Can’t a Big Boy Carry a Big, Beautiful Bag?

Skip to main contentThe time has never been better to get a grip on a real-deal handbag.Bag, $9,990, by Chanel. Jacket by ERL. Tank top by Zimmerli. Jeans by Carhartt WIP. Sneakers and necklace (on bottom), his own. Necklace (on top) by Miansai.Thanks to über-stylish purse pros like Jacob Elordi and A$AP Rocky, eyes are being opened to the joy of hauling around your earthly possessions in the most luxurious, personality-forward way possible. And while there are plenty of soft, sexy bags on the market, we can’t stop staring at the sumptuous Chanel Flapbag. From artistic director Matthieu Blazy’s supernova fall-winter 2026 collection, the bag is a lavish landing place for your phone, keys, and wallet. Plush, croc-embossed, with those gleaming interlocked C’s on the front, it’s everything a laptop-lugging work bag isn’t.But perhaps the best reason to invest in a really nice handbag? Manifesting an abundance mentality. As the great-vibes philosopher Luka Sabbat once explained: He carries a purse because he’s “only got four pockets, and they already full.” Money out, money in—right?The All-Time GreatsIf croc-embossed Chanel feels a little too outré, try one of these slightly subtler, equally pedigreed numbers on for size instead.Bottega VenetaLarge Andiamo BagThe New-School ContendersThe classics aren’t going anywhere (except maybe to Sotheby’s). But if you’re looking for a lower-key bag with insider street cred, any one of these alternatives make for a righteous flex now—and an heirloom your kids will be stoked to inherit later.LemaireLarge Croissant BagPhoebe PhiloLarge Slouch Cabas BagThe Indie UpstartsLooking to shop closer to home? These days, there’s a glut of small-batch American leather specialists churning out brolic, hardbody bags that promise to age better than 95% of the Constitution. Start with one of these.Ezra ArthurAudrey Nubuck Suede XL BagAdam Wade WagnerVegetable-Tanned Leather Tote BagA version of this story originally appeared in the September 2026 issue of GQ with the title “Can’t a Big Boy Carry a Big, Beautiful Bag?”PRODUCTION CREDITS:Photograph by Bowen FernieStyling by Tyler AustinGrooming by Pascale Poma using L’Oréal ProfessionalTailoring by Ksenia GolubSign up for Show Notes to get news on the latest runway shows, parties, and insider events on the international fashion circuit.Eileen Cartter is the style editor at GQ, where she writes and edits stories about fashion and trends, fame and celebrity, and other cultural phenomena. Previously, she was the social & culture editor at Garage magazine. She is based in NYC. ... Read More