By Aaron Kok,
It’s a bag most recognisable by its form – that gentle crescent-shaped sloping that sits so perfectly on you, no matter how you choose to carry it. It can be slung on the nook of your elbow, swinging gaily in your palm, or tucked underneath your arm, where it keeps your belongings close without ever getting in your way.
As the great Y2K resurgence ticks on ever so steadily, hobo bags have etched themselves a nice perch in this summer’s list of trends as the bag to tote. Undergoing a variety of iterations – from bejeweled to woven and pleated – the ultra-flexible and super-covetable hobo bag proves its staying power once again, and here are 18 examples to grab.
Dropping in stores in August, the latest rendition of the Brutalist-inspired Petra bag by the homegrown fashion brand looks pretty in icy blue. The sculptural design is also a favourite of the brand's latest global ambassador Han So Hee who has been napped carrying it on multiple occasions and in social media posts. She said: “I like the Petra bag because it embodies my personality – bold and edgy."
The crowd-favourite Nano Fendigraphy Hobo handbag gets a graphic update as reimagined by Marc Jacobs from his collaboration with the Italian house.
Channel that old money style vibe with a classic brown hobo purse paired with blue jeans and a Breton striped knit.
Did you wake up thinking “I want a hobo bag that resembles the denim gown that Britney Spears wore to the 2001 American Music Awards"? You’re in luck then: Balenciaga’s Le Cagole is made with pale-blue denim and festooned with aged silver hardware.
Summer calls for a bright pop of colour – and this endorphin-inducing shoulder bag in a vibrant vermillion checks that box.
Named after its characteristic fish-shaped handle, the Sardine bag comes in an enlarged size for Pre-Fall. It’s marine-inspired handle is designed for ergonomic comfort when being carried, and yet retains an artful streak by resembling a sleek sculpture piece.
You can’t go wrong with a timeless black shoulder bag. Beyond its classic appeal, it presents plenty of versatility as you bring it to work or for the after-hours drinks.
Barbie types now can have a blinged-up hobo bag reminiscent of summer afternoons spent by the poolside, courtesy of Versace’s collaboration collection with singer Dua Lipa.
Reminiscent of cotton candy, picnics and all the romantic notions of summer, this casual hobo comes with two strap options so you can toggle it however you please.
Designed to be worn in different ways, you can sling it across your body with the longer strap, on your shoulder, or pull the shorter strap through the tab and watch your bag fold together as a cute wristlet.
As if stepping off a Romy and Michele's High School Reunion vision board, this dainty number plays with the saccharine nature of light blue satin, which is then contrasted with tough straps and metal hardware.
It may be tiny, but this baby comes with just enough space for your lipstick, phone and credit cards. Meet your new after-dark companion.
Here’s a great bag that can accompany you everywhere. For the 9-to-5 routine, pair it with your minimalist tailoring, or switch over to summer dresses for the weekend – either way, it’ll match easily.
Reminiscent of butterscotch candy, the new addition to Phillip Lim’s bag family features a ruched closure and an oversized knot detail on the side.
The ‘Gram-worthy Swipe bag that’s adored by fashion insiders was conceived after designers Sebastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant were inspired by smartphone icons (if you squint, it kind of resembles a scroll button). This season, it comes updated in a zingy shade of neon green.
This new introduction to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s repertoire of covetable sacs places the ‘CD’ insignia in the spotlight with an exaggerated logo fronting the bag. If you look carefully at the chain strap, you’d realise that each interlocking link also spells out ‘CD’.