The 15 Best Patent Leather Purses to Carry You Into Spring
This trend isn’t going anywhere in 2024.
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The patent leather purse is here to stay—for now, at least. Much to the relief of us pleather lovers, the winter-favorite trend will continue into the warmer seasons of 2024, most recently thanks to Gucci’s spring/summer 2024 collection. According to analytics by Google, Gucci’s patent Jackie bag and The Row’s Margaux bag were the top searched styles in the trend. “There’s a strong interest in vintage styles, particularly from the 1990s and early 2000s when patent leather had a moment,” said Stephanie Horton, senior director of commerce marketing at Google. “This nostalgia plays into the current popularity of patent leather accessories, especially bags. In fact, search interest for patent leather bags recently reached an all-time high during the holiday season, and spiked again in January.” Unsurprisingly, New York and New Jersey were the top states to search for the trend.
Subscribers to a certain C-word aesthetic (IYKYK) will know you can wear patent at any time of day, any time of year. After all, it’s not just a look, it’s a lifestyle. But those who aren’t attuned to more hardcore aesthetics can put the baby powder and lube down. This is patent leather, not latex—and these are handbags, so no assembly is required.
Tougher than soft leather, yet with a flawless shine that could be tainted by any wrinkle or scratch, patent leather is the perfect way to say you are not to be messed with. An easy extension of the dominatrix style, this material has been trickling down to the masses for years, and thanks to its subtly subversive look, it’s a trend suitable for anyone interested. The easiest way? Your purse. Sure, you can work your way up to patent shoes, pants, and more, but your purse will let you test out the trend, even in spring and summer, without the pools of sweat. Paired with a faux fur coat (while it’s still cool out) or your favorite denim, this specific accessory can elevate any look.
Patent leather purses can come in all shapes and sizes, colors and vibes, and, most importantly, price points. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best designer bags featuring the look, from Simon Miller to Saint Laurent. This trend might be intimidating, but it can work for anyone willing to try. Our safe words? “Shop below.”
For those looking for a subtle entry into the patent trend, try this semi-patent bag from By Far. Classic in style and color, but just a little subversive.
Dimensions: Height: 17 cm; width 24 cm
Materials: Cowhide leather
Just because patent leather is a more dom-culture trend doesn’t mean you can’t combine it with the coquette aesthetic. Try this mini patent bag from Miu Miu for a cute way to have it both ways.
Dimensions: Height: 15.5 cm; width: 17 cm
Materials: Leather
Colors: White, black, red
Both patent and baguette, get two trends in one with this sleek Courrèges bag.
Dimensions: Height: 3.93 inches; width: 10.23 inches
Materials: Patent Calf Leather 100%
Coachtopia’s patent Ergo bags, made with at least 50 percent recycled leather scraps, have become ultra-popular since the brand segment’s launch in April of last year. And the chic olive green colorway with attached bows makes the style even more exciting!
Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 9.75 inches
Materials: Patent Coachtopia leather
Colors: Green, black
Wear it as a clutch or as a slouchy purse, this Staud bag makes patent casual with its organic shape and cool vibe.
Materials: 100% Cow Leather
Just like patent, the micro bag trend isn’t going anywhere, so make a splash with this bold red accent bag.
Dimensions: Height: 7.1 inches x width: 6.7 inches x depth: 2.2 inches
Materials: Patent faux leather (polyurethane), polyester, and viscose
Saint Laurent does patent leather like no other, and this sleek top-handle bag is the perfect way to make this trend ultra-sophisticated.
Dimensions: Height: 10.5 inches; width: 9 inches; depth: 1 inch (Interior capacity: extra-small)
Materials: Leather
For the chicest patent, look no further than the Dries van Noten top-handle bag in mauve. Make no mistake, this is not your grandmother’s handbag.
Dimensions: Height: 7.3 inches; width: 9 inches; depth: 4.3 inches
Materials: Leather
Proenza Schouler Walker Patent Leather Tote Bag
For those in need of a little more real estate when it comes to bags, consider Proenza Schouler’s patent leather tote in black or white.
Dimensions: Height: 15 inches; width: 15.7 inches; depth: 4.3 inches
Materials: Leather
Colors: Black, white
Frances Valentine Ringo Bag Soft Patent Pink
This Frances Valentine round-handle patent purse is the perfect accessory to tote around this spring and summer. Its flat shape can fit your essentials and that’s it, but that’s really all you need in the summer!
Dimensions: Height: 8.6 inches; width: 12.5 inches; depth: 0.5 inches
Materials: Leather
Colors: Pink, orange, black
Puffy yet patent, this Jil Sander baguette is all things trendy, yet chic. The knot details on the handles add even more excitement to what from a distance might look like a regular black bag, but for the wearer is a pillow of style.
Dimensions: Height: 5.3 inches; width: 11.6 inches; depth: 4.5 inches
Materials: Leather
If you wish you could combine Bottega Veneta’s signature woven style with patent leather, you’re in luck (and a really specific wisher). Even better? It comes in the perfect color for summer.
Dimensions: Height: 12.5 inches; width: 6.5 inches; depth: 5 inches
Materials: Brushed intrecciato calfskin with lambskin lining and gold-tone hardware
You can’t go wrong with a classic black shoulder bag, and this one from Stand Studio will go with any look.
Dimensions: Height: 5 inches; width: 11 inches; depth: 2.5 inches
Materials: 100% lambskin
Need a mirror? Use this chrome patent leather bag from Giarite! We’re kidding, but this might be as close to a purse-compact combo as we’re ever going to get.
Dimensions: Height: 23 cm; width: 25 cm; depth: 8 cm
Materials: High-quality recycled PU leather, silver hardware
Last but not least, this heart-shaped Simon Miller bag is quirky and cute, punky and pretty. Why not wear your heart on your sleeve (or shoulder)?
Dimensions: Height: 7 inches; width: 8 inches; depth: 4.5 inches
Materials: 70% acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, 30% polycarbonate
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