot handbags

Red – and not just any red, the shocking sort – becomes an outfit-stealer this season. Packed with passion, the shade of love and desire, blood and roses makes a notable statement on its own. Still, despite its impact, red remains a staple that manages to be both daring and timeless at the same time. Bill Blass put it best: when in doubt, wear red.

From geometrical shapes to the bag version of those famous red soles, pick your poison from our editor in chief Martina Bonnier’s curated selection of red statement bags featured in the April/May issue of Vogue Scandinavia.

Originally launched in the 1970s, Loewe’s Flamenco clutch has grown into a house classic, solidifying itself as one of the brand’s most covetable accessories. Reintroduced for spring in a scarlet red hue with a mohair finish and leather drawstrings, if there was ever a bag to pay tribute to Loewe’s Spanish heritage, this flamenco red clutch is definitely it.

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A special edition of Bulgari’s most beloved bag, The Serpenti Forever crossbody in garnet red, three-dimensional laser-cut leather draws inspiration from the radiation of stars. The pattern, first displayed on the sunbeam dial of Bulgari’s Heritage watch, has been transformed into this effortless evening bag, which allows for both shoulder and crossbody wear. A limited-edition bag to pass on through generations.

Prada’s Cleo bag made waves with its successful 2021 re-launch and has quickly grown into one of the best sellers for the Italian fashion house. Drawing inspiration from its original 1990 shape with light, rounded edges and sleek brushed spazzolato leather, the Cleo shoulder bag now comes in numerous shades, with the alluring lipstick red being the most covetable.

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For SS22, Balenciaga introduced a new bag: the Editor. With potential for majorly hyped status, the Editor bag comes in two sizes and remains true to Balenciaga’s sleek and practical aesthetic. Embodying a slightly more relaxed feel from the iconic Hourglass bag’s shape, with softer leather and a more curved character, this special edition in a cobra embossed finish is our ideal pick for high-impact, everyday wear.

Armani’s Bauletto bag speaks volumes with its geometric shape and overall minimalist design. Crafted from soft Nappa leather, the bag can either be worn as a top handle or with the shoulder strap for a more day-appropriate look. Equipped only with cut out handles and a sleek stamped logo, this clutch leaves room for various interpretations and versatile styling.

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This season Roberto Cavalli’s iconic letter C logo bag comes in a fiery red tone and crafted in structured leather. For some extra punch, this version is adorned with golden studs to symbolise tiger teeth, making this shoulder bag an edgy evening companion. A statement piece that doesn’t need much to accompany the look; just add an LBD for a memorable ensemble.

The famed red sole hue of Christian Louboutin has been borrowed for this season's most coveted baguette, which portrays an ancient Egypt inspiration and is named after the designer's goddaughter and muse. Crafted in croc-embossed leather with a monogrammed, tonal twist lock, it creates a modern take on the bold, mini bag trend.

As the name suggests, Tod's newest spring addition to their family of leather bags has the potential to become a timeless classic. Made of refined leather with a signature T lock on the front, this spacious top handle bag fits all the necessities for a night out and comes with a shoulder strap for daytime wear. The removable padlock finishes off the style with a retro flourish.