15 luxury bags that look like gorgeous works of art

In case you missed it, Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe recently collaborated with Sotheby’s for its Weaves collection, which showcased a series of woven art as bags and home decor objects as well as handmade clay pots known as Galician chestnut roasters.

Much like the chestnut roasters which were decorated with strips of fabrics, ribbons, feathers, rope straw, leather strings, and wool threads, the Weaves collection explored the art of weaving with the label’s signature Balloon bag, pouches, net bags, and even the instantly recognisable Elephant basket bag.

Within the collection, you’ll also find other handcrafted leather accessories like bracelets and flower charms as well as various home decoration items like vases, tassel boxes, and – wait for it – paperweight as well as door stoppers.

If you, like us, are inspired to add a piece of wearable art (literally!) to your bag collection, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done the heavy lifting and sussed out 15 designer arm candies that won’t look out of place in a fashion museum – or in your clutch.

Tod’s Island Bucket Bag Mini in leather and macramé

tods island bucket bag mini

Vibrant, relaxed, and undoubtedly joyful, you can certainly count on this multicoloured mood-boosting bag to make your days extra special while adding some zing to your wardrobe.

We simply can’t get enough of the hand-knotted macramé with a swishy fringe that moves ever so beautifully with motion.

Retails for S$3,110 at Tod’s flagship boutique in Paragon.

Prada Cleo satin bag with appliqués

prada cleo satin applique

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the shiniest of them all? Well, this time, it has to be Prada’s special-edition Cleo that’s part of the Italian fashion house’s latest Chinese Valentine’s Day collection.

With a lightweight satin base that’s embellished entirely with crystal appliqués in different shapes and sizes, the new Prada icon is definitely an extra sparkly treat that’s perfect for lovers of a statement-making handbag. Available in two colourways: Metal (black) and Wisteria (light purple).

Retails at S$4,700 at all Prada boutiques islandwide and online.

Loewe Bucket Mesh Bag in calfskin

loewe bucket mesh bag

Casual chic is the order of the day with this bag that draws inspiration from Galician fishing nets for its handwoven intricate details.

Retails at S$3,300 at Loewe. You can also consider splurging on the multicoloured Woven Nest Vase (S$1,900) that’s a mini work of art on its own.

Dior Small Book Tote

dior small book tote

An original creation introduced by Dior’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Book Tote has quickly become a coveted staple of the fashion house. This season, we are particularly swooning over the small version that’s fully embroidered with the blue Dior Constellation motif imagined by artist Pietro Ruffo.

Contact Dior or head down to any of the Dior boutiques across the island to enquire about the price.

Boyy Wonton 20 leather-trimmed canvas tote

boyy wonton 20

Slouchy and compact with just the right amount of colour, this Chinese dumpling-looking bag won us over with its unique interlocking tube handles.

Retails for approx. S$1,537 (US$1,126.55) on Net-a-Porter.

Staud Tommy leather-trimmed beaded shoulder bagstaud tommy

Miss sipping cocktails and taking in the sea breeze on palm tree-lined beaches? Bring out the beach babe in you with this hand-beaded bag instead.

Retails for approx. S$312 (US$228.65) on Net-a-Porter.

Alaïa Swarovski crystal-embellished suede and leather bucket bag

alaia swarovski bucket bag

Fancy all things shiny? You’ll adore this beauty that’s updated with eye-catching Swarovski crystals that glistens oh-so-beautifully.

Retails for approx. S$3,318 (US$2,432.10) on Net-a-Porter.

Chanel Classic Handbag

chanel classic handbag

This multicoloured beauty comes with a mishmash of satin, wool, sequins, and gold metal that would make the perfect final touch to a T-shirt-and-denim combo.

Contact Chanel to enquire about the price.

Paco Rabanne 1969 mini embellished chainmail tote

paco rabanne 1969 mini

When it’s safe to go out again, you’d want to whip this out for glamorous evenings. Made from silver and white chainmail threaded with transparent discs, we guarantee you’ll be the coolest chick in the room.

Retails for approx. S$823 (US$603.10) on Net-a-Porter.

Tomo Koizumi x Emilio Pucci leather-trimmed ruffled tulle shoulder bag

tomo koizumi x emilio pucci ruffled tulle bag

Whimsical and dreamy best describe this sherbet-hued arm candy that’s made from layers of multicoloured tulle, all gathered in ruffles to create a swirly effect.

Retails for approx. S$1,053 (US$771.63) on Net-a-Porter.

Valentino Garavani 03 Rose Edition Atelier small leather tote

A graceful beauty with layers and layers of leather petals artfully arranged to look like 3D flowers, this bag brings with it a couture sensibility that’s rarely seen in others. Also available in black.

Retails for approx. S$4,734 (US$3,470) on Net-a-Porter.

Balenciaga Hourglass Sneakerhead small mesh and leather tote

balenciaga hourglass sneakerhead small

Not all art pieces are outright beautiful, some are simply just hypebeast-worthy cool – like this sneaker-themed tote.

Retails for approx. S$2,406 (US1,763.79) on Net-a-Porter.

Rosantica Paris crystal-embellished gold-tone and twill tote

rosantica paris

Keep the City of Love close to your heart with this tote that’s embellished with sparkling crystals to depict Paris’ most iconic monument against a clear night sky. A bag this mesmerising, we’d most certainly keep it for special occasions.

Retails for approx. S$1,195 (US$876.21) on Net-a-Porter.

Louis Vuitton Twist MM with graphic leather

louis vuitton twist mm graphic leather

Looking for a Louis Vuitton bag that doesn’t immediately scream LV the moment you lay eyes on it? Stop the search, because we think we may have found the one in this limited-edition graphic leather crossbody that gives the fashion house’s signature floral motif a splash of cool.

Retails for approx. S$4,978.45 (US$3,660) on Rebag.

Gucci Arli Shoulder Bag

gucci arli

Add a pop of vibrant luxe to your neutral-hued ensemble with this multicoloured leather-trimmed jacquard and velvet arm candy.

Retails for approx. S$1,999.54 (US$1,470) on Rebag.