Sometimes, we find true gems going viral on TikTok. Other times, we find nightmares.
Isn't that the thrill of fashiontok? You truly never know what you might get psyched up into buying. One moment we're slugging on snail goo, the next we're prancing around in poofy princess dresses. On the bag front, it can go from Chanel 22s being the flavour of the month to Loewe's Puzzle Bag returning to the spotlight after an unfounded rumour began spreading that the house was discontinuing the classic style in favour of the Puzzle Edge. (Loewe has since refuted these claims.)
As the slew of bags going viral on TikTok is only expected to get bigger and more, we've chosen a handful of the recently-viral designs to rate, so you know what's worth your buck and what isn't.
The lowdown: It's not secret that everybody has seen or owns a Uniqlo shoulder bag by now. The popular style has found a steadfast following of fans who snap up new colours each season, and has spawned a flood of Get Ready With Me videos as well as humorous snipey skits at its sheer popularity.
Our rating: 9/10. It's well-priced, and boasts a surprisingly-roomy interior. Plus the fabric is easy to care for – throw it in the washing machine if you accidentally get food stains on it!
Aside from classic neutrals, the bag is also available in a variaty of seasonal colours. The burgundy colour here is a definite must-buy, because it's so easy to style and feels a little bit more grown up as compared to the brighter shades on offer.
The lowdown: JW Pei hit the jackpot with the Gabbi, and they know it. The Y2K-inspired shoulder bag was spotted on the arms of Gigi Hadid, Lupita Nyong'o and Emily Ratajkowski, which drew TikTokers to the Los Angeles-based bag brand. The Gabbi has done so well in terms of popularity, that it's now available in a staggering 33 colours on the brand's site.
Our rating: 8/10. Is it pretty? Yes. Is it sustainable? Yes too, because JW Pei uses a vegan leather made from recycled plastic bottles. Is it slightly unpractical? Yeah, it is.
If we had to pick one to get from the army of shades available, the luscious brown option feels like the perfect choice.
The lowdown: Shoppers love this. Celebrities love this – Hailey Beiber has been snapped carrying at least four different colourways. Everyone, meet Jodie, Bottega Veneta's bag that has charmed social media over. Easily recognised by its intrecciato weaving and the oversized knot, the Jodie appeared on the scene at a time when It Bags were a status signifier. The Jodie quickly followed in the footsteps of Bottega Veneta's other hit bags, namely the Pouch and the Cassette.
Our rating: 8/10. Depending on the size you get, the Jodie is surprisingly spacious, and we're obsessed with its versatility. If Hailey Beiber is carrying it to the gym, then so are we.
Looking to own a Jodie? The Teen model feels like a good size for an everyday bag, and a deep shade of forest green promises closet longeveity.
The lowdown: Another one that has ridden the resurgence of Y2K fashion is the Prada Cleo. Characteristically known by its thinner build and a faceted base that slants upwards, the Cleo is an easy favourite amongst fashion girlies on TikTok. Reviews of the bag mention that it's versatile and – despite its size – can hold a surprising amount of items. Prada has also introduced a flap version, for shoppers who like the Cleo but prefer one with a closed top.
Our rating: 7/10. May not fit everything you'd like it to, but its sleek design and timelessness means you'd be able to carry this to plenty of places.
If timeless doesn't speak to you, maybe mermaidcore would. Specifically, this Cleo that's bedazzled by a gazillion blue crystals that feel reminiscent of bubbles. It's the perfect statement bag for the party season that's looming in the near future.
The lowdown: We love that a local brand has gone viral globally. The Gabine bag, which is best known for its saddle shape and an oversized chain link on the front, has been trending since the pandemic. Its popularity has ballooned so much since, that Charles & Keith has expanded the Gabine line into a whole array of different bag shapes – all carrying the same oversized chan link – as well as smaller accessories and even footwear.
Our rating: 10/10. With two handle straps for different carrying options, the Gabine is a great bag to own because it's the perfect balance of design and function. You can carry it to work just as easily as you can tote it out for brunch, and the Gabine range also includes a series of bags in genuine leather that will last even longer for a minimal price increment.
Skip over the safer colours – there are plenty of those floating around on the morning MRTs as it is – and swing for an eye-catching lime green.
The lowdown: On a recent trip to Australia, this writer had the pleasure of witnessing two girls fight for the last quilted bag that a COS store had in stock. Yep, it's that in demand. Resembling something made out of marshmallows, the quilted bag is available in a multitude of colourways and sizes. Leather versions are also soon to come.
Our rating: 6/10. It doesn't work for everyone, admittedly, because the quilted effect does make it feel a little bit juvenile. Sure, it's spacious if you pick the bigger sizes, and may possibly do well as a carry-on for your next flight.
Designed to be slung across your torso, the bag comes with an inner pocket as well as a concealed pocket on the outside.
The lowdown: This one hardly needs any introduction. In fact, the Thai brand's bags are so popular with locals that there is an entire Instagram page dedicated to its sightings in Singapore. Recently, there was also videos floating around social media showing women tussling over the bags on the shop floor, with one lady walking off with four in hand.
Our rating: 3/10. Forgive us if you love it, but it's just a little bit too much hype for too little wonder.
If you're deadset on getting a bag for yourself, hey don't let us stop you. Try buying from the website instead, and save yourself the cost of flying over and the possible trauma of having to fight for your life over a bag.