PHOTO COURTESY OF PHOEBE PHILO
Phoebe Philo established her legacy in fashion with intellect and a whole lot of wit. And while doing so, she’s made bags the focal point in her namesake label. However, amidst the structured leathers and minimalist forms of the Kit Cabas and Gig Bag, it is the new XL Cabas in Sour Apple Shagpile that stands out in Collection C.
In the latest drop that launched worldwide on 9 September 2025, this special edition doubles as a statement-maker. In a defiant green-and-black combination, it rather looks like the love child of Oscar the Grouch and the Grinch. And that, in a world of polished uniformity, is surely its greatest strength.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PHOEBE PHILO
The texture of the tapestry jacquard is the first thing that hits, the woven chaos creating a shaggy, unkempt effect. In other words, the XL Cabas in Sour Apple Shagpile is the perfect tote for those with the confidence to carry something that is, quite deliberately, imperfect. Measuring a whopping 57.5 cm by 41 cm, the leather-lined interior features extra slip pockets for bits and bobs.
Another factor that makes it so compelling is the contrast between the bag’s wild exterior and its sleek structure. The smooth black leather handles, as well as piping on the seams and the base, provide a solid, grounded counterpoint to the shagpile’s unruly character. This juxtaposition imparts a joyful tension between the playful and the serious.
In a market saturated with minimalist styles that often verge on the mundane, Phoebe Philo’s XL Cabas in Sour Apple Shagpile definitely catches the eye. Available in a single colour, for now, this almost Charli XCX ‘Brat’ green hue perfectly matches the bag’s unhinged mood.
