If there’s one lesson I gleaned quickly from the fall/winter 2023 runways, it’s that fiery red fashion is it. Within this undeniable trend are red designer bags for seriously chic impact. As proven by collections from Gucci, the Row, Ferragamo, and other labels, the seasonal statement hue promises to breathe fresh life into your autumn outfit lineup. This presents a golden—crimson?—opportunity to infuse your accessory collection with bold and invigorating new styles, from totes (including oversize and slouchy shapes) to shoulder bags and versatile crossbodies.
When it comes to 2023 bag trends and choosing the perfect red designer bag, it’s not just about the ideal tone of red. (Though, hot tip: Ultra-saturated shades are key, from radiant rose to moodier scarlet.) This primary colour trend, as it pertains to bags, is also about the fabric. A sumptuous array of options are at your fingertips, from the textural allure of patent, woven, and quilted designs to the sleek sophistication of smooth calf leather and the sumptuous hand feel of suede.
If you’re seeking a new bag equally captivating and exquisitely crafted, scroll to discover the 15 best red designer bags to shop now.
Related article: Designer Bags That Will Never Go Out Of Style
The Best Red Designer Handbags of 2023
BEST FROM-THE-RUNWAY RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Ferragamo Hug Gancini Leather Top-Handle Bag
Who doesn’t want to give their handbag a hug? This top-handle design with polished silver hardware made a splash as it was cradled under the arm of a model on the Ferragamo runway—make it yours before it sells out. It also comes with a removable crossbody strap.
Materials: Leather
Dimensions: 8.6" H x 12.4" W x 7.4" D
BEST WOVEN RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Bottega Veneta Brick Cassette Small Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag
Update your Cassette collection with this new iteration from Bottega Veneta. The shoulder bag silhouette features the house’s signature intrecciato technique, with interior slip pockets and an adjustable top handle.
Materials: Lamb leather
Dimensions: 3.7" H x 9.3" W x 3.7" D
BEST OCCASION RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
The Row Mae Leather Handbag
Refresh your occasion-bag assortment with this sculptural scarlet design by the Row. Created with architectural New York influences in mind, it’s as striking as it is practical (for a mini), featuring a gold chain strap, press-stud button flap, and internal pocket.
Materials: Leather
Dimensions: 10.3" W x 4.9" L x 2.6" D
BEST LOEWE RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Loewe Puzzle Edge Mini Leather Top-Handle Bag
This iconic Loewe silhouette makes an even stronger statement in rich red. We love it best with a monochromatic ensemble, whether worn as top-handle or shoulder bag (using the detachable shoulder strap).
Materials: Calf leather, cotton, nylon
Dimensions: 4.9" H x 7.1" W x 3.1" D
BEST RED DESIGNER HOBO BAG
Khaite Medium Olivia Leather Hobo Bag
Sculptural yet slouchy, this coveted Khaite hobo shape is a heavy hitter in fire red. With a subtle sheen, it feels extra-special for occasions but equally at home alongside daily essentials from suiting to denim.
Materials: Leather
Dimensions: 9.5" H x 16" W x 7" D
BEST RED DESIGNER TOTE
JW Anderson The Chain Leather Tote Bag
Elevate your tote game with this rich burgundy leather tote. (Yes, it counts as red.) While the open-top silhouette is sleek and functional for everyday use, the polished chain-link adornment on the strap adds that extra-special touch.
Materials: Grain calf leather, suede lining
Dimensions: 10.8" H x 12.8" W x 7.1" D
BEST STRUCTURED RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Saint Laurent Medium Manhattan Shoulder Tote
You can’t beat Saint Laurent’s Manhattan shoulder tote when going for sleek structure. It’s compact and adjustable via the shoulder strap, with gorgeous gold-tone hardware to feel perfectly luxe on the go.
Materials: Calfskin leather
Dimensions: 11" H x 8" W x 2.5" D
BEST EAST-WEST RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Gucci Horsebit Chain Medium Shoulder Bag
This quilted shoulder bag combines Y2K nostalgia with Gucci’s iconic horsebit design. (Fun fact: The large-scale hardware was first popularized in the 2000s.) What could be more fun for spicing up fall outfits?
Materials: Red quilted leather, palladium-toned hardware
Dimensions: 6" H x 5" W x 6.3" D
BEST RED DESIGNER HANDBAG WITH SILVER HARDWARE
Savette Large Tondo Hobo
As with jewelry, polished silver is back in a big way. Apply the look to your red handbag with this minimal hobo, impeccably crafted from smooth calf leather and lined with supple suede.
Materials: Calf leather, suede lining
Dimensions: 11.5" L x 12" W x 2.5" D
BEST TOP-HANDLE RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Proenza Schouler Mini Drawstring Leather Top-Handle Bag
Certain looks just call for a mini top-handle. Maximize impact with this scarlet silhouette, featuring scrunched and knot detailing.
Materials: Leather
Dimensions: 11" H x 5.7" W x 3.1" D
BEST BUCKET RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Apple Faux Leather Bag
And just like that, Mansur Gavriel’s bucket bag feels delightfully nostalgic in a sea of shoulder bags and slouchy totes. Even better? An eco-conscious update: This scaled-down version is crafted from waterproof faux leather partially made with recycled Italian apple skins.
Material: Faux leather
Dimensions: 9" H x 7" W x 4.5" D
BEST PATENT RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Jacquemus Le Bisou Ceinture Patent Leather Shoulder Bag
Choose high-gloss patent leather for a slick accent to dresses, suiting, sweaters, and more. Another Y2K-esque design we love for a touch of playfulness, this bag features an adjustable shoulder strap and rounded silhouette cinched by a thin belt.
Materials: Calf leather, fabric lining
Dimensions: 6" H x 11.5" W x 15.5–18" L
BEST FLAP RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Prada Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag
Elegance and practicality meet in this Prada shoulder bag, decorated with the Italian house’s emblematic enameled metal triangle logo. The silhouette and flap style’s curvature keep belongings beautifully secure without sacrificing function. Wear yours crossbody or snug on the shoulder with a simple tweak of the adjustable strap.
Materials: Brushed leather, nylon lining, metal hardware
Dimensions: 5.5" H x 7.8" W x 1.88" L
BEST OVERSIZE RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
A.L.C. Shiloh Bag
Get your oversize, slouchy carryall on with this buttery-soft shoulder bag by A.L.C. The twisted silhouette is subtly standout, while the vegan leather brings a plush touch to daytime looks of all kinds.
Materials: Faux leather
Dimensions: 15.75" H x 4.75" D x 13.75" L
BEST CANVAS RED DESIGNER HANDBAG
Valentino Garavani La Troisieme Toile Iconographe Shopping Bag
Don’t let the red trend interfere with your love of logos. Valentino serves up a way to wear both loudly and proudly through this canvas shopper with shaped handles and a removable shoulder strap.
Materials: Canvas with leather trim, platinum-finish hardware
Dimensions: 9.8" H x 15.7" W x 6.7" D
Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
HARPER'S BAZAAR
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.