This season, Scandinavia's most discerning tastemakers have all settled upon 'capacious' as their handbag size of choice. Here, we explore how the runway-driven trend has taken over the streets – and present the definite list of the best XL carry-alls to shop now
When the last season of Succession hit our screens back in March of this year, a phenomenon swept the cultural zeitgeist: The phrase 'ludicrously capacious bag', to be more precise.
The fashion faux-pas pointed out by series favourite Tom Wambsgan – a roomy Burberry bag carried by Cousin Greg's date – may not have been suitable for the media dynasty members present at Logan’s birthday in the premiere of season four. Still, its larger size is one that the general public can relate to. In fact, most of us need to fit our flat shoes and packed lunches in our handbags. Luckily for us, the accessory trend on the runways is veering distinctively towards the ludicrously capacious.
Loewe AW23.
Jil Sander AW23.
Balmain AW23.
Ann Demeulemeester AW23.
We have slowly but surely noticed this shift in size over the past couple of seasons. But a sudden surge of blown-up proportions of accessories on the autumn/winter '23 runways made its mark around the same time as Succession's final season began to air.
Take Loewe's extra large puzzle bags, for example, which were styled with "quiet luxury" (another Succession-driven trend) knitwear, tactile and luxe to the touch. Jil Sander blew up its signature hobo bag with a twisted shoulder strap, fastening red leather loops to its burgundy body, while Balmain opted for an XL version of a classic shopper. On the other hand, Ann Demeulemeester truly leaned into the idea of a statement bag, sending models down the runway with fuzzy black fixtures clutched tightly under their arms.
Emili Sindlev recently wore her XL YSL tote in Los Angeles. Photo: Emili Sindlev (@emilisindlev)
Rotate co-founder Jeanette Madsen sported Maison Margiela's 'Glam Slam' bag in France. Photo: Jeanette Madsen (@jeanettemadsen)
Danish content creator Pernille Teisbaek bag of choice was a ludicrously capacious Balenciaga tote. Photo: Pernille Teisbaek (@pernilleteisbaek)
Despite the size's contemptuous connotations on Succession, the shift towards spacious handbags has quickly made its way onto the streets, spotted on some of our favourite sartorially-savvy Scandinavians.
Take Elsa Hosk, for example, who sported her carry-all on the streets of LA. Created by Danish designer Anine Bing, Hosk paired her roomy hold-all with a casual, quintessentially Scandinavian ensemble: pink cap, black sunglasses, white trousers, and a beige blazer with a grey knit slung just-so across her shoulders. But Hosk wasn't the only style maven to make use of the voluminous bag trend in Los Angeles. Emili Sindlev was recently spotted during her trip to the States sporting a green silk slip with her spacious quilted Saint Laurent bag casually slung over one shoulder.
In France, Rotate co-founder Jeanette Madsen opted for an oversized pillow bag courtesy of Maison Margiela. At the same time, Danish content creator and recent Vogue Scandinavia cover star Pernille Teisbaek made a case for Balenciaga's large Mary-Kate bag back in Copenhagen.
Swedish supermodel and former Vogue Scandinavia cover star Kelly Gale walks Bottega Veneta's spring/summer '24 show carrying a ludicrously capacious intrecciato shoulder bag
It is a trend carried (pun intended) into the spring/summer season ahead, with multiple brands – from Victoria Beckham to Stella McCartney – churning out meticulously-crafted, oversized carry-alls. Making its Scandinavian mark on the international runway, Italian leather powerhouse Bottega Veneta cast Swedish supermodel (and former Vogue Scandinavia cover star) Kelly Gale to carry its oversized chocolate brown shoulder bag in the brand signature Intrecciato weave for its spring/summer '24 show.
Victoria Beckham's Klein blue version of the ludicrously capacious bag for spring/summer '24.
Stella McCartney's larger-than-life design was rendered with edge, featuring studs for spring/summer '24.
Danish brand Rains presented what was probably the largest bag design for spring/summer '24.
Finally, Danish wet weather specialists Rains presented its water-proof version. The black XXL bag, tucked under an arm and gripped tight, hung low, reaching the model's knee. The impressive size made us curious about what we could fit into the slouchy shoulder bag, with most Vogue Scandinavia editors arguing our entire lives could be tucked neatly inside its folds.
If you're on the hunt for your own ludicrously capacious bag, we've made sure to scour the internet for the best on offer now. Be it a blown-up shoulder bag or a gargantuan tote, we've got you covered with the best super-sized carry-alls to shop now:
