Fashion
If you’re looking to refresh your designer “It” bags game this year, the celebrities have already done the heavy lifting for you.
The biggest headline of the 2026 fashion season remains Matthieu Blazy’s transformative touch at Chanel. Since his tenure began in early 2025, the fashion world waited with bated breath to see how he would interpret the storied French house. The result? A move toward “quiet luxury” with a practical edge – and the result of this is a revolution among celebrity style icons and tastemakers who have become the unofficial poster girls for this new era.
The beauty entrepreneur and Rhode co-mastermind, Hailey Bieber, has been spotted numerous times in Sydney and Los Angeles carrying her XL shopping tote styled with her signature cool-girl aesthetic. Not far behind, Margot Robbie has been seen rotating her Chanel handbags, from the East-West style to the Maxi Flap shoulder bag.
Amanda Seyfried recently turned the streets of Paris into her own personal runway, channelling a Left Bank bourgeoise vibe with Versace’s Pivot Bag. Designed by Dario Vitale, this bucket-style piece features a striking gold chain and the iconic Medusa motif. It’s the kind of retro classic that feels as relevant in 2026.
In terms of structured silhouettes, Rihanna is making a case for the vintage-inspired “Doctor Bag” trend. She’s been carrying the Celine Doctor’s Pouch in black, a bag that feels both archival and entirely modern, offering a polished silhouette that demands attention. Bella Hadid, the reigning queen of vintage-adjacent style, has been championing the Prada Bonnie bag – a structured, minimalist dream that perfectly complements her sleek, ’90s-inspired wardrobe.
For those of us easing back into the office routine after the summer holidays, the search for the perfect workwear tote ends with Meryl Streep. The legendary actress has been seen with the DeMellier Hudson tote, a bag that has quickly become a favourite for those who value ethical luxury and understated chic. Anne Hathaway has stayed true to her elegant roots, opting for the Valentino Panthea bag. It’s a masterclass in craftsmanship, proving that some bags don’t need to shout to be heard.
For a slightly more compact take on the work-to-dinner transition, “Love Story”‘s Sarah Pidgeon has been spotted with the Loewe Mini Amazona. It’s a mini-but-mighty investment that keeps the heritage of the Spanish fashion house alive while fitting perfectly into a 2026 wardrobe.
If 2026 fashion had a mood, it would be “saturated joy” – and we called it out in our runway report. At the starting point of this shift is the prevalence of primary crayon hues spotted on the SS26 runways and now, on handbags. Case in point? Dua Lipa has recently been seen with the Louis Vuitton yellow Speedy bag. Under the ongoing influence of Pharrell’s creative vision, the Speedy remains a must-have, especially in these high-octane primary colours.
Ready to find your next forever-piece? Take a cue from these latest hero pieces and choose one that fits your life and speaks to your personal style.
Scroll through the gallery below to find your celebrity-approved investment designer “It” bag purchase for 2026:
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