You may recall pictures of this curved silhouette circulating on Instagram, or have even seen it yourself in person—it is Burberry’s recent, evidently conspicuous, installation of their Spring/Summer 2021 Olympia Bag at ION Orchard. Featuring celebrities such as FKA Twigs, Kendall Jenner and Shygirl, the campaign introduced new colour-ways to Burberry’s signature design and made its stop in home ground Singapore as part of its “World of Olympia” pop-ups across the globe.
Understated and sleek with contrast stitch details, the Small Leather Olympia Bag retails for $3,150 and is arguably the latest obsession in town that reflects the enduring saddle bag trend. Think ‘saddle bag’, and the first brand that comes to mind (at least for me) is definitely Dior.
Dior’s Saddle Bags
Featuring the iconic ‘D’ stirrup closure, Dior’s Saddle Bag is a classic that dates back to their Spring/Summer 2000 collection. Now that’s 20 years ago already, but the bag clearly still holds its appeal among many! Sophisticated and embellished with gold-finish hardware, Dior’s Saddle Bag also allows you to customize the final look with a shoulder strap of your choice to really make it yours. Prices vary, depending on the size and material.
The most popular design is, of course, the statement Blue Dior Oblique Jacquard with the brand’s signature monogram print. Equally stunning is the fashion blogger and influencer Chriselle Lim’s take that exudes a boho vibe—she’s carrying the calfskin version in a caramel-brown shade, paired with the limited edition canvas fringe strap.
How would you style yours?
LOEWE’s Gate Bags
If you’ve watched the sensational Korean drama Crash Landing on You (2019), you’d recognise that the actress Seo Ji-hye was carrying a LOEWE Gate Bag in the series. Named after the bag’s distinctive side-latched metallic pin and knotted bow closure, LOEWE’s design adds a fun twist to the saddle bag aesthetic (pun intended).
The brand’s recent Fall/Winter 2021 collection also features new earthy tones that are befitting of the current neutral colour palette trend—autumn green, black, and tan. Available in two sizes, the Mini Gate Dual Bag retails for $2,400 and the Small Gate Bag retails for $3,550. The Mini Gate Dual Bag, in particular, also boasts versatility such that it can be worn four different ways depending on how you handle the straps: shoulder, crossbody, sling or as a belt carry.
Coach’s Alie Saddle Bags
Another notable saddle bag design in the market would be Coach’s Alie Saddle Bag. While the brand has come up with many variations of saddle bags over numerous collections, this design is somewhat an IYKYK (if you know, you know) bag that is not overly saturated.
Simple yet chic, this compact bag is crafted with textured pebble leather and a chain-link shoulder strap. Accented with the brand’s iconic horse and carriage logo at the bar closure, the Alie Saddle Bag retails for $695 and also comes in a Blue Signature Jacquard design that is faintly reminiscent of Dior’s monogram print.
Image Credits: Charles & KeithCharles & Keith’s Gabine Saddle Bags
If designer labels are too far-fetched for you and you’re simply looking to satisfy an impulsive urge of owning a saddle bag, local brand Charles & Keith may just be the one for you. As part of their Spring/Summer 2021 collection, Charles & Keith also experimented with the saddle bag trend—and it was a huge success, I’d say, seeing how the bag sold out within a week of its launch and was even open for backorders on their website.
Fashion trendsetters including Lily May Mac, Yoyo Cao and Aimee Song are just some of the influencers who have styled the Gabine Saddle Bag immaculately. Featuring a gold buckle and adjustable straps, this covetable bag not only comes in two sizes but also an array of colours. Fret not, you won’t break your bank (or your heart, when you use it). As an affordable luxury brand, Charles & Keith’s Mini Gabine Saddle Bag retails for $65.90 and the regular Gabine Saddle Bag retails for $75.90.
Truth be told, you can’t fit a lot into these saddle bags. Probably just a few essentials like your handphone, keys, cardholder (yes, because if your wallet is even remotely fat it won’t fit), a lipstick and AirPods. Maybe if you squeeze a little, a packet of tissue fits too. Then again, by virtue of its crescent-shaped design, saddle bags are precisely meant for those who prioritize fashion over function—which type of person are you?
This article was brought to you by Cecilia Yeo. I love coffee, cats, cash.. oh and literature.
