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The intricate craftsmanship of beaded bags transforms this essential accessory into an artistic detail with a vintage feel. Not just reserved for elevating eveningwear, bead, pearl and gemstone embellishments add a glittering point of interest to occasion and off-duty looks alike.
We would be remiss not to credit Shrimps for the revival of the beaded bag. The British brand debuted its signature Antonia bag for AW17, and the pretty, pearl-punctuated tote became an instant hit with tastemakers like Camille Charrière and celebrities like Alexa Chung – and continues to be a mainstay on the red carpet and amongst the street style set.
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Since the Antonia became an instant It-bag, brands like Cult Gaia and Clio Peppiatt have designed equally beautiful, beaded bags, which have since also reached cult status in fashion circles. While classic beadwork acts as bonus jewellery when accessorising formal looks, tote bags made from natural, wood beads are ideal for your holiday wardrobe, while pearl-adorned bags are perfect for brides and wedding guest dressing, and recycled acrylic beads offer an environmentally conscious choice of sparkle.
‘The AW24 collections earlier this year embraced personality and individual style, and bold bags were a key component to this; look to textured bags to convey your personal style,’ Libby Page, market director at Net-A-Porter, tells ELLE. ‘At Net-A-Porter, we have seen a 300% increase in searches for white beaded bags over the last two weeks (versus the period prior), and Clio Peppiatt’s Chandelier embellished faux leather tote is a personal favourite. It effortlessly adds texture while seamlessly slotting into a neutral capsule wardrobe.’
This is a trend that's clearly here to stay, so we've put together the ultimate ELLE edit of the best beaded bags to shop now.
Beaded Bags For A Touch Of Vintage Glamour:
Ideal for after-dark events, the crystal droplets on Clio Peppiatt's 'Chandelier' tote reflect light to illuminate your overall look. Wear yours with bridal and wedding guest dresses, or style as a glittering detail to a neutral outfit.
You can always count on Cult Gaia for a cocktail clutch – meaning, a striking handbag that doubles as an easy talking point. This Nia style is crafted from buttery soft lamb leather and adorned with polished black beads. Each bead features its own unique marble detail for a personalised feel.
Staud's shoulder bag elevates this signature, '90s design with vibrant, hand-embroidered beadwork and diaphanous, tonal paillettes. The boxy shape is lined with soft satin and fits all the essentials for a day-to-night look.
Your occasionwear edit is incomplete without Rixo's beaded bucket bag. The versatile champagne hue strikes the perfect balance between silver and gold, offering endless styling potential. You're guaranteed to reach for this well into party season.
You'll be reaching for this adorable beaded crossbody bag for all your event dressing. The faux pearl and light blue beads complement any cream-coloured or pastel outfit, and it can also add a dressed-up feel to more casual looks.
The smokey blue hue and dynamic, sculptural shape toughen up the traditionally girlish beaded bag. Match the rebellious feel of the bag with leather trousers, a second-skin top, and chunky silver jewellery.
Elevate your resort edit with Cult Gaia's mini tote that's woven with polished wood beads and lined with a linen pouch. It's the perfect size for your phone, cards, lip gloss, and even a compact camera for candid moments. Better still, it zips closed to keep your essentials secure and looks divine with gold jewellery.
Clio Peppiatt's Quartz bag is a fashion editor favourite. It's embellished with recycled acrylic beads in ombré shades of pink that mimic the beauty of rose quartz stones – it's the perfect party plus one.
As we ease into AW24, expect to see moody, warming shades of brown come to the fore of fashion's favourite colours. This pint-size purse from Mango features fringe details decorated with glistening copper-brown beads and tonal paillettes.
Loewe's Squeeze bags stay true to Jonathan Anderson's playful take on luxury design. Resembling a strawberry, this decadent beaded leather bag is crafted entirely by hand, and the adjustable strap can be worn top handle, at the shoulder, or crossbody.
Update your everyday tote with Self-Portrait's pretty, beaded bag that's decorated with flower-shaped embellishments in an ivory hue. It comes with sturdy straps and a drawstring pouch for stowing essentials. Wear with a sundress and sandals on your next city break.
For those who have an eye for heritage, Valentino Garavani's leather shoulder bag is for you. It's decorated with sparkling glass beads, features a crystal-covered V logo, and is finished with tonal, silver hardware. Remove the handle and strap to wear it as an evening clutch with a slinky black dress and diamonds.
Kara is the Ecommerce Editor, Women’s Lifestyle at Hearst UK. Leading Cosmopolitan’s digital shopping strategy, she shares style advice for life’s big moments, reports on the latest fashion collaborations, and creates beauty reviews across skincare, makeup, and haircare.
Kara’s most popular guides include ‘Affordable Jewellery Brands to Shop’, ‘Ski Wear to Shop, According to an Editor’, and ‘The Best High Street Wedding Dress Brands’, while covering deals events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. When she’s not behind a laptop screen, she’s hosting shopping videos and livestreams for Cosmo’s TikTok Shop. Kara also creates shopping content for Red and Prima, and was previously contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar.
Since starting her career as a journalist in 2018, she has held the role of Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER’s Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and written for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine, where she covered fashion and beauty news, trends, and features. An experienced interviewer, Kara has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles, and Tyla about life, work, and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kara lived in Toronto, Canada before moving to London.
Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia
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