TEN STATUS HANDBAGS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR FALL WARDROBE

Loewe

No matter your age, the arrival of fall inevitably inspires a back-to-school feeling, of a vacation that’s ended and the anticipation of a new season. That idea extends naturally to your wardrobe, and among the pieces you’re likely thinking about most: a new statement bag that reflects the latest trends. 

With Fall 2025 collections now arriving in the boutiques at South Coast Plaza, it’s the ideal time to consider which handbags will add instant chic to your style. The fall runways showcased an abundance of trends, with statement bags in a wide variety of artful shapes, featuring essential details, and perfect for the office, running errands or Saturday brunch. 

Among the trends we’re loving most: the slim bags crafted in an east-west orientation from Chanel, the sleek-meets-ladylike structured bags from Balenciaga and Givenchy, the bold colors Gucci is highlighting in its latest Marmont designs, and how Loewe is celebrating the anniversary of an icon. We rounded up these and other statement pieces, each reflecting a key fall trend. Whether your personal aesthetic is rooted in polished tailoring, forward-thinking modernity or relaxed, boho-chic romance, it’s a sure bet you’ll spot a style (or two) that will become the centerpiece of your fall style statement.

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

THE FALL EDIT: STATUS HANDBAGS

CHANEL

East West

As its name implies, an east-west bag is slim and elongated to create a graphic statement; among those that launched a bounty of Instagram love is this Chanel Fall/Winter 2025 handbag in pink tweed, accented with shiny aged gold hardware. 

LEVEL 3, Penthouse
714.754.7455

BALENCIAGA

The Lady Top Handle

For striding into the office or arriving at a power lunch, Balenciaga’s Briefcase, a new structured top-handle leather bag, pointedly unadorned with the exception of its logoed clasp, exudes polish and confidence. 

LEVELS 1 & 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.668.0557

CHLOÉ

Boho Beauty

Among the hottest bags on the fall runways: the return of the Chloé Paddington, long coveted by fans of the house and brought back this season, complete with its signature lock and key, by creative director Chemena Kamali.

LEVEL 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.481.0308

FENDI

Twists and Turns

At the other end of the structure spectrum, bags that are soft and pliable with twisted details also dominated the runways. As part of Fendi’s 100th anniversary, the house brought back its Spy bag, which debuted in 2005 and is so-named for the secret pocket hidden under the bag’s flap.

LEVEL 1, Jewel Court
714.751.1111

GIVENCHY

The Frame Bag

The frame bag is a mainstay of vintage style, but for Fall 2025, designers are interpreting it with maximum glam in a mini design perfect for evening. That’s the idea behind Givenchy’s latest, the Mini Antigona East-West Bag in golden laminated leather. 

LEVEL 2, Carousel Court
714.545.2185

GUCCI

Bold Color

Who says fall must be rooted in subdued hues? Brilliant colors in accessories made their presence known from Paris to Milan, including this beautifully saturated lilac shade, which is the latest addition to Gucci’s popular Marmont shoulder-bag collection. 

LEVELS 1 & 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.557.9600

LOEWE

Artful Intention

How to elevate your fall style? Consider a bag with artful lines, such as the latest Loewe Puzzle bags to celebrate the iconic style’s 10th anniversary. This piece is part of a limited-edition collaboration with the Josef & Anni Albers Foundation, which honors the work of the mid-century modern designers.

LEVEL 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.464.7420

LOUIS VUITTON

Two-Tone-Styling

Fun fact: Express was the original name for Louis Vuitton’s legendary Speedy bag when it debuted in the 1930s, and now artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière has brought back the moniker for the newest among the house’s essential everyday bags, also offered in the two-tone trend on the runways.

LEVEL 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.662.6907

VALENTINO

Chain Gang

Here’s another sign of a hot Fall handbag: It’s already been seen on the arm of Anne Hathaway during the filming of The Devil Wears Prada 2. That’s the case with the latest Valentino Garavani Panthea shoulder bag by Alessandro Michele, crafted of chevron-patterned leather and accented with key-to-the-season chain handles.

LEVEL 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.751.3300

PRADA

Buckle Up

Belted bags were big on the Fall 2025 runways, and among the best was this new design by Miuccia Prada, the Dada. This leather top-handle tote is softly shaped by the slim belt, which also amplifies its sensual, sophisticated vibe.

LEVEL 2, Jewel Court
714.338.2200

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