Tote-ally textured: Bags with that 'touch factor' are a fashion must-have

A carrier that is serving style and a hearty helping of humour is Moschino’s latest offering in the form of a pasta clutch! Photo: Instagram/Moschino

Some look for that extra space and pockets, others go for designs that can withstand the trends of time.

Then there are those who are easily seduced by the distinctive scent and smooth touch of leather.

We’re talking handbags here. It is every woman’s (and some men’s) wardrobe essential, and having just one is hardly ever enough.

You need one or a few for the office, another for casual use, then something special for the evening, and perhaps a statement piece for those standout moments. The list goes on.

Add to that list a bag with rich texture and a tactile feel that will enhance both style and sensation.

And, taste, so to speak, as in the case of Moschino’s newest serving – a clutch bag of yellow leather strands resembling spaghetti sprinkled with faux cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.

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The distinctive pattern and the gold metal detailing gives the bag a luxurious look. Photo: Instagram/Tods

A delicious fashion staple that is a feast for the fashion-hungry!

Trotting on the recent Autumn/Winter 25/26 Emporio Armani runway is a plush pony hair bag in black that is big on style, space and swagger.

With its minimalist design and sumptuous pony hair, the bag is the antithesis of loud luxury, letting rich texture do the talking. Do we get a yay or “neigh” from you?

“Raising” to the occasion is Stella McCartney’s latest iteration of her iconic Falabella drawstring tote.

Named after her favourite horse species, the tote made of vegan leather is uniquely crafted with a raised, three-dimensional pattern.

Imagine a knitted fabric with raised, intertwined lines that create a sense of depth and texture – that’s how the pattern looks like.

Rich in surface detail, the tote with metal chain straps from McCartney’s Winter 2025 collection is chic with a cosy feel.

For something classic and chic, check out Tod’s latest Magenta bag.

In a light brown hue, it has a distinctive texture and its sleek golden metal detail enhances its exclusive appeal.

Another wild hide known for its silky suppleness yet remarkably durable can be found at Fendi.

Read more: What you need to know about corduroy, a workwear fabric that's now high fashion

Part of the Italian label’s Autumn/Winter 2025 menswear collection, the dark green eel skin bag with a glossy finish and subtle ridges features a chevron pattern that adds an eye-catching sculptural effect.

At Delvaux, raindrops glisten like pearls against a pale blue sky as seen on the Belgian brand’s latest edition of its timeless Tempete handbag.

Inspired by surrealist artist Rene Magritte’s painting Chant de l’Orage, the masterpiece in smooth pale blue calfskin is embellished with hand- embroidered glass and metallic beads to resemble the sparkle of raindrops on a drifting cloud.

A handbag with sky-high style!