If fashion trends, like the moon, experience phases, then this is undoubtedly the season of the moon bags rising. The defining feature of a moon bag is a curvaceous body; the two ends of the bag must round upward and inward, creating an almost circular shape. Think of moon bags as the next generation of hobo bags—if hobos were slouchy and easygoing, moon bags are slick, more structured, and on more of a mission.
We can trace the rise of the moon bag back to several design houses, Bottega Veneta and Coperni being two of them, but the trending purse silhouette is now being offered by almost everyone who makes a bag. It all makes for a wonderful moment in fashion history in which coveters of moon bags can take their pick from their go-to labels. Do they take a fancy to the asymmetrical, half-moon version from The Row? Or how about Staud’s egg-shaped take on the trend? Several of these bags—among them Khaite’s red leather suede, Bottega’s mellow yellow intrecciato, and Balenciaga’s green Cagole—came out for New York Fashion Week on the arms of some of the most stylish showgoers; see above for the stylish proof.
As we make our way onward to London, Milan, and Paris fashion weeks, we’re predicting many, many more moon bags ahead. It’s a trend that is sticking around for fall, and we’re glad about it. Shop 27 of our favorite moon bags below, plus read on for background on each style.
With a curved body, Balenciaga’s much-loved Le Cagole XS bag makes the list of must-have moon bags. With a grained leather outer and antiqued grommets that pay homage to Balenciaga’s hallowed City bag, the Cagole is ideal for those who want a dash of detail (see the heart-shaped mirror key chain) on a minimalist silhouette.
Since launching in 2013, Mansur Gavriel has given us sumptuously understated leather goods for those who prefer to eschew logos and bells and whistles. The Swing bag follows suit; made in Italy from cream-colored leather, the bag features a top zipper and subtle hardware details perfect for minimalist thinkers.
Many of today’s most lusted-after handbag silhouettes can be traced to Bottega Veneta. The moon-shaped bag’s rise has much to do with Bottega’s Jodie bag (named after actor Jodie Foster, in honor of a paparazzi photo in which she used the accessory to shield her face). Crafted with the label’s intrecciato weave, this miniature bag has a legion of stylish fans.
& Other Stories is known for accessible wardrobe staples that will work season after season. Case in point: this shoulder bag. Made in black leather and with thin white topstitching, the accessory is finished off with a golden buckle on its adjustable strap. Plus, it‘s one of those well-structured moon bags that can stand up on its own, so it will look great on and off the body.
Who says moon bags can’t come with chain straps? Alaïa makes the case with this Demi-Lune purse crafted in white lamb leather. Plus, it’s not an Alaïa unless there’s an artful element of detail—see the woven and grommet treatment that rings the body of the bag.
Another brand that can claim a part of the rise of the moon bag is Coperni, a French label founded in 2013 that the fashion world can’t get enough of. Dubbed the Swipe bag, this curvaceous purse comes in a variety of colorways, but this version, made in Italy of sand-colored leather, is exclusive to Ssense.
Though Wandler was only founded in 2017, the label has already made a name for itself—and taken space in the closets of some of the best-dressed It girls. The Amsterdam-based brand’s Maddie bag is part hobo, part moon bag, and this version has a wonderfully skinny strap.
Made in Spain, like most all of Loewe’s goodies, this Luna purse tops our list of must-have moon bags. A slick black leather serves as a blank canvas, allowing for Loewe’s gleaming gold Anagram logo to shine. Our favorite part is the contrasting brown leather trim (not seen at this angle) that rings the base and sides of the bag.
Though you may associate By Far with L.A. cool girls, the accessories label is based in Bulgaria—and was only founded in 2016. Beloved for its great price points and of-the-moment silhouettes, By Far is, by far, a brand worth collectsing. Its Amber bag, made with a not patent but polished leather outer, comes in the perfect shade of beige.
Named after the label’s SoHo flagship address, the 151 Mercer bag is described as having a crescent shape. With a croc-embossed leather outer, this is a bag that comes with options: Carry it by the gold chain, the leather, or the crossbody strap. Burch knows people need a bag with a bit of versatility.
Maker of all things minimal and under the radar, The Row delivers its interpretation of a moon bag with this bag dubbed the Half Moon. An asymmetrical shape crafted with black calf leather and a suede interior, this bag has a long list of admirers. An embossed Row label ensures the logo is only a whisper, as its wearers most assuredly prefer.
Founded in 2015, Elleme is a Paris-based brand that riffs off the French elle aime, or “she loves.” We love this Dimple moon bag for its puckered details but also the refreshing lilac color. With an adjustable strap that offers a variety of lengths, this bag is a favorite.
This is the second Khaite moon bag on our list, and it’s just as good as the last. Appearing almost a full circle, this Olivia hobo bag is covered in a luxe scarlet-colored suede. Made in Italy with a simple single zipper fastening, this bag makes the perfect statement for fall—not too loud but commanding enough.
Ralph Lauren Polo’s ID bag is aptly named. The moon bag, which comes in a variety of leather colors and suede fabrications, features a gold tab closure that welcomes the addition of a monogrammed initial—hence the ID. There’s no mixing up your bag for another’s.
Prada knows not to mess with a classic, and it stuck to that when it brought back a 2005 bag from the archives (hence the name). Only this time the bag utilizes Prada’s Re-Nylon textile, which is crafted from recycled nylon fibers. In a lovely moon-esque shape, this bag is a classic that will age accordingly.
Founded in 2016, Seoul-based label Osoi is named after the Japanese word for “unhurried,” and this has been its guiding principle. Slow fashion to last a lifetime is epitomized by this Bridge bag, which gleams in polyurethane-coated buffed leather. Plus, the rectangular-shaped body sets it apart from all the other many moons.
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It was only a matter of time before Gucci gave us its take on the moon bag. Enter the Attaché bag, which launched in the summer of 2022 and comes in a variety of leather and suede hues. One can’t go wrong with black, especially since this bag features Gucci’s classic web stripe in black and red. The bag’s two sides curve together and almost kiss with a G-shaped close.
Marge Sherwood is the maker of this bag, but it’s first and foremost the name of the female protagonist in The Talented Mr. Ripley, embodied by the lovely Gwyneth Paltrow in the 1999 film rendition of Patricia Highsmith’s novel. Paltrow’s character was the ultimate muse, hence the launch of the label with the same name in 2016 in South Korea. This bag comes in a deep brown grained leather with two ways to carry it: by the curved top strap or a skinny crossbody strap.
Givenchy’s small moon bag rounds out our list. The G cube chain is removable on this smooth leather bag that’s made in Italy—but we’re not sure why you’d want it off! With a logo in silver foil and a gleaming silver zipper close, this bag is the perfect end-of-summer accessory.
