As a fashion historian and trend forecaster, I’m fascinated by the evolution of New York Fashion Week street style trends. Occasionally, there are dramatic shifts from one silhouette to another (such as the sudden demise of skinny jeans in favor of more relaxed fits), but more often than not, the It-items of the current season mirror those from previous seasons. Case in point: the east-west handbags I spotted on countless New York Fashion Week attendees this September.
“An emerging street style trend seen outside shows this season is the east-west bag,” confirms viral street style photographer Karya Schanilec—who recently captured show-goers at Sandy Liang, Area, Brandon Maxwell, Carolina Herrera, Coach, Wiederhoeft, and more. “Popular silhouettes have been Alaïa’s cult-loved Le Teckel and the Bottega Veneta Andiamo, as well as vintage designer styles.”
Originally dating back to the 1950s, east-west bags have an elongated shape similar to that of ’90s baguette bags that have exploded in popularity over the past few seasons. Unlike traditional baguettes, though, east-west bags are known for having long, thin straps that are positioned towards the middle of the bag—adding a sculptural element and creating the ideal playground for accessorizing with trendy bag charms and keychains.
Schanelic shares that she first noticed east-west bags cropping up at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August, aka the unofficial fifth Fashion Week that typically “sets the tone for where the rest of the season goes trend-wise.” Notably, Schanilec also saw an uptick in bowler bags, a number of which featured elongated straps similar to those of the east-west silhouette.
At a time when functional luxury reigns supreme, it only makes sense that these practical, versatile handbag styles are becoming so prevalent. Buzzy east-west bags like the Freja Chrystie and Khaite Simona can be slipped easily onto your shoulder, even over bulkier fall jackets and winter coats. Plus, the long, rectangular shape offers space for more than just your phone, wallet, and keys—something that can’t be said of the sculptural metal clutches Schanilec also saw outside Spring 2025 runway shows.
As Fashion Month continues, expect to see this New York Fashion Week favorite making the rounds in London, Milan, and Paris, too. If there’s one handbag trend to add to your current collection or holiday wishlist, it’s this modern yet timeless piece.
Sarah Maberry is a commerce writer for Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level. When she’s not writing for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, House Beautiful, Town & Country, Delish and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.
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