Fashion People Handbags Are So Over
Mar 3, 2026
Becky Malinsky, FT columnist behind the '5 Things You Should Buy' column, breaks down Milan Fashion Week highlights with sharp commentary. They debate whether handbags are passé and explore pouch-style and soft-bag alternatives. Stirrup pants and white tights make surprising comebacks. They also weigh legacy houses, Demna at Gucci, and what crafted, reversible pieces mean for modern dressing.
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Showcase Craft To Signal Luxury Value
- Prioritize visible craft and human-led details in collections to communicate value beyond tech or trend hype.
- Becky highlights Jill Sander and Prada as collections where construction, fabric and fit reward in-person viewing.
Design Multiplicity To Add Value
- Make garments reversible or multifunctional to add value without lowering price.
- Lauren observed reversible pieces and designs you can wear multiple ways at Loewe and Celine as pragmatic ways to justify luxury pricing.
One Collection Can't Rescue Brand Caring
- A single high-profile collection won't "save" a heritage house; the broader question is whether caring for legacy brands will persist.
- Lauren argues Demna's Gucci debut won't alone restore the long-term notion of 'caring' around brands.