Runway trends hint at the must-have qualities bags and fashion accessories will need to dominate next season’s sales.
As always, the upcoming winter staples and new summer collections will be previewed in Riva del Garda at the launch of the innovative Gardabags trade fair.
No, we don’t have a crystal ball. But the recently concluded fashion weeks in New York, Paris and Milan do offer some interesting clues about the must-have features that will define the most appealing bags and fashion accessories for the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2025–26 season. What styles will we see in shop windows? Which ones will top the sales charts?
THE BRIEFCASE RETURNS TO MEN’S FASHION
Practicality remains a key requirement for men when it comes to work bags. However, the runways suggest that alongside this purely functional purpose, there’s now an added emphasis on visual appeal – bags that do more than just carry documents and devices, but also express style, personality and identity.
EXOTIC TEXTURES FOR WOMEN
Materials with an exotic feel – whether genuine or printed – are redefining the idea of luxury, evoking a sense of opulence that one simply can't do without. These textures are often paired with colour tones highlighting their uniqueness, and even lend themselves to subtle plays on tone and shading. More often than not, coordinating the accessory with the outfit becomes key. Only then is the desired exotic, exclusive atmosphere truly achieved.
FUR AND FAUX FUR MAKE A COMEBACK
This was perhaps the most prominent theme on the recent runways. Fur and faux fur are taking on a visual and tactile language that defies traditional definitions. Whether long or cropped, real or synthetic, solid-coloured or printed, fur has firmly established itself as a key player in leather goods – from the most elegant silhouettes to sporty shapes. It can define an entire piece when used as a full covering, but is just as effective when applied as a detail.
HANDLES AND SHAPES MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
If exotic textures or fur details don’t suffice, it’s often bold and unconventional shapes that make the difference. Chanel, for example, makes a statement with micro proportions, but also an extremely elongated design. Some brands surprise with bags that resemble flat jewellery cases. Cavalli’s jewelled handle contrasts with Kostadinov’s geometric shapes, reminiscent of cardboard constructions. And while Valentino plays on the concept of duality, Valli imagines a bag that resembles an ultra-soft cushion. Ottolinger’s approach to shapes and handles borders on the surreal, with designs that appear to be held together by staples.
Shape and handle design, then, become the key elements that infuse this season’s new offerings with character.
THE LATEST TRENDS AT GARDABAGS
The first stage where these trends will undoubtedly come to life is Riva del Garda. As tradition dictates, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags will open the new season – from 14 to 17 June 2025 – mirroring the latest runway inspirations across both classic collections and new launches.
Gardabags’ new exhibition format will bring a notable increase in trend-driven bag and accessory collections compared to past editions.
An innovative trade fair format designed to simplify the search for the ideal business partner, thanks to a carefully balanced selection of exhibitors – chosen not by product type, price or origin, but by the nature of their offering and the type of interaction they establish with buyers.
A new dedicated space in halls A2 and B2 will host approximately 100 Gardabags exhibitors, divided into 3 areas. Essentially three fairs in one, designed to welcome every buyer in a carefully styled setting, within a high-impact atmosphere.
GARDABAGS SOURCING - This area will feature manufacturers or traders targeting buyers operating in the mass-market/discount sector. It is the ideal space for clothing chains, companies specialising in footwear and accessories,
as well as hypermarkets looking to connect with mass-market manufacturers capable of delivering reliable services. Prices in this area generally correspond to the market entry level.
GARDABAGS SOURCING4BRIDGE - This area will host manufacturers capable of offering more structured and differentiated services, presenting their own models in addition to developing new ones based on their clients’ requests
– whether clothing brands or leather goods companies. Higher quality, materials and prices aimed at clients ranging from High Street to Bridge.
GARDABAGS BRANDS - Exhibitors participating with their own brands – already distributed internationally, primarily in Europe – will be located in this area. Brands targeting large-scale general retail or high street multi-brand
retail, as well as non-specialist retailers.
For each area, operators will be selected based on how well they represent a specific value chain, ensuring a strong and balanced mix of offerings.
All this within an attractive exhibition setting designed to make buyers’ search easier – supported by an Identity Board displayed outside each stand.
Several Italian brands have already confirmed their participation, including Pelletteria Charlotte, Marina Galanti, Nannini Firenze, Innuè, in addition to European brands Custo Barcelona, Keddo, The Chesterfields and Vuch. Other areas will feature a strong international line-up of manufacturers from Turkey, India, China, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
