Few handbags reach cult status, but when they’re designed with a fashion icon or It girl in mind (see the Hermès Birkin or Kelly, Mulberry’s Alexa or the Lady Dior, dedicated to the Princess of Wales), their destiny is practically set in stone, and their allure becomes eternal.
Next in line for the throne is the Lee Radziwill bag by New York-based designer Tory Burch. First debuting in 2018 and named after the late American socialite, the bag has become a quiet mainstay in Burch’s collections. Radziwill is considered to be one of the most stylish women who has lived, and she inspired Burch to design a handbag with her in mind. Lore has it that knowing Radziwill personally, Burch sent the namesake PR executive and interior designer a black version of the bag, and she then requested another in red a few weeks later.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics; Tory Burch)
A model carrying the Tory Burch Lee Radziwill bag on the S/S 26 runway.
The Double style of the bag is arguably the most popular, featuring a lock-and-key hardware, belt detail and an almost trench-coat-like fold and form, with a mix of colours and fabrics giving it dimension and intrigue. The drape, sense of volume and undone feeling to the bag make it stand out from other, more structured shoulder bags on the market. Available in large, small and mini sizes, in pebbled leather, smooth calfskin, suede and croc-embossed variations, there’s a Lee Radziwill bag for every taste and style. The colours on offer today range from classic black to teal, cream and pillar-box red.
I spotted the bag again on the Tory Burch S/S 26 runway, toted by supermodel Alex Consani, and on the laps of Emma Roberts, Tessa Thompson and Jessica Alba (who were all sitting front row), and this time around, the bag has received a luxe update by way of exotic-animal-skin textures and sculpted metal handles and beading. I predict this bag to be a sleeper hit, and right now, the classic variations will satisfy many a minimalist shopper’s needs. It can be paired with jeans and trainers to elevate the look, or used to finish dressier outfits for the evening, too.
Scroll on to peruse the current collection.
SHOP THE TORY BURCH LEE RADZIWILL BAG:
TORY BURCH
Petite Lee Radziwill Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag
This small and dainty tan bag is perfect for easy autumn days.
TORY BURCH
Large Lee Radziwill Shoulder Bag in White
A white handbag is super-timeless and will bring luxury to any look.
Tory Burch
Large Lee Radziwill Shoulder Bag in Black
Classic black will never date. This is the only office bag you’ll ever need.
TORY BURCH
Lee Radziwill Mini Leather Shoulder Bag
Essentials only! This mini black bag is a great outfit finisher.
TORY BURCH
Lee Radziwill Double Bag in Black
I’ve had my eye on this style for a while, and I love the idea of leaving the buckle undone.
TORY BURCH
Large Lee Radziwill Suede Shoulder Bag in Green
This teal-green bag is bang on for autumn to add a splash of expensive colour to your ‘fit.
TORY BURCH
Lee Radziwill Mini Crocodile-Effect Leather Top Handle Bag
Croc bags will always be elegant, as will a flash of pillar-box red.
TORY BURCH
Lee Radziwill Croc-Embossed Shoulder Bag in Black
Practically perfect in every way.
TORY BURCH
Lee Radziwill Double Bag in Brown
This Ginger Shortbread colourway has my heart.
TORY BURCH
Petite Lee Radziwill Colorblock Pebbled Double Bag in Beige
Olive green is trending, and this beige-green mix will pair with your trench flawlessly.
TORY BURCH
Small Lee Radziwill Double Bag in Black
Not oversized, and not mini: the small Lee Radziwill is the ideal in-between.
TORY BURCH
Mini Lee Radziwill Top-Handle Bag in Beige
So buttery! This sweet yellow tone will add a pastel flair to your day-to-day palette.