The multi-bag momentum: how many bags are too many?

While it feels like half a lifetime ago, it’s only been three years since we were introduced (via Rihanna and legions of influencers) to a bag that ended up shaping the cross-body bag scene. It was hard to find a self-confessed bag-lover (myself included) that did not add Louis Vuitton’s perfectly embossed Multi Pochette to their wardrobe.

At the time, the newly-born It bag was not only celebrated for its fun retro revival, but also for its functionality, effortlessly doubling as a day-to-evening bag. I also remember it being a fantastic travel companion, stylishly holding everything from passports, cards, and keys in its specially dedicated pouches and offering even the clumsiest of us a sense of organisation no matter how temporary.

Unsurprisingly, Multi Pochette hype gave birth to a whole generation of double bags and clip-on pouches that was a welcomed utilitarian aesthetic in the height of the pandemic. Prada’s Nylon Re-edition 2005 became the bag to rival the Multi Pochette, and today remains a best seller for Prada who has added the nylon cross-body to their permanent collection.

Chanel has long reigned supreme over the aesthetic of multiple bags, a runway staple reappearing across seasons. From piled on signature luggage in 2016, to the two-in-one cross body style in 2019, there is a certain sense of je ne sais quoi that comes with the look of piled-on cross body bags. Although I can’t claim that a Chanel runway look is particularly relatable, the idea of carrying around multiple bags (for functionality, not fashion) on the other hand is. Most of us recognise those days when carrying around our office, gym, and personal items calls for a number of mismatched bags, no questions asked.

This season’s Multi Pochette craze is dominated by Prada’s latest rendition. The triangle print which was designed by Mario Prada and originally used on trunks, has been translated to the Triangle shoulder bag which comes with two pouches, as well as two straps, allowing for multiple ways to wear the versatile bag. Designed to be reversible, the new Prada bag is the most adaptable in the family of multi-Pochettes and was seen carried over to SS23. Confirmation, in case you were still on the fence with this trend, that this is only the beginning.

But on the topic of bags that have bags, Fendi and its iconic Baguette deserve an honourable mention. The star-studded Resort show at NYFW took the idea of multi-bags to a whole new level, from utilitarian silk pouches to clip-on bag charms – more is more when it comes to piling on the bags for Spring. The mini pouches were also found on boots, socks, and gloves, but that is a story for another time.

While the trend of multi-bags might feel like a big chunk to chew, especially for the minimalists, the undeniable versatility might convince you to take the plunge – after all, who doesn’t love a 3-in-1 solution? If a multi-pocket Fendi bag does not suit your style, know that the master of minimalism, The Row, has its own a version on the way, too. There is no escaping it, multi-bags with big personalities are here to stay.