Meet the East-West Bag, the Baguette’s Cooler Aunt
Has “The Girl” finally transformed into “The Woman”? Based on the style shifts we’ve seen, she might just resemble your eccentric yet poised aunt. What can you expect to find in her wardrobe this season? Collarless jackets, graceful skirts, delicate shoes, and modern brooches. But it’s the Goldilocks of handbags that truly encapsulates this evolved mood. Enter the east-west bag—perfectly balanced, neither too formal nor too casual. It seamlessly bridges the gap between uptown and downtown, effortlessly adding a touch of sophistication to both evening and daytime ensembles.
TTL’s Favorite East-West Bags:
- The Street-Style Favorite: Alaia Le Teckel shoulder bag, $2,490
- The Ladylike Top-Handle: Savette Symmetry bag, $1,390
- The Best-Seller: Freja NYC Chrystie bag, $268
- The Classic Investment: Saint Laurent Suzanne shoulder bag, $1,950
- The Bold Addition: Jil Sander Cannolo shoulder bag, $1,500
- The High-Street Champion: Zara rigid shoulder bag, $50
- The Coquettish Contender: Magda Butrym Brigitte top handle bag, $2,350
Every season ushers in its own set of bold style shifts that are impossible to overlook. From the transition from skinny jeans to baggy cuts, the rise of oversized blazers over going-out tops, to the move from chunky sneakers to delicate ballerina flats, fashion never stays static. While bag trends may not spark as much debate, they certainly make their mark. The east-west bag is a perfect example. With its long, slender straps placed toward the center and its elongated shape, this bag is impossible to ignore. Its understated yet powerful influence has captivated the street style scene for several seasons, particularly with Alaïa’s Le Teckel continuing its reign.
The east-west bag also dominated the 2025 runways, making an appearance in everything from Bally’s structured blue version to Prada’s green top-handle in the spring/summer collections. This season, however, the trend has evolved beyond subtlety. Loewe’s pleated take, Givenchy’s sleek black croc, Staud’s luxe suede, and Jil Sander’s bold cherry red design all make a statement. Impactful and stylish, the east-west bag is a must-watch trend. Here’s your guide to embracing it.
