The It Bag To Buy This Winter

The proof? AW18’s Tess saddle bag. Authentic to Chloé’s 70s-inspired aesthetic, Ramsey-Levi has managed to honour her predecessor’s style (unlike some, hint hint: Hedi Slimane) – with its gold, circular hardware, polished, tonal leather and practical sizes and attributes, the Tess is like an evolution of Waight-Keller’s now-iconic Fayes, Drews and Marcies.

Having a background in ready-to-wear (Ramsey-Levi left her position as right-hand woman to Nicholas Ghesquiere at Louis Vuitton to join Chloé), there was pressure on the new designer to deliver, with so much of Chloé’s business dependent on handbag revenues. But thanks to Instagrammers clamouring to be photographed with the accessory – everyone from Sincerely Jules to Aimee Song has been spotted in theirs – the Tess has already gone a long way to securing her legacy.

They may not come cheap, but with so many designer bags now commanding upwards of £2k, this is one of the more attainable ways to get yourself an It accessory. Plus, those black, burgundy and neutral finishes mean they’ll stand the test of time. Still hankering after those Waight-Keller icons? They all remain in production too.

Our take home: whoever’s at the helm, Chloé’s bags will always reign supreme.

The Faye

Shown first on the SS15 runway, the Faye was confirmation that it’s not all about little cross-body handbags. A favourite of street style star Lucy Williams, we love the rust-hued suede designs for a contemporary feel.

The Roy

This may have launched to less fanfare than the Tess, but Chloé’s secondary AW18 offering is no less significant. The brand had a bucket bag deficit before, so this practical, casual piece is a welcome addition to the cannon.

The Nile

One of the brand’s most explosive launches, last summer was undeniable the season of the Nile. With its quirky circular handle and signature Chloé saddle shape, it was the most-copied format of the year.