Handle with care: the stand-out bag handles that deserves a moment

Handbags with an edge are having their moment in the spotlight, and if the forecast is anything to go by, investing in these bags is well worth the money. For the minimalist in me, it’s all in the details, especially noteworthy handles. Designs centred by a statement handle are far from a breakthrough, but it is something that has flown under the radar for a few seasons now. In fact, it’s a design trope that has been around for centuries, stemming from 16th-century embellished handbag chains, to the historic bamboo handles from Gucci, and today's golden sardine details from Bottega Veneta.

Gucci’s bamboo grips have influenced an entire generation of bags, but the origin of the wooden handles boils down to practicality. In the late 1940, as Europe slowly began its recovery from World War II, there was a shortage of leather and other traditional materials. Pressured to find alternative textiles, Guccio Gucci and his artisans discovered they were able to import bamboo from Japan, a material that turned out to be both lightweight and durable. Gucci's bamboo handled bags were an instant hit and today remain a signature feature found on many of their designs, from the classic top handle, to backpacks, and totes named after Lady Diana.

The latest addition to the world of novelty handles comes from Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection with Bottega Veneta. First presented for autumn/winter 2022 in the house’s signature intrecciato (or braided weave), the standout bag was the Sardine, a soft leather pouch named after the metallic, fish-shaped top handle. The slouchy silhouette of the Sardine is a continuation of the previous, widely popular Pouch and Jodie styles.

Paired with shoes from the same Bottega Veneta collection, I have personally embraced the Sardine as one of my favourite go-to bags – in fact, I was first in line to order it. It's something of an enigma: not quite a cocktail bag due to its larger size, and not quite a day bag due its flashy gold and somewhat impractical grip. Also, worth mentioning is the hassle has caused me at airports, as unsurprisingly, having a sharp metal fish in your hand luggage raises suspicion. Nevertheless, looking past its impracticalities, the Sardine has truly been the most exciting part of my autumnal wardrobe and is unlike anything else I’ve owned. Understated and, for now, underrated, this is an It bag in the making that just got renewed for spring/summer 2023.

Not far from the style of Bottega Veneta’s Sardine is another heritage brand with a notable novel handle, Lanvin's Cat series. The Cat handle bags feature an embellished, sculptural handle, which draws inspiration from an old 1920s fireplace andiron belonging to Jeanne Lanvin.

When it comes to turning jewellery-inspired pieces into wearable accessories, Bulgari is in a category of its own. The Serpenti collection was born in the '40s when the high-end jewellery house embraced a snake motif, gradually interpretted across jewellery as well as watches. Since the launch of the Serpenti bag in 2011, the snake design has taken many forms through seasonal collections and collaborations, often highlighting the handle and chain of the purse. After many renditions, the snake grip was introduced on permanent Serpentine styles in 2021 including the Clutch and Tote which feature gold snakes. The collection of snake-themed handles is set to expand, with new versions premiering for spring/summer 2023.

Whether an investment or conversation starter, the novelty handle bags are essentially designed to serve as an extension to your jewellery collection. The bags of late are still designed with the original bag function in mind and aren’t meant to be saved solely to use for special occasions. So, if you have space for a truly unique accessory with longevity and history, consider investing in a novelty handle handbag which, at the very least, will make you smile.