It’s been a while since we’ve had a major new It-bag on our hands: The Row Margaux, Prada Buckle and Balenciaga Le City styles have all remained dominant in recent seasons. Still, it appears there’s a new contender in town: the Valentino Garavani Nellcôte.
We knew that the bag had legs when we first spotted the fringed version slung over the shoulder of one Bella Hadid back in November. First featuring in Valentino’s Resort 2025 collection – Alessandro Michele’s debut for the Italian fashion house – the suede style, featuring oversized studs and eyelet detailing – was an early harbinger for the ’70s mood that has continued to permeate through fashion this spring.
Showing her allegiance to the Nellcôte once again, Hadid stepped out in New York with the tote version just last week, this time in a dark brown colourway – instantly adding a boho meets Western touch to her pared-back look, which comprised a white cardigan, tank top and straight-leg jeans.
Hadid’s not the only A-list fan of the Nellcôte: Amelia Gray was spotted with the oversized black version during Paris Fashion Week, while Alexa Chung has also been spotted with the tote style in tan while out and about in New York. The latter wore hers with an outfit combo that’s proving very popular in the Vogue office right now: a brown leather jacket, blue shirt, straight-leg jeans and flats.
While our favourite It-girls aren’t necessarily ditching their minimalist wardrobe staples altogether, the popularity of the Nellcôte is in keeping with the shift away from quiet luxury we’re seeing right now – as exemplified by the return of Michele’s more-is-more creations on the catwalk. Given that the designer was behind some of Gucci’s most successful accessories during his tenure, including the Horsebit and the revival of the Jackie and Diana styles, it’s no surprise that Michele already has an It-bag in the making with his very first attempt at Valentino.
