At some point along the way, fashion became serious.
Among the world’s most coveted bags is the Hermès Birkin which, while understated and timeless, is also – dare we say it – a bit boring. Other current cult favorites, such as The Row, Toteme, and Loro Piano, nod to a similar penchant for quieter style signifiers.
Amid this swathe of discreet staples, some brands peep above the parapet and offer what we really need – a good dose of fun. There’s packets of Cheeto-style chips reimagined in leather, red carpet-ready vegetable patch stars, and entirely embellished fun-fair rides in miniature form.
These bags won’t be suitable for your next client meeting, nor will they win any points for practicality, but this is rule-free styling at its best. Scared of pushing the boat out too far? Team any of the below with a simple jeans-and-a-tee outfit for just a gentle dip into the realms of surrealist style. Most important though: Enjoy.
Fun designer bags to covet
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Jane’s carousel clutch, Judith Leiber Couture
Maximalist, joyful minaudieres are the signature for NYC-based Judith Leiber Couture, with its range of embellished purses embodying this fun-loving take on high fashion. For true whimsy, choose the Jane’s Carousel clutch, which uses a rainbow of teeny crystals to create a nostalgic fairground scene.
Price
$5,995
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The Poireau clutch, Jacquemus
Fine dining and the fashion set are firmly intertwined – to the extent that prime ingredients have become markers of status. Jacquemus takes the humble leek and immortalizes it in leather, with an elegant gold and silver Rond-Carré clasp. It’s far more Wimbledon or US Open than a day’s digging in the garden.
Price
$1,125
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Corn Flakes clutch, Anya Hindmarch
If there is one brand that can take something as arbitrary as cereal – and the blandest variety, no less – and make it fashion, it's Anya Hindmarch. The cute Corn Flake clutch is nostalgic without veering too far into kitsch, with an embroidered vintage logo and a golden clasp and frame. If you do care about practicality, it’s surprisingly roomy, too.
Price
$1,420
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It Can, Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton’s It Can bag is a playful relief from the brand’s more commonplace monogrammed totes and luggage. Hot pink with silver accents and even a mock can top opener, it’s pure Barbie-fied fun. (That signature LV logo does find its way in though, albeit in a more subtle manner than usual.) Don’t expect to use it for more than just the bare essentials though– by LV’s own measurements, it only has room for ‘a small card holder and a favorite lipstick.’
Price
$2,520
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Artichoke clutch, Loewe
If one brand can be reliably turned to surrealist motifs and shapes, it is Loewe – and the artichoke clutch, from the Paula's Ibiza 2026 collection, is textbook fun from the Spanish label. Crafted in vegetable-green nappa lambskin, the bag has golden hardwear and a detachable chain.
Price
$6,900
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Canary clutch bag, JW Anderson
Carrie Bradshaw made JW Anderson’s pigeon clutch famous in And Just Like That… but let us present an even more outlandish version: the canary bag. It’s hilariously impractical though, with not even enough room for a cellphone.
Price
$840
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Chips bag, Balenciaga
Balenciaga’s chips bag is about as chic as salty snacks get. A true replica of a real pack of chips, the detail is extreme: there’s nutrition info, recycling guidelines, and an ingredient list. It’s so realistic, in fact, that we wouldn’t be surprised if someone asks you to share.
Price
$1,890
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Takeaway box, YSL
Want to look like you just had a Michelin-level takeout delivered, without having to actually order takeout? YSL has the solution: a monogrammed brown paper bag-style leather bag, with a quirky box-top handle. The big, bold, gold YSL logo on the front is a firm reminder that this is fashion, not food delivery.
Price
$1,900
How we chose the fun designer bags
Each item featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
