When the Bag Is the Plot: 6 Times Luxury Handbags Stole the Show (Literally)
In the world of television, fashion isn’t just decoration—it’s dialogue. And nothing speaks louder than a really good bag. Designer handbags have long served as narrative shortcuts on screen: a quick flex of wealth, a not-so-subtle hint at social climbing, or a punchline dressed in calfskin. Whether it’s micro, monogrammed, or just ludicrously capacious, a bag can often do what entire episodes can’t—reveal who a character really is. Let’s break down six times a luxury bag didn’t just complete the look—it completed the story. 1. Carrie Bradshaw & The Fendi Baguette Sex and the City (Season 3)If you’re held at gunpoint and still correct the robber on your handbag’s name, you’re either deeply unserious or a fashion historian in heels. Carrie’s iconic “It’s a Baguette” line didn’t just immortalize the Fendi classic—it made it TV canon. In that moment, the Baguette wasn’t just a bag. It was Carrie. Flirty, fabulous, slightly impractical, and totally unforgettable. 2. Bridget & The “Ludicrously Capacious” Burberry Tote Succession (Season 4)Trust Tom Wambsgans to deliver a takedown so sharp it sliced through the fourth wall. Bridget’s oversized Burberry bag—aka the tote that launched a thousand memes—wasn’t just a fashion faux pas. It was a class crime. Loud, checkered, and useful (god forbid), it marked her as “new money” trying too hard. In the Roy universe, subtlety is luxury. And that bag? Screamed in italics. 3. Emily Cooper & the Butterfly Bag by Peter & James Emily in Paris (Season 3)In a city that practically invented “chic,” Emily’s sculptural Butterfly bag was…a choice. But it fit. Like her influencer energy and color-clashing wardrobe, the bag made no apologies for being seen. Where most Parisiennes opt for timeless leather classics, Emily swerved hard into avant-garde—and the bag didn’t just match her vibe, it announced it. Subtle? No. Memorable? Très. 4. Rory Gilmore & the Hermès Birkin Gilmore Girls (Season 6)When Logan hands Rory a Birkin, it’s not just a flex—it’s a fork in the road. She’s no longer the bookish outsider at Yale; she’s a woman being courted into upper crust elegance, whether she’s ready or not. Her initial confusion? Totally valid. Her eventual acceptance? Tells you everything. The Birkin isn’t just a gift—it’s a quiet proposal to join a club where exclusivity is the currency. 5. Blair Waldorf & the Lady Dior Gossip Girl (Various Seasons)Blair didn’t wear bags. She wielded them. The Lady Dior—structured, stitched, and steeped in legacy—was her armor in the Upper East Side’s never-ending social chess game. While Serena wandered through fashion like it was a sample sale, Blair was calculated, curated, and consistently couture. The Lady Dior was less accessory, more heirloom. Because for Blair, status wasn’t just earned—it was inherited and styled accordingly. 6. Issa Dee & the White Telfar Shopping Bag Insecure (Season 4)Blink and you might’ve missed it—but real ones clocked it instantly. When Issa showed up with a white Telfar, it wasn’t just a style choice—it was a statement. Affordable, inclusive, and proudly Black-owned, the “Bushwick Birkin” was the bag of a generation. For Issa, it mirrored her own evolution: bold, grounded, and real. Proof that not all luxury is defined by price tags—or gatekeeping. Sometimes, it’s defined by purpose. So next time you see a character shoulder a designer bag onscreen, don’t just ask “Where can I get that?” Ask, “What does this bag say?” Because in good television, the real flex isn’t just fashion—it’s storytelling with stitching.
Callum Turner Fronts Louis Vuitton’s New LV BUTTERSOFT Sneaker Campaign
Hot off Dua Lipa’s engagement announcement (and probably your group chat), Callum Turner is back—this time not in a period drama, but in Pharrell’s sneaker campaign for Louis Vuitton. The British actor is the face of the new LV BUTTERSOFT sneaker, which, yes, sounds like something you’d spread on toast—but stay with us. Debuted during the Fall/Winter 2025 menswear show, the BUTTERSOFTs are giving early-2000s hip-hop flashbacks with a high-fashion filter. Picture this: retro running shoes meet dandy gentleman energy, dipped in pillowy Italian leather, and topped off with Pharrell’s face stamped right on the tongue. Because why not. There are 24 colorways (because luxury is about options), “enchape” patch detailing, and a few with hand-painted Bruni edges if you’re feeling extra. It’s the kind of sneaker designed to whisper “I’m expensive” while still looking like something Nelly might’ve worn in 2003—and somehow, it works. Courtesy of Louis Vuitton Turner wears them like he was born in them. And honestly? If Louis Vuitton’s goal was to make softness aspirational, they picked the right face. Pre-orders are up now on Louis Vuitton’s website. The drop is July 10. Start budgeting—or manifesting.
The 7-Point Rule: TikTok’s Favourite Styling Trick That Makes Your Outfit Make Sense
Coco Chanel once famously advised that we should all remove one accessory before leaving the house. The goal? Elegance via restraint. But fast-forward a few decades—and a few thousand #OOTDs—and the problem isn’t knowing what to take off. It’s knowing what’s missing. We’ve all had that moment: you’re fully dressed, technically stylish, and yet something feels… off. Not wrong, just underwhelming. Like your outfit ghosted its own potential. Enter: TikTok’s now-viral 7-Point Rule—a little fashion math (don’t panic) that’s currently saving wardrobes and mirror meltdowns everywhere. So, what is the 7-Point Rule? It’s less about what you wear and more about how much your outfit is doing. Think of it as a checklist-meets-scorecard that helps you figure out why one outfit looks editorial and another just looks… dressed. Each piece you wear gets assigned a point value. Staples earn one point, while statement pieces earn two. The goal is to hit that sweet spot: a total of seven to eight points. Too few? Your outfit might feel flat. Too many? You might be tipping into chaos (though, if that’s the vibe, by all means—go for 11). Let’s break it down. 1-Point Items: The Foundations These are your everyday essentials—reliable, neutral, maybe even a little boring on their own. But they build the canvas. TLDR: If your outfit is made entirely of these, you’re probably not getting compliments from strangers. Yet. 2-Point Items: The Disruptors This is where the personality kicks in. These pieces draw the eye, add texture, or disrupt a neutral palette with something interesting. Rule of thumb: If your aunt would ask “what are those?” when you walk in, it’s probably worth two points. A 7-Point Outfit in Action Let’s say you’re wearing: Total: 10 points. Technically over—but maybe you want to be a little much. The beauty of the 7-point rule isn’t that it boxes you in, but that it explains the feeling. Feeling like an outfit is “too busy”? Count the points. Something feels missing? You’re probably sitting at a sad 5. Is this rule for everyone? Nope. But it might help those of us who vacillate between dressing like a Sim with only base-game clothing or going full Pinterest board explosion. It’s not gospel—just a gentle guide. Because sometimes, you need to take something off before leaving the house. Other times, you just need to add a red shoe and a cat-eye. And thanks to the 7-point rule, you might finally know which.
Kaia Gerber Fronts Sarah Burton’s First Givenchy Campaign
Call it a new chapter or a quiet revolution, but Sarah Burton’s debut at Givenchy is rewriting the codes of power and femininity in fashion—and she’s chosen Kaia Gerber as her leading lady. In a campaign that feels more like an art house film than a brand announcement, Burton’s vision leans into intimacy, storytelling, and the nuanced complexities of the female gaze. Gone is the bombast. In its place: stillness, tension, beauty. Shot with the tone and texture of auteur cinema, the campaign tells a story before it sells a silhouette. Kaia Gerber, now just 23, has never looked more assured. The supermodel moves through Burton’s universe not as a mannequin, but as a muse—an actress in a silent drama between herself and the lens. It’s soft. It’s stylized. It’s very Givenchy 2.0. For Burton, this isn’t just a new job—it’s a creative manifesto. Following her storied legacy at Alexander McQueen, she’s now shaping a new vision at Givenchy—one rooted in female collaboration and emotional strength. “The connection between an actress and a director was the starting point,” Burton shared. “It’s about women seeing women, and building something that speaks to that connection.” If fashion is often about image, this is about authorship. And with Kaia at the center of it all, it’s clear: the next era of Givenchy isn’t just feminine—it’s formidable.
Ojude Oba 2025: When Ijebu Ode Turns the Streets Into a Fashion Extravaganza
If your heart beats for fashion, family, and full-on glamour, then Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode was the ultimate destination this year. Imagine a city drenched in every colour imaginable — like the entire rainbow dialled up to eleven — and you’ll start to grasp the magic that unfolded. More than just a style showcase (though there was plenty of that), Ojude Oba is a cultural heartbeat for the people of Ijebu Ode. It’s where history, heritage, and personal flair blend into one unforgettable celebration. At the core of the festivities are the regberegbe — age-grade groups — who gather in impeccable coordination to honour the town’s revered monarch, the Awujale of Ijebuland. And oh, did they come prepared. This year, the groups transformed the streets into their personal runway. Some rode in on horses, carrying forward generations of equestrian tradition, while others sauntered like they owned the red carpet. The women dazzled in traditional buba and iro crafted from lace, aso-oke, adire, brocade, and damask fabrics. But the real showstopper was the styling: shoes perfectly matched geles, geles coordinated with purses, and purses harmonised with jewellery — some groups even wore identical accessories, down to the very last detail. The men followed suit in majestic agbadas in bold hues, their caps perched just so. Coral beads adorned their necks, wrists, and ankles, while walking sticks emerged as the season’s must-have accessory. Just when you thought the style party couldn’t get any more exciting, the sunglasses made their entrance — oversized, vibrant, retro, sporty — there was no shortage of statement shades on the streets. Simply put: Ojude Oba 2025 was a fashion moment for the books. Naturally, BellaNaija was on the scene to capture every breathtaking detail. Scroll down to soak in the best moments. Photo Credits: The Jovial Photographer/Instagram Photo Credits: Niyi Fagbemi/Instagram
Fara Homidi’s New Bronzer Compact Is A Minimalist’s Dream — And A Masterclass in Skin-Led Beauty
The latest addition to her tightly curated namesake line is the Essential Bronzer Compact — and, much like the brand itself, it’s a masterclass in slow, intentional beauty. Known for her minimalist yet meticulous makeup approach, Fara Homidi has spent over two decades painting faces for the likes of Off-White, Miu Miu, and more, establishing a signature that’s more about skin than spectacle. Her beauty brand carries that same ethos — only the essentials, crafted to perfection. The Essential Bronzer Compact, now available in the UK, is no exception. Retailing at £78, the bronzer comes in four skin-flattering matte shades designed with color theory in mind — so the payoff looks natural, never muddy or orange. Its cream-powder hybrid formula melts seamlessly into skin, delivering warmth without weight. “With an ethos of efficacy, excellence and slow beauty, this is my edit of high-performing, multi-purpose products,” says Homidi. And it shows — from the vegan, cruelty-free formula to the eco-conscious packaging, every element is built with thought, not trend. Where many brands thrive on constant newness, Homidi focuses on craft and consideration. Her growing capsule currently includes a face compact, lip compact, lip pencils, and a small edit of brushes — each one embodying her less-is-everything philosophy. This bronzer isn’t just about glow. It’s about intention. It’s for the ones who don’t need 12 steps to feel radiant — just one that actually works. The Fara Homidi Essential Bronzer Compact is available now at farahomidi.com and via select UK retailers.
Carhartt WIP Drops New Womenswear for SS25
Utility just got a soft glow-up. Carhartt WIP is back with its Spring/Summer 2025 womenswear collection—and while it still packs that signature workwear punch, this season adds a delicate edge that feels refreshingly light. Shot through the dreamy lens of Paris-based photographer Fiona Torre, the campaign reads like a haze-drenched postcard from a summer spent somewhere between construction site chic and soft-focus art school. It’s all about contrast: rugged silhouettes meet whisper-soft textures, and structured classics are dipped in sun-faded hues that toe the line between utility and poetry. Anchored by the iconic W’ OG Active Jacket, the collection delivers the essentials you didn’t know you needed: slouchy graphic long-sleeves, cozy hooded sweatshirts and jersey basics that feel like forever pieces. There’s an unmistakable ease here—nothing feels forced, and everything feels lived-in. One of the standout twists? The utilitarian double-knee pant reimagined as a mini skirt—a clever nod to the brand’s blue-collar DNA, served with a wink. Meanwhile, jackets arrive in washed-out pastels and muted neutrals, looking like they’ve already soaked up a few days in the sun. Carhartt WIP’s SS25 drop proves that durability and softness aren’t opposites—they’re a power couple. Click through the gallery for a first look at Fiona Torre’s gauzy campaign imagery, and shop the full collection now on Carhartt WIP’s official website.
Eric Emanuel Levels Up With His First Ready-to-Wear Drop—and It’s a Summer Flex
The New York designer, best known for his cult basketball shorts and sporty hoodies, just unveiled his first-ever Spring/Summer ready-to-wear collection, and let’s just say: it’s still got game—but now it plays harder. For SS25, Emanuel serves a new kind of drip: think classic sports energy, reworked with breezy knits, buttery soft undergarments, cropped mesh jerseys and chunky stripes in colours that scream “meet me at golden hour.” It’s still him—but elevated. One standout? A cropped green mesh jersey stamped with a hot pink “91,” layered under a button-up that looks like someone bottled a beachside sunset. It’s chaotic in the best way—and weirdly, it works. Elsewhere, his signature shorts get a luxe glow-up. Now in plush cable knits and earthy tones, they’re paired with oversized tees and zip-up hoodies that feel made for boardwalk strolls or city rooftop hangs. Matching knit sets come dripping in bubblegum pink, lemonade yellow, and greens that basically taste like summer. The collection taps into Emanuel’s signature nostalgia—think throwback gym class but make it fashion—and gives it just enough polish to push it into new territory. Ready-to-wear may be new for the brand, but this lineup proves he’s not just testing the waters. He’s diving in. Peep the full campaign above and head to Eric Emanuel’s website to cop the SS25 drop. It’s not just a summer vibe—it’s the whole playbook.
Amelia Gray Brings Maximum Energy to PUMA’s Mostro Fey in ‘Pele Yellow’Auto Draft
The Mostro madness isn’t slowing down—and honestly, why should it?PUMA’s mutant sneaker-child—the Mostro Fey—is back in a new “Pele Yellow” colorway, and this time, she brought a plus one: Amelia Gray, certified it-girl and model muse du jour. Originally debuting as a futuristic riff on Mary Janes (yes, the shoes your childhood self and your fashion-girlie self can finally agree on), the Mostro Fey has evolved into PUMA’s most chaotic-good design flex. Part gorp-core, part Y2K glitch, and all attitude—this latest drop doubles down on its strappy silhouette and spiked sole, now dipped in a highlighter-bright yellow that’s impossible to ignore. In the campaign, Amelia Gray delivers off-duty cool in casual portraits that feel intimate but elevated—like your coolest friend just happened to get styled by an avant-garde sneaker archive. She even rocks a matching Mostro bag, because yes, we’ve officially entered the era of accessory-sneaker synergy. “I love that the Mostro is comfy, cool, and just really easy to wear,” Gray shares in the campaign press release. “It looks great with everything and instantly pulls the whole look together.” And honestly, she’s not wrong—Mostro’s weird-little-sneaker energy somehow does go with everything, whether you’re on the way to a rave, a reformer Pilates class, or just stalking your ex on a hot girl walk. Set to release June 5, the PUMA Mostro Fey in “Pele Yellow” isn’t just a colorway—it’s a personality. So go ahead. Get the shoes. Be that girl.
Rosé, Lewis Hamilton and Jay Chou Make Luggage Feel Existential in RIMOWA’s “Never Still” Campaign
What if your suitcase was your diary? That’s the question luxury travel house RIMOWA poses in the fifth chapter of its ongoing Never Still campaign—a polished yet personal exploration of how travel leaves its mark, literally and otherwise. This time, the campaign taps three global icons—BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Jay Chou—to unpack (pun fully intended) how movement shapes identity, purpose, and the stories we carry with us. Rosé, in her usual pensive pop-star elegance, reflects on how life on the move deepens her connection to creativity. “Every journey I take leaves a lasting impact,” she says. “Travelling the world only makes me realise just how much more there is to explore.” For someone who’s been on more private jets than the average passport holder has stamps, that’s saying something. But the campaign’s real star? Not the celebrities. The luggage.RIMOWA’s signature aluminium suitcases get a sentimental upgrade, reimagined as timeworn tokens of personal evolution. The dents? Not flaws—badges of honour. The peeling stickers? Emotional cartography. For Rosé, those stickers nod to her latest album drop. Jay Chou’s are peppered with tennis references (an ode to his not-so-secret obsession). Hamilton? Ever the high-speed philosopher, he lets the road—and the runways—do the talking. It’s a subtle but striking campaign that repositions luxury luggage as something less pristine and more personal. Less “aspirational accessory,” more “emotional archive.” And just like that, your carry-on now has character development. Check out the campaign visuals featuring Rosé above and browse the full collection now at rimowa.com.