Now that spring has (technically) fully sprung, I'm prepared to pack away my knits and winter accessories. While living in NYC comes with limited storage space, there's something exciting about swapping out your wardrobe as the seasons change and rediscovering the pieces that you know and love. My spring wardrobe of course comes with more dresses, more skirts, and more color, but even my bag rotation changes a bit. Dark colors are swapped out for neutrals and pops of color that complete a look, and the texture comes out to play—this season in the form of beads.
There's a reason why the beaded bag has stood the test of time. From the beaded fringe bags of the '20s and '30s, the chunky acrylic beads of the '60s and '70s, to bold colors and beaded illustrations of the '80s and '90s, the beaded bag is and has always been a tried and true way of adding a statement to any look.
Fendi Spring/Summer 2026 // Launchmetrics
Fendi Spring/Summer 2026 // LaunchmetricsAt Fendi's Spring/Summer 2026 show, the brand paid homage to the bags featuring beaded illustrations with floral beaded iterations of their iconic baguette bag and staple pouchette. For the baguette, the white and black beads are contrasted by a bright yellow strap and lining. In the case of the pouchette, the bag isn't lined at all—the gaps in the beaded pattern are wide open, exposing all of your everyday essentials (a travel sized bottle of Fendi's Ciao Amore fragrance, anyone?)
Beaded bags offer just the right amount spring and summer energy, so they're perfect for those seasons, but could also arguably be pulled out in the gloomy months when you're in need of a little sunshine.
Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2026 // Launchmetrics
Chanel Pre-Fall Off Season 2026 // LaunchmetricsOn Stella McCartney's Spring/Summer 2026 runway, I spotted two trends merged into a single vibrant red pouch bag: crochet and beads. There is something about crochet that just reminds me of a fun, carefree spring and summer—even more so when paired with beads. This pouch is begging to be taken on a tropical vacation and carried out to a dinner on the beach.
Chanel's Metiers d'Art 2026 collection, on the other hand, paid homage to beaded fringe of the '20s and '30s. In this collection, the house's forever iconic flap bags were dripping in dainty beads. This bag calls for a chic, sophisticated night out at a jazz club: martinis, men in suits, and a place where smoking cigarettes inside is allowed.
There's a beaded bag for all occasions, so I think it's time that we all purchase numerous of them.
