Bulbous, unstructured, ludicrously capacious bags in the form of oversized totes and carryalls reigned supreme last year, serving as an antidote to the microbags that dominated the trend cycle before them. Representing a happy medium between the two, the handbag set to take over this year is an eminently wearable one.
Looking to the styles of the 1950s, the east-west bag is named for its horizontal orientation and elongated shape (in contrast to north-south bags that are longer than they are wide). Not to be confused with asymmetrical shoulder bags like the Dior Saddle or just any bag that’s wider than it is long such as a classic Chanel Flap, the east-west bag is symmetrical and decidedly striking in its wideness. Exaggeration is key here.
The refined silhouette of the east-west bag has the ability to transcend fleeting trend cycles; both practical and elegant, it’s large enough to carry your essentials yet small enough to tuck under your arm—and force you to leave your excess baggage behind.
Designed for the woman who wants to traverse the world unencumbered by the weight of a tote or the fussiness of a clutch, the east-west bag is a roomier and more stylish alternative to the similarly practical (yet more casual in appearance) crossbody bag. While it mightn’t be commodious enough to able to accommodate a laptop, theragun, or any of the other so-called ‘essentials’ Miranda Kerr deems necessary to lug around on a daily basis, the east-west bag is generous enough to fit a manner of actual essentials, provided they’re somewhat elongated themselves—cash, cards, lipstick, phone, keys, maybe a banana, and a slim paperback. Perhaps Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Of Mice and Men. Leave Anna Karenina at home.
Although the concept sounds simple enough, some brands execute the east-west bag better than others. From styles by lauded fashion houses to independent gems, these are the best east-west bags on the market.
1. Alaïa Le Teckel
With almost comically elongated proportions, the Alaïa Le Teckel is a striking take on the east-west style. ‘Le Teckel’ is French for dachshund, with the maison recalling its canine inspiration through the bag’s subtly curved sculptural silhouette and tubular top handles which serve to further emphasise its horizontal orientation.
Price: $3260AUD
2. See By Chloé Joan Double Handle Bag
The signature See By Chloé O-ring and braided detailing add a boho-chic touch to this east-west style. Unlike other takes on the silhouette, the Joan Double Handle Bag is designed to be carried as a top-handle bag or tucked into the crook of your elbow.
Editor’s note: As of December 2024, the See By Chloé sub-brand has been discontinued, meaning it’s unfortunately no longer available via the Chloé webstore. However, it does mean you can find See By Chloé bags heavily discounted with a little research — we’ve included a couple of outlets below.
Price: $870AUD
3. Charles & Keith Wisteria Elongated Shoulder Bag
A structured style with an adjustable strap allows it to be converted from a shoulder bag to a crossbody at whim, the Charles & Keith Wisteria Elongated Shoulder Bag boasts a sleek silhouette with a top zipper to keep your belongings safe. Free from extraneous adornments, its set to remain a wardrobe staple for years to come.
Price: $119AUD
4. Miu Miu Nappa Leather Bag
Looking to an archival style, the Miu Miu Nappa Leather Bag is a slouchier, less structured take on the east-west bag. Aged gold-toned hardware and magnetic closure with a ruched tie appearance add vintage grungy charm.
Price: $4500AUD
5. Freja New York Caroline Bag
Deliberately devoid of hardware, the Freja New York Caroline Bag makes for the ideal versatile daily driver; able to be carried as a top-handle or worn as a shoulder bag. The front flap can be tucked in for an even sleeker silhouette.
Price: $415AUD
6. Bottega Veneta East-West Andiamo
There’s something rather endearing about the Bottega Veneta East-West Andiamo; perhaps it’s the cuteness of the bow-like knotted brass hardware paired with the luxury fashion house’s intrecciato leather prowess. Regardless, it’s an unmistakably Bottega interpretation of the style. Fitted with a top handle and a braided crossbody strap, it features two internal compartments and boasts more space than most east-west bags.
Price: $7080AUD
7. Khaite Simona Shoulder Bag
Finding beauty in restraint, the Khaite Simona Shoulder Bag fuses stoic shapes with curvilinear forms to create a truly ageless style.
Price: $3850AUD
8. Mulberry Small Soft Bayswater
A fresh take on the British leather house’s signature silhouette, the Mulberry Small Soft Bayswater foregoes the iconic Postman’s Lock closure in favour of a laidback, unstructured look. The Bayswater silhouette is elongated and rendered in a soft, slouchy style with oversized top handles, making for a decidedly contemporary aesthetic. Unlike the classic Bayswater, the Small Soft Bayswater can easily be carried on the shoulder. Pretty and practical.
Price: $2595AUD
9. Rylan Mini Satchel
As the brand’s core style, Rylan does the east-west bag well. Well-suited to proponents of the crossbody, this mini style can be worn on the long strap or carried using its top-handle for a more structured look.
Price: $749AUD
10. Themoirè Dioni
The slimline body and magnetic closure of the Themoirè Dioni means it only has enough room for the bare essentials. But what it lacks in space it makes up for in impact, with its shiny finish and gold hardware making for the ideal (somewhat) practical going out bag.
Price: approx. $564AUD (€340)
11. Loewe Small Paseo Bag
Its distinctive pleated silhouette, two-tone canvas and leather construction, threaded handles, and gold-toned pebble hardware make the Loewe Small Paseo Bag a standout in the east-west category. An additional long strap allows it to be worn as a shoulder bag.
Price: $4350AUD
12. Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette
Defined by clean lines and rectilinear forms, the Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette is the ultimate quiet luxury east-west bag thanks to its discreet hardware and lack of logos.
Price: $1900AUD
13. Jil Sander Goji Bamboo Small Bag
The bamboo top handle adds a touch of vintage flair to an otherwise subdued silhouette. While the Jil Sander Goji Bag comes in a couple of variations, we’re partial to the juxtaposition of the clean silhouette with this metallic leather finish and silver bamboo detailing, however the standard leather handle version in maroon is an equally appealing choice.
Price: from $3916AUD
14. Prada Medium Leather Bag
Prada’s take on the east-west bag is unsurprisingly cool. Corner overlays and belt detailing combined with soft, crinkled leather contribute to a somewhat insouciant interpretation of the classic style.
Price: $4200AUD
15. Lancel Origami
A unique interpretation of the east-west style, the Lancel Origiami bag is reminiscent of both fanny packs and fortune cookies, with the fun style exuding cool French girl vibes.
Price: approx. $775AUD (€470)
16. Ferragamo East West Tote Bag
The ideal east-west bag for those who don’t want to compromise on practicality, the Ferragamo East West Tote Bag has ample space for all your everyday essentials. The front flap is able to be tucked in for a cleaner finish, while the leather tag and golden plate contribute to the elevated feel. The elongated straps allow it to be carried as a handbag or shoulder bag.
Price: $2590AUD
Words by Arabella Johnson
Cover image courtesy of Freja New York
Feature image courtesy of Alaïa
