Fashion Trends 2016: Statement Bags

What is the point of fashion if you’re not going to have fun with it? What we wear can communicate many aspects of a person to the outside world, and so being more aware of what messages each piece you wear may send to someone is an intelligent move. When you want to show off your charm, sense of humour, or zazzyness, opt into the newest handbag trend sweeping fashion that is totally refreshing compared to what it’s been. You’ve heard the term “statement handbag” before, right? It’s on another level now. It’s not necessarily a particular shape or colour that’s on trend at the moment. It’s the out-of-the-box, hilarious, confusing, and product-inspired. Translation: love french fries? Well, it’s now fashion-forward to wear a handbag shaped like french fries!

Alexander McQueen handbag via Ssense

Of course, designers are paramount in making these quirky statement bags a thing, and fashion bloggers and editors alike have noticed while examining street style that the fashion elite have jumped on board happily. A designer’s very imaginative and stimulated mind has helped them make these incredibly unique handbags that are super spunky; designers like Kate Spade, Alexander McQueen, and Charlotte Olympia.

Charlotte Olympia handbag via Ssense

For those of us who can’t necessarily afford a designer handbag, many of our favourite retailers carry some of these personality-stricken handbags. ASOS is a haven for anything different and unique, and so it was no surprise that we found this hilariously adorable seahorse unicorn handbag full of sparkle. What’s lovely about this handbag is that it’s also created with an on-trend colour scheme. The adorable flat cat handbag from ModCloth continues on the animal handbag trend, which is a great statement bag for someone who loves animals, of course.

Seahorse Unicorn handbag via ASOS

Cat handbag via ModCloth

Also prevalent in correlation with statement bags are food-themed handbags. Aldo, usually known for shoes, did a fabulous Cola can handbag, thinking of everything from the shape, to the weight measurements, with zippers at the top of the can. Simons has a milk carton handbag in a soft cloth material, with a roped strap.

Cola handbag via Aldo

Milk Carton handbag via Simons

Continuing on the food trend, Quebec-based shop 1861 has transformed a typical handbag into one of the most popular desserts; a cupcake! With sprinkles and gorgeous gold foil, this handbag is just too cute. New Classics took inspiration from our brown paper lunch bags that we’re used to, and created various colours of handbags with a similar design. We just adore this copper-coloured number.

Debka cupcake handbag via 1861

Lunchbag handbag via New Classics

If you’re looking for an affordable designer handbag that makes a statement like these, consider Betsey Johnson, who is the queen of everything quirky and cooky. For example, Johnson has a shoulder bag shaped like an oven! It’s a sweet, bright blue, with all of the details of a typical oven etched into the fabric. As a nice touch, there’s even a pie baking in the oven.

Betsey Johnson Oven handbag via Macy’s

Some may feel these handbags are cheesy or tacky, but when you truly own it, you can wear anything and make it stylish. Fashion is finally not taking itself so seriously and encouraging us to bare our complete personalities, and this is just one incredibly fun way we can do so!

What are YOU hoping is made into a statement handbag design? Share with us your thoughts and great ideas in the comments below, on Facebook, and on Twitter. Pin your style inspiration from us on Pinterest, and learn from us on YouTube.