IMAGE: PRADA

After bag charms and those long strips of printed silk (every brand calls theirs differently, so I’m just being PC and referring to them as ‘long strips of printed silk’), here’s a third bag-accessorising trend that’s definitely here to stay. Yes, no marks awarded for guessing what it is, especially after that other Italian luxury house launched them to great success last year. Yes, it’s the shoulder strap, which like bag charms and those long strips of printed silk (I’m sorry), are now offered for sale individually as well.

IMAGES: PRADA

Simply known as the Shoulder Straps collection, you’ll find these from Prada in stores from mid-July 2016, and besides being available in various thicknesses in different types of leather (there’s Saffiano leather, classic calfskin and something I’m not familiar with called Nastro leather), come embellished with a variety of 3D flowers as well. Made up of everything from crystals and plexiglass to resin and leather, you’ll just need to decide which strap will go best with your Prada bag, be it the Double or the Galleria, just to name a couple.

Or just pick up a new Prada bag and then a strap since both are sold separately, which also means you just need to head to your nearest boutique for a full look at what’s available locally now.

Still not convinced that this trend is here to stay? Well, besides the aforementioned Italian brand and Prada, there’s another Italian brand offering leather straps that are to be sold separately as well (hint: one of their designers just left for a French luxury label), as well as a French luxury house who you could consider a sister label of the French label I just mentioned that the designer is leaving for. In other words, look out for more updates soon.

Images: Prada