Fashion week ended two months ago, but we’re still processing what happened on those runways. While everyone was busy dissecting hemlines and colour palettes, something more subtle was brewing: leather goods took centre stage in ways we haven’t seen since the early 2000s. Except this time, it’s different. Smarter. More intentional.
The leather trend dominating fall isn’t about rebellion or rock-star fantasies. It’s about sophistication wrapped in unexpected textures and silhouettes that somehow manage to feel both nostalgic and completely fresh.
Luxury in Colour: Burgundy
Forget basic black leather; this season belongs to deep, wine-coloured burgundy. Not the cheap, plasticky shade of mall brands, but rich, almost-chocolate tones that shift between brown and red depending on the light. A shade you can only get with real, high-quality leather possibly naturally tanned.
This colour works because it plays well with fall’s neutral palette while adding just enough drama to feel special. Pair a burgundy leather blazer with cream trousers, or carry a burgundy structured tote with an all-black outfit. The effect is subtle but striking: exactly what modern luxury should feel like.
Italian designers are leading this charge, showing burgundy leather pieces that look expensive without trying too hard. The secret is in the finish: slightly matte, never shiny, with just enough texture to catch light naturally.
Textured Leather Gets Interesting
Smooth leather is fine, but fall’s most exciting pieces play with texture in unexpected ways. Crocodile embossing is having a moment, but not in the obvious way you’d expect. Instead of full crocodile patterns, designers are using subtle crocodile textures on small details: just the flap of a bag, or the toe of a boot.
“Intrecciato” is also a kind of craftsmanship weave that adds an interesting texture to any kind of leather, a sophisticated touch for a timeless elegance, staple of leather goods by Jennifer Tattanelli, a worldwide famous brand based in Florence.
This fall, patterns and shapes do not come from prints but from new, innovative textures: something you can see but feel, too.
Structured Handbags Are Back
After years of slouchy, unstructured bags that looked like expensive sleeping bags, fall brings back architectural handbags with clean lines and defined shapes. Think geometric silhouettes that hold their form whether empty or full.
The standout trend is trapezoid-shaped bags – wider at the top, narrower at the bottom – that create interesting visual proportions without being gimmicky. These aren’t the stiff, corporate briefcase-style bags from the ’80s. They’re softer, more feminine, but with enough structure to feel substantial.
Hardware matters here. Look for bags with minimal metal details in brushed gold or antique brass. Avoid anything too shiny or logo-heavy. The bag should make the statement, not the brand name.
Conclusion
Leather is such a versatile material, timeless both in terms of durability and style. Especially if it’s handcrafted. This is why leather goods are taking front stage for yet another season. Fall’s leather trends prove that luxury doesn’t need to shout. Sometimes the most powerful statement is quiet confidence wrapped in beautiful materials.
Published by HOLR Magazine.