Inside The Latest Heart-Shaped Handbag Trend

 

Trends tend to pop up in the strangest way on occasion. But for some reason this time around it seems, heart-shaped accessories are suddenly popping up everywhere you turn. Brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and most notably, Chanel is taking this accessory trend by storm. The French fashion house even debuted pastel quilted flap bags in the shape of chunky hearts on the spring runway to equal fanfare. Elsewhere, Ashley Williams, Vivienne Westwood, and Saint Laurent, recently sent out love letters in the forms of heart-shaped bags.

The heart shape itself as a motif is impossible to ignore in fashion right now. Isabel Marant, Balenciaga, Acne Studios, have all out a focus on heart earrings, and crystal shaped babbles. On glossy stunning features are also some heart-shaped pearls in the form of a pendant. But out of all the accessories featured, what makes the heart-shaped bag so interesting is its unique history. 

Chanel Quilted Heart Shaped Bag 

The heart shape as we know it is thought to have come to fruition through the work of artists and scientists of the Middle Ages, as they reinterpreted ancient medical texts. “​​The heart as a symbol of love has very deep roots, dating back to 14th-century courtly love traditions through Shakespearean times,” says fashion historian Michelle Finamore.

Jewellery has long embraced the heart. “Brooches signifying fidelity and love date to C. 1400,” adds Finamore. That includes “heart-shaped amulets and talismans that were thought to be imbued with protective qualities, and 17th-century rings with hearts that were given as tokens of affection.”

Yet the stylized heart we know and love today is closest to its 18th- and 19th-century representations. In fact, chocolate businessman John Cadbury’s son, Richard, was the first to sell chocolates in a heart-shaped box, which would kick off the future of the heart standing as a symbol for love and romance. And along with that came a cadre of people who donned the heart in a whole host of ways. The Victorian era marked a period when the heart-shaped locket became incredibly popular; people stored locks of hair from loved ones inside the jewellery. Although not explicitly a purse, this may have been the very first attempt at a heart-shaped bag.

Chanel Quilted Heart Shaped Bag 

Hearts throughout fashion can be seen everywhere from the early Surrealists of the 1920s (including Elsa Schiaparelli), to the 1940s—Finamore notes that a sweater worn by Ginger Rogers in the 1938 film Carefree designed by Howard Greer is one of the most famous examples. In the 1960s, the bejewelled heart became a personal talisman to the designer Yves Saint Laurent, who later reinterpreted the shape repeatedly. The 1980s showed the heart en masse on novelty t-shirts alongside high-end wears—epically embellished dresses by Christian Lacroix. And who could forget the famous red heart bag by Moschino, worn by Fran Drescher in The Nanny in the 1990s?

But what’s the reason behind the sudden heart bag obsession? The explanation could have to do with fashion subcultures. Styles dubbed Cottagecore and Dark Academic marked 2020 as a year of alternative expression. Now, we’re seeing the next evolution of those subcultures in the form of categories like Lovecore, or Regencycore, which fans of Bridgerton embraced in early 2021, and continues, as communities of Nap Dress lovers rise up. And even in 2023, it seems this heart-shaped trend in accessories is taking over even more lately.

We are seeing all styles of this trend. And it seems the handbags are on every stylish influencers arm. Or someone who just happens to love the sweeter things in life, and I am not talking about candy or cup-cakes. Fans of the heart bag may not intrinsically realize it, but the motif speaks to something much deeper than subcultures. It has everything to do with dressing for psychological comfort during a time when things are still incredibly uncertain. A stiff leather tote doesn’t quite have the same vibe as a baby pink heart bag with a pearl chain, after all. “Generally speaking, the heart motif evokes feelings of kitsch, comfort, fun, playfulness; overall happy associations,” says Mandy Lee, trend cycle analyst. “Coming out of the pandemic, it’s no surprise to see a warm, comforting motif start to make a comeback.” “History does often repeat itself, particularly in times of crisis, and particularly in fashion,” Finamore adds. “I think that with the real-life fears related to the Covid-19 pandemic and environmental concerns, embracing symbols of love feels comforting.” *SHOP NOW*

The heart-shape is highly nostalgic, it makes you reminisce about your mother wearing a heart diamond necklace, pin, or a classic heart-shaped handbag to dress up a great night-time outing. And it can instantly bring you floating back to your childhood. I love that this is a trend. The heart shape is so beautiful, but it can also give off great energy and in some ways, hopefully spreads love across the globe. And with it being so close to Valentine’s Day it is the perfect opportunity to shop for some heart-shaped chic accessories. I have put together a few styles that I think can be you most sweetest and loving accessory ever purchased. 

What do you think about the heart-shaped accessory trend?

Written by Heather Noire

Louis Vuitton Monogram Fall In Love Sac Coeur  

 

Louis Vuitton Monogram Bag BUY HERE 

 

 

 Chanel Metallic Lambskin Love Heart Bag 

Chanel Metallic Heart Love Heart Bag BUY HERE 

Stella McCartney Vegetarian Suede Heart Shaped Crossbody Bag 

Stella McCartney Vegetarian Heart Shaped Crossbody Bag BUY HERE 

Kate Spade Heart Shaped Quilted Bag 

Kate Spade Quilted Heart Shaped Bag BUY HERE 

Serpui Precious Heart Wicker Clutch Bag 

Serpui Precious Heart Wicker Clutch Bag BUY HERE 

Judith Leiber Ruby Heart Shaped Clutch 

Judith Leiber Ruby Heart Shaped Clutch Bag BUY HERE 

 Kurt Geiger London Heart Shaped Crossbody Bag 

Kurt Geiger London Heart Shaped Crossbody Bag BUY HERE 

Kate Spade Red Heart Shaped Handbag 

Kate Spade Red Heart Shaped Handbag BUY HERE