Our end-of-year celebrity ensemble lists usually end up stacked from beginning to end with top designers and expensive products. However, 2016 looks a bit different.
We started putting together our list of last year’s best celebrity handbag sightings and realized several curveball moments won us over. Check out our top 10 handbag moments of 2016.
1. Olivia Palermo’s Chic & Affordable Topshop Clutch at London Fashion Week
Olivia Palermo is a master of mixing high-end and budget-friendly pieces. At London Fashion Week’s Topshop Unique show, she turned heads with a chic, affordable clutch.
To finish the outfit, Olivia carried a fur-trimmed leather clutch from Topshop. The day clutch looks like an expensive arm candy, but the Topshop piece is only £50.00!
Olivia Palermo in Tabitha Simmons’ “Harmony” booties at the London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2016 Topshop Unique show on February 21, 2016 (Credit: WENN / TNYF / Adriana M. Barraza / Andres Otero)
Olivia Palermo carries a chic black leather clutch with bold navy fur trim
2. Penelope Disick’s Designer Mini-Bag Collection: Chanel, Saint Laurent & More
Little Penelope Disick showed off her mini-bag collection and instantly stole our hearts. She’s not just cute; she also has excellent taste in handbags!
Her expensive designer bag collection includes a mini Chanel shoulder bag and a Saint Laurent Toy Sac De Jour.
Penelope Disick looks adorable and stylish outside her home on February 18, 2016, heading to singing class in an all-black ensemble featuring a mesh skirt, glossy patent boots, and a chic mini Chanel handbag
Penelope Disick exudes mini fashionista vibes outside her Hollywood Hills home on February 26, 2016, rocking a striped tee, distressed denim shorts, silver high-top sneakers, red mirrored sunglasses, and a chic black mini handbag
3. Jaden Smith Breaks Fashion Norms in Bold Louis Vuitton Campaign
Louis Vuitton hired Jaden Smith to edge up its brand for one of its Spring/Summer 2016 campaigns. Jaden eagerly starred in the campaign and showed everyone how to challenge gender norms.
The handbags featured in the campaign were fresh and bold, with a new chain monogram design.
Jaden Smith and models bring edgy, gender-fluid fashion to life in Louis Vuitton’s #LVSERIES4 campaign, captured by Bruce Weber in a bold mix of textures, prints, and structured handbags
Jaden Smith and models redefine luxury in Louis Vuitton’s #LVSERIES4 campaign, showcasing bold chain-embellished handbags, edgy textures, and gender-fluid fashion in a striking urban setting
4. The Olsen Twins’ High-Fashion Met Gala Moment With The Row
The Olsen twins attended the Met Gala in their signature high-fashion, Olsen-style ensembles. Both ladies, fashion moguls, carried their brand, The Row, onto the red carpet.
The luxurious clutches were the perfect accessory for their high-end looks.
Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology at the Met Museum in New York on May 2, 2016
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen showcase their signature vintage-inspired elegance at the Met Gala, carrying luxe black clutches—one structured with gold hardware, the other a voluminous velvet pouch—perfectly complementing their ethereal ensembles
5. Emma Stone’s Effortless Street Style Featuring the Gucci “Jackie” Bag
The lovely Emma Stone always makes the classiest sartorial choices, even when having lunch with her friends.
Emma sported a black dress topped with a nude-colored coat during an outing, finishing the look with a Gucci “Jackie” bag. This Gucci purse is a classic choice that goes with almost anything.
Emma Stone exudes effortless elegance while leaving a restaurant in New York on June 3, 2016, wearing a navy slit maxi dress, a chic nude trench coat, black ankle-strap heels, and a timeless Gucci “Jackie” bag
A close-up of Emma Stone’s Gucci “Jackie” bag in a timeless nude shade featuring the brand’s signature piston closure and sleek, structured silhouette—an effortlessly chic addition to her ensemble
6. Maisie Williams Rocks a $39.90 Charles & Keith Bag at the Emmys
There are many reasons we love Maisie Williams, and one of those reasons is that her outfits are never dull.
The “Game of Thrones” star attended the 68th Emmy Awards, where she wore a Markus Lupfer gown paired with a Charles & Keith bag. The cute triangle-shaped velvet purse looked glamorous enough for the Emmys, but it was surprisingly only $39.90.
Maisie Williams at the 68th Emmy Awards Arrivals 2016 held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 18, 2016
Maisie Williams adds a touch of glamour to the 2016 Emmy Awards with a Charles & Keith triangle-shaped velvet purse, featuring a gold zipper and tassel detail—an affordable yet elegant red carpet statement
7. Louis Vuitton’s Petite Malle iPhone Case: The Must-Have Luxury Accessory
The fashion world went gaga over this accessory when it debuted at Louis Vuitton’s spring 2017 runway. The Petite Malle iPhone case is a gorgeous mini version of the brand’s popular Petite Malle bag. Fashion lovers rushed to get their hands on the chic case—even Louis Vuitton’s creative director, Nicholas Ghesquière, had one.
Nicolas Ghesquière shares a close-up of the Louis Vuitton Petite Malle iPhone case, a luxe mini-trunk-inspired accessory featuring the brand’s signature monogram canvas, gold hardware, and reinforced corners
A model struts down the runway holding the Louis Vuitton Petite Malle iPhone case, a luxury statement piece inspired by the brand’s iconic trunks featuring monogram canvas, gold hardware, and a structured mini-chest silhouette
8. Nicki Minaj’s $4,200 Chanel Vanity Case Sparks Major Handbag Envy
When Nicki Minaj showed off her new Chanel vanity case, we came down with a strong case of bag envy. Nicki’s luxurious piece of Chanel arm candy also doubles as a bag. Nicki shared her excitement about the $4,200 purse with her followers on Instagram.
Nicki Minaj serves bold glamour in an all-black ensemble featuring a lace-up romper, over-the-knee leather boots, statement hoop earrings, and a Chanel vanity case bag, exuding luxe sophistication
A stunning collection of Chanel vanity case bags in classic black, ivory, and silver featuring the brand’s signature quilted leather, interwoven chain straps, and iconic CC logo—luxury at its finest
9. Katie Holmes Goes Casual-Chic with the Playful Fendi Monster Tote
Katie Holmes was photographed catching a flight at LAX looking bare-faced and natural. Katie is often all glammed up on the red carpet, so this off-duty getup was rare.
Her effortless glow and playful bag choice stood out. The Fendi Monster Creature Tote adds a touch of whimsy while remaining effortlessly chic for everyday wear.
Katie Holmes keeps it effortlessly stylish at LAX on June 30, 2016, pairing a black-and-white plaid shirt with bold red jeans, suede ankle boots, and the playful Fendi Monster Creature Tote for a chic yet relaxed travel look
A close-up of Katie Holmes’ Fendi Monster Creature Tote featuring the brand’s signature playful design with bold yellow eyes and a red zipper mouth
10. The REED x Kohl’s Comeback: Affordable Luxury Handbags for Everyone
In 2015, Reed Krakoff announced it would be ceasing productions but pleasantly surprised everyone with a brand new look in 2016.
With a newly reinvented approach and a more affordable price tag, the REED label is here to stay for good. Some chic fashionistas attended the launch of the brand’s new label.
Chanel Iman at the Reed and Kohl’s collection launch in New York on April 20, 2016
Solange Knowles at the Reed and Kohl’s collection launch in New York on April 20, 2016
Explore More Handbag Trends and Iconic Styles
Reflecting on the standout handbag moments of 2016, it’s evident that the allure of designer accessories continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts. If you’re intrigued by the evolution of luxury handbags, our comprehensive guide on the most expensive designer handbags delves into iconic pieces and the craftsmanship behind them.
For those seeking to stay ahead of current trends, our article on the top handbag trends for 2024 offers insights into emerging styles and must-have designs.
Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring American craftsmanship, our feature on American handbag brands highlights labels that combine quality with style.
These resources provide a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving world of handbags, ensuring you’re well-informed and stylishly equipped.