Plucked from the runway, this is the must-have handbag shape of 2022

Moon, loop, crescent or croissant – as the Swedish idiom goes, a beloved child has many names, and so does the most popular bag shape of the year. The moon bag, a shape that has slowly been making waves (pun intented), isn't exactly a revolutionary new shape – Coperni's structured top handle 'Swipe' bag and a line up of crescent bags by The Row have become the signatures for brands that rely heavily on timeless designers. However, the half moon shape isn't solely reserved for classic, minimalistic brands anymore, with new iterations appearing in many variations, from shoulder bag to more structured, spherical top handle styles.

While cult brands like Bottega Veneta are betting big on their ‘Jodie’ bag and Miu Miu embracing a similar shape under the name ‘Wander’, many fashion houses count the half moon bag as part of their now permanent collections, whether that is hand-free shoulder bags or structured top handle styles. However, smaller brands like Staud and Boyy have long played with the croissant shape, that has been popular amongst mid-market handbag designers for its quirkily functionality.

The shift in shape leans on the resurgence of Y2K trends, which in its low-waisted, glittery top glory has paved the way for the practical party bag to make a strong comeback. However, the 2022 version of the relaxed hobo bag is updated to a more refined, structural shape and embraced especially in the forms of smaller, party bags.

The unmissable hype of Balenciaga’s 'Le Gagole' bag which debuted in Pre-Fall 2021 and the more recent additions of the logo embossed Louis Vuitton ‘Loop’ and ‘Moon’ bags has further proved that the coveted shape is in high demand.

Spotted in recent in collections of Fendi, Dior and Loewe, the crescent shaped bag is an update to the famed baguette bag and a more wearable take on last year’s popular micro bag. From Jacquemus's 'Chiquito to the much sought after Hermès 'Mini Kelly', a tiny bag made all the sense when our lives continued to be reduced to minimal outings and social distancing - there wasn’t much to carry around anyway.

So as the small boxy shapes move out to make space for the more practical updated hobo bag, make sure your next investment is croissant shaped.