Fall 2025 Handbag Trends: The Return of the Paddington & Top-Handle Renaissance

Fashion, like history, always finds a way of repeating itself. This fall, one of the most surprising comebacks has been Chloé’s Paddington bag. Originally released in 2005 and remembered for its oversized padlock and slouchy silhouette, the bag quickly became one of the decade’s most recognizable “It” bags. Two decades later, it’s back,  refreshed in new colors and textures but still faithful to its signature design.

The revival isn’t just about nostalgia. It taps into a broader “day-bag” renaissance: structured, top-handle styles are reclaiming their place in everyday wardrobes. 

Top-Handle Authority: From Heritage Houses to Emerging Names

Across Fall/Winter 2025 collections, top-handle silhouettes dominated. Hermès showcased vanity-case inspired Kelly iterations, Prada leaned into suede textures that felt equal parts refined and wearable, and labels like Alaïa and Balmain presented sharply structured designs that nodded to vintage vanity cases. Even Miu Miu, which often leans playful, leaned on boxy suede bags that signal a return to practicality.

What makes these shapes appealing is their mix of utility and polish. They’re bags you can carry to a meeting, lunch, or dinner—a stylish bridge between function and form.

Why This Trend Resonates

The resurgence of structured bags aligns with a cultural pivot: quiet luxury is still dominating, and consumers are seeking bags that feel timeless rather than flashy. After years of logo mania, a suede vanity case or vintage Paddington communicates sophistication without screaming for attention.

Collectors are also hunting the originals. On resale sites, vintage Paddington handbags in good condition have been climbing, with recent sales crossing the $1,200 mark—a significant jump from the sub-$700 prices these bags fetched just a few years ago. It’s a reminder that when heritage design resurfaces, resale value often follows.

A Smart Collecting Play

For anyone building a thoughtful collection, this moment is a chance to scoop up archival top-handle bags before prices climb further. Whether it’s a 2000s-era Paddington, a structured Gucci bamboo handle, or a Prada suede satchel, these styles are less about trends and more about permanence. In today’s market, permanence is what drives both style relevance and resale strength.