Just like in the beauty world, the era of clean and minimal evening bags is on pause as the fashion world ushers in a new – and old – generation of decadent arm candy. Thanks to Valentino and the brand’s creative director Alessandro Michele making a strong case for maximalism, the party bag trend of the season is a piece of embellished beauty that looks like it came straight out of your grandma’s closet. But the best part is – this one actually fits a phone! I’m talking about the Valentino Garavani DeVain, a flap-closure, shoulder bag silhouette with a delicate strap, available in 27 different fabric, colour and print variations. My favourites? All the sparkly embroidered versions, of course.
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At an event in Manhattan last week, Valentino celebrated its new IT bag by inviting some of New York’s fashion elite to showcase the sartorial potential of the DeVain, with a guestlist that included Hari Nef, Sky Ferreira, Mary Beth Barone and Justine Skye. Translated from Valentino's AW25 catwalk show and styled alongside the eclectic pieces from Alessandro Michele's recent ready-to-wear collections, the baguette-like handbag was the true star of the night and claimed its spot as the accessory of the season. But don’t worry if the £2,000+ price tag is out of your range because the embellished evening bag trend is not just a luxury exclusive. From preowned pieces to high-street gems, this handbag style is an inclusive way to update your party look – and just in time for the biggest party of the year!
Resale sites like eBay, Depop and Vinted are rife with vintage and second-hand pieces that belong to this trend. Start by searching through names of high-street brands like Monsoon, Accessorize, Phase Eight or Miss Selfridge, all of which will reveal a wealth of embellished evening bags. In case you prefer buying new, brands like Next, Anthropologie and ASOS all got you covered. For a mid-range option, consider Staud's two key styles. Tommy is a boxy shoulder silhouette with a fixed shoulder strap, while Timmy is a softer variation with a removable strap. Both are available in a variety of beaded patterns including lobsters, micro flowers or multicoloured squares – each as whimsical as the other, guaranteed to lift the spirits of both its wearer and any lucky onlooker.
When it comes to styling, there are a few different ways to incorporate an embellished handbag into your existing wardrobe. On one hand, you can lean into the vintage vibe that Alessandro Michele is known for. Pair the beaded bag with a strong-shouldered 1980s cocktail dress, boldly coloured tights and a granny shoe. There’s also the option of heading into a print clash direction, a statement look that will look best if the different patterns either correspond in their nature (floral, animal, stripes) or share some of their core colours. The bag – embroidered in its own pattern – will definitely stand out as the key piece. For those of you who still feel a bit hesitant, there’s the classic route, as heralded by the likes of actor Hannah Einbinder and everyone’s favourite revenge musician Lily Allen. It's all about a monochrome dress in a shade that's borrowed from the bag’s colour scheme. Embellished, sparkly and eye-catching – this is the kind of bag that can replace a piece of jewellery as the perfect finishing touch.
Are you ready to join the fun train and get yourself an embroidered shoulder bag? Below are some of my party-ready favourites, at all different price points:
