Hot take: No runway trend is trending until you can thumb through enough evidence proving it's being seen on the street. We need the receipts and screenshots—period. But even if you're not the type of person who spends their free time compiling evidence for the biggest runway trends (guilty as charged), it should be no surprise that late '90s and early '00s fashion has resurfaced. After all, It's taken over social media, street style, and even our site. Now, we'll be the first to admit that the handbags from that era haven't been given as much attention until now. For the last few seasons, luxury houses revitalized bag trends from the late '90s, including the bowler bag. Some of the best types of bags were adopted from their original function (often antithetical to high fashion) and transformed into a trend. Such was the case with the bowling bag.
As the name suggests, this structured bag has a flat bottom and curved top to carry bowling equipment. The style's adaptation and subsequent embrace into mainstream fashion were ushered in by Dior's vibe bag (released in 1997) and Prada's bowler bag (released in 2000). While these two luxury brands may have given the bowler bag its "lane," the redux of '00s aesthetics in recent runway collections has ensured its continued relevance. But make no mistake, the version of this handbag trend we've seen bubbling up now isn't a doubling-back of the same old bowler bags. That shift is embodied in a new wave of viral bowler bags, such as The Row's Margaux Tote Bag or Ferragamo's Hug Bag, which have given the classic handbag a contemporary refresh by embracing minimalism.
Unlike the logo-heavy bowler bags that dominated the aughts, these bags brought about a newer version of this bag trend that focused on reimagining the style through textures, colors, and even the silhouette's portions. Since then, several other designers have followed suit, including in the F/W 24 and S/S 25 collections of Miu Miu, Tod's, ACNE Studios, Bally, Stella McCartney, Coach, Khaite, and Sandy Liang. While every designer reimagined this bag in different ways (some have adapted the style to create an East-West silhouette, while others have given it a boxier shape), there's no denying that bowler bags will strike out as one of the season's biggest trends.
Don't believe this "dated" bag is back in the game? We've shared examples of the bowler bag trend on the runway and in the wild ahead. Plus, we've rounded up a curation of the best bowling bags to buy (in case you're feeling lucky).
On the Runway
In the Wild
Shop the Best Bowler Bags
Coach's oversize bowler bag is currently at the top of my wish list.
Something about the elongated bowler shape of this bag makes me want to sing, "That's that me espresso!"
Of course, Burberry would make the classic bowling bag shape even cooler.
Um, Sandy Liang, you made this mini bowler bag too precious to handle.
The contrasting pink leather pipping on this Prada bowler bag is utter perfection.
Adopting multiple trends on a budget just became easier thanks to Reformation releasing this runway-ready burgundy red bowler bag.
NGL, the chocolate-colored suede on this bag has me in shambles.
Honestly, surprised that the season's hottest bag is still in stock at this point.
Staud's take on the bowler bag is something else.
She's small, but oh-so-mighty!
It would be a crime to pay homage to the bowler bag trend without including this iconic one from Louis Vuitton!
Everything about this Tory Burch bag is elegant—from the elongated bowler shape to the extra-long shoulder straps to the double-zipper compartments.
You can wear this black bowling bag with just about anything.
If you're going to buy into this bag trend, might as well invest in one of the original styles that made this silhouette popular.
It doesn't get more aughts than this denim-coded bowler bag.
Miu Miu's Aventure Bag made waves the moment it debuted on the F/W 24 runway.
I'm going to need 3 5 business days to process my feelings about this bag.
Rest assured you'll carry this classic black bowler bag for years to come.
Yes, it's big enough to fit your laptop.
Gucci is always a good idea.
Styling idea: Make your standard sneakers-jeans and T-shirt combo stand out with this small bowler bag.
In addition to coming in other sizes, Longchamp's bowler bag is also available in six other colors.
The flower detail is a fabulous touch.
Opting for a smaller version of this classic bag silhouette allows you to style it for every occasion—whether your plans include heading into the office or going out on the town.
The shape? The size? The bag charms? It's peak '00s.
Warning: Drooling may be caused by looking at this butter-yellow hue bowler bag for too long.
It's the matching mini bowler bag charm for me.
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