Why the Prada Buckle Is the It-Investment Bag for Fall

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Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have delivered a new “It” accessory

In an age of algorithmic feeds that are always churning up new trends, it can be challenging to decipher what is truly worth our investment. But every so often, there comes along an item whose popularity is hard to ignore. It builds momentum over time, and before you know it, it’s everywhere.

Right now, that item is Prada’s Buckle bag. Unlike “It” bags of the past, there are no flashy details or logomania—just an understated, timeless design that has become irresistible to the fashion set. The bag first debuted in the label’s spring 2024 collection before appearing in the fall 2024 collection and onward into spring 2025. Its rise has been steady: According to Lyst, searches for “Prada Buckle bag” are up 280% month-over-month.

The growth from September to October might be attributable to Fashion Week, when it was hard not to spot the accessory among fashion editors and other showgoers. Fashion-forward celebrities have been carrying it, too: Alexa Chung, Chloe Sevïgny, Dua Lipa, and Diane Kruger have all sported the structured top-handle totes around town.

Given the recent rise of The Row’s Margaux and the enduring appeal of the Hermès Birkin, it’s no surprise that the Buckle is trending. Plenty of women are captivated by the idea of a handbag that blends the pragmatism they need with luxurious construction. In typical Prada fashion, there's also a cheeky twist: the buckle motif, which makes it look almost as if the bag is wearing its own belt.

“Prada's Buckle bag effortlessly commands attention while keeping things stylish,” explains Saks’ SVP, GMM of women’s designer RTW, shoes, handbags and accessories, Will Cooper. “It beautifully blends simplicity and sophistication through its clean lines and refined details. Not only is it an elegant choice, but it also offers practicality, available in three sizes to best suit your needs.”

The Buckle bag is available in a slate of classic neutrals, from black and white to warm caramel and clay. It's made of luxurious calfskin and lined with nappa leather, and the belt is detachable, meaning one could even swap out one's own belt for a styling change. Designed as an investment bag, it starts at a premium price point of $5,400.

The bag’s practicality has resonated with Harper’s Bazaar’s own fashion team. “This Prada bag has been a firm companion of mine since entering my life,” says executive digital director Lynette Nylander. “The double-sided deep pockets means there is some order in the usual chaos of my bag. The belt detail really speaks to why Prada is the best in terms of subtle, tasteful design. Mrs Prada strikes again!”

Shop the new “It” bag below.

Julie Tong is the Senior Commerce Content Lead at Harper’s BAZAAR overseeing digital shopping content across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. She has over 10 years of fashion industry experience and is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism (B.A.). Prior to joining the Harper’s BAZAAR team, Julie spent five years at Vogue to launch their inaugural digital shopping vertical. She has honed her fashion expertise and skills at a variety of fashion institutions over the years from Interview magazine to Yahoo Style, Karla Otto, Who What Wear, and more.

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