Bag trends are just like clothing crazes. Sometimes the current object of our affections is so specific that the odds of it becoming mainstream again is pretty slim. Then there are the ones that come in and out of style. The latest evidence of the latter is the resurgence of east-west bags.
Much like practically everything else in vogue right now, the bags first came up in the 2000s. Although, they have a better chance of sticking around than their less-than-timeless cohorts. The bags boast skinny straps set near the middle of elongated silhouettes. Hence the navigational name. But that definition allows for surprising variety. Take Ferragamo's contribution that's labeled as a tote bag. While Alaïa, Khaite, Kim Shui, Prada and Retrofête all are more rectangular in shape.
As you've probably already noticed, the trend is mainly fashion house-based. At least for now. Of course, there's the fact that indulging in this obsession will pay off in the long run. Why? Well, the bags popped up on several Spring 2025 runways, like Bally and Prada's. One of the drawbacks, however, is that not much will fit inside these covetable carrying cases. All you really need to cart around is your phone, your keys and your credit cards, right?
If you still can't talk yourself into dropping thousands of dollars on one bag or you simply don't have thousands of dollars to spend on one, chill. There are a handful of more moderately priced options. Mango's buckled take will run you a grand total of $299.99. Indy brand Freja New York even beats that price with its pistachio offering for only $268.
Scroll down to shop the top east-west bags of this and almost any other season.
Alaïa Le Teckel Medium Bag in Goatskin in Nude, $2,700 at Alaïa
HEREU Fleca Knotted Leather Bag, $710 at LuisaViaRoma
Ferragamo East-West Tote Bag in Light Blue, $1,750 at Ferragamo
Bottega Veneta Let's Go, $3,100 at Bottega Veneta
Khaite Simona Shoulder Bag in Oxblood Leather, $2,100 at Khaite
Mango 100% Leather Shopper Back With Buckle, $299.99 at Mango
Prada Medium Leather Top Handbag in Pink, $2,850 at Saks
Freja New York Mini Chrystie Pistachio, $268 at Freja New York
Retrofête Ruth Mini Shoulder Bag in Black & Gold, $398 at Revolve
Tory Burch Small Marshmallow Satchel in Sea Bubble/Ginger Shortbread, $498 at Tory Burch
Stella McCartney Stella Ryder Shoulder Bag in Brandy, $1,650 at Stella McCartney
Magda Butrym Brigitte Floral-Appliqué Leather Shoulder Bag, $2,405 at Mytheresa
Kim Shui The XL Zipper Fermi Bag, $325 at Revolve
