Autumn is known far and wide as the season of harvest. Whether you’re gathering your daily tools of survival in a Dionysian duffle that speaks to the soul or an Apollonian tote whose complex compartments convey practicality, these are the season’s most fruitful offerings.

CELINE HOMME BY HEDI SLIMANE

They say size doesn’t matter–it’s what you do with it that counts. Yet, while mini and micro bags are cute at first glance, in the way a teacup pup is to a sled dog, when it comes to going about your day, a large bag stands as alpha. Hedi Slimane’s no stranger to harnessing the suave and the smart. And so, the newfangled Large Voyage Bag bites back with a cheeky play on Celine’s house codes. With its signature Triomphe canvas, all decked out with bold printed text, Celine Homme’s Voyage could be the ultimate power move your wardrobe’s been begging for this season.

DIOR MEN

Saddle up! Kim Jones’ latest take on Dior’s iconic Saddle Bag is one smooth ride of sophistication. Bursting with brilliance and sublimely embossed, the house’s newborn leather finish mimics the clouds of distant horizons. Guided by the equestrian spirit, this edition lassos both comfort and charisma. Wear it over your shoulder, as a crossbody, or remove the straps and freestyle this baby as you see fit. With detachable straps and a multitude of compartments, the look is yours to take by the reins.

LOUIS VUITTON

While fashion etiquette decrees fall the season for sobering up one’s style, Louis Vuitton argues that there’s always a little room for joie de vivre in matters of the murse. Puffed with panache and inflated to nebulous proportions, Louis Vuitton’s Blown Up Keepall bag speaks to daydreamers and those in tune with their inner child alike. One look and this baby might just carry you off to the distant rose-tinted realm of playground memories—that’s because the French luxury giant drew inspiration from children’s balloons this season. As the fall approaches, it’d be wise to get your head out of the clouds and into Louis Vuitton’s latest domed divinity with their iconic travel bag.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

If you’re looking for edge, your search ends with Alexander McQueen’s latest spin on the eternally revisited tote bag. All edge—no filler, this tote takes its cues from the house’s razor-sharp ready-to-wear silhouettes. The charm of the latest McQueen essential? It all boils down to the lines! Not unlike the brand’s eponymous founder, this latest design theory expresses all the swank and sass of its Savile Row roots. Where the height of tactile luxury arises in grained leather lined with a vivacious hue of Cherry Red, you’ll find that the sharpest of bags are perhaps the most understated.

LOEWE

When most crease or fold their latest piece of arm candy, an instinctual wincing typically follows—however, that’s not the case with Loewe’s Puzzle Fold Tote. Crease, bend, fold away—do as you please! This must-have is all about the folds. With the flick of a finger, the Spanish-style savant’s latest bag goes from flat to full-on fabulous. Capacious by design and devised with a featherweight philosophy in mind, Loewe’s Puzzle Fold Tote might just be the origamic oddity you’ve been dying to add to your wardrobe but haven’t unfolded yet.

BURBERRY

If you’re in need of a vestiary rescue, lo and behold Burberry’s knight in shining leather. Galloping with glamour, Burberry’s Knight Bag draws inspiration from one of the house’s age-old traditions: the Equestrian Knight. As he rises to the pedestal of the muse, a new bridled horse clip and the horse from the house’s EKD illustration get propelled out of the dark ages and onto Burberry’s latest creation. While the Knight Bag is soft to the touch, don’t let that fool you; its foldable design effortlessly goes from shoulder bag to tote and is fortified for any adventure. Fortune favors the bold, so draw your sword— or shall we say strap?

PRADA

Bags that capture the moment are few and far between, and yet Prada’s done so and then some this season. On the cusp of rigidity
and softness, the Milanese monolith of fashion encapsulates the new age
of masculinity—an all-in-one lustrous leather tote. Both smooth and strong, Prada’s latest bag retains its utilitarian verve with its uber-structured design while adding a layer of refined romance with delicate leather detailing. Understated yet sublimely crafted, the leather tote is undeniably Prada right down to the triangular motifs multiplying across its luxurious surface.

SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

Much like leaves in autumn, Saint Laurent, too, cancels its chroma in its latest rendition of the eternally coveted backpack. Color? Who needs it when you have texture? Or so proposes the Parisian fashion house as lustrous leather glistens with irrevocable allure alongside smooth, sturdy nylon in its namesake backpack. Where adjustable straps lead to ample storage space, Saint Laurent’s breakthrough bag of the season makes going about your day both effortless and elegant. You see, it’s not so much about statement-making at Saint Laurent this season. Rather, it’s all about the persistence of enduring classics. “Fashions fade. Style is eternal,” once said Yves Saint Laurent—and rightly so.

GUCCI

Conventional wisdom dictates not all that glitters is gold— however, that’s not quite the case at Gucci this season. The Milanese fashion empire argues that maybe the best things in life do scintillate with diamantine brilliance. Where the geek chic of the house evokes the spirit of perhaps its most iconic creative director, a slippery sleek, and oh-so-shiny sensuality arises—all very Ford-ian. Either in bright hues pulsing with vibrance or soft, faded pastels, Gucci’s latest take on its codified charm weaves its heritage into a constellation of glittering glam. Trace your fingers on its coated canvas and you might just ascend to the handbag heavens.

FENDI

Contrary to the name, Fendi’s Peekaboo plays no games when it comes to topping off ‘fits with envy-summoning bags. Worn day or night, this bad boy injects a lofty dose of debonair energy. There’s even a little harness action here and some bold metallic strap hardware there for those who relish making a statement. Peep the sprayed shearling if you prefer some plush in your day-to-day prowl. When it comes to summoning the suave, there’ll be no-nonsense with Fendi’s latest spin on the highly coveted classic—however you take it.

This story appears in the pages of VMAN 51: now available for purchase!

Photography Grégoire Alexandre